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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 ttweights

ttweights
50 posts
 
It is an unfortunate truth that many records are warped but there is one undeniable solution:

Click the 25 second video and see how to play all warped records

http://www.ttweights.com/home.html
ttweights
50 posts
 
Cool Raymonda, The ring will work with any center clamp and please note that you cannot flatten a record (on both sides) with a reflex clamp, it will do one side that the warp raises in the center but flip the record and it cannot work so well.

Get an outer ring one time and every record will sound better new or old a great investment, especially with the price of high end vinyl.
Cheers
ttweights
50 posts
 
Most records sound 100% better when you are able to stop the record from vibrating and the stylus will have a much better chance of reading the groove details.

A record is too light to damp itself and does resonate, sound stage and openness is created from a well read record groove and nothing else.

Warped or not, records should be held flat and damped to sound superb, does not matter what table you have.
ttweights
50 posts
 
Does any one recognize the fact that the SRA is always changing as you play a warped record?

On a true high end turntable one can hear warps very easily, there is a change in sound (SRA) as it rides up then down and compresses the stylus, it is acting as a suspension system.

Take the warp away and the cartridge WILL track to groove very much more effectively is simple physics.

Let the stylus read the groove and any cartridge can perform a lot better.

This is more and more prevalent with heavier cartridge down forces...
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