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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
has2be's avatar
has2be
555 posts
 
The cartridge is mounted to a small bracket for lack of a better term . The bracket swivels as it is mounted at one spot or a pivot if you will to the arm. I still cant beleive how good it sounded or how well it tracked,but as I said before I just could not see 1400 bucks worth of product and quite fragile wiring by its design.It is not mounted either it literally is just set in place. The actual arm wand is very strong and stiff as it is actually a small I beam to eliminate flexing leaving that to the swivel. However if I was wealthy enough that 1400 was nothing to me I would undoubtabley buy one. I have a freind who uses it while his 4000 dollar arm now sits idle. He has had to rewire it twice at 250 a pop yet it does not deter him. Its kind of eclectic, and cheap in appearnce, big on price in my opinion anyway ,but it sure sounds like its worth more. Google Sakura RS1 and you can see it and read a review on it.
Cheers
has2be's avatar
has2be
555 posts
 
Garn 509, the model is actually RS A1. I missed the A in the model # ! Cheers
6550c
393 posts
 
funny, i was just reading how cassette tape is making a comeback because it is a less costly way to do analog. many (ok a few) artists are also fed up or locked out of doing a lp vynal release because of cost, so they are returning to the lowly cassette- anyone on board? i know i am not !! lol

http://clatl.com/atlanta/cassette-tapes-are-the-new-vinyl/Content?oid=1431689
garn509
98 posts
 
Has2be- I agree that the RSA 1 looks flimsy. $1400 is not extreme for a tonearm; it may be extreme for that tonearm. Have you clicked up Wilson Benesch ? I hope these arms help those seeking perfect tracking. !
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I will check it out
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