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Why are records still warped?

This is more of a grouse than anything because I know the molding process won't ever be perfect. Still, here we are in the 21st century in the midst of a vinyl revival. Artists get it and are trying to satisfy us geeks with tasty pressings.

Cases in point are Bennett & Gaga's "Cheek to Cheek" and Lennox' "Nostalgia." Ordered both of them in (live in the sticks so no local source) and one dished, the other warped. Neither are unplayable, but both conditions are audible. Disappointing to say the least on such outstanding efforts.

The same week they arrived, I got copies of Hampton's "Silver Vibes" (mono) and Mendes' "Look Around" used at a swap meet. Perfectly flat with outstanding fidelity, especially considering their age.

Many of my "not" Golden-era pressings from the mid-70s through late-80s also lived up to expectations when I got them home. Many more did not, and that's why I ended up jumping on the CD bandwagon with a Sony CDP-101 in 1983.

In 2015, my digital playback deck is about 1000% better, CDs are better, SACDs are even better still, HD downloads can be superb, but still none of them best vinyl at its best. Unless it's warped.

We have the technology, know better and can better control the process. So, what is up with the warp thing? Is it laziness, budget or what?!?
effischer
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Many of my "not" Golden-era pressings from the mid-70s through late-80s also lived up to expectations when I got them home. Many more did not, and that's why I ended up jumping on the CD bandwagon with a Sony CDP-101 in 1983."

For me, those are some of the best records I own. Just regular ones that were lightly used, and just sitting on someone shelf and just listed the whole lot on ebay.

Getting back to your original question, the records may not be warped from the factory. It could have been neglect from some point after they left. I don't know what kind of TT you have, but my VPI has a screw on clamp that works very well. If its something you can get for yours, I would say its definitely worth the money.
vegasears
1,173 posts
 
03-30-15: Zd542
"Many of my "not" Golden-era pressings from the mid-70s through late-80s also lived up to expectations when I got them home. Many more did not, and that's why I ended up jumping on the CD bandwagon with a Sony CDP-101 in 1983."

Me too, back in the late 70's early 80's I would have the record store open the LP and put in on their turntable before it paid.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Why is the sky blue???
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,874 posts
 
New LPs are warped either because they were removed from the LP stamper before they had cooled sufficiently, or because they were not transported and stored properly after they left the pressing plant, or both. But what you are really asking is why, when everyone knows the above is the case, are the measured necessary to prevent warps from developing not taken? Good question. Chad?
raymonda
855 posts
 
About 50 to 65 percent of the new vinyl I purchase is either warped, dished or has some sort of serious flaw. I buy a lot of vinyl and find it disconcerting at best. This seems to be the trend and increasing of the past 3 years. I've been buying vinyl for over 45 years.

I now only buy from a vendor which accepts returns because of this problem.
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