2. analog
  3. 1108263461

What's wrong with classical music on vinyl?

As I go through my collection of classical music on vinyl, and get new ones from record stores and eBay, I notice that I am not impressed with the sound quality. Most of my pop music albums sound fine. The classical (even sealed), on the other hand, sounds full of static, noise, and pops that completely drown out the music. The rubber surrounds on my woofers ripple visibly, and the more intense passages become distorted (particulary the brass instruments). (And yes, I've tried it with minimal volume, to test the feedback theory, and with the same results.) I've tried extensive record cleaning with some of the most recommended products. On the other hand, my non-classical music sounds fine. Madonna, Yes, and Simon and Garfunkel play fine. So do Crosby Stills + Nash, REM, and Nickelback.

The only thing I can think of is that the classical music tends to be recorded at a much lower volume, thereby causing a low signal to noise ratio, whereas the pop music is inherently recorded at a higher volume, and this helps to drown out the noise.

I'm beginning to think that I should stick to CD's or brand-new 200g LP's for classical music from here on.

Any comments/suggestions?
sufentanil
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Eldartford forgot a critical disadvantage of vinyl: wear. The cheaper the pressing, the more wear and tear, with vinyl pieces being chiseled out and 'welded' somewhere else. Last record preservative proved to be helpful but not with already used albums. That, the cheaper quality of pressings and the exhorbitant prices going on in eBay for most good salsa LPS forced me to push the digital envelope: a Dan Wright modded belt drive transport.

Noise floor wise (continous), my vinyl rig is real low. The Creature is quiet and neutral--especially with the floating aluminum 'pistons' of the Dennensen air suspension supporting a granite slab. The impulse noises are what drive me nuts. One can only listen "through" so much.

***
g_m_c
443 posts
 
Wow, Psychicanimal had a direct drive turntable and a belt drive transport...

Is this hobby fun or what?
thommas
60 posts
 
Somehow my post was used by someone to imply I think you are an uninformed idiot. Wow!, no intent whatsoever. Not even close. I am not having your problem is what the post is about. Not one thing personal about you. Perhaps there may be other uniformed idiots out there.
mmhifi
36 posts
 
Good turntable,power supply,arm,cartridge,phonostage,stand and right setup dramatically diminishes surface noise, improves tracking and lowers sensitivity to damages. I am classical listener and actually don't tolerate classical music from digital source. 95% of my listnening is vinyl...

LP12/Valhalla,Power Plant
Aro,DV 17DII Karat
Naim Prefix/Supercap
Mana Reference Table
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Mr. Hifi, given your setup it's impossible you'll like digital but will love 'analog' sound. That's a subject all of its very own covered in the archives. On the other hand, I have a friend witha Nottingham Anna Log deck, Shelter cartridge and a CEC TL-1 w/ Audio Logic DAC and calls analog & digital "different flavors". It's all in the archives...

***
More to discover