Experience buying new vinyl...

[cmalak]

My question is to those folks who have been buying new vinyl (whether from the reissue labels such as Analogue Productions, Music Matters, ORG, etc...or from the main labels issuing new vinyl releases): what percent of your new vinyl purchases have been high quality and hence quiet (in terms of surface-level noise)? It seems like it is a hit or miss proposition . It seems like you can spend $20-$50 on a new LP and right out of the jacket (after cleaning it with a RCM), you can still get a piece of plastic that has groove modulation distortions exhibiting the familiar pops and clicks . Not very encouraging to those of us who are entertaining jumping into vinyl for the first time. If this is the experience with new vinyl, I dread to think what the results will be when buying used vinyl . Thanks for your thoughts in advance.

[vintage_tube]

MM vinyl has been flawless -- 30+ albums and not a one with a click, pop, nap or other abnomality - just dead quiet. I did receive one side of a MM release that had a bit of vinyl residue that got caught in the record sleeve and naturally, caused a dimple on the vinyl. MM replaced it w/no questions & no shipping charge.

The Neil Young 180g 4 album box set I received the other day, was also pristine w/no issues & dead quiet on all 8 sides. I have heard serveral reports from others who received this box set -- dirty records, skips, pops, etc. The individual 140g's are a hit n' miss on quality from what I read.

I received a Sinatra "Live in Paris", MFSL set and it had a scratch on one of the sides. I played a side or so & contacted Acoustic Sounds & ended up sending it back w/credit. Since this was a live performance, the hand clapping after each soung sounded like "frying bacon" and decided against requesting a replacement. I ended up eating the shipping charges both ways as AS only credited back the album.

A Miles Davis box set, 10 albums, Analog Productions, 45RPM, 180g, I received had two individual sides out of the 10 albums with scratches/vinyl residue within the sleeve that caused damage. Acoustic Sounds replaced the albums, no questions, & no shipping charges.

To put it in more of a perspective to your question -- it is more of a hit and miss proposition. In the last year I have bought probably 80 albums & I have returned 5 -- those 5 have been because of vinyl damage somewhere in the pressing plant/packaging. None due to shipping issues with the major carriers & none due to excessive pops, tics, etc.

Overall, I have been very satisfied - yet, annoyed when I open a new album and see a flaw that I immediately know will have to be returned, etc.

[cmalak]

Thx Pete for the feedback. Returning 5/80 albums is not all that bad I guess. I was expecting worse. So it sounds like you had great experience with Music Matters and a few issues with Analogue Productions and MFSL. Any other labels that you thing do a good job with their pressings? Thx much.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Thx Pete for the feedback. Returning 5/80 albums is not all that bad I guess. I was expecting worse. So it sounds like you had great experience with Music Matters and a few issues with Analogue Productions and MFSL. Any other labels that you thing do a good job with their pressings? Thx much.

MusicMattersJazz is the creme of the crop IMO -- their attention to detail is above and beyond anything anyone else has issued X 10. Their gatefold covers are beyond belief -- the reproduction and quality of inside photos is awesome. Expensive at $50 per, but these are not only for enjoyment but also for those who are interested in collecting these 50's/60's master pieces.

I have Analog Productions, Classic Records, Audio Fidelity & quite a few of the MFSL's -- those are good & no issues except for something that may get delivered in a flawed state, now & then as I mentioned.

The two most reputable pressing plants are Pallas (Germany) and Acoustech Mastering (California).

Bob

[PHC1]

I'd say my ratio of new vinyl that is flawless to imperfections is about the same as Bob's. I've also picked up used vinyl and some dating back a loooong time ago. Some were surprisingly good for their age and the amount of dust/pet hair they had on them. I can't complain for the few bucks the used vinyl cost me. I'd say anyone overly concerned about this is going to miss out on the great vinyl experience.

[cmalak]

sorry Bob...didn't mean to call you Pete. I guess I confused you with Vintage Pete and didn't pay attention to your Avatar...thx for the response very helpful.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by PHC1

I'd say my ratio of new vinyl that is flawless to imperfections is about the same as Bob's. I've also picked up used vinyl and some dating back a loooong time ago. Some were surprisingly good for their age and the amount of dust/pet hair they had on them. I can't complain for the few bucks the used vinyl cost me. I'd say anyone overly concerned about this is going to miss out on the great vinyl experience.

Serge...I don't disagree with you when it comes to buying used LPs on the cheap. But when one is shelling out $30-$50 on new vinyl and you get bad pressings, then it's a bit annoying to say the least. But I guess as Bob pointed out, you can always return the LPs and get replacements. Thanks.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by cmalak

sorry Bob...didn't mean to call you Pete. I guess I confused you with Vintage Pete and didn't pay attention to your Avatar...thx for the response very helpful.

cmalak.......Don't feel bad. I traveled that same road, more than once. I'm a slow learner, I guess.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Serge...I don't disagree with you when it comes to buying used LPs on the cheap. But when one is shelling out $30-$50 on new vinyl and you get bad pressings, then it's a bit annoying to say the least. But I guess as Bob pointed out, you can always return the LPs and get replacements. Thanks.

Agreed. That's what I do as well. No problems there. All of my MMs and ORG's have been flawless by the way.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by jdandy

cmalak.......Don't feel bad. I traveled that same road, more than once. I'm a slow learner, I guess.

Thx Dan. I was a bit and . But I got it now.