New Re-Issue Vinyl: Surface Noise, Ticks, Pops....

Audiofeil,
What do you mean:
"Perhaps the system, not the vinyl, is the problem for those who complain about poor quality.
In this particular case, it appears to be a real possibility."?

I didn't see anything in this thread about the posters' systems. I don't think one needs a multi kilobuck system to enjoy vinyl. I started out with a very humble front end and yet I found a number of nice records that sounded better than their counterpart on cd. If your comment is based on prior knowledge of the poster(s)' system(s) then disregard.

Stiltskin,
I completely agree with you on the quality of the recording. No question there. One of the best sounding things to come out in recent years. I also wonder what the previous owner may have done to it that would not come off with several cleanings. I couldn't think of anything. maybe their setup was so bad it actually damaged the vinyl, but I've never really seen that happen. I've been looking for an excuse to try steaming. . . so perhaps this is it.

I can't speak for Audiofeil, but I think there is truth in his and Stiltskin's general point that one's system can make a real difference to enjoyment of vinyl or any other medium. The hobby generally seems to embrace that notion.

For me, the quality of results I obtain from the vinyl medium improves with upgrades to my analog front-end. Granted, a new cable or tonearm will not heal a scratch or remove dirt but, as my system improves I continue to be amazed at the amount of information (versus noise) there is to be discovered in the grooves. Records actually become quieter and sound better as my system evolves. I notice that some cartridges, turntables, phono stages and preamps can cause surface noise to be less noticeable - whether this results from shifting that noise to a different part of the frequency spectrum, or draining it away, or what, I don't know. I'm sure electronics don't know the difference between a B-flat and fly-spot on a record, but I've noticed certain analog components can yield more and certain others can yield less surface noise - or at least alter my subjective sense of annoyance or enjoyment resulting from a record that sounds noisy or quiet. Overall, system improvements have tended to improve my record collection.

Tim

Audiofeil takes great delight in being a curmudegeon about gear he deems subar. That's ok, it's part of his charm. However, I think he's deviating from a sensible viewpoint if he really believes what he says. Sure, better cartridges and tables reduce the intrusive nature of surface noise. However, if you tell me I've got to buy specific tables and cartidges to be able to enjoy vinyl, it seems we've reached a point where we're blaming the victim. Like some of you, I've been buying vinyl for 40 years, so I have a pretty good perspective of what quality of vinyl one can or should expect. When I'm spending what new vinyl costs these days, pardon me if I'd like to get quality pressings. From my experience buying thousands of lps over my life, I'd say there was a period at the end of vinyl era just prior to the cd when lp quality was a problem. Otherwise, the recent crop of releases I've bought exhibit more frequent issues than at any time in the past.

I was the original Quality Manager at RTI, from when they started in 1973 until I left in 1986. Yes there are other domestic pressing plants still operating. RTI had a much better rep when I was there, but then again I took the time to make certain everyone knew what they were doing. This included the matrix (plating) department. Can't say much for the place now, though.

I buy a lot of New Release vinyl and frankly the pressing quality from the US sucks. The new Portishead double LP is a prime example. Dishing or warps in the vinyl seem to my biggest problem and the US copy of portishead is no different.

I have now swapped it for a UK pressing and that is a lot flatter.

Generally I find that the Euro or UK pressings are a LOT better than their US couterparts, thou the US pressings are cheaper.

I am a bit like Tim, the better your system the less I hear a lot of these pops and click's.

Still you need to have a RCM and clean your LP's before playing and that gets rid of all or most of any annoying pops or clicks. One will never get the same quiet back grounds like CD.

With vinyl you either get it or you don't, and once you have enjoyed the great musical results you can get, it is hard to go back to CD.

Anyway, I am now buying a LP flattener direct from Japan which should fix any issues I have with dished or warped LP's from the USA.

cheers