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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?
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cmk
397 posts
 
I think Doug's answer sums it up best. Classical music does place more demands on the playback system. Noise of any sort tends to be exaggerated during quiet passages which are common with classical music.

I too did have problems with classical stuff. I solved them by :
a) changing my cart - the old one after 7 years of use tended to be noisy
b) getting a better RCM - the PRC 2.5
c) getting classical LPs from better sources and/or better quality - very few VG+ more NM or even sealed copies

Although my system still picks up noises, after vigourous cleaning, 2 rounds on the PRC with a alcohol/detergent then wash, I am quite certain the LP is cleaned to its best extent possible and hear more of the music than noise. The PRC managed to save some really dirty stuff and restored them to good health.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Jfrech...Thanks for the kind offer but it probably is not practical. And not necessary, as I do have ample oportunity to hear good LP playback systems.

About the Ferrari, my Honda CRV will take it on the rutted dirt roads around here. And sending the engine back to Italy for overhaul is a drag.
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
Right on the money!Not only does classical music place more demands on the system,it is also FAR more difficult for a cartridge to track the complex and massive forces,with the instrumental variety involved.This is where proper arm/cartridge set up is SUPREMELY important.Unfortunately,this is a tough task,so,I'm not blaming those who want to take a shot at the vinyl crowd.However,unless you are really impatient or inept,wonderful results can be had!Now I have to go and listen to my new CD of Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orch. doing the sound track to the latest Ken Burns Documentary---"Unbearable Blackness",WOW it's not half bad,for mere digital!Actually,the music is SO DAMN GOOD that I'm not thinking about the storage medium.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
I know why Eldart is not accepting the plane ticket...

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tabard
6 posts
 
Unfortunetly now almost all CD's will sound better than LP until you can get a system that can dig the music out. Then you will wonder however did CD,s get their foot in the door. My personnel opinion is the Minumum LP system 2nd hand should cost around $1000. Must for the budget system is a Modified Rega RB250, ($400) and a Sumiko blue piont ($150) and deck. I use a Sota. If you want to get nearer the CD sound buy a Lynn or Micheal. Lots of good steals about at present. Also a seperate phono amp is a must and a cleaning m/c. All up $1400 to S1500, A system as the above would out play any CD player up to $3000-$4000.
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