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Why are records still warped?

This is more of a grouse than anything because I know the molding process won't ever be perfect. Still, here we are in the 21st century in the midst of a vinyl revival. Artists get it and are trying to satisfy us geeks with tasty pressings.

Cases in point are Bennett & Gaga's "Cheek to Cheek" and Lennox' "Nostalgia." Ordered both of them in (live in the sticks so no local source) and one dished, the other warped. Neither are unplayable, but both conditions are audible. Disappointing to say the least on such outstanding efforts.

The same week they arrived, I got copies of Hampton's "Silver Vibes" (mono) and Mendes' "Look Around" used at a swap meet. Perfectly flat with outstanding fidelity, especially considering their age.

Many of my "not" Golden-era pressings from the mid-70s through late-80s also lived up to expectations when I got them home. Many more did not, and that's why I ended up jumping on the CD bandwagon with a Sony CDP-101 in 1983.

In 2015, my digital playback deck is about 1000% better, CDs are better, SACDs are even better still, HD downloads can be superb, but still none of them best vinyl at its best. Unless it's warped.

We have the technology, know better and can better control the process. So, what is up with the warp thing? Is it laziness, budget or what?!?
effischer

Showing 4 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,636 posts
 
Because records are one of the most inherently flawed yet still loved inventions of all time.

Next time you are on a rollercoaster, pretend the track is the groove and that you are the stylus trying to track it.

See what I mean? :^)

Actually riding a rollercoaster is nothing compared to what a stylus has to do to track a record, especially when the modulations associated with big dynamics and good transients start to hit. And in stereo none the less.

No wonder we love the things. Its amazing that they work as well as they do, warps and all.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,636 posts
 
I hope quality of new vinyl improves but I would not bet on it.

Maybe there are some labels/sources brands that are less problematic than others, perhaps for more of a premium price.

Most common retail records I bought back in the day had various flaws to some degree as well. I had to have a table good enough to be able to play many well. You could exchange often if you were not satisfied but no guarantee the next one is any better.

Like I said, its a highly flawed format and system. Always has been and not likely to change despite all the nostalgia and romanticism surrounding "vinyl" or records as I used to call 'em.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,636 posts
 
NEw vinyl is a big cash grab IMHO. I don't understand why people would subject themselves to it, especially those who remember the golden days of vinyl.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,636 posts
 
Warped records used to be a problem for me with various Japanese and European tables until I started with the Linn Axis back in the mid-80s. It tracks almost everything silently. Have had no casue for concern though I know my records cannot be any less warped now then they were 30 years ago. Probably more. Its part of the record aging process. Some are better preserved and age better than others, like Jim Palmer. :^)
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