I don't find 180 gram or 45 rpm LPs to necessarily sound better. In fact, most don't sound as good as the original pressings. It is really no different with any other format, if the guys making the recording are good we benefit. If they are mediocre we pay for it. It is the same for 33 vs. 45 rpm, IMO. If done right it can sound much better, but it is not a guarantee. Some people hate 45's because you have to get up and change sides more often. YMMV.
I always look for the original pressings. I don't mean low pressing numbers necessarily, just how the LP was first released. Here, the rule of thumb about getting pressings from the country were the lp was mixed has worked pretty well for me. The re-releases are ok for filling in those LPs that are not easily found or can't be found or can't be found for a reasonable price.
I guess what I'm getting to is that if you develop an effective cleaning technique, which you do need to do for new vinyl anyway, you can acquire much more used vinyl quicker and for a lot less money. There are exceptions, but for the most part these heavy vinyl, faster rpm re-releases are marketing gimmicks, IMO.
I always look for the original pressings. I don't mean low pressing numbers necessarily, just how the LP was first released. Here, the rule of thumb about getting pressings from the country were the lp was mixed has worked pretty well for me. The re-releases are ok for filling in those LPs that are not easily found or can't be found or can't be found for a reasonable price.
I guess what I'm getting to is that if you develop an effective cleaning technique, which you do need to do for new vinyl anyway, you can acquire much more used vinyl quicker and for a lot less money. There are exceptions, but for the most part these heavy vinyl, faster rpm re-releases are marketing gimmicks, IMO.