Noisier Outer Edges?

I thought this could also be due to "non-fill" on the outer edge of the record, as Johnnyb53 alludes to...this phenomenon is really bad for me on the new Elvis Costello LP, despite trying 3 different copies.

Seems par for the course for vinyl. The old RCA Red Seals although touted as excellent in quality, had a reputation for warpage, non-fill and general surface noise even when new out of the jacket - remember the 'dynaflex'?. I've been impressed with Warner Brothers Labels, and of course audiophile pressings. When buying used vinyl online (especially ebay) its catch as catch can and try your luck. Many of them are lots of records bought at estate sales and the vinyl is stored in damp basements which is bad for the vinyl. Personally, the vinyl I've bought over the years have always been keep in an area where there is good air circulation - at least 1 floor above the basement.

I've alwasy assumed this is because the outer edge is always exposed, since most people put the record sleeve in to the cover with the open end lined up with the open end of the cover. More exposure, more dust and dirt. Once cleaned, I always slide the record and sleeve into the cover with the open end up, so that there is no longer any exposure of the record when stored. This is less convenient, since you must remove both the record and sleeve from the cover in order to play it, but it's worth the added effort.

Could be the tonearm and turntable may be experiencing movement and/or vibration from the user at the beginning of the record.

If this is a possibilty then the opening grooves are more susceptitle to damage than the balance of the record once the tonearm and table have stabilized.

Just a thought.