Do I 'Hafta' clean a brand new audiophile LP?

Yes. I could say a lot more but the first sentence really says it all.

What first sentence?

Absolutely, you 'Hafta'.

Trust us.

The record making process sometimes leaves crud in the grooves that you can't see, but it is there. Playing the record, even just once, will push the crud in so you can never get it out. Plus, the crud coats the stylus.

The "Yes" sentence. Sorry if I was vague.

Jb,

Clean the damn record or send it to me and I'll clean it for you! Roy ain't gonna sing "Pretty Woman" with crud in his throat.

:>) Regards, and yes do clean all your records, they'll last longer.