Question about records for you guys.

[PHC1]

Here is a question. Are records generally recorded with more or less equal level (volume)? I was playing around with my system and put the tubed Lamm preamp in the system just to try it with my new table.

When I used the Lamm with it's dual volume control to playback CDs/SACD's/XRCDs, I had to get up and adjust the volume for every different CD. After a while, without the remote control it got to be a pain in the ass since not only do you adjust the volume but also make sure the levels are the same since it is dual mono.

I've been listening to records for a better part of the day today and just realized I've never had to adjust the volume of the Lamm yet.....

The sound is incredible by the way, the tubed Lamm is simply spectacular with vinyl playback. I just realized another thing, I haven't listened to one CD in the past few days and I don't miss it either..... I'm really digging this whole analog thing. I think I may finally be home, the sound I've been searching for a very long time......

[Still-One]

Newer CD's seem to be recorded at higher levels than any of my older CD's. Quite often I have to play with the volume levels as I switch between discs.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Stillone

Newer CD's seem to be recorded at higher levels than any of my older CD's. Quite often I have to play with the volume levels as I switch between discs.

Yep, a loud CD is typically the one that's been loudness mastered. Every time I come across a CD that starts blasting speakers from the previous one, I know it's not going to be very musical due to dynamic range compression and clipped peaks.

[Still-One]

I agree that there are a lot of compressed and boosted CD's being released today.
I also think that in general todays CD are recorded better than in the past. That is why you see so many re-releases of old CD's (Santana, Dire Straits, Stones, etc) . That and a way to make money again.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Stillone

I agree that there are a lot of compressed and boosted CD's being released today.
I also think that in general todays CD are recorded better than in the past. That is why you see so many re-releases of old CD's (Santana, Dire Straits, Stones, etc) . That and a way to make money again.

Sure, I have some decent CDs as well. Try XRCD though if you haven't already.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Sure, I have some decent CDs as well. Try XRCD though if you haven't already.

If they put it on a silver disc, I have tired it.

I also really like the K2 HD recordings.

[80B]

Serge,
I've got to sit down like you've done and play vinyl like that some day. It's usually just an album or two when we've got some time on a Friday or Saturday night & it's not too late. It's nice to have the Mrs. enjoy it as much as I do.

Hey, did you get to listen to that LD+3 Blue Note reissue? I enjoyed it quite a bit.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by 80B

Serge,
I've got to sit down like you've done and play vinyl like that some day. It's usually just an album or two when we've got some time on a Friday or Saturday night & it's not too late. It's nice to have the Mrs. enjoy it as much as I do.

Hey, did you get to listen to that LD+3 Blue Note reissue? I enjoyed it quite a bit.

The LD+3 is on for tomorrow's listening session. Thanks for the heads up on that one, I'm looking forward to listening to it.

[turntable]

Serge

I would find it impossible to live without my remote for volume control. I am always turning up the volume for a great song on an album, then turning it down to a more normal volume for most of the album.

The volume between different records is not huge except when you have a 45rpm which is always louder or some classical records where they cram 30 minutes on one side which is always softer.

ps - adding more tubes will not necessarily add more warmth and euphonics etc, what you will get is more ease and life to the music when done right. if you can try the 88Pb before you get the 324

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by turntable

Serge

I would find it impossible to live without my remote for volume control. I am always turning up the volume for a great song on an album, then turning it down to a more normal volume for most of the album.

The volume between different records is not huge except when you have a 45rpm which is always louder or some classical records where they cram 30 minutes on one side which is always softer.

ps - adding more tubes will not necessarily add more warmth and euphonics etc, what you will get is more ease and life to the music when done right. if you can try the 88Pb before you get the 324

Shane, not only volume but I can't even mute the system without getting up either. That's alright, I can use the exercise and I'm really enjoying the Lamm right now and the KX-R is taking a break. Once the 324 arrives (I already bought it) I'll see what goes with what. I'll see if I can get my hands on the 88PB but the 324 is not too shabby according to all the reviews I've read. Yes, I'm buying it without having heard it. Just seemed like a good choice and people I've asked have highly recommended it. We'll see.