why are most new releases going to four sides?

I agree with Larryi, getting up ever so often to swap LP sides is no big deal for me, I need the exercise anyway.

However, sound quality is extremely important to me, so much so that when a title is available in 45 RPM format I purchase it instead of the LP. 45 RPM format is even shorter play time but with some of the old jazz greats it's well worth it to achieve the extra dynamics and space of those old recordings (like "Cool struttin' by Sonny Clark !!)

Anyway, there's always CD if you really want convenient, you can hear the whole album without getting up. That's part of what makes it popular.

so much for a 'long player'. the pops, clicks, and other assorted defects are much clearer.

Jaybo, maybe it's your Thorens turntable that needs upgrading?

I don't have those problems other than a RARE once or twice an evening "click" at some point in the program material. An evening here is a 4.5 hour session.

I have a dozen members in my group, some are Audiogon members. Perhaps it's time to ask them to chime in on this topic as I grow tired of comments at assumptions that ALL LP REPRODUCTION is a noisy experience.

Sorry yours does not work, but please don't make sweeping statements that assumes all of us have this problem