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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
actusreus
733 posts
 
04-01-15: Mapman
NEw vinyl is a big cash grab IMHO. I don't understand why people would subject themselves to it, especially those who remember the golden days of vinyl.

There are many re-releases that are very desirable for analog audiophiles, especially the younger ones like myself. I see many re-issues done by Kevin Gray or Steve Hoffman using the analog tapes as the source, which are hard to resist. For example, Kevin Gray's remastering of Kate Bush "The Sensual World" is simply superb, much better than the already great-sounding original. It's a must-have for any Kate Bush fan. Too bad that such tremendous efforts are wasted by the shoddy pressing jobs.
analogluvr
859 posts
 
Downunder, I too think that 180 g is the culprit. The thinner stuff would be flexible and spring back and the heavy stuff assumes a warp
raymonda
855 posts
 
I have plenty of 180's and 200's that are flat. That is not to say that there is an advantage of heavy over thin but the real issue is poor QC.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Don't these companies notice the high rate of defective returns? Or is it factored into the cost of doing business.
Clearly, they're not going to change their process.

Does anybody know what Steve Hoffman has to say regarding the high number of poor quality vinyl being released?
raymonda
855 posts
 
Great question lowrider.
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