BIC 960 turntable

The new BIC programmed Turntables are engineered to do things no other turntables can do. In the face of more demanding cartridge designs and critical new 4-channel discs, the BIC 960 appear at just the right moment.

The mechanism that turns your records and carries your cartridge has become an increasingly critical part of your audio system. More than ever before, today's turntable buyer is faced with a classic dilemma - Should I buy a single-play manual turntable for its playback superiority? Or - Should I buy an automatic for its superior record-handling capabilities?. Until now, he dilemma has remained.

British Industries Co., creator and builder of the new BIC turntables has been the major innovator in this field since 1936. no company has better credentials or greater experience with record plauback equipment in the components field. The best proof of that is the instruments which BIC now introduces; The 960 (and 980) unique turntables, they have been engineered to solve once and for all the "manual vs. automatic" dilemma.

They are belt-drive as opposed to all automatic changers which drive the platter via an intermediate idler wheel.

They are powered by a 24-pole, low speed (330 rpm) motor while most automatics use 4-pole, high rpm motors. In all three areas of function  - platter drive, tone arm system, and multiple play capabilities, the BIC turntables offer refinements and advances which set them apart from everything else in the market. As a matter of fact, several BIC turntable features are not be had on any other instrument at any price.

 

The BIC 960 is identical to its companion,the 980, except for the 980's electronic drive, pitch control, and lighted strobe . You have probaly alredy noticed its low profile. This is not an optical illusion or a styling trick. The 980 (and 960) are indeed as low and trim as they appear. This lack of bulk is your first clue that the BIC turntables are not merely manuals with automatic features added, that they are in fact "originals", designed from the start to be simple, as only sophisticated engineering can make them.

Moving parts found in conventional automatics have been eliminated right and left. In the process, potential sources of malfunction have disappeared. Potential sources of noise and vibration have also been eliminated.

 

Operating controls are grouped in a single program panel on the right side of the unit. To say that this panel brings new logic to the turntable and new refinement and simplicity to its operation, barely does it justice.

The tone arm incorporates several dramatic improvements which set it apart from all others.

And of course you have noticed at the bottom a cutaway drwing of the BIC platter which reveals the belt-drive mechanism. No other turntable which can play morethan a single record offers belt-drive and all its advantages. The drive system alone sets BIC turntables apart. But there's more.

 

The turntable are built entirely in the U.S.A made parts. They are built in BIC's own plant where all aspects of manufacturing are in BIC's hands. They are the first fine turntables of their type built in this country, and they meet come to expect only from imported equipment. Beyond what that means in technical terms, they do not come to you burdend with import duties or fluctuating exchange rates.

They are rugged. They are built of the best materials that can be had.

 

Specifications

Drive System

Motor:  300 rpm 24-pole synchronous , impedance protected

Drive: Long-life, precision ground, elastomer belt

Start-Up Time:  full speed in less than 1/3 of a revolution

Turntable Speeds:  33-1/3 and 45 rpm

Turntable Plater:  12-inch, non-ferrous, one-piece machined die cast, balanced turntable. Weight kinetically matched to motor and drive system

Rumble (DIN):  better than -65 dB

Wow and Flutter: (WRMS):  better than 0,05%

Tone Arm System

Construction:  Tubular aluminum tone arm,in machined gimbals, mounted on die cst platform by means of a machined brass shaft.

Pivot Arrangement: 

Vertical :  Twin needle bearings pivoting in hardened ball bearing races

Horizontal :  precision ground brass shaft moving atp a lateral ball bearing race.

Bearing Friction:  less than 5 mg (horizontal), 5 - 8 mg (vertical)

Pivot to Stylus Length:  216,2 mm

Lateral tracking Erroe (Max):  0,35°/in

Effective Tone Arm mass:  18 RMS

Tone Arm Resonance:  less than 9 Hz

Tone Arm Counterweight:  one piece machined die casting, with machined knurled band and elastomeric compliant resonance/isolation damper

Stylus Overhang:  adjustable with supplied gauge

Initial 15° Vertical Tracking Angle:  user adjustable by means of adjustment screw in cartridge shell to compensate for variation in cartridge height (gauge supplied with unit)

Manual/Auto 15° Compensator:  2-position lever in shell

Stylus Track Force Range:  0 - 4 gms in 0,25 gm , calibrated increments

Tracking Force Accuracy: within 0,1 gm from 1st to 6th record

Anti-Skating Stylus Mode Selector:  lever selector for conical or elliptical types

Anti-skating Adjustment Range:   0 - 4 gms in 0,25 gm , calibrated increments

Cueing System:  Damped both directions

Cueing Rate:  user adjustable approx. 1 - 3 seconds

Cartridge Shell:  male/female 4-pin gold-plated connectors secured by locating pin and knurled locking nut

Finger Lift:  Stainless stell professional type

Minimium Tripping Force:  less than 0,15 gms

Program System

Number of recirds programmable:  1 to 6

Playing Modes:  manual; Automatic; Single; Repeat Single up to 6 times; Multiple Play up to 6 ecords

Cycle Button: feather touch actuation of all automatic modes

Geberal

Record Size:  7 and 12 inches

Tone arm Wiring Capacities:  less than 20 pF/channel

Record Support:  Reliable 2 point system, with safety support platform for automatic record handling

Shock Mounts:  4 elastomeric mounts, computer designed for the turntable

Power Requirements:  105 - 130 VAC 60 Hz , 50 Hz adaptability

Shipping Weight:  12 lbs

BIC 980 turntable

 

The BIC 980 represent a considerable design achievement. For possibly the first time, engineers have embarked on a turntable design project unhampered by preconceived notions or existing peces of hardware. As a result, each of the turntable's three operation systems i tone arm, programmer and drive are new.

 

The Motor

The 24-pole, 300 rpm motor which power BIC turntables differs from motors used in automatic turntables. Its low rpm and smooth flow of power tends to eliminate the instability and vibration which create playback distortion in automatic turntables.

The BIC turntable motorat spdeed of 300 rpm it does not generate the heat/friction of high revving motors and its vibration frequencies fall below the audible range. With this low speed motor, a larger pulley can be used, minimizing tolerance and speed variation problems presented by smaller pulleys in conventional machines. The BIC motor is a synchronous unit which lock into the AC line frequency (or to its own electronically generated reference signal in the case of the 980). The coil are completely shielded, in order to keep dust and dirt may cause noise in other parts of the system

 

The Drive System

This mechanism reduces the speed of the motor shaft and transfers its turning force to the platter. Automatic turntables accomplish this through an intermediate idler wheel. BIC turntables use a belt-drive system which, until now, has been found only in fine manual and single play turntables.

 

Solid State Electronics

In the 980,speed accuracy is maintained and variable pitch adjustment is controlled by solid state circuitry. In conventional units, pitch control is accomplished through far less stable mechanical linkages.

The BIC turntable motor is a sophisticated, 24-pole synchronous unit which locks in to power line frequency, rather than line voltage. While line frequency is much more stable than voltage, it is still subject to variation in extreme cases. Therefore, the BIC 980 features a solid state electronic circuit which performs two stabilizing functions. It incorporates a Wien Bridge oscillator which generates an electronic signal that is more accurate and consistent than AC line frequency. It contains a variable speed control which allows the user to change the pitch electronically, with perfect accuracy. Electronic circuitry is the most reliable technology for assuring perfect speed stabilization. In the BIC 980 the solid state circuit board does away with mechanical pitch control linkages found in the majority of automatic turntables which invariably deteriorate with age.

Pitch Control

Pitch can be varied ±3% on the BIC 980. because the change is accomplished electronically, the control knob can be moved effortlessly. This eliminates the danger of jarring the machine while changing pitch and damaging the record or stylus.

Illuminated Stroboscope

The lighted strobe scale is fixed to the underside of the turntable and can be read easily through a window next to the control knob while a record is being played. Until now, the electronic circuitry which controls speed and pitch has been a feature of only the most sophisticated manual turntables. It has not ben available on any automatic turntable with multiple play capability. It is the one important feature distinguishing the BIC 980 from the 960. oterwise the two BIC turntables are identical.

 

The Tone Arm System

The tone arm and all controls are designed to provide exceptional performance rom the most sophisticated cartridges. They eliminate tracking force variations in multiple play - one of the major drawbacks of automatic units. They permit the user to adjust the cueing rate - a feature currently found on no other turntable.

Anti-Skating and Stylus Force Adjustment

Most of the leading manual, and automatic players have two separate scales to adjust anti-skating - one for conical and one for elliptical styli. Often these cales are difficult to read. The anti-skate controls are generally clumsy and difficult to grasp. The mechanism which makes the anti-skate compensation is normally a single spring, with a separate scale and adjustment for tracking force; this scale may or may not be positioned in direct relationship to the anti-skate control. Ideally, both controls should be lockated side by side for convenient and precise adjustment.

The tone arm is mounted on needle bearings in a precision gimbal. Atop the gimbal ring, a single calibrated scale "reads out" both anti-skate and stylus force adjustments.flanking the scale are two easy-to-grip, clearly legible control tabs. They are simple to manipulare, either one at a time or in tandem. The control lever establishing the correct setting for conical or elliptical styli is on the program panel.whenthis lever is moved to the position of the corresponding stylus type,the calibrated scale on the gimbal ring shows precise anti-skate setting.

Tracking Variation

When a series of records is played on a changer, tracking force may vary as much as.6grams from first record to last. To compensate, most changers are designed so that the middle record tracks with the correct force. Single play performance becomes a vicim of this averaging.

The pivotry of the BIC tone arm has been engineered to eliminate this compromise. Variation in tracking force from first to sixth record in multiple play is less than 0,1 gram.

 

The Cartridge Shell

This is a critical link in a tone arm system. The ultimate performance of sensitive new stereo and 4-channel cartridge/stylus combinations depends on it. The BIC cartridge shell can be fine-tuned for optimum tracking. No cartridge shell on any turntable has its advantages.

 

The Program System

This is a major innovation in turntable design. It gives the owner 7 possible manual and single-play automatic options. No other turntable offers such flexibility in the single play mode, yet simplifing the mechanism rather than making it more complex.

Not too long ago a single play turntable was the last word in playback performance. No changer or turntable with automatic features could stand close comparison with a quality manual unit. Today the situation has changed dramatically.

BIC programmed Turntables present the most critical high-fidelity enthusiast with systems-engineered instruments that meet (and in some cases exceed) the standard set by fine manual turntables. At the same time, without any sacrifice in performance, they include some very desirable automatic capabilities.

 

Specifications

Drive System

Motor:  300 rpm 24-pole synchronous , impedance protected

Drive: Long-life, precision ground, elastomer belt

Pitch Adjustment:  Electronically controlled approx. ±3%

Pitch Control Monitoring:  built-in neon bulb lighted strobe

Solid State Electronic Motor Power Supply:  stable Wien Bridge oscillator driving quadrature related power amplifiers

Start-Up Time:  full speed in less than 1/3 of a revolution

Turntable Speeds:  33-1/3 and 45 rpm

Turntable Plater:  12-inch, non-ferrous, one-piece machined die cast, balanced turntable. Weight kinetically matched to motor and drive system

Rumble (DIN):  better than -65 dB

Wow and Flutter: (WRMS):  better than 0,05%

Tone Arm System

Construction:  Tubular aluminum tone arm,in machined gimbals, mounted on die cst platform by means of a machined brass shaft.

Pivot Arrangement: 

Vertical :  Twin needle bearings pivoting in hardened ball bearing races

Horizontal :  precision ground brass shaft moving atp a lateral ball bearing race.

Bearing Friction:  less than 5 mg (horizontal), 5 - 8 mg (vertical)

Pivot to Stylus Length:  216,2 mm

Lateral tracking Erroe (Max):  0,35°/in

Effective Tone Arm mass:  18 RMS

Tone Arm Resonance:  less than 9 Hz

Tone Arm Counterweight:  one piece machined die casting, with machined knurled band and elastomeric compliant resonance/isolation damper

Stylus Overhang:  adjustable with supplied gauge

Initial 15° Vertical Tracking Angle:  user adjustable by means of adjustment screw in cartridge shell to compensate for variation in cartridge height (gauge supplied with unit)

Manual/Auto 15° Compensator:  2-position lever in shell

Stylus Track Force Range:  0 - 4 gms in 0,25 gm , calibrated increments

Tracking Force Accuracy: within 0,1 gm from 1st to 6th record

Anti-Skating Stylus Mode Selector:  lever selector for conical or elliptical types

Anti-skating Adjustment Range:   0 - 4 gms in 0,25 gm , calibrated increments

Cueing System:  Damped both directions

Cueing Rate:  user adjustable approx. 1 - 3 seconds

Cartridge Shell:  male/female 4-pin gold-plated connectors secured by locating pin and knurled locking nut

Finger Lift:  Stainless stell professional type

Minimium Tripping Force:  less than 0,15 gms

Program System

Number of recirds programmable:  1 to 6

Playing Modes:  manual; Automatic; Single; Repeat Single up to 6 times; Multiple Play up to 6 ecords

Cycle Button: feather touch actuation of all automatic modes

Geberal

Record Size:  7 and 12 inches

Tone arm Wiring Capacities:  less than 20 pF/channel

Record Support:  Reliable 2 point system, with safety support platform for automatic record handling

Shock Mounts:  4 elastomeric mounts, computer designed for the turntable

Power Requirements:  105 - 130 VAC 60 Hz , 50 Hz adaptability

Shipping Weight:  12 lbs

BIC T-4M cassette deck

T-4M Two-speed cassette deck

3-Head Dual Capstan, MPU Control, Bias Trim, Metal Tape

At 1-7/8, it outperforms other assette decks. At 3-3/4, it's in the open-reel class. BIC introduces the T-4M. With full-metal tape capability, and performance so unpecedented it puts cassette technology on a new plane. Thanks to BIC's eclusive broadband Electronics, at 1-7/8 ips the T-4M ranks with the world's finest cassette decks. At 3-3/4, it challenges even expensive open-reel machines. The number speak for themselves; guaranteed frequency response of 20 Hz to 23 kHz ±3 dB at 3-3/4 on 70 µSec tape (20 Hz to 21 kHz at 1-7/8).

Specifications

Type:  Front loading Vertical type

Input power:  40 watts max

Input:  Line 250 mV

Mic :  3 mV

Outputs:

Line :  2,0 V ±2 dB

Headphone :  200 mV

Wow and Flutter:  4,76 cm/sec ±2%

Fast Forward and rewind Time:  47 sec. Typical

Frequency Response:  31,5 Hz to 14 kHz

Heads

Rec/Play :  two gape one housing combination Ferrite core

Erase ;  Double gap Sen-Alloy head

Capstan Motor:  Two speed electrical Governor Controlled DC Type

Reel Motor:  Mechanical Governor Controlled DC Type

Level meter:  45 dB full scale LED peak meter

Tape Counter:  3 digits LED Digital Type

Power Requirement:  105 to 132 V AC, 50.60 Hz

Dimensions (W x H x D):  440 x 164 x 257 mm (17-1/3 x 6-1/2 x 10-1/10 inch)

Weight:  8,4 kg (18,5 lbs)

BIC Venturi Formula 4

 About

B-I-C  Venturi Speaker Systems

In the short time that B-I-C Venturi speakers have been available to the public, they have earned an unprecedented reputation for reproducing accurate,life-like sound.

Based on an eclusive physic principle and coupled with some of the most advanced engineering ever concentrated on a speaker system. B-I-C Venturi speakers represent the ultimate in the state of the art.. This, plus their remarkably high efficiency and power handling capability, make it possible to finally achieve the wide dynamic range of music not previously available to the enthusiast.

 B-I-C Venturi  Formula 4

The Formula 4 is capable of producing still lower bass response even more efficiently than the remarkable Formula 2. it employs a larger, but still modest-sized enclosure and a 10" woofer.

The Formula 4 will yield sound pressure levels from amplifiers rated as low as 15 watts RMS that enhance such hi-fi systems and produce remarkable accuracy and quality.

Yet, when operated with amplifiers capable of very high, clean output power, the Formula 4 really shows its mettle. Played softly every musical nuances and delicate modulation is heard with absolute clarity and definition. Played loudly, the Formula 4 performs cleanly and articulately, following step for step the total dynamic range of the original program.

 B-I-C Venturi Principle Bass Section - transforms the magnitude of air mass and energy in a way never before applied to acoustics. The result is bass response hundreds percent more efficient and substantially purer in quality than is possible from any other speaker of comparable size.

Biconex Pyramidal Dispersion Horn - was developed to match the demanding capabilities of the B-I-C Venturi  bass section. It is far more efficient, can handle more power and covers a wider, uninterrupted frequency range than cones and domes. And, unlike other horn designs, it can't add metallic sound coloration and has truly wide angle disperdion in both the horizontal and vertical planes, for unrestricted system positioning.

Dynamic Tonal Balance Compensation - adjusts speaker performance automatically (when desired) to provide aurally "flat" response at all listening levels in accordance with the Fletcher-Munsen hearing characteristics. This is accomplished in a manner which cannot be achieved by amplifier loudness or contour controls.

Extended Musical Dynamic Range - results from the unique combination of high efficiency and high-power handling capability. Even our smallest model, the new Formula 4 can be used with amplifiers rated up to 100 watts RMS per channel.

Sturdily constructed enclosures, choice of 6 grille colors. The enclosures are sturdily constructed and are free of resonances and other spurious vibrations which add unnatural coloration often mistaken as bass. A new type, sonically transparent, attractive foam grille is available in a choice of black, brown, beige, burnt orange, blue, red, any of which can be resprayed to any desired colors. Optional bases available to enhance the appearance of B-I-C Venturi  speakers when placed on the floor.

Specifications

Max. Power Handling:  100 watts (RMS per channel)

Effective Response:  25 - 23,000 Hz

Sound Dispersal:  120° x 120°

Nominal Impedance:  6 Ω

Woofer:  10"

Midrange:  Biconex

Treble:  Super Tweeter

Controls:  Manual and Automatic Dynamic Tonal Balance Compenstaion

Front Grille:  Reticulated, zero-loss removeable foam.

Color Grille:  Brown, Black, Beige, Burnt Orange, Blue, Red

Dimensions (W x H x D):  13 ¼" x 25' x 13"

Weight (shipping):  48 lbs

Optional Base:  VB-4 (3 lb weight)

BIC Venturi Formula 2

 The challenge was to create a reasonably small but sccurate speaker system that would not be so inefficient as to require an inordinately large amplifier to drive it, and yet be capable of delivering clean, high output sound pressure levels when used with powerful program equipment.

The BIC Venturi Formula 2 more than fulfills that objective . It is the most sensitive, highest power handling speaker system of its size ever offered.

It is result of not one, but several technical inventions and innovations carefully calculated to bring a new standard of performance to the home comparable to theater and concert hall requirements. And this is achieved with an accuracy of reproduction and economy of power that should satisfy the most critical musical tastes and limited budgets.

The enclosure is sturdily constructed to grade 1 furniture standards and finished in scuff-resistant, walnut polymer-coated wood. It is free of resonances and other spurious vibrations which add unnatural colaration (''tubbiness'', ''ringing'' or ''tunnel-like'' sounds), often mistaken as ''bas''.

A new type sonicall transparent atractive foam grille is available in a choice of black, brown, beige, burnt orange, blue and red. The grille can be resprayed to any other desired color.

An optional base, model VB-2, enhances the appearance of the Formula 2 when placed on  the floor.

Musical Dynamic Range

As music increases in sound level, the loudspeaker should remain faithfully in step at both the lowest and loudest passage, in many systems the speaker doen's "take off" until it is driven fairly hard and then at same maximum point is unable to produce more output sound to match the greater musical modulations. Some systems at this point exhibit "cone beakup" and other forms of distortion, or incur physical damage to voice coils,cones, etc. System with these problems (usually greater as the efficiency decreases) are not capable of wide 'dynamic range".

Since the Formula 2 is extremely efficient and can also handle high electrical input power with aplomb, its dynamic range will satisfy the critical listener, on all kinds of music and program sources.

Super tweeter

Although the "midrange" Biconex™ horn reproduces frequencies to actually well beyond 15,000 Hz, where most modest-sized speaker systems end, our investigations into psychoacoustic phenomena reveal a need to extend aurally perceptive response to at least 20,000 Hz or beyond, in order to preserve original sonic balance and hence musical timbre of instruments originating in the lower frequency ranges. This is particularly so in the Formula 2 because of its extended low frequency response and high energy levels. Although covering less than one musical octave (15,000 to beyond 23,000 Hz), a newly designed high efficiency high power capability super dome tweeter completes the system, and accurately handles the complex musical waveforms which contain harmonics extending into this ultra sonic range.

 Dynamic Tonal Compensation™ (D.T.C.)

The ability to hear different frequencies changes with sound level. At "discotheque" levels, most frequencies are heard equally. As the level decreases, less of the treble range and still less of the bass range is discerned. At moderate home listening levels and especially at "background" music levels, mostly the midrange is heard. Amplifier "loudness" or "contour" switches employ a fixed rate of compensation, but this is severely compromised by the efficiency of different speakers and further upset by amplifier volume control settings.

The Dynamic Tonal Compensation circuit (patents pending) automatically adjust the relationship of the midrange to the bass and treble ranges, in conformity with the Fletcher-Munson curves which have measured this human trait. Thus, as the amplifier volume control is changed the speaker alters its response to provide the ear with aurally flat response. All the music can now be heard all the time, regardless of how soft or loud it is being played. A defeat switch and continuously variable "Brightness" control on the speaker's front panel, enables the conventional use of the speaker if desired. Amplifier tone controls can still be used in the normal manner. The D.T.C. control board is located behind the removeable grille, for easy accessibility.

 Midrange

To provide a proper match to the exceptional efficiency of the bass section, the Biconex™ Pyramidal horn/compression driver unit (patents pending) was developed. To eliminate the need, as in other speakers, to interrupt the critical. Ear-sensitive midrange spectrum with a distortion producing crossover network, the operating range of this unit is 1500 to 15,000 Hz. The wide-angle deispersion pattern is uniform in all directions, permiting the cabinet to be used horizontally or vertically, as decor and physical needs dictate. A new inert material used in the horn totally eliminates metallic coloration of sound. The specially designed driver unit provides both an exceptionally smooth response throughout its assigned frequency range and an unusually high power handling capability to match the BIC Venturi bass section.

Bass

The principle of the BIC Venturi systems (patents pending) is now applied for the first time to speaker enclosure design. Briefly, it operates as an acoustic transformer in the bass range, converting low magnitudes of energy to levels many times greater and, additionaly, purer than would otherwise be possible from a woofer used in enclosures of other types. Utilizing a specially designed 8" woofer, bass notes as low as 30 Hz are solidly reproduced with thattight, clean sound which denotes excelent transient response and freedom from audible harmonic distortion.

Power

The sensitivity of the BIC Venturi Formula 2 is so high, that amplifiers or receivers legitimately rated at as low as 15 watts RMS per channel will produce more than adequate sound levels for normal home listening. The Formula 2 is from 100 to 400% more efficient than "acoustic suspension" type systems, therefore requiring much less amplifier power.

On the other hand, the Formula 2 can handle amplifiers and receivers rated as high as 75 watts RMS per channel, with ease and reliability, providing sound pressure levels rivaling the loudest concert hall passages and the noisiest discotheques. Actually, the Formula 2 is capable of even greater electrical input power, but its maximum rating is intentionally given as 75 watts since such an amplifier is capable of producing 150 watts when driven to "clipping" … a form of amplifier distortion. Even under such conditionas, the Formula 2 can take it.

Specifications

Maximum Power RMS Rated  Amplifier:  75 watts per channel

Effective Response:  30 - 23,000 Hz

Dispersion:  120° x 120°

Impedance:  at no time under 4 Ω

Controls

Manual : Continuously Variable "Brightness" Control

D.T.C. : "Automatic" with defeat switch

Driver Components:

Woofer :  8" heavy Duty

Midrange :  Biconex™ Horn/Compression Driver

Super Tweeter : Dome

Front Grille:  Removable reticulated foam

Dimensions (H x W x D):  19 ¾" x 12" x 11 ½"

Weight:  30 lbs (shipping)

Optional Base:  Model VB-2