2. analog
  3. 186030-145141

Vinyl Lovers

After a marathon session of ultrasonically cleaning some of my vinyl treasures, I discovered that a few of them had what I'll call "skip-scratches" on various cuts. I have many more to clean (i.e.  somewhere around 5 to 6 hundred, mostly original 60s & 70s LPs) and fully expect to encounter more bruised babies along the way, not all of which I'll probably replace with vinyl re-issues or re-pressings. Some of my all-time favorites, however, I definitely will want to replace, providing I can find good quality re-issues/re-pressings. I know there is much to learn about this, and I am just beginning to scratch the surface (no pun intended). For example, there are issues of so called "virgin vinyl", quality of the vinyl mix, thickness of vinyl, recording from original master tapes, if still in existence and in good condition, quality of the actual pressing process, etc., etc., etc.

So, I guess my question for you all who know much more about this than I, is where the best places are to buy the best quality vinyl re-issues or re-pressings. Local record shops are few and far between and most of them don't have much in the way of variety or stock in anything other than used records. I'm familiar with Discogs but, frankly, am reluctant to buy used records on-line because I don't entirely trust the purveyors' ratings and the endemic hassles of possible returns. Most of the re-issues/re-pressings I've purchased, thus far, have been from or through Music Direct. I've noticed that some of their offerings actually come from companies like:  Island Records; Impex; RHINO and other sources.

So, what are some of your go-to, solid, reputable standbys?

Thanks Much!

oldaudiophile
syr1990
15 posts
 

I second analog productions and reading about pressings on the Hoffman forums. Rhino also has some good releases. Look for mastering engineers such as Kevin Gray, Chris Bellman, Bernie Grundman, and Ryan K Smith. I think some of the quality AAA repressings can beat the originals (but not all of them).

Also, there are a number of YouTube channels dedicated to discussing quality pressings. Some include University of Vinyl, Steve Westman, 45 RPM Audiophile, The Pressing Matters. 

jdougs's avatar
jdougs
181 posts
 

I've bought nearly 1000 records on Discogs in the past 4-5 years and have had less than 10 that didn't meet expectations, a few approached $1000.  Two were fully refunded, a few more were partial refunds we both agreed to.  The others were not worth worrying about.  As mentioned above, I require at least a 99% rating and that must in most circumstances be based on at least 1000 reviews.  (I occasionally make exceptions for rare records)  Discogs is very reliable if you use a little common sense.

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
270 posts
 

in addition to Music Direct, Elusive Disc, and Acoustic Sounds, I’ve purchased direct from Blue Note (mainly jazz of course).  Still good idea to do independent research on quality of pressings.

wfowenmd
73 posts
 

Before purchasing new albums, consider a trial of cleaning a few using Perfect Vinyl Forever. I’ve used a top tier US-based cleaner, and found that Perfect Vinyl’s two step process renders an even better sound. However, they’re costly but can address some types of damaged albums. Of course, purchasing reissues also offers enhanced recording quality from remixing. 

oldaudiophile OP
283 posts
 

Thank you, all, for your responses to this post! The information you have provided is very much appreciated!

ghdprentice, in answer to your question, my core system is: MoFi Ultradeck+M (Mastertracker), McIntosh MA5200 and Revel Performa3 F206.

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