What should I look for when purchasing a quality album?

thecarp, Sorry I misconstrued your earlier post. I grew up in New Haven, and my wife is from Deep River. Although I live in MD near DC, we visit CT fairly often. Can you divulge the name of the record store in Mystic?  Not that I am much of a buyer these days.  With 3000 LPs, some of them inherited from the estate of a friend, I feel like I have "enough" LPs. I frequently find one that I did not know I had.  Digging through my collection is almost like shopping for a new LP.

First and foremost, like the music (or whatever) on that record. For many records, there is one version/pressing etc. particularly true for newer releases. 

A technically bad recording that engages you is more enjoyable than some UHQR record of music that you don't like. I don't have a single "audiophile" recording (Mofi, AP, Craft, etc.) as none of that music is for me. Dark Side bores me to tears; I heard it in the 80s, don't have it in my collection. So the first question is: What type of music do YOU like? Only then and if there are multiple versions available can you get into the quality game. 

I recently noted that The Outcast Single compilation 1978-1985 form 2023 sounds dreadful compared to my OG LP/EPs from 1982. A rare instance of noting sound quality differences in records in my collection. In other cases, say The Cure "Faith" OG vs. audiophile 180g repress: no difference.

So again, first identify the music YOU like. 

@lewm ,

Yes, it’s called Mystic Disc. Little place stuffed with albums. If you’re planning to be in that area any time let me know and I’ll give you the scoop on which restaurants are the best, especially if you like oysters. Love Deep River! That whole area is gorgeous. Planning on making reservations on the Essex Steam Train for their Fall Dinner Excursion. Gotta get those tickets early. Funny, I was just up Rt.9 a couple days ago. I grew up in Preston.

I'm not sure anyone has mentioned Goldmine rating scale for used records. This is important to know IMO.Learn it and you will know how much snap crackle & pop will be in those grooves. You can do this just by looking at the album. A good dealer/seller will grade the record properly. Unfortunately, the vinyl resurgence has brought a lot of people into the sales end who know little or noting about Goldmine. Their description says something like, "looks great" or "no skips". Some will offer a play graded album with their cheap blunt stylus TT which they will say sounds good. And it may ...to them. But a properly maintained and setup TT will show the flaws.The truth is you'd better stay away from those people.

I don't buy many today because I bought most of mine in the early 2000's. But I wouldn't buy/play anything less than a VG+.

Goldmine

Goldmine is fine as a guide to estimating condition, but some of the $ values they place on some LPs strike me as ridiculous (too high). That gives sellers the cache' to ask high prices using Goldmine as a reference.