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New Record Sounds Like Crap - How???

So, having recently dove back into vinyl plaback, I'm replacing some CDs I've liked with the LP version. I just bought a new (sealed) LP: The Tony Bennett Bill Evans Album on the Fantasy label. I don't know where or when it was pressed but, there's so much background noice (not hum, but crackling and hissing) that I thought something was wrong with my stylus. I did clean it - RRL - I think twice even.

I put on another used album I got at the same time (Record Jazz Mart in Chicago): Pat Metheny Group on ECM and after first two tracks, only one noticeable pop. It too has been cleaned well.

My question is, how can a used record sound better than a brand spankin' new record which has even been cleaned?????

If I want something new, do I have to by the $40 180gm 45rpm records?? On a side note, will they sound better? Why?

thanx
pawlowski6132

Showing 2 responses by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Lots of good advice above, and I can echo the experiences of Jependleton, Nsgarch and Rauliruegas. I have experienced everything they said (except that I've never used Last, or Groove Glide either).

One more thing to try before you decide poor QC and poor vinyl is to blame: an enzyme based cleaner. Strange as it seems, even some newish records have biological contaminants. These usually sound like intermittent snaps, crackles and pops. A thorough dosing with Buggtussel Vinyl-Zyme removes most of them. Follow with RRL as a final step. You need Vinyl-Zyme in your cleaning arsenal anyway. While it's not common for new LP's to need it, it's virtually guaranteed that older ones will.

Good luck,
Doug
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Listens2tubes,

A small correction if I may: Buggtussel Vinyl-Zyme removes mold, as in spores and mildew. It does virtually nothing to remove "mold release", which is a chemical used in the vinyl stamping process. Mold release chemicals are typically non-organic and would not respond to enzymes.
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