Cheers Dave....BTW, MRA refers to Mould Release Agent which is a chemical embedded in the vinyl compound to prevent the LPs sticking to the mould when they are manufactured.
There used to be a great debate, years ago, about whether to clean the stuff off the surface after it had settled (apparently vinyl can continue to "express" MRA for year/s afterwards...)
Some felt it acted as a stylus "lubricant" and refused to clean it while others maintained it was destructive/obstructive and must be removed at all costs.
The latter argument is probably a safe bet however it doesn't always manifest itself in an intrusive way. It probably depends on whether they got the formula right? (I'm no chemist so I hope those that are will forgive any misconceptions on my part - and should feel free to add to our knowledge on the subject :)
On the other hand, occasionally, I've seen/heard LPs that actually sounded damaged(!)- mistracking severely on peaks etc - and the only explanation was MRA. Once this was thoroughly removed the LP would play flawlessly.
All the best.....
There used to be a great debate, years ago, about whether to clean the stuff off the surface after it had settled (apparently vinyl can continue to "express" MRA for year/s afterwards...)
Some felt it acted as a stylus "lubricant" and refused to clean it while others maintained it was destructive/obstructive and must be removed at all costs.
The latter argument is probably a safe bet however it doesn't always manifest itself in an intrusive way. It probably depends on whether they got the formula right? (I'm no chemist so I hope those that are will forgive any misconceptions on my part - and should feel free to add to our knowledge on the subject :)
On the other hand, occasionally, I've seen/heard LPs that actually sounded damaged(!)- mistracking severely on peaks etc - and the only explanation was MRA. Once this was thoroughly removed the LP would play flawlessly.
All the best.....