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Why do mint-looking LPs sometimes play poorly?

I've purchased some older Japanese vinyl (e.g., pro-use LPs) and some older half-speed vinyl pressings (e.g., cbs mastersound) and on a few occasions, although they have *looked* perfect under very bright light, they play with quite a bit of surface noise. The LPs are not warped, and the surface noise persists after a thorough cleaning. Any insights or recommendations? Thanks!
schuyler1976
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Probably the original owner wasn't an audiophile and played it with wrong settings, too much VTF etc.
or
it was cleaned with RCM fluid which changed the structure of the vinyl. Vinyl from Japan is generally the very best when new.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
records which are subject to poor storage conditions for decades can look spectacular. even some that are sealed.
playpen
161 posts
 
I have had some success recleaning again than using microfiber towel and aquafina water pressing down firmly and spinning many times,then play and reclean with aquafina again.That cleaned up some noisy lp's I gave up on.I manually clean with the towel and water.Sometimes it works.
hevac1
812 posts
 
I have always cleaned my vinyl before it is played. I am now recleaning all my vinyl because the vinyl is much quieter with a final rinse with Aquafina water.
rccc
216 posts
 
Some vinyl formulations are inherently noisy
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