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What's wrong with classical music on vinyl?

As I go through my collection of classical music on vinyl, and get new ones from record stores and eBay, I notice that I am not impressed with the sound quality. Most of my pop music albums sound fine. The classical (even sealed), on the other hand, sounds full of static, noise, and pops that completely drown out the music. The rubber surrounds on my woofers ripple visibly, and the more intense passages become distorted (particulary the brass instruments). (And yes, I've tried it with minimal volume, to test the feedback theory, and with the same results.) I've tried extensive record cleaning with some of the most recommended products. On the other hand, my non-classical music sounds fine. Madonna, Yes, and Simon and Garfunkel play fine. So do Crosby Stills + Nash, REM, and Nickelback.

The only thing I can think of is that the classical music tends to be recorded at a much lower volume, thereby causing a low signal to noise ratio, whereas the pop music is inherently recorded at a higher volume, and this helps to drown out the noise.

I'm beginning to think that I should stick to CD's or brand-new 200g LP's for classical music from here on.

Any comments/suggestions?
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Showing 4 responses by cmk

cmk
397 posts
 
I think Doug's answer sums it up best. Classical music does place more demands on the playback system. Noise of any sort tends to be exaggerated during quiet passages which are common with classical music.

I too did have problems with classical stuff. I solved them by :
a) changing my cart - the old one after 7 years of use tended to be noisy
b) getting a better RCM - the PRC 2.5
c) getting classical LPs from better sources and/or better quality - very few VG+ more NM or even sealed copies

Although my system still picks up noises, after vigourous cleaning, 2 rounds on the PRC with a alcohol/detergent then wash, I am quite certain the LP is cleaned to its best extent possible and hear more of the music than noise. The PRC managed to save some really dirty stuff and restored them to good health.
cmk
397 posts
 
Guys I think part of the answer is in the current Feb/Mar 2005 TAS issue on page 92 RE "Dynamic Compression and the Loudness Race".

With CDs being mixed louder and louder to out match the competition on the radio, dynamic compression is applied - chopping musical peaks and raising the average loudness.

LPs doesn't have this issue, cannot be mixed too loud or the stylus will jump out of the groove. And with classical, we all know that the dynamic range required to capture a full orchestra is certainly very wide, so I surmise that engineers have had to lower the recording levels for classical music. Unfortunately, with such low levels, its just above the level of record surface noise, which does get in the way.

As to whether CDs sound superior to LPs, except for the occassional tic and pop, how can CDs ever sound better than an LP of the same recording with all this dynamic compression (unless the LP record engineers made a mess of the mix) is simply beyond me. Though I would concede that CDs have improved and are bridging the gap.

I also agree with TLH, a good phono makes a world of a difference.
cmk
397 posts
 
Styx
You could probably find CD and LP versions of classical music during the time when both formats were still competing with each other, circa 70s-early 80s. Nowadays its just CDs and SACDs. There are good SACDs, and there are not-so-good SACDs, a lot depends on the process before the pressing. The format has its advantages, but it cannot atone for the sins of a bad recording engineer. IMO due to the hi resolution afforded by SACD, it just exacerbates errors. I'm not aware of any new SACD and LP classical issues at the moment.
cmk
397 posts
 
Styx
Yes, certainly regardless of format, the process before pressing probably makes a bigger impact than we would like it to.

I've to admit, I'm somewhat biased towards analog, though I do appreciate good performances on CD/SACD. Pentatone does have a very good classical issues, both new and old recordings. I myself like the Dvorak No.9 by Yakov Kreizberg, Netherlands PO on Pentatone 5186 019 recorded 2003. Then I'll do a switch and listen to Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings by Karajan, Berlin PO recorded 1967.
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