2. analog
  3. 1212163129

New Re-Issue Vinyl: Surface Noise, Ticks, Pops....

It seems that paying an average of 30.00 to get new 180-200 gram pressings is a lot of money. And I don't mind paying it for a good clean pressing. But is seems as though I usually end up with surface noise , crackling, pops etc.. It is so frustrating to wait for records to come and when I play them I hear a record that sounds like I bought it in a used record store. Has anyone ever mentally kept track of what interent distributor seems to have the noisiest or cleanest vinyl? Or perhaps the pressing company/label? Do you clean them before you play to clean the releasing agent or play them right out of the jacket? I love the sound of the grooves and I believe the sound is better but, I just would like to have a good clean copy. Am I wrong to expect a tick and pop free copy?
Back in the early days I usually didn't get the surface noise till I played them a few times. That was cheaper vinyl and about 4-5 bucks.
128x128theo

Showing 5 responses by audiofeil

audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>I guess i was just phenomenally lucky in the 1970's / 80's<<

I have a hard time with Elinor's claim. I bought well in excess of 4,000 albums during the 70's/80's and can't recall returning even a couple due to excessive noise and/or warpage.

That's not luck folks.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Pbb's assertion that vinyl is a crap shoot doesn't ring completely true.

Regarding current releases, I totally agree. As a matter of fact I stopped buying new albums and reissues. Occasionally you'll get a record that is not warped and sounds decent but for the most part, they stink. At $30, $40, $50, and more per pop, it's downright silly not to seek out nice pre-owned original copies.

However, it is disingenuous to lump all vinyl under the "crap shoot" umbrella. In days gone by, the golden ear of vinyl if you will, there were very few quality problems.

At least in my experience spanning back to the late 50's.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Stiltskin makes a good point.

Perhaps the system, not the vinyl, is the problem for those who complain about poor quality.

In this particular case, it appears to be a real possibility.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Last record treatment and stylus treatment is a major NO NO.

Simply keep your vinyl and stylus clean.

Nothing more is needed.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
The Magic Eraser per Doug Deacon.

Everything else is second place.

The Zerodust is a pretender.
More to discover