2. analog
  3. 123676-23119

RCA Classic Records-180 versus 200 gram

recently saw a Canadian? Ebay seller claiming that the earlier 180 gram Classic reissues of the RCA recordings are worth more than the recent 200 gram pressings. Some story about the pressing plants not really knowing what they were doing or some such. Is this indeed true? I have noticed some sealed copies selling recently fron an Ebayer in austin for only $20 but the listing failed to mention the weight. Many thanks,LS
trytone
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
The originals are pretty good, but many have very noisy vinyl and if you do find a good one, it will take a long time because most are in horrible condition.  The classics are very good.  I am very lucky to have the ones I do have.  These were done with care, very rare these days
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Original in prime condition is way to go. London FFss, RCA shaded dog... No 180g or 200g will compare ever. Also check 80's 45rpm Angel releases. Not sure how heavy they are, but sound is fantastic. 
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I do not agree.  I understand what you are saying but many of these records are so damaged and worn. To find a playable copy is difficult.  The London/Decca recording are fantastic, much better than the speakers corners but the rca shaded dogs are very hard to come by in playable condition.  eBay is a crap shoot.  The classics are very good and the engineering was done on many of them with the original engineers present during the mastering.  The local used record store never have classical  the record shows do not either.  Some of the original RCA's, if in very good condition are amazing, agree.  But find them.  You could pay a large sum of money and get garbage. If you find a mint copy of the reiner pines of Rome, and it is not 100.00+., by all means, grab it

 
analogluvr
859 posts
 
I heard that pretty much all of the 180gr classic records are good but the 200gr had some quality control issues. There are definitely good 200s out there but it is more of a crap shoot. I wouldn't bother with originals unless I could examine them in person or buy from a reputable dealer with returns. 
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
tzh21y,
Welcome to my world, where you can find original RCA shaded dog, London FFss blue-backs, Deutcshe Grammophon - red stereo- tulip in MINT and only MINT condition. Original London FFss are somewhere in 150g range and will easily humiliate any 180 or 200gr re-issues.
My ultra high-end classical catalogue includes
Heifez -- Beethoven -- Violin Concerto in D -- shaded dog plum color 2s/2s
Ansermet -- Stravinsky -- Petrushka -- FFss blue-back
Michael Rabin -- Tchaikovsky -- Concerto in D -- Angel UK
Van Cliburn -- Rachmaninoff -- Piano Concerto 3 -- Mercury Living Stereo
Rafael Kubelik -- Smetana -- Ma Vlast -- DGG red stereo

More to discover