Beware poor sounding media

Poor sounding records are plentiful. That's why I appreciate the options to semi control some of their inadequacies. More specifically tone down the bright ones and liven up the dull ones. On digital I do it with the DAC OS filters and NOS settings, on analogue it's done with the phono preamp ohms settings. And I do it all from the listening seat with remote controls. No equalizer since I don't want to change the original intent, just looking for subtle overall fine tuning to my ears. 

Here’s a shocker. Get ready…..most records are just average. Some are better than average and some way better. Other below average. Goes for recordings in general as well. Lord help us!

If there is no bad, good means nothing

The poor production albums are a disappointment, but the good ones and the superior ones certainly make up for it.  Fortunately, I have far more range from good to superior, than not.  It's truly a shame that mass produced albums typically began with a quality recording but the mass production process often times fell to poor quality of pressings (and all of the steps involved).  Greed took priority over quality.  I plan on adding a second tonearm to my turntable (fortunately, it is capable) and will play those inferior ones on a lesser quality cartridge.  The main purpose being not to add hours on a very expensive cartridge.  The music still prevails for me to want to listen to it, even if the album SQ is less than stellar.  But wow, those great ones sure are a pleasure.  The more my system has improved the greater the enjoyment of excellent analog playback.

I think my two primary examples for truly bad recordings are Josh Groban (Self Titled) and Josh Groban Closer. A friend of mine messaged me within the last couple of weeks after an attempt to listen to one of these CDs and lamenting the fact that it wasn’t possible to enjoy the music.