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New record=Bad Sound

Hey all, I just put on a new record purchased yesterday. Everything sounds good except the mids. It almost sounds like its recorded too hot and its peaking at the meters.

This album is dear to me. I grew up with this band and know it is not recorded that way.

Do you think this New record {sealed when I bought it, came out in 1989-90} could use a good steam clean?

I do not have a way to clean records other than the Discwasher system.

Or should I take it back to my record store and get my cash back?

{First post :-)}
photodusty
musicslug
430 posts
 
pressings vary tremendously, individual runs withing pressings vary... if you tell us which LP this is, there may be forum members who can weigh in on which versions are best.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Are there similar problems with other records?

If so, check alignment.

I wouldn't rely too heavily on "sonic memory". It is very poor even for the most sophisticated listener.
chashmal
605 posts
 
Different runs of the same records can have very different sounds thanks to the differences in the pressings.

I collect multiple copies of my favorite ones, so I can prove that the differences outweigh our expectations. If you want consistency get a CD...but as you know, that will just not do.

If the album in question is really a favorite try multiple copies and compare. Its fun!
photodusty OP
100 posts
 
Thanks all,

I did all my research and went the steam cleaning method described here in another forum.

Still blech! In fact I did 2 other albums and can say that they are defects.

The album in questions is fIREHOSE, fROMOHIO.

Great band but this album is pressed terrible. I am listening to the cd as we speak. Nice.

The other album I steam cleaned was Coldplay, Parachutes. On side 2 I have many noises and pops and its really distracting. I steamed and still there. Too bad, I guess with that album I choose cd.
chashmal
605 posts
 
Don't give up on vinyl so fast. If you can, play the album in question on another TT, maybe one that dwarfs yours in price (I don't know what you have) and see. Maybe that diamond is not getting far in there, or maybe it is not aligned. I assume this is not the issue, but it would be interesting to hear. I still bet it is a bad pressing with mold release fluid dried in the grooves.

In the end it would not hurt to have the old VPI 16.5 RCM on hand. Might be worth thinking about.
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