Are scratch LPs part of the game ?

Has2be, I don't quite understand what you mean about me making a point and me disagreeing it with at the same time. In fact your second sentence paraphrases the sentence of mine you quoted in your post to a degree and it seems we actually agree! I think where the misunderstanding perhaps lies is in our interpretation of a "medium" scratch.

I'm a perfectionist by nature and handle all my records with extreme care. Also, because I'm relatively new to vinyl, I own and have been buying almost exclusively brand new records, both to build up my collection of "essentials" and to insure scratch-free, worn-out stylus damage-free records. Despite all of this, I noticed that the records have scratches that I would define as fine to medium based on their physical size/length but do not whatsoever appear to affect the sound. I have no idea how they got there in the first place, but as mentioned in this thread, the paper sleeves might have something to do with it and perhaps my cleaning regimen with 3 brushes on a VPI RCM.

In that sense, the original question precisely echoes my particular experience with records: no matter how carefully I handle my records, I notice fine to medium size scratches (increasing with use) that do not affect the stylus tracking or sound quality, but seem impossible to avoid. Hence, my response yes, it's part of the game. I'm not talking about dropping records or scratching them through carelessness. And I don't think the original poster was either. Cheers.

Hi Actusreus, I think your right , its more an interpretation differance. To me a medium scratch is something that would effect play. I'm wondering now that you say your new to vynil and are buying mostly new lps if it is more an issue with the quality of vynil that some are being pressed on. I just never had that much of a noticable differance in the records surface condition and especially that quickly. Do some of the new records seam to mark more than others or is it relatively the same with use ? I admit I have not bought many new Lps compared to used but its more of what I want not being re-issued as of yet. I have bought some classic records re issues and a few of their box sets cut at 45 rpm and a few too expensive but good sounding blues lps but I haven't had any issues with them easily scratching from handling. Other than handling and how their stored and if thats all done properly makes me wonder if the actual quality of vynil used might have something to do with it. I remember in the latter seventies the quality of vynil on a lot of domestic lps was poorer than it was previosly. Thats when I started buying alot of Japanese and German pressings. Cheers

No, but a vacume record cleaner is an essential part of the game. IMO if you rank the importance of TT, cartridge, arm and RC machine, the RC machine is #1 for quality sound. I use a Loricraft today but any good alternative including homemade (which I used for many years) will get you far better results than just wiping. I also use new record sleeves for all LP's

The Pledge Dust and Allergen Cloths are no longer being made. I used them for as long as this thread has existed. I'm now on my last pack. What alternatives exist today that do the same job?