Accutrac 4000

The ADC Accutrac 4000 was a groundbreaking turntable that embodied the marketing slogan: "Its father was a turntable. Its mother was a computer." This innovative record player represented a unique fusion of analog audio technology and early digital control systems.

Innovative Features
The turntable was remarkable for its advanced technological capabilities:

• Optical Track Detection: It uses an LED to detect tracks by measuring the reflectivity of the vinyl surface.
• Programmable Playback: Users can select up to 13 tracks in any desired order.
• Wireless Remote Control: This includes an infrared remote with a confirming LED receptor.
• Memory Bank: Capable of 24 track selections with programmable repeat functionality.

Technical Specifications

• Motor: Low-speed, brushless direct drive
• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm
• Pitch Adjustment: ±5%
• Wow and Flutter: Less than 0.03%
• Platter: 306.4mm aluminum alloy, 1.4kg.

Product Development

Peter Pritchard and BSR played significant roles in the development and production of the ADC Accutrac 4000 record player:

1. Peter Pritchard founded Audio Dynamics Corporation (ADC) in the early 1960s. His expertise in low-mass cartridge design likely influenced the Accutrac 4000's development.
2. BSR acquired ADC in the mid-1970s. This acquisition allowed BSR to leverage ADC's innovative turntable technology.
3. The Accutrac 4000 was developed in 1976, during the period when BSR owned ADC. This suggests that BSR provided resources and support for the turntable's creation.
4. BSR utilized Micro-Seiki, a Japanese manufacturer, to produce high-quality turntables for the ADC brand, including models related to the Accutrac 4000. This collaboration likely contributed to the turntable's advanced features and build quality.
5. The Accutrac 4000's innovative design, including its computerized memory bank and automatic track selection, was likely influenced by the combined expertise of Pritchard's ADC team and BSR's resources.

While specific details about their contributions are unknown, it's clear that Peter Pritchard's founding work with ADC and BSR's subsequent ownership and manufacturing partnerships played crucial roles in bringing the Accutrac 4000 to market.

Collectibility

The turntable came with a unique promotional item: a demonstration LP titled "Seeing Is Believing—Accutrac 4000." Vintage audio collectors now seek these units, and recent auction prices have been around $75.

The Accutrac 4000 was truly a pioneering device that attempted to bring computer-like precision to analog music playback, embodying the technological optimism of the mid-1970s audio market

Here you find 13 models, 10 with images and 1 with schematics for wireless sets etc. In French: TSF for Télégraphie sans fil.
All listed radios etc. from Audio Dynamics Corporation (ADC); New Milford, CT