Record Sleeve Recommendation

The only record sleeves I would now purchase are the Mobile Fidelity (inner) sleeves. They are more expensive but they work as intended and the quality control tends to be more consistent than sleeves from other sources.

The poly-lined paper sleeves from Acoustic Sounds do leave the record exposed to contaminants from the record jacket. I've had dust/paper bits/etc. from older record jackets end up on the exposed portion of the LP. After spending a lot of time and trouble to clean them and protect them, I'm not willing to have the cleaned LPs subjected to contamination just because the sleeve wasn't designed properly. If they fix the design and manufacture so that the LP is fully covered the sleeves would be excellent for the money.

I no longer order any sleeves from other sources or manufacturers due to poor design or inconsistent quality control. If someone finds a source other than Mobile Fidelity that has a well designed sleeve and consistent quality control, I'd be willing to give them a try.

Tom

I too use the MoFi sleeves. I have never had a problem with them. Bought in large quantities, the price seems reasonable.

The poly lined sleeves tend to leave "wipe" marks on the surface of the record and are more prone to static.

Most if not all aftermarket sleeves are better than the standard paper sleeves. I use mofi myself as replacements for the paper sleeves. The clear sleaves with the rounded end that come with most japenese pressings are nice the way they easily slide back into the jacket. I haven,t had a problem with them and the last Classic Records issue I bought of Neil Young at Massey Hall had these for sleeves instead of the poly lined rice paper. I don,t like having any of the lp exposed after cleaning them either but it is still better than the plain paper sleeves.Most of the sellers I buy from sell and ship the albums with the poly lined sleeves anyway. I use those japenese outer sleeves with the resealable opening over the jacket to ensure no dust or debris finds it way inside. Cheers

I agree with the MOFIs-more expensive, but worth it. Never had any 'snagging' issues-not sure what you mean. The corners tend to fold over as you slide them into the jackets, but that's not really an issue.

As for using paper sleeves on the chance that your house burns down-that's like parking your car outside in case your garage catches fire. Paper sleeves are the worst thing this side of sandpaper sleeves to store your records.