Is heavy vinyl worth it?

Heavy vinyl

Advantages: usually surface noise is less, less warpage, sometimes they are mastered from the original source tapes as opposed to 2nd or 3rd generation copies.

Longevity: usually higher quality vinyl that is longer lasting providing you keep your stylus and record surface clean.

How about Sonny Rollins "Way Out West" at 45 rpm? This limited edition vinyl record can be had for $50.

Check out this link:

http://www.analogueproductions.com/jazz/details.cfm?title_id=6009

Can one tell the difference? Yes.

Is it worth it? I know many in my audiophile group that have all twenty-five records in this edition.

Only you can decide whether it's worth it to you.

I've had mixed experiences with 180-200gm vinyl. Far too many discs were warped... some terribly so. I bought two Dylan LP sets on 180gm vinyl. I kept buying copies of "Highway 61 Revisited" because they were all so warped. I got tired of returning them and went back to an old mono version. "Live 66" is much better, but I think it is 150gm. Sibbilance can be an issue, too, with heavy vinyl, so adjusting your tonearm's VTA can be a hassle, esp. if you go from regular to heavy vinyl fairly frequently.

On the other hand, many of my heavy jazz LPs sound great, but on the whole, I won't spend the extra money.

The quality of the vinyl is usually better which results in lower surface noise and less pops and clicks, but it only really makes sense to consistently go 180gm and greater if you're willing to adjust your VTA (and other settings) on your tonearm.

I guess the answer must be, "it depends". For us the 180/200g issues are definitely worth it. At a minimum, classical reissues on heavy vinyl tend to have quieter surfaces and less warpage.