Why not use a non-contact stylus on a turntable?

Speaking of Edison, it would have at least been cool if the technology had retained the cylinder as the topology instead of a flat disk. Constant linear tracking velocity and no flipping.

Dear Folks,

Thank you for your thoughtful replies -- especially yours, Elizabeth.

By 'non-contact', I'm not implying a huge gulf between the transducer and the grooves. Quite the contrary, as tracking the extreme analog fluctuations in the vinyl implies a marriage of the closest sort.

BTW I'm thankful for those who keep the torch going for the traditional recording and playback processes.

I've read the forum for years. A thread on eliminating pops and clicks in vinyl playback took me back to my AR turntable with its joys, and its frustrations. Hence, my first post I can recall on this forum.

I am confident there is existing technology that could make your LP lives more enjoyable in terms of the playback static. Who will find and  develop it? Who will push for it? The answer is in the transducer.

All the best to you guys and gals! Have a great Easter weekend!

Greg

Greg, I think you levitated before posting.  You can come back down to earth now.  No free lunch, and no condescension needed.