Bad Vinyl Karma....What Can One Do?

Grooves · Feb 16, 2015

I have the worst luck buying new vinyl. It's not just a simple case of some ticks and pops but genuinely poor pressings having gross distortions and cyclic noise not just in one track but lasting an entire side or worst both sides. It's gotten worse lately, to point that I'm afraid to buy any new vinyl. I could list my recent examples but then my "rinse step" will be with salt water (tears) and not distiller water.

So, what does one do to improve their vinyl karma? What is a poor vinyl addict to do?

jazdoc · Feb 16, 2015

Grooves said:
I have the worst luck buying new vinyl. It's not just a simple case of some ticks and pops but genuinely poor pressings having gross distortions and cyclic noise not just in one track but lasting an entire side or worst both sides. It's gotten worse lately, to point that I'm afraid to buy any new vinyl. I could list my recent examples but then my "rinse step" will be with salt water (tears) and not distiller water.

So, what does one do to improve their vinyl karma? What is a poor vinyl addict to do?

As vinyl has become more popular again, QC has definitely slipped. I purchase many new releases and the SQ is generally fair to poor. Excellent sounding new vinyl releases are the exception IMO.

Johnny Vinyl · Feb 17, 2015

I must have good karma on my side then, because I've been very happy with new vinyl. I think in many ways we've never had it this good, but then that's an opinion based on my own user experience. It should be pointed out that I generally do some research prior to purchasing, so I have a good idea as to what I can expect, and that strategy has worked well for me.

XV-1 · Feb 17, 2015

Grooves said:
I have the worst luck buying new vinyl. It's not just a simple case of some ticks and pops but genuinely poor pressings having gross distortions and cyclic noise not just in one track but lasting an entire side or worst both sides. It's gotten worse lately, to point that I'm afraid to buy any new vinyl. I could list my recent examples but then my "rinse step" will be with salt water (tears) and not distiller water.

So, what does one do to improve their vinyl karma? What is a poor vinyl addict to do?

Its a PITA sometimes, especially with US pressings. Return the faulty pressings and buy Euro pressings if available. If not, try again and return if no good for a refund.

btw, What LP's?

Grooves · Feb 17, 2015

I have the worst luck of anyone I know. It gets to the point where I start to really wonder what's up. But the degree or type of defect(s) really can't be traced to anything on my part, especially when I do get a replacement copy and it sounds fine. It's when I get replacements that have almost the identical issues in the same places or sides. Sometimes these issues run through an entire side non-stop.

What's really frustrating is when my friend brings his copy and it's dead quiet. At least I know that quiet examples exist. I'm feeling total and utter frustration that's for sure.

garylkoh · Feb 17, 2015

With the proliferation of new releases, and the limited production capacity of the few presses available, quality has certainly gone down over the past 18 to 36 months. I see that too..... but in general, the quality is still much, much better than in the eighties. We don't get floppy 90gm pressings for example.

What are some of the titles that you've had bad luck with?

DaveyF · Feb 17, 2015

While the pressing quality of some of the latest releases has in some instances ( although I think only a few), been less than desirable; I think the quality of the merchant has definitely improved. Therefore, whenever I have had a bum pressing ( rare) I simply swap it for a better one. Which is why I say the quality of the merchant has improved. Also agree with what Gary said above.

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Bad Vinyl Karma....What Can One Do?

Grooves

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jazdoc

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Johnny Vinyl

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XV-1

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Grooves

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garylkoh

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DaveyF

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