Can we go back to 33's please?


Yes, I know we have a million records cut at 33.3, but now, I guess in an attempt to have a "super premium" image, some lables are cutting reissues at 45 rpm. I know Levinson did it way back - I have those and they sound great. The only thing is, I have many 33s that also sound great. I really don't feel like hassling with cleaning and storing 2 discs for each album and getting up every 10 minutes to change sides. I really think equal or at least almost equal quality can be achieved on 33. Listen to anything on Stockfisch, Opus3, Tacet, Naim. They do a great job with it. Not to mention many older RCA Red Seals and such. Is there anyone here who believes that 45 has the magic 33 lacks - all things equal?

Maybe it's my system - Linn, Rega RB700, Argo, is not capable of ferreting out the nuances of some other tables? Perhaps you folks with Caliburns believe 45s are the way to go? If not - tell the record companies and they might listen. I don't want to get up every 10 minutes. Sorry.
chayro

Showing 1 response by 0thd

Maybe the people involved in the licensing, remastering etc. release popular LPs cut at 45rpm because they believe that provides the best sound available today.

They seem to genuinely care about the product, in other words they are as nerdy about this hobby as the rest of us!

Besides, almost every 45rpm re-issue I've bought seems to be available at 33 1/3.

I agree it's a lot of cleaning, takes up more storage space and you have to get up more often. But man it does sound good! I haven't bothered to compare the two different speeds, but I believe others have.

I've got a Transrotor Fat Bob S turntable, SME 309 arm, Benz Ruby 3, Herron VTPH-2 phono stage. The records are meticulously cleaned with a Clearaudio Smart Matrix. My speakers are 22 year old Klipsch.

So I don't have the best system available, especially regarding speakers, but I can sure appreciate the quality of these releases.