View Full Version : Replacing older albums
rmcin626
16-08-2019, 17:50
At the moment I am bringing the rest of my vinyl out of storage, with most of them looking in good nick, although there are a few duplicates and a few questionable purchases. Of the ones that have seen better days, there are few I would like to replace.
Should I be hunting down original pressings or looking at replacing them with audiophile versions?
It's a good question and a bone of contention to many.
Overall good brand audiophile recordings will likely be best imo.
But many old originals are top quality so it does mean often ChecKing online as to the best version.
Usually I will go for a new one as its less likely to have been abused.
I now play records so rarely I probably should do away with them.
He runs and ducks lol
rmcin626
16-08-2019, 18:03
It's a good question and a bone of contention to many.
Overall good brand audiophile recordings will likely be best imo.
But many old originals are top quality so it does mean often ChecKing online as to the best version.
Usually I will go for a new one as its less likely to have been abused.
I now play records so rarely I probably should do away with them.
He runs and ducks lol
Might promote a wee debate, and of course I would be probably be interested in some of your stuff, if you ever do the unthinkable.
RobbieGong
16-08-2019, 18:07
At the moment I am bringing the rest of my vinyl out of storage, with most of them looking in good nick, although there are a few duplicates and a few questionable purchases. Of the ones that have seen better days, there are few I would like to replace.
Should I be hunting down original pressings or looking at replacing them with audiophile versions?
Have done this loads over the years, replacing the not so 'tidy' ones as I'm a bit anal and like my vinyl to be in really nice order, including covers whenever pos.
I've always tended to go for excellent - nm and mint original press, but as I say that's been my approach. :)
Sure it will over weekend. And if I do I might put them on here first before discogs, top book is about 9k for them all. Obviously won't manage that but will get a decent % as they are mostly n mint or better
rmcin626
16-08-2019, 18:23
Have done this loads over the years, replacing the not so 'tidy' ones as I'm a bit anal and like my vinyl to be in really nice order, including covers whenever pos.
I've always tended to go for excellent - nm and mint original press, but as I say that's been my approach. :)
I might go for the audiophile version if I think it is a significant improvement but would probably look at picking a mint original if possible.
rmcin626
16-08-2019, 18:25
Sure it will over weekend. And if I do I might put them on here first before discogs, top book is about 9k for them all. Obviously won't manage that but will get a decent % as they are mostly n mint or better
It’s been an interesting few days with the floor covered with records, takes me back. Really need to pick up an RCM as well soon.
rmcin626
16-08-2019, 18:28
Sure it will over weekend. And if I do I might put them on here first before discogs, top book is about 9k for them all. Obviously won't manage that but will get a decent % as they are mostly n mint or better
9K is a tidy sum Grant
rmcin626
16-08-2019, 18:32
Got one of them too lol
Thought you might
Pigmy Pony
18-08-2019, 17:22
Sure it will over weekend. And if I do I might put them on here first before discogs, top book is about 9k for them all. Obviously won't manage that but will get a decent % as they are mostly n mint or better
Going on previous posts I would say that Grant's taste in music is very similar to mine, and I have no doubt the condition of them would be first rate. Apart from the few that ended up rolling across the carpet :D
Pigmy Pony
18-08-2019, 17:26
Given the choice I would favour a near mint used original over a new reissue, which often seem to me a bit dull and slow sounding. I have wondered whether these heavyweight vinyls mess with the VTA a bit, as I'm told 2M Blacks are a bit finnicky.
Audio Al
18-08-2019, 17:42
Sure it will over weekend. And if I do I might put them on here first before discogs, top book is about 9k for them all. Obviously won't manage that but will get a decent % as they are mostly n mint or better
OK Grant deal
Your choise , 9K of steak / Chicken / Lamb / mince / beer :D
Idlewithnodrive
18-08-2019, 17:49
Given the choice I would favour a near mint used original over a new reissue
Same as this, though usually for sentimental over SQ reasons.
OK Grant deal
Your choise , 9K of steak / Chicken / Lamb / mince / beer :DGold?
I find the new pressings deteriorate very quickly. For example I bought the new Rory Gallagher album "Blues" and it is already crackling mainly at the beginning and end of the side. This happens frequently with new purchases even though this one was pushing £30 and they sometimes sound a bit flat.
Whereas,Live in Europe which is an old mangy copy costing £1 plays with more life to the sound albeit with a few more crackles.
I have a big soft spot for the old Decca full frequency and Island labels (palm and pink). That is where the magic is!
I find the new pressings deteriorate very quickly. For example I bought the new Rory Gallagher album "Blues" and it is already crackling mainly at the beginning and end of the side. This happens frequently with new purchases even though this one was pushing £30 and they sometimes sound a bit flat.
Whereas,Live in Europe which is an old mangy copy costing £1 plays with more life to the sound albeit with a few more crackles.
I have a big soft spot for the old Decca full frequency and Island labels (palm and pink). That is where the magic is!
is your arm and cart bang on? can be the cause of outer/inner wear, mistracking
is your arm and cart bang on? can be the cause of outer/inner wear, mistracking
Yes it is and has happened for quite a few years through various cartridge changes. I bought Aerial by Kate Bush when that came out and David Gilmour Live in Gdansk and both suffer.
Cartridges used have been Musicman moving iron, Ortofon Bronze, Benz Wood SL, Goldring Eroica, Koetsu Black and Ortofon Jubilee. They are not rusty old nails and I don't find a problem with older vinyl.
I am not convinced that the virgin vinyl pizzas that we are sold are that good. They seem very fragile and sensitive. Even my 70's RCA's play better except for Aladdin Sane which is trashed.
I have always felt older vinyl was tougher than the new stuff. Also not using virgin vinyl can have an effect, as can 200gm stuff as its thick enough to potentially cause occasional no fill.
Start of record has more than twice the grove distance per second to the end as well so that can affect things.
Alas vinyl can be problematic... my old 50's 60's records are tougher and play better than a lot of so called modern versions.. over stamping and poor quality control
Pigmy Pony
24-08-2019, 15:34
Yes it is and has happened for quite a few years through various cartridge changes. I bought Aerial by Kate Bush when that came out and David Gilmour Live in Gdansk and both suffer.
Cartridges used have been Musicman moving iron, Ortofon Bronze, Benz Wood SL, Goldring Eroica, Koetsu Black and Ortofon Jubilee. They are not rusty old nails and I don't find a problem with older vinyl.
I am not convinced that the virgin vinyl pizzas that we are sold are that good. They seem very fragile and sensitive. Even my 70's RCA's play better except for Aladdin Sane which is trashed.
Aerial by Kate Bush (Fish People) is quite well known for being a crap pressing, so that's probably going to sound bad whatever you do. That, combined with the silly prices asked for used copies persuaded me to go CD on that one :)
I think maybe the pressing plants are not taking the upturn in vinyl sales seriously, and are perhaps not prepared to pay for any proper investment or maintenance of equipment. Also all the folk who used to work for these places have long since retired or passed on to "side two". And maybe the replacement guys lack the talent/passion/raw materials to do the job properly. Just my theory.
Aerial by Kate Bush (Fish People) is quite well known for being a crap pressing, so that's probably going to sound bad whatever you do. That, combined with the silly prices asked for used copies persuaded me to go CD on that one :)
I think maybe the pressing plants are not taking the upturn in vinyl sales seriously, and are perhaps not prepared to pay for any proper investment or maintenance of equipment. Also all the folk who used to work for these places have long since retired or passed on to "side two". And maybe the replacement guys lack the talent/passion/raw materials to do the job properly. Just my theory.
I think it is a bit of emperor's new clothes with heavy duty virgin vinyl as it is not tough enough. You are right that the skills sets seem to be missing.
It probably won't affect me too much as my wife is convinced I am stuck in 1974. I have to agree. Now where is that Bad Co album?
Pigmy Pony
24-08-2019, 16:15
I think it is a bit of emperor's new clothes with heavy duty virgin vinyl as it is not tough enough. You are right that the skills sets seem to be missing.
It probably won't affect me too much as my wife is convinced I am stuck in 1974. I have to agree. Now where is that Bad Co album?
New vinyl is definitely not as tough - Ive lost count of the number of times I've given an album a second play, and found myself saying "Bloody hell, that big crackle wasn't there last time I played it!" Been disappointed so many times, its old pressings all the way from now on.
Crackles that move; ie, change position on record on another playing are often static. Just in case you come across it.
Pigmy Pony
24-08-2019, 16:28
Crackles that move; ie, change position on record on another playing are often static. Just in case you come across it.
Never considered that, but I will now.
I wonder why some records are more prone to static than others? Some records no problem, some relly need some persuasion to get them out of the sleeve, and I can feel my finger-hairs standing up. Strange.
get a milty zerostat.. great bits of kit
Avoid buying vinyl that is not black. PVC is transparent. It is made black coloured through the addition of carbon black, which being a conductor helps to prevent the generation of static.
Also be careful when using a 'static gun'; if not used properly you can end up charging the LP instead of discharging the static. Having a well watered potted plant nearby can help.
The problem with modern vinyl is twofold. First many of the skills needed in pressing vinyl have been lost, and second the reject rate used to be far, far higher than it is now. Quality standards have lapsed; sacrificed to maintain sales figures. That said, some of the so-called audiophile pressings can be very good, and any Japanese pressing can be relied upon (those having an 'obi' band); Japanese audiophiles have zero tolerance to less than perfect pressings.
Pigmy Pony
26-08-2019, 12:57
Avoid buying vinyl that is not black. PVC is transparent. It is made black coloured through the addition of carbon black, which being a conductor helps to prevent the generation of static.
Also be careful when using a 'static gun'; if not used properly you can end up charging the LP instead of discharging the static. Having a well watered potted plant nearby can help.
The problem with modern vinyl is twofold. First many of the skills needed in pressing vinyl have been lost, and second the reject rate used to be far, far higher than it is now. Quality standards have lapsed; sacrificed to maintain sales figures. That said, some of the so-called audiophile pressings can be very good, and any Japanese pressing can be relied upon (those having an 'obi' band); Japanese audiophiles have zero tolerance to less than perfect pressings.
Good to know! I only have a few coloured or picture discs, but was never happy with the sound.
I looked at the Milty static guns after Grant's post. Looks useful, but £50! :eek: And it looks like the spud guns we had as kids. Maybe I'll look out for a used example.
rmcin626
26-08-2019, 13:29
Bought the latest Springsteen album, didn’t pay enough attention it’s on blue vinyl.
Currently looking to replace my very old and worn Bob Dylan Blood on the Tracks, there are a variety of options.
Good to know! I only have a few coloured or picture discs, but was never happy with the sound.
I looked at the Milty static guns after Grant's post. Looks useful, but £50! :eek: And it looks like the spud guns we had as kids. Maybe I'll look out for a used example.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Milty-anti-static-gun/143364042478?epid=1505266600&hash=item216129aeee:g:vwMAAOSwCwxdUCwd
Bought the latest Springsteen album, didn’t pay enough attention it’s on blue vinyl.
Currently looking to replace my very old and worn Bob Dylan Blood on the Tracks, there are a variety of options.
Is that Western Skies? i saw a nice blue one with white star splatters. looked cool.. Probably be a collectors item some day
rmcin626
26-08-2019, 14:25
Is that Western Skies? i saw a nice blue one with white star splatters. looked cool.. Probably be a collectors item some day
Yes Grant, although not opened it, will let you know when I have.
Yes Grant, although not opened it, will let you know when I have.
ok, cheers... blood is still available new on vinyl by way
rmcin626
26-08-2019, 15:23
ok, cheers... blood is still available new on vinyl by way
Just debating wither to go for a mofi version, as it is my favourite Dylan album by a mile. But not the new one just about to released as that’s out my price range.
Just debating wither to go for a mofi version, as it is my favourite Dylan album by a mile. But not the new one just about to released as that’s out my price range.
usually about 50 quid a pop used. id just get the standard as its a decent recording, or mine was
im likely going to move out of vinyl in future i think. im actively ripping my collection of stuff i want to keep that isnt so easy or cheap to get on digital. not sure how long its going to take yet tho. Its quite hands on, but results are not bad at all.
rmcin626
26-08-2019, 15:59
im likely going to move out of vinyl in future i think. im actively ripping my collection of stuff i want to keep that isnt so easy or cheap to get on digital. not sure how long its going to take yet tho. Its quite hands on, but results are not bad at all.
I’m probably the opposite as I’ve been bringing the rest of my vinyl out of storage, as I have a bit more time now to listen to, and sorting out what’s going to stay what’s going. Will be buying an RCM soon to clean what’s being kept.
I’m probably the opposite as I’ve been bringing the rest of my vinyl out of storage, as I have a bit more time now to listen to, and sorting out what’s going to stay what’s going. Will be buying an RCM soon to clean what’s being kept.
if i was fitter i would keep them. if i do my moth rcm will go too..
vinylspinner
26-08-2019, 16:10
im likely going to move out of vinyl in future i think. im actively ripping my collection of stuff i want to keep that isnt so easy or cheap to get on digital. not sure how long its going to take yet tho. Its quite hands on, but results are not bad at all.
Hi Grant, send me a list if you do decide to move your vinyl on. I would be very interested, every record that I have had from you in the past has been in tip top condition.
Nigel
Hi Grant, send me a list if you do decide to move your vinyl on. I would be very interested, every record that I have had from you in the past has been in tip top condition.
Nigel
no bother nigel. I have made a list with all the details. Just got to decide to publish the link...lol ta for the vote .. i try to keep them as new
rmcin626
26-08-2019, 16:17
no bother nigel. I have made a list with all the details. Just got to decide to publish the link...lol ta for the vote .. i try to keep them as new
Very true, the John Martyn I picked up from you Grant was mint.
rmcin626
26-08-2019, 18:26
Is that Western Skies? i saw a nice blue one with white star splatters. looked cool.. Probably be a collectors item some day
26576
Nice blue vinyl, shame it’s going back side 2 is unplayable
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