New LP with pops + crackle, What is expected?

Viridian
I will buy the anti static gun and will try cleaning it on my Acoustat cleaner. But after all that should I except it with pops and crackles? This is a "master recording". What does that mean? Why did my much less expensive lp produce such a distortionless sound?

I like the good old quiet vinyl♫

I have never came across a new record that was so noisy that it was not listenable. On the other hand, like mentioned above, I clean them extensively before use. Unfortunately cracking that new record open for the first time just to look at a record that is pressed off center and scratch more than most of my used stuff has happened a number of times. In this case I usually return the item to acoustic sounds without even putting it on the table. Try to find reviews on the actual LP your trying to buy. Although pressings are not exactly consistent, I have found a number of good or bad reviews on a product most of the time will be quiet accurate.

Darren

The obvious has been stated. There is no such thing as a too clean record when using proper cleaning products.
As far as new goes, my experience has been negative. I have a hard time returning records to a indie store that can barely keep the lights on. Unplayable/defective vinyl will get returned, but pops and ticks I live with.
My last new purchase was a Simply Vinyl pressing and it flat out stunk. A friend heard it and said "it sounds like there is a blanket covering your speakers."
I buy 90%+ used overall.