Quality of Analogue Productions pressings


I was extremely excited about Chad Kassem's new pressing facility in Kansas ever since Michael Fremer cover this new development in an issue of Stereophile several months ago. Finally, a pressing plant designed and built by an audiophile for audiophiles, I rejoiced. Fremer's review of "Tea for the Tillerman," the first pressing released from the plant, reaffirmed my excitement. So with high hopes and expectations I finally purchased my first AP reissue, Norah Jones "Feels Like Home." Mastered by Kevin Gray, pressed at Kassem's in-house pressing plant QRP. "Innovation + Precision = Best LPs Ever Pressed" is their tag line. Sweet. I paid over $40 for the record, which appears to be a bit more than what some of the online retailers sell it for, but what the hell, I thought, I want to support my local record store.

The vinyl looked beautiful, and the artwork was top notch. I cleaned it on my RCM using the AIVS 3-step formula. Upon closer inspection, there was a white piece of debris lodged into the last song on Side A that could not be removed. No big deal, I thought. I then put the record on.

Side A was so warped, the record looked like it wanted to take off from the platter. I don't think the edge of the record even touched the platter at all. Luckily, I have the VPI periphery ring, which took care of the problem. Then, from the moment the stylus touched the record surface, there was an audible surface noise throughout the entire album in the left channel. I'd blame my set-up if it wasn't for the fact that numerous other records from my collection, bought new or used, do not have this noise.

Side B, aside from the surface noise, was also pressed off center.

I do admit the sound was quite good, especially Jones' voice, if I ignored the constant left channel noise. But I then put on my beat-up $5 copy of "Fleetwood Mac" and the thing was more quiet and sounded simply better.

For $35-$40, I find the quality of this pressing absolutely unacceptable, whether it's an exception or not. And it was extremely disappointing to see another reissue fail (not that there were ever Norah Jones original pressings to begin with, but her CDs sound pretty darn good) from a highly respected company that charges premium dollars for its product and makes pretty bold claims about its quality.

I thought I'd share this as I'm very frustrated after spending over $40 for this lemon.
actusreus
I have Patsy Clines Greatest Hits from QRP and it is easily one of my best records ever dead quite and Patsy Voice has never sounded any better. I am sure they would happily exchange your record for one that is clear as a bell they do not want bad copy's circulating.
The best audiophile pressings I've purchased we're from Cisco. However, I too have had a lot of issues with new vinyl. My theory is that pressings have always had issuess but the used vinyl I purchase has been "pre-sorted" by the music lovers before us.

They just returned or tossed the bad vinyl in the 60's and 70's. I NEVER buy NOS sealed vinyl, usually warped as hell
I have had and are currently having issues with QRP 45 rpm pressings.Issues are:off center pressings,lumpy vinyl causing audible thumps ,loud pops and lastly,definite warps.These lps are advertised as "the best ever pressings"  and we are paying a premium for these,so why aren't they? Chad is trying so hard which is highly commendable,,however his quality control team is sleeping on the job.Yes,elusive disc and Asounds accept returns,but you have to pay return shipping and go to the post office and wait for the next copy and when that one is defective also,OUCH! Why can't it be done right the first-time? What happened to quality vs quantity? Let's slow down and produce Stellar pressings to go with your already stellar jackets!