Shout out for Better Records

Viridian, I agree that Tom makes it sound as if he has the market cornered on the best-sounding pressings of a title. I sometimes wonder if he is treating records in some way to enhance their sonics. It just seems strange that he finds these great-sounding copies of records that have absolutely wretched sonics, but I have proof that he has done so. I remember going to several used record stores and buying a bunch of Heart Dreamboat Annie LP's. One of them, which appreared to be an original pressing based on writings in the trail-out, had bass extension and dynamics not found on other copies. Later I found a white label promo with the same stamper numbers and was surprised to find it sounded rather ordinary. Who knows why one record sounds better than another? Another thing that irks me about Tom is that he pushed DCC big-time until he had a falling-out with Steve Hoffman, and now of course, DCC is sonic garbage and killed by his hot stampers. Still, all in all, I have been impressed with most of the hot stampers.

One interesting thing that can't be denied...people are buying them. I just recieved their latest list of "hot stampers" and all the most expensive ones...gone. Sold out. Does that speak to something. Possibly.

Bongo..thanks for encouragement and revealing a little of yourself.

Once again, my simple-minded thread beginning has uncovered a wealth of information from you all who know far more than I. I really appreciate Bongo, Maria, and Viridian's comments re. "Hot Stampers". Even if I did have the money, my middle class roots wouldn't allow me to spend 400 on a record, Hot Stamper or not! I agree with Bongo--some of my best sounding records were 5-10 dollar lucky finds. A pass through the Nitty Gritty and you've got a gem! I'll stand by my original statement, though, that Better Records is good for just basic records, and they have good customer service.

Rosedanny - Absolutely. I share the same conflict about paying hundreds for an Lp. My idea of fun is finding a few hours to spend rummaging around flea markets or antique shops looking for cheap vinyl. As you, take it home, clean it up and see what my $2 investment got me.

Maria and Ghosthouse

I find a lot of great vinyl at Equator Books in Venice, CA (they recently secured access to 30,000 records from one of the best estates in LA) and Jive Time Records in Seattle.

Maria: I have seen some great Dylan product in recent months; in fact, the best copy of Nashville Skyline I have ever heard was playing over the store PA the last time I was in Equator. I always find five or six pristine albums at Jive Time and the instore staff always point out gems. Just got some superb Faces there. Sometimes I feel like I am a character out of Nic Hornsby's "High Fidelity."

I have found that Ameoba Records in Hollywood and SF are hit and miss. The bins are constantly being scoured and a lot of the vinyl is pretty beat up. The East Bay store seems to get better Jazz records.