@heilbron
Goldmine standard is a good standard if used properly. Unfortunately, too many of those who have just entered into the fray from the vinyl resurgence are unfamiliar with the standards, etc, that us who grew up with vinyl, are accustomed. I've bought 3500 used albums from 1998-2006 using Goldmine grading. I have been fooled by 7. With the line contact stylus, they might play NM too. There are too many who don't know how to grade and too many who are merely collectors who think a VG record "plays fine" It doesn't. Besides that, what kind of system are they using? I don't want them playing an album I want to buy.
Yet many newbies talk about NOT depending on, or replacing Goldmine as if we need to reinvent the wheel. IOW, Too much market and too many newbies make a poor mix. FWIW, I don't trust play grading. Why? Because too many of those people believe that surface noise, pops and ticks are normal. So they say a VG record plays fine. The key is to clean records with a machine using good chemicals. Put them in NEW sleeves, Keep your fingers off the grooves. A good setup goes a long ways. The phono preamp has a lot to do with dealing with SN. Don't cheap out on it.
Goldmine standard is a good standard if used properly. Unfortunately, too many of those who have just entered into the fray from the vinyl resurgence are unfamiliar with the standards, etc, that us who grew up with vinyl, are accustomed. I've bought 3500 used albums from 1998-2006 using Goldmine grading. I have been fooled by 7. With the line contact stylus, they might play NM too. There are too many who don't know how to grade and too many who are merely collectors who think a VG record "plays fine" It doesn't. Besides that, what kind of system are they using? I don't want them playing an album I want to buy.
Yet many newbies talk about NOT depending on, or replacing Goldmine as if we need to reinvent the wheel. IOW, Too much market and too many newbies make a poor mix. FWIW, I don't trust play grading. Why? Because too many of those people believe that surface noise, pops and ticks are normal. So they say a VG record plays fine. The key is to clean records with a machine using good chemicals. Put them in NEW sleeves, Keep your fingers off the grooves. A good setup goes a long ways. The phono preamp has a lot to do with dealing with SN. Don't cheap out on it.