Old records.


I’ve been literally keeping my somewhat recently bought turntable (and accessories) on the shelf and not using it after spending a lot on it (for me.) ( You can take a look on my profile)
After comparing it to my digital side for quite a while I decided the SQ was not nearly as good. So, I put the cover on it and let it lay dormant.
Now I have a collection of about 3000 LPs, mostly from the 70’s and 80’s. And, sad to say, most of them just don’t sound that good. However I’ve recently been playing some newer records, and the sound is wonderful. I know this not supposed to be the case. So, it’s possible all my old records have been somewhat damaged with old or faulty styli. Anyhow I now have a new lease on life with my analog side.

128x128rvpiano

@lewm

i actually agree with you. Those old records that are not worn often do sound better than new releases. Especially those from the ‘60s and early 70s.

In relation to cleaning, I am now a firm believer it is the mixture to produce a solution that is the most important part of the process.

The cleaning method will be a small proportion of the overall success.

I use a Manual Cleaning Method today with a Neil Antin suggested mixture.

The US Method is no longer considered.

I recently (a year ago) set up my Linn TT (with new cartridge) after 30 years of being in storage and have found my old original LP’s seem to sound better than the new ones. My old records have been properly stored and cared for so are pretty much in mint condition - many recently played for the first time. My point - your records may be damaged. My experience has been some of the old ones still sound absolutely  incredible. 

I’m beginning to think that my problem with analog is that I’m looking for it to have the same qualities as digital in terms of immediacy and accuracy. The two formats are indeed quite different.  If I listen to analog for the music and don’t get in the analytical mode it all becomes clearer.  The music indeed does come through but in a different way.

The other thought that occurs to me is that I have an old Conrad-Johnson (recapped by CJ) tube amplifier which matches wonderfully with my super accurate Benchmark equipment. Perhaps the mellowness of the CJ is just not a good match for the analog.

I realize my preceding comments are somewhat contradictory. Maybe I’m thinking too hard.