Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!seismo!ukma!uflorida!rex!samsung!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!csd4.csd.uwm.edu!info-high-audio-request
From: dg@mtqua.att.com (Duane Galensky)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: DAT for $800 ?
Message-ID: <6445@uwm.edu>
Date: 20 Sep 90 12:47:10 GMT
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Approved: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu

In article <6282@uwm.edu>, autodesk!peb@uunet.UU.NET (Paul Baclaski) writes:
> 
> 
> >not need an audio system of DAT quality.  I don't suspect you will see
> >DAT's ever selling more than 10,000 units per month anytime in the next 5
> >years, if ever.
> 
> I would suspect that the volume of DAT or writable CDs would be
> at least comparable to current levels of cassette tape systems
> being sold.  The fact that people are willing to pay higher
> prices for CDs than for vinyl is sufficient proof that audio
> quality matters to large numbers of people.  Perhaps people who
> record video using 1/3 speed VHS do it because they sit far away
> from their television/monitor and are recording disposable stuff
> that is never viewed again...I sometimes use the slow speeds to
> record things in this manner because I might be low on tape, but
> if the material is very important, I only use full speed VHS.
> 

it's not as simple as all that, i believe.  most folks are willing
to pay more $$s for CDs not only because of quality (in fact some
audiophiles may differ in this regard!) but also for convenience
(direct program access, small size) and durability (less prone to
damage from abuse, both media and player).  most of the systems on 
which i've heard CDs don't really benefit from the technology: a 
good quality analog cassette would sound just as pleasing considering 
the limitations of other components.  unfortunately, DATs do not have 
the convenience and durability advantages over analog cassettes that 
CDs have over albums (my sony offers direct track access, but it's 
as one would expect for a tape drive: slow).  i don't see a big
market demand for the units, except for us nuts who like expensive
toys or are into recording live performances.

this of course is bad news to those who pay upwards of $15.00 per
blank cassette.  (by the way, uncle steve's in NYC offers maxell
120 min. DAT blanks for under $9.00!!  perhaps i'll become a
reseller!)

duane