2. analog
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Quality of Analogue Productions pressings

I was extremely excited about Chad Kassem's new pressing facility in Kansas ever since Michael Fremer cover this new development in an issue of Stereophile several months ago. Finally, a pressing plant designed and built by an audiophile for audiophiles, I rejoiced. Fremer's review of "Tea for the Tillerman," the first pressing released from the plant, reaffirmed my excitement. So with high hopes and expectations I finally purchased my first AP reissue, Norah Jones "Feels Like Home." Mastered by Kevin Gray, pressed at Kassem's in-house pressing plant QRP. "Innovation + Precision = Best LPs Ever Pressed" is their tag line. Sweet. I paid over $40 for the record, which appears to be a bit more than what some of the online retailers sell it for, but what the hell, I thought, I want to support my local record store.

The vinyl looked beautiful, and the artwork was top notch. I cleaned it on my RCM using the AIVS 3-step formula. Upon closer inspection, there was a white piece of debris lodged into the last song on Side A that could not be removed. No big deal, I thought. I then put the record on.

Side A was so warped, the record looked like it wanted to take off from the platter. I don't think the edge of the record even touched the platter at all. Luckily, I have the VPI periphery ring, which took care of the problem. Then, from the moment the stylus touched the record surface, there was an audible surface noise throughout the entire album in the left channel. I'd blame my set-up if it wasn't for the fact that numerous other records from my collection, bought new or used, do not have this noise.

Side B, aside from the surface noise, was also pressed off center.

I do admit the sound was quite good, especially Jones' voice, if I ignored the constant left channel noise. But I then put on my beat-up $5 copy of "Fleetwood Mac" and the thing was more quiet and sounded simply better.

For $35-$40, I find the quality of this pressing absolutely unacceptable, whether it's an exception or not. And it was extremely disappointing to see another reissue fail (not that there were ever Norah Jones original pressings to begin with, but her CDs sound pretty darn good) from a highly respected company that charges premium dollars for its product and makes pretty bold claims about its quality.

I thought I'd share this as I'm very frustrated after spending over $40 for this lemon.
actusreus
dodgealum
1,399 posts
 
Update: Just received three titles all QRP and played two of them (Soular Energy and Time Out both 45prm) yesterday. Dead quiet, flat and round.

Actusreus: Overall, Acoustic Sounds return policy and customer service is phenomenal. They have bent over backwards to make sure I am a happy customer and they have earned my loyalty. I have a toddler and on several occasions I have purchased LPs and not had time to play them for months, only to find a flawed pressing and they have taken care of me. They are particularly accommodating with LPs pressed at QRP, which they will replace without you having to pay for shipping the defective copy to them. Call them, ask for someone in returns and they will take care of you. When they do, I would suggest you continue to purchase directly from them rather than another vendor. I do get the sense they have been very good to me because they can see my customer history how much of my limited discretionary income has gone their way!
chipcarterdc
22 posts
 
I'll just second the general awesomeness of Acoustic Sounds. I've bought probably 90% of my collection from them and have nothing but good experiences.
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
I emailed AS, and after about a week of waiting, I received a nice response from an individual email account at AS, apologizing for my disappointment and offering to exchange the record. I responded the same day asking to clarify shipping charges, and asking for an RMA number (which the person offered to email me). As of today, a week later, I still have not received a reply. That's definitely NOT a great customer service.
rsf507
2,236 posts
 
Twice now I've had to return albums to AS and had to pay shipping BOTH ways with no credit given even for the 1st shipping charges. Will NEVER use AS again.
saki70
907 posts
 
I spent $20 for a used George Harrison album that actually was in pretty good shape . But the amount of compression was so bad , it just ruined the whole thing ! And this is from an artist who owns his own recording studio and company , Apple Records !!! Just really sad .

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