2. analog
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Do you know why

the vast majority of today's records are warped regardless of where they are pressed? This has come to a boiling point with me in the recent months. I've bought numerous records, most of them heavy vinyl as is the trend these days, and the vast, vast majority of them are seriously warped, to the point that I would not play them without my periphery ring. Warped heavy vinyl records have to me now become the norm. I suppose my anger and frustration have been particularly fueled by warped records pressed at RTI or QRP, which are considered and hold themselves to be the best pressing plants in the business.

I recently returned a Norah Jones album pressed at Kassem's QRP as it was horribly warped (in addition to being pressed off center), which I find absolutely unacceptable at a price of almost $40. Then I put on a brand new Black Sabbath album (Heaven & Hell with the late Dio) pressed at RTI and the record has warps and bumps throughout so bad that I can't even stand the thought of subjecting my Delos' suspension to over an hour-long torture test. Julie London superb sound-wise 45 rpm $50 reissue by BoxStar? Warped. Most of my MoFi albums, which are pressed at RTI as well, are also warped to some degree, although easily tamed with the ring, thankfully. So seriously, WTF?!!!!

In contrast, the vast majority of my used records from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, all of them pressed on the thinnest vinyl, are perfectly flat with a rare exception here and there.

I simply do not understand this phenomenon. Do you?
actusreus
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,784 posts
 
I would make the case that the records from the 70s and 80s were just as warped as anything produced today. I remember RCA Dynagroove records as the biggest offenders.

Rich
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Rich,
I have heard such comments before, but it certainly has not been the case in my experience. Record after record, new vinyl is flawed in one way or another, most frequently warped, while record after record, old vinyl I get is flat with some exceptions here and there. Just yesterday I bought a reissue of Rodriguez "Cold Fact," which is otherwise a beautifully done product, but the record is again warped quite badly (and it sounds awful, but I assume so did the original). It is obvious to me that the QC at pressing plants is seriously lacking nowadays, which to me seems a basic thing and not that hard to do.
csontos
1,311 posts
 
I remember back in the vinyl heydays (late 60's-late 70's), two issues came up regarding this issue. Records were getting thinner and thinner until the complaints reversed that trend. Then there was the recycled vinyl problem which caused pitting and brittleness. However, it was probably mass production that caused the warps; not giving the record enough time to cool before removal from the press. I wouldn't be surprised to find out those running the equipment are just not knowledgeable enough to generate a good product. Prior to the late 60's, records were beautiful.

As far as centering is concerned, I have the habit of finding center against the spindle and placing a pencil dot on that side of the hole. Otherwise, you're only listening to half the record set up properly, the difference being quite audible.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
I simply do not understand this phenomenon. Do you?
The cause is simple enough: rapid or uneven heating and/or cooling of the vinyl (especially if outside the pressure of the mold). If some parts of the product cool faster than others - as will happen if the LP is removed from the mold whilst still hot - unevenly distributed heat stresses will develop. These will continue to alter the shape of the product until cooling is completed. Voila! A warped record.

The cure is equally simple: the molten vinyl must be cooled evenly, gradually and completely before being removed from the mold.

The reason too-rapid cooling contines is either ignorance or perceived economic benefits from speedier production. I suspect the latter, but only the producers know their motivations - and they're unlikely to explain them here or anywhere.

Let your money do the talking. Return unacceptable products for a refund or replacement. This will tend to drive improvements; whether through the producer learning how, or that they must, produce a better product to remain profitable.
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