Vinyl Quality

[2-Channel]

Originally Posted by gregswaim

...older analog recording remastered or re-released on vinyl?

Older analog recordings remastered: Steely Dan is a perfect example. Basically, replacing our 70's and 80's albums with new remasters that are, hopefully, higher quality pressings than the originals.

I am thinking that the equipment today is sooooooo superior to what I was using back then that I fear what I might hear if the vinyl were the same. Of course, back then as a student, I was using a small garden shovel for my cartridge so all my albums need replacing.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by 2-Channel

Curious ... vinyl quality

Have you [has anyone] done some critical listening to compare the quality of albums from the 70's and 80's compared to today's pressings?

I realize that it is near to impossible to find a mint condition album from that time period which may prevent any true A/B to be conducted.

The above is the initial question by 2-Channel

[gregswaim]

Originally Posted by 2-Channel

Older analog recordings remastered: Steely Dan is a perfect example. Basically, replacing our 70's and 80's albums with new remasters that are, hopefully, higher quality pressings than the originals.

I am thinking that the equipment today is sooooooo superior to what I was using back then that I fear what I might hear if the vinyl were the same. Of course, back then as a student, I was using a small garden shovel for my cartridge so all my albums need replacing.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2-Channel View Post
Yes. Re-releases of older material.



My personal preference is vintage original all analog(tape) recordings for LP playback. Anything that has gone through the digital process for LP pressings doesn't seem to sound quite right to me. My guess is that it has to do with "timing" as the digitized stuff seems to be off where the analog tape to LP is right on the money. Just my opinion and observation. My recommendation would be to avoid LP's that have been digitized in the recording process and stick with recording made using high quality analog tape machines. Stay with older original LP's vs newer ones unless you know for sure that digital remastering was not used or part of the process of recording that LP.
Since I've gotten back into vinyl I've acquired all new LP's- all of which are original vintage analog recordings. I've found a really hip used bookstore that has a great selection of used LP's in excellent condition for $4-5 a piece.
__________________
Main System: MC2102,MCD500,Spendor S8e,Stax SRS-4040 ll Signature System ll, Kubala-Sosna XLR's
Second System: MA6500,MCD201,MR85,Linn Sondek LP12,Linn Majik Power Supply,Linn Adikt MM Pickup,Pro-Ject 9cc tonearm,ReVox B77 MKll,Castle Warwick 3,DNM RCA's w/Eichmann Bullet Plugs

[vintage_tube]

This is a complicated question that cannot be answered by an emphatic yes/no.

Generally, today's pressings using the 60's/70's original analog master tape (not a 2d or 3d -- but the true AMT) and mastered by those very reputible engineers today (Steve Hoffman, Bernie Grundman, Robergt Ludwig, etc) and pressed on 180g/200g virgin vinyl at a respectable pressing plant (such as RTI in Calif or Pallis in Germany) are better than yester-year.

There are some disasters out there -- quite a few of the Back-to-Black issues sound okay -- but the final product is stamped on lousy quality controlled 180g vinyl (too noisy & inherrent with flaws). I bought a dozen of the B-to-B issues and took all but 2 back to the store.

There is nothing wrong with an original pressing from yester-year. Infact I'll try and find one, in near mint to mint status before one from today ---- unless it is one of my all time favorites or top 100 so to speak and mastered by one of those mentioned. The trouble in a yester-year album is finding it in a pristine state.

I believe I answered your question -- could probably go on & on & on.

[gregswaim]

I keep hearing people talk about new LP's being released and the record label can't even center the hole correctly.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by gregswaim

I keep hearing people talk about new LP's being released and the record label can't even center the hole correctly.

yep, or labels off center, massive scratches -- however; in many instances, those are different folks these days -- being contracted out because where the stamper was made is booked up and they hire it out to have it pressed.

[gregswaim]

You are correct Bob,it's difficult to find decent LP's in pristine condition. I got lucky and found a little "Mom & Pop" used bookstore where the owner rejects crappy scratched up records that people bring in to sell/trade. Not many know of this little store in my neighborhood so I'm like a kid in a candy store right now.

[vintage_tube]

Those are referred to as Gold Mines, Greg. Lucky dog.

[vintage_tube]

Also, I'd like to say the late '60's was a period inwhich bands/groups & recording studios/mastering, etc., were experimenting/transititoning from mono to stereo & some great music got screwed up -- CCR is an example.

[f1 fan]

Originally Posted by gregswaim

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2-Channel View Post
Yes. Re-releases of older material.



My personal preference is vintage original all analog(tape) recordings for LP playback. Anything that has gone through the digital process for LP pressings doesn't seem to sound quite right to me. My guess is that it has to do with "timing" as the digitized stuff seems to be off where the analog tape to LP is right on the money. Just my opinion and observation. My recommendation would be to avoid LP's that have been digitized in the recording process and stick with recording made using high quality analog tape machines. Stay with older original LP's vs newer ones unless you know for sure that digital remastering was not used or part of the process of recording that LP.
Since I've gotten back into vinyl I've acquired all new LP's- all of which are original vintage analog recordings. I've found a really hip used bookstore that has a great selection of used LP's in excellent condition for $4-5 a piece.
__________________
Main System: MC2102,MCD500,Spendor S8e,Stax SRS-4040 ll Signature System ll, Kubala-Sosna XLR's
Second System: MA6500,MCD201,MR85,Linn Sondek LP12,Linn Majik Power Supply,Linn Adikt MM Pickup,Pro-Ject 9cc tonearm,ReVox B77 MKll,Castle Warwick 3,DNM RCA's w/Eichmann Bullet Plugs

I agree....however I do buy a lot from Acoustic Sounds......there`s a indie store in Nashville called Grimeys that has great deals on new and `pre loved` used lps. Cool people, great prices and wonderful sounds.