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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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styx
37 posts
 
Cmk,

A comparission between CD and LP from the same recording is a problem. I have Moussorgsky's 'Pictures At An Exhibition' on 45rpm, 33rpm 1S and SACD from Classic Records. All the same recordings. And the SACD sounds rather blanketed. A lot of blankets. But when I listen to the new recordings, like the Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto from Anne-Sophie Mutter then this is totally different. This sounds pretty close to my vinyl rig. And I don't have my 'good' SACD player yet. It seams to me that they improved a lot in the new recordings. Unfortunately there is no way to know because I have not found a new recording on SACD and LP yet. I am talking about classical music. Perhaps someone can enlighten me.
cmk
397 posts
 
Styx
You could probably find CD and LP versions of classical music during the time when both formats were still competing with each other, circa 70s-early 80s. Nowadays its just CDs and SACDs. There are good SACDs, and there are not-so-good SACDs, a lot depends on the process before the pressing. The format has its advantages, but it cannot atone for the sins of a bad recording engineer. IMO due to the hi resolution afforded by SACD, it just exacerbates errors. I'm not aware of any new SACD and LP classical issues at the moment.
styx
37 posts
 
Cmk
I 100% agree. Although the process before pressing counts for vinyl as well. There are a lot of bad vinyl. And unfortunately you can not judge by the label. You have to buy them and find out later what is good and what is junk. Although I have to admit that I am very pleased with the reissues from Classic Records. Not so with the condition of the LPs. But there are labels which are worse. Anyways, we should perhaps listen more to the classical interpretation. I am glad that I am not biased in one direction. Otherwise I could not have enjoyed Tchaikovskys 'Serenade for Strings Op.48' from the Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra with Marco Boni PentaTone (SACD) at this afternoon. Recorded in 2002. Or I would not listen to Karajan's interpretation of Dvoraks 9th - DGG (Vinyl) 138 922, at this evening. Recorded in 1964.;)
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Styx,

Although I have to admit that I am very pleased with the reissues from Classic Records. Not so with the condition of the LPs.

Are you saying the LP's you have from Classic Records are not satisfactory? If so, I am surprised. The ones I have are extremely good, generally free of all defects and sound excellent.
cmk
397 posts
 
Styx
Yes, certainly regardless of format, the process before pressing probably makes a bigger impact than we would like it to.

I've to admit, I'm somewhat biased towards analog, though I do appreciate good performances on CD/SACD. Pentatone does have a very good classical issues, both new and old recordings. I myself like the Dvorak No.9 by Yakov Kreizberg, Netherlands PO on Pentatone 5186 019 recorded 2003. Then I'll do a switch and listen to Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings by Karajan, Berlin PO recorded 1967.
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