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Half speed masters. Are they worth the extra scratch?

I just purchased a Dire Straits Brothers in Arms half speed master. I'm using a Pioneer PL530 TT. Can this album be played successfully on my TT? I put it on 45 rpm but there is no way to tell if it is spinning at the right speed. The speed control is working but not keeping a steady reading like when I play a normal 33 record. It sounds good but I'm wondering if they should be played on a different table. Also is it worth it to pay extra money for these? I payed 50$ for this album. Thanks for any information.
knighttodd
glupson
7,842 posts
 
"Half-Speed and other Audiophile grade vinyl is worth it if the original record was a well engineered recording."

I have half-speed mastered Exile On The Main Street by the Rolling Stones. Well, it could be worse. Just not by much. Confirming the above quote.

As far as Better Records go, there has been a recent thread with multiple customers sharing their experiences. Bigger sample brings more objective results. One of them is that records do come packaged impressively well.

Better Records White Hot Stampers: Now the Story Can Be Told! | Audiogon Discussion Forum
speakermaster
738 posts
 
If you have already noticed they only half speed the best recordings in the industry so you have to judge them versus the original records but they will all sound good in all versions because the recordings are usually phenomenal to begin with.
glupson
7,842 posts
 
"If you have already noticed they only half speed the best recordings in the industry..."

The one that got away...

Acoustic Sounds
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,009 posts
 
Was looking at mark knopfler's local hero half speed Master on Amazon, $38. Already have 2 original copies. For the price, I might take a chance on it. I would have to agree, better records is great! The packaging top notch. I believe I now have at least 20 records from them by now....
robert53
418 posts
 
Good humor and facts. Thanks MC.
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