I search BandCamp at least once a week (good for files and streaming, too). I use Discogs quite a bit, and keep some of the collection catalogued there. Discogs uses the Gold Mine rating system. I have 2 used record stores near me, and stop at both every time I'm in town. I probably am buying 80% through BandCamp, Discogs, Music Direct, and etc. I used to buy through subscriptions, like R. Stevie Moore's catalogue, and some of the artists I am interested in only release on cassette, files or CDr. I follow the music, some of the media is not up to Audiophile snuff. It is somewhat common to end up with variations (pressing plants and other variables) of the same record. It's like collecting stamps or coins, you're going to have some "place holders".
What should I look for when purchasing a quality album?
So dumb it down for a newbie…
What should I look for when purchasing a quality album? A quality label? A quality recording and hopefully? well engineered? How wrong would it be to buy used albums? Is that the fun of it? Where are the Best places to shop online?I just bought a reasonably costly analog rig and I am started to collect vinyl.