The Great Vinyl Debate


Vinyl record prices are out of control. Their quality is also lacking: Too many poor pressings and cheap packaging (paper sleeves and cheap card stock outer sleeves) don't justify the price. My question is why is this happening?

I refuse to buy re-issues when used originals can still be had cut from the original analog sources to those that love to search for them (I get that some folks don't care for hunting/waiting) and ultimatly find them.

The trouble I have is with the price of "new vinyl." It varies of course, but both indie and major label vinyl records are grossly over priced IMO. I have no qualms about supported an artist whatsoever, however the average price for LPs both single and double and box sets are outragous.

Labels, distributors et. al. appear to be taking advantage of an inflated/exaggerated supply and demand equilibrium more so these days than ever before. Why is this? Even tho I've been hearing and reading about the vinyl resurgance since 2007 and the plethora of other documents stating that it's on the rise - even that vinyl is killing the compact disc - only 3 people where I work have turntables (that includes me) but I'm the only one that actually listens to, and buys records. In my world, I don't see the resurgance at all. But I do see inflated record prices along the lines of $46 for double LPs and $35 dollars for single LPs! These aren't re-issue inflated prices either - these are new music prices. And most if not all don't include "free MP3 downloads" (who wants MP3's anyway?)

Perhaps the recording industry believes that if they have a customer base that will pay $2000 for one foot of power cord or $10K+ for turntables (sans tonearm and cartridge) - we won't balk at $30 150 gram records or multi-hundred dollar box sets.

I'm a music lover not a sucka. Hey music industry mad men I'm on to you - the revolution is now....
notec
Tzh21y, you are kidding with that question? You know what, I had a long response written out, which I just deleted. I do not wish to debate the subject with you. Believe what ever you wish. I give in to your 25yrs of research and all the knowledge you have amassed. Enjoy them cds.
Post removed 
>>10-24-10: Notec
Unfortunately, we are "forced" to buy "new" vinyl.<<

OK, I'll try again. This time slower so you grasp the concept.

No....one....forces....you....to....buy.

Go digital if prices are prohibitive.
I feel the whole reissue problem has suffered from a variety of problems:

1) the actual plant capacity is strapped again, so quality can suffer as they try to meet production runs. Vinyl has always suffered when the actual pressing time is less the optimal. I find small press runs tend to sound better, especially with the Japanese and European labels.

2) the record labels may not actually hold the original "master tapes" and new reissues are pulled off a second or third generation master

3) the new "producer" readjusts the original mix to his vision

4) the new bluray and HD digital files are stunning, and with the right DAC, rival the best vinyl.