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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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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.
styx
37 posts
 
Albert,
I perhaps did exaggerate a little bit. But lately I bought 4 of the 5 Classic Records 1S boxes. There are some records which have goo or scratches or lots of clicks/pops on them. And you can not send them back. After all I am happy that I could find those records at all. The sound is outstanding. Especially from those 1S. It is better than my 45rpm. But there are those little imperfections. Now, everybody has a different point of view. I am very particular about it. If I receive a LP which has a even a small scratch on it I'll send it back. Now I am off for my next lesson.

Cmk,
I was biased toward analog to. But it just restricts my horizon. I even started to take piano lessons to better understand music. We have a baby grand from Kawai with a piano disc system. You know, you put a midi diskette in and it starts to play. Yesterday I was listening to the Pictures At An Exhibition suite from Mussorgsky. Very refreshing. I wish I had a whole orchestra, than I wouldn't need those canned music.;) But than I wouldn't be here and discus HighEnd with others, which is a lot of fun.
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Styx, Now I understand. I too would be upset with scratches and noise on a brand new premium LP. Luckily my Classic Records reissues did not have these problems.

I assume those 1S stampers were premium priced? If so, the disappointment would be even greater.
styx
37 posts
 
Albert, one I could buy used for $200 used. There were on each side a finger print. So the pre-owner did not know how to handle vinyl, or didn't care. But the condition is very good consider the price. Two of the boxes I got for $400 (sealed) each from theMusic.com. I guess they still have some left. And one I bought here on agon for $475 (sealed), The Export box which was not for sale in the US. This is actually the worst one. But you don't know when you buy sealed one. Last time I bought a sealed DMM from ebay and the record was scratched all over. And had some nasty marks on it. I guess the record was to much moved around and/or was badly stored.
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