How long do records last?
From the YouTuber:
"Lots of people talk and worry about vinyl records wearing out, but finally here is a controlled, long-term experiment to test how much audible wear actually happens to records played in real-world conditions on a variety of turntables. I highly suggest a quiet listening environment and good pair of speakers or headphones to observe the results."
I have two comments, Wow, great analysis. This guy thinks like I do and a scientist does. Also, too much time on his hands. It would be absolutely great if everyone here would be conducting tests of there components and systems with carefully thought out test design and methodical testing. Outstanding job answering one of the many questions in audio. Also, the blend of listening and measurement is excellent. ASR could be useful if it took some lessons from this guy. |
@ghdprentice I have to say that after watching this, I am now more willing to play albums I've been holding back on like Syd Barrett - The Madcap Laughs etc. |
I've got 2,000. The first thousand I bought in the last millennium and tended to play once while listening and recording on a high end tape deck and then listened to tapes. Then as I collected the next thousand only listened to them once or twice. While working, if I listened to one a day I was lucky. Now I listen to streaming. So if I listened to mine one time again... I'd have to live to 150 or more. |
It doesn't matter what cartridge you use because every different stylus profile contacts a different part of the groove so the wear pattern left by one stylus may obviate what is contacted by another and even then, the vinyl must encounter some serious abuse to become "worn out". In other words, records can last for decades or maybe forever and the surfaces remain quiet with like new fidelity. Anyone who routinely shops used records looking for those out-of-print classic titles to add to their collections can attest to this. |
