Sonographe SG-3

earfortubes · « **on:** 18 Aug 2016, 06:32 am »

Hello to all, this is Rusty, a former marine biologist/bioacoustitian, who has worked with whale, dolphin and sea lion sound production. I have a Calbest Stereoplex Concert Hall Musicmaster tube receiver and a pair of Klipschorns in Ribbon Mahogany + a Marantz 2385 receiver and a pair of Stax ELS - F81 electrostatic speakers. In addition to the good sound this audio equipment produces, I enjoy learning about it's history; who designed it and why. I'm wanting to explore vinyl now and hope to acquire a Sonographe SG-3 and a Sota Sapphire turntable. Of particular interest right now, I can't seem to find who designed the Sonographe SG-3. I know the company started in Portland, Oregon and was bought by Conrad Johnson. Who designed this TT remains a mystery. I was thinking of trying a patent search. Any help from Audio Circle members, including your opinions/experience with both these TT's would be appreciated! Thanks!

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 Aug 2016, 06:49 am »

Welcome Rusty

seems a interesting job, do you have any sound recording we would listen online?
Certainly you will have more return if post these questions in the Vinyl Circle:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=32.0

Guy 13 · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 Aug 2016, 07:14 am »

A warm welcome to AudioCircle Mr. Rusty.

Guy 13

Phil A · « **Reply #3 on:** 18 Aug 2016, 01:42 pm »

Welcome to AC!

mick wolfe · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 Aug 2016, 04:15 pm »

I once had that same Sonographe turntable you speak of. Great sounding little table that reminded me of the AR tables that came on the scene in the 80's. ( not the original AR table) Mine eventually developed a wobble due to be the platter's poorly designed spindle/bearing interface. Conrad Johnson offered no support as they apparently didn't have spare parts. I basically just gave it to a friend who was willing to tinker with it. I guess the good news is that Sota is still around. That said, there is endless variety of turntable to choose from in today's market. Don't limit your choices.

brooklyn · « **Reply #5 on:** 18 Aug 2016, 05:42 pm »

Wayne1 · « **Reply #6 on:** 18 Aug 2016, 06:31 pm »

The Sonographe SG-3 was designed by Randy Hooker of RH Labs

I happen to have one myself, sitting on a shelf, gathering dust.

charmerci · « **Reply #7 on:** 18 Aug 2016, 11:32 pm »

Welcome!

Early on, I had a pair of Klipschorns. Fun memories.

A good, inexpensive improvement on them would be to use non-drying clay or sheets of Dynamat or such outside of the midrange horn from the back.