Did the retailers give you the option of returns? If yes, I would do that. If no, then you are stuck with them.
Hello,
I feel very blessed to have an amazing collection of vinyl records from both the classical and jazz genres, dating back to the late 50's to present era. I've had these records for decades, getting lots of play time over the years and to this very day they play flawlessly
However, there are times when I'll purchase brand new records from the various online retailers that are on relatively newer record labels... Reference Recordings, Chasing the Dragon, Yarlung, etc. Most of the times the records are pristine. But, just recently I have received three brand new records that came with what I believe may be pressing defects.
1. On one record, side B has noticeable distortions in the left channel at various times throughout that record side. It persists after three cleanings on my VPI record cleaner. I even lessened the A.S. and not only did it not help, but the overall sound quality diminished because it had the incorrect A.S. now. The other 3 sides play beautifully using the correct A.S.
2. On another record, side B has a very pronounced "thump" recurring through a section of the record lasting a few minutes. Again, I tried cleaning it a few times with no beneficial results achieved. Side A plays perfectly!
3. On the third record, side A has noticeable loud Tics and Pops throughout the entire side. The other sides play perfectly quiet!
All three records are sealed and brand new and are expensive. Two records were from one online retailer and the other from a different online retailer.
My questions are this....
1. Is it reasonable for me to ask to return these three records for replacement copies?
2. If these defects are from the pressing... Is it likely that the replacements will have the same issues? Or is possible that it happens just on an individual record or small sampling of records?
I love the records, the music that is on them, the performance and the other sides play very well... but with the money spent on them, I was expecting them to play as "new" without defects.
What would you do?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read thru this longish post and sharing your thoughts with me.
Best wishes,
Don