The Lifespan of an LP?

L.A.S.T. [Liquid Archival Sound Treatment] is a fluorocarbon-based record preservative and lubricant and leaves no discernable residue, adds no noise, and in my experience has rescued many a garage-sale disc from the trash. overall noise levels dropped by at least a record grade, formerly distorted records became more listenable. i am no chemist but it is claimed to add more elasticity to the top layer of molecules [supposedly 10 deep] in the vinyl groove, which help to reduce distortion and noise. one warning, NEVER leave the bottle cap off of it, as it will evaporate and it ain't exactly cheap. 

The Library of Congress did a study of archival audio storage in the 1980s. In this study they concluded that laminated media like tape and CDs had lifespans that were measured in years and a couple of decades, depending on storage. Non-laminated media, like LPs and the stampers that made them (if stored properly) will last decades and well into a century. I have LPs from the early 1950s that play fine- and are now 70 years old!

The Library of Congress did a study of archival audio storage in the 1980s. In this study they concluded that laminated media like tape and CDs had lifespans that were measured in years and a couple of decades, depending on storage.

Ralph, The CD is about to turn 40 next year and so far there have been very few reports of CDs failing.  I know that I have CDs from the 80s that still look and play just fine.  So I think we can scrap that LOC study.

I have a CD that was.....recalled (yes, you read it correctly). Years later, it still plays just fine.

You will wear out your stylus before you will wear down the vinyl. I have some records that are over 40-55 years old and still sound great..