Laser 1

About the Laser 1

The ELP Laser 1 is a high-end laser turntable from ELP Corporation of Japan that plays records optically, without a mechanical stylus. Its five-laser system uses two beams to read the groove modulations, two to track the groove, and one to maintain playback height and focus. Depending on the specific model and configuration, it supports standard 33⅓ and 45 rpm playback, while extended-speed versions support approximately 30–50 rpm and 60–90 rpm for formats including 78 rpm records. ELP’s variable optical scanning system can adjust the laser position to access less-worn areas of damaged or worn grooves. The player is microprocessor-controlled and belt-driven, with no stylus tracking error or mechanical groove contact, but it is highly sensitive to dust and record contamination. Output options vary: standard versions may provide either a line-level output or an MM-equivalent phono-level output requiring a phono stage; direct-phono and other special configurations are also available. Model specifications, record-size compatibility, weight, and price vary, so the LT-1XA, LT-1XRC, LT-1LRC, and LT-2XRC designations should not be treated as interchangeable versions of one identical unit.