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Thread: new LP quality + LP hygiene
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September 14, 2020, 09:32 AM #1
new LP quality + LP hygiene
when reading reviews of new LPs i notice the comments section always has a fair number folks posting that the piece of vinyl they received has some serious flaw: warped edges, off-center spindle holes, excessive surface noise, embedded particles, scratches, etc. interestingly, this seems to occur even if the LP is from a well respected pressing plant such as QRP and the like.
i am sure those getting defective copies are the ones posting most frequently which may make this problem seem larger than it perhaps really is. however, just wondering what the experience is in this regard for those here... what percent of LPs that you buy are in some way defective?
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when you do get a perfect LP, what is your initial and ongoing hygiene regimen? ...and, what equipment do you use -- high-end RCM, spin clean, disc doctor, etc? ...or maybe just your dishwasher ;-)
thanks!!viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | almarro a318b + air tight atc-5 (phono) | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + diy transport + roon rock
alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii
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September 14, 2020, 09:48 AM #2
Re: new LP quality + LP hygiene
LP's are defective by their very nature, always have been ..........
as for the physical aspect, having listened to analog (vinyl) since the early sixties and having a modest LP library (1500 give or take) I bet I've only returned/exchanged a dozen or so records over the years.Cheers ! …. Dave
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September 14, 2020, 02:32 PM #3
Re: new LP quality + LP hygiene
I've had to return approx 1/3 of my LP purchases from Amazon, scratched, pops clicks, warped, lumps of vinyl on tracks, damaged sleeve.
Quality control seems to be pretty poor from a lot of vinyl producers.
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September 14, 2020, 06:14 PM #4
Re: new LP quality + LP hygiene
I wouldn't consider them defective, but I anecdotally I feel the records are cleanest if from Japan, then Europe, and finally the US. And I always clean new records.
Neko Audio
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September 15, 2020, 03:59 PM #5
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Re: new LP quality + LP hygiene
I hardly ever buy LPs anymore. The last new LP I bought was at a concert earlier this year. The brand new LP was very dirty sounding and a deep cleaning did not do improve it much. It was not meant to be a high-end recording but I was surprised how bad it sounded.
OTOH, I have received very nice ‘high-end” 45 rpm LP as presents. They were great sounding and beautifully made.
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September 16, 2020, 09:19 AM #6
Re: new LP quality + LP hygiene
wow... not a large sample of responses yet but if the average experience of receiving defective records is anywhere close to 33% then that would be a real PinTA and huge disincentive for me to get involved again.
on the other hand a dozen or so LPs over the course of many years is not an issue and is consistent with my historical experience. i grew up on vinyl and cannot remember having to return more than two or three LPs -- of course this has been a few decades ago and given that significantly fewer LPs are now being pressed maybe things have changed with respect to quality.
all other aspects of vinyl are largely within one's control and, thereby, part of the fun and commitment. however, if every time you order an LP there is a random 33% (or even 10%) chance that you are going to have to go through hassle of returning it for a new copy then digital has won -- irrespective of any SQ considerations.
hope we get some more responses here!!viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | almarro a318b + air tight atc-5 (phono) | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + diy transport + roon rock
alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii
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September 16, 2020, 09:26 AM #7
Re: new LP quality + LP hygiene
I buy a lot of vinyl. The number of defective are slim. Maybe 1 out of 50. Not punching the center hole dead on is #1, followed by a noisy pressing as #2. Warps are rare (maybe 1 in 500) for me. Keep the box the record came in until you know it’s good. Always good to keep a few record boxes around anyway just in case. In every case it’s been a breeze to send it back and get a replacement. In some cases, they just send the replacement.
I use the ClearAudio Double Matrix RCM. I would have no hesitation about the new AudioDesk I’ve heard good things about too.My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
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September 16, 2020, 09:31 AM #8
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Re: new LP quality + LP hygiene
bought around 60 new Lps in the last 2-3 months. 10+ used purchased.
one was a 45rpm 2 record set from Europe that arrived with one warped so bad it skipped. i negotiated a settlement due to the expense and hassle of returning it. i have an Lp flattener i've never used that i'll try when i get around to it.
maybe 10-15 others are a touch noisy, a few are not centered perfectly, but i'm not a person who returns things as it's just too much trouble. all were playable and i could enjoy the music. some of the 'Fone' all analog pressings (bought 10) had spots that were not quite right. but the sound was glorious.
if i pay big money for a 'used' original pressing, or it's an expensive 45 or direct to disc, then i will be much more picky.
one (from Acoustic Sounds) is labeled on their website as a 45, but is a 33. it was cheap. i did complain and they said i could return it and they would reimburse me for my postage. the time/hassle is not worth it. their web site still shows it as a 45. not cool. i'm a significant customer of Acoustic Sounds (not alone on that i'm sure), and Chad is a friend for a long time, and visited me at my home. this sort of thing bothers me. i can live with imperfect Lp pressings in the name of more Lps.my system on Audiogon; https://www.audiogon.com/systems/615
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September 16, 2020, 12:08 PM #9
Re: new LP quality + LP hygiene
thanks!!
looks like two different experiences: @mike has an ~2% defective rate while @mike lavigne has an ~20% defective / less-than-perfect rate. interesting how two guys playing at the very top level are reporting such different rates.
more generally, maybe an individual's experience here is partly subjective -- with those more OCD on this issue reporting a higher rate. i am probably (much?) more OCD on things like this than the average person and that's what has me interested in all this.
note: not making any statement about either mike's OCD status hereviking acoustics berlin r mk2 | almarro a318b + air tight atc-5 (phono) | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + diy transport + roon rock
alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii
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September 16, 2020, 03:23 PM #10
Re: new LP quality + LP hygiene
I'm assuming you're asking these questions with thoughts of entering the LP playback world ? With that being said and as someone who has remained in that arena for well over 50 years if I were starting from scratch today would I ? No I would not for the cost of entry to compare with modern digital is far too great IMO.
As for my cleaning procedure, VPI 16.5, L'Art du Son recording cleaning fluid, Reagent grade water followed by clear rinse and vacuum.Cheers ! …. Dave
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September 16, 2020, 04:25 PM #11
Re: new LP quality + LP hygiene
yes, i am entertaining thoughts of re-entering analog playback. for some reason, resistance is proving futile... left-brain, right-brain thing i suppose.
i totally agree with your statements on analog for those entering or re-entering LPs. however, the LP collecting, tinkering, adjusting and tactile nature of the format add another dimension to this hobby which has its own rewards -- in addition to having a different type sound in the system ...or, at least that is what i keep telling myself.viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | almarro a318b + air tight atc-5 (phono) | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + diy transport + roon rock
alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii
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September 17, 2020, 04:05 AM #12
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Re: new LP quality + LP hygiene
For analogue with essentially no defects, get tape! A rich uncle or aunt who dotes upon you doesn't hurt either. Larry
Analog-VPIClassic3-3DArm,Lyra Skala+MiyajimaZeroMono,2xAmpex ATR-102,Otari MX5050B2, Merrill Trident Tape Preamp, Herron VTPH-2A&BottleheadPhonoPre,
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September 17, 2020, 07:02 AM #13
Re: new LP quality + LP hygiene
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
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September 17, 2020, 07:37 AM #14
Re: new LP quality + LP hygiene
tape -- now that is a gentleman's playback format!!
and, don't think for even a moment that i haven't thought about it ...i fondly remember the R2R in house when growing up. if it were not for the lilliputian number of titles available plus the fact the you either have to go dumpster diving for used titles or pay a king's ransom to get new production titles, i might already be involved.
btw: without question, the definitive playback format for the automobile is 8-track tape -- 'nuf said, right?
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of course with any/all of these 20th century formats, it is always possible that nostalgia isn't what it used to be?
viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | almarro a318b + air tight atc-5 (phono) | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + diy transport + roon rock
alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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