Why would anyone want 180g records ?

the worse this is 180/200g non fill... terrible

I agree with you about the non-fill, audiotomb. Oddly, notwithstanding all the 180g purchases I made in that early era, I never experienced this problem. I think I must have lived a charmed purchasing life.

The higher quality pressing plants now pressing 180g (like RTI and Optimal) seem to have gotten this under control today with proper attention being paid to temperature control. Quality Records (QRP) is the only plant I’m aware of currently pressing 200g and they’ve re-engineered their presses for this weight vinyl - all the LPs I’ve received from them have been perfect.

And, with these 180g and 200g pressings, changing VTA is a must. I know a number of otherwise highly critical listeners who don’t change their VTA with different pressings and it makes me wonder how they can truly evaluate the sound quality. If you’re tonearm doesn’t easily allow for changing VTA (actually SRA), I understand how all of these different pressing weights turn into a big pain in the tuckus.

(For those interested, there are a number of good posts on Audiogon about changing VTA/SRA and the differences this makes.)

Great insight Rushton

i have had my share of quality control issues from Quality Records / Acoustic Sounds - including nonfill

if you don't know what it is, if you hear what sounds like loud tearing of newspapers for short sections thats it

I have even had whole sides affected

if you don't know what it is, if you hear what sounds like loud tearing of newspapers for short sections that's it

Yes, it sounds like the stylus has been ripped off you cantilever and only that is now dragging in the groove.

Put simply, vinyl weight promises nothing but extra grams of PVC.

Vintage London FFRR blue backs and most of vintage HMV UK shaded dogs are over 200g. Still wonder what can sound better than those once pressed very long time ago. Most of german DGG with tulips on label were 180g+. I would wonder what records in general would sound any better at any time.