just an observation for comment

I collect first pressings in several genres, and in general I prefer them to audiophile reissues, but there are exceptions. An example would be the Cisco reissue of Steely Dan Aja, which cannot be beat. Another example would be the Music Matters Blue Note reissues, which invariably blow away clean first pressings (I know because I have both).

The LP collector rule of thumb is to seek the original LP from the first stampers from the country of the recording's origin. Its rare that any reissue will sound better.

Totally agree with those reissue findings. But in the 70s and 80s very often there were British bands who's LP was pressed and released in both the UK and US. I would always look to see where the album was recorded. I think in this case the UK pressing sounded better due to the smaller production run and higher quality control. Case in point; Kate Bush, pressed in UK, US and Canada and then released.

My 2 cents:

Purchased King Crimson album at T.H.E. show last Jan.

It sounds like someone sneezed on it and let it dry.

Just the worst record ever.

I can't remember the table where purchased (NOT Music Direct or Acoustic Sounds).

If I can find the receipt, will try to get satisfaction this Jan.

Beware of strangers with candy...

For what it's worth......
Just finished comparing "new 45 RPM super duper brand new 200 gram pressings" of the Dead's American Beauty and the Allman Brothers' Idelwild South. My mint condition original LP's from my mid 1970's high school days, lovingly played over and over and over again for the past 38 or so years (and simply cleaned with an AQ carbon fiber brush for about 10 seconds per side prior to each playing), sound WAY better.

alot of folks making great points. i too have had the occasional new record or reissue sound great, but as much bad as good, and at thirty to forty dollars a pop , with better tech. and materials at forty bucks i should be impressed more than 50% of the time. dont they listen before they sell? an example a recent purchase of a queen reissue was so bad i only listened once then filed it away.but my neil young after the gold rush,fantastic. mostly just venting , as i love this hobby and love listening to music.