Any advice on buying quality vinyl


As I'm exploring my old vinyl collection with the addition of some new purchases, I'm wondering what the thoughts are on the quality of Mofi, Better Records and the like.  I have leaned toward Mobile Fidelity, but am put off by the insane prices on Better Records Hot Stampers.  Are they worth it?  Your experiences please.
udog

Showing 1 response by stevecham

+1 with whart on this. It’s work and you have to be patient and visit used record stores and thrift stores when possible and learn (very important) how to visually "hear" the quality of the groove as you tilt the record in good lighting to see and evaluate the condition. Having said that, there will be disappointments. I like stores that allow me to listen to a recording, at least a track per side of my choosing. Discogs is good. I don’t trust Hot Stamper stuff. MoFi is hit or miss. Classic Records has, for most part, been ok, but I got burned with a defective Peter Gabriel 2 on the lead in. Back to Black has consistently been a good bet.

Good luck! This is part of the fun because, when you get a really good pressing, it makes the effort all worthwhile!

And, if you don't already own one, get yourself a good record cleaning machine!