Any advice on buying quality vinyl


As I'm exploring my old vinyl collection with the addition of some new purchases, I'm wondering what the thoughts are on the quality of Mofi, Better Records and the like.  I have leaned toward Mobile Fidelity, but am put off by the insane prices on Better Records Hot Stampers.  Are they worth it?  Your experiences please.
udog

Showing 1 response by mulveling

I’d avoid both MoFi and Better Records. Absolutely seek out good original pressings, but no need to overpay to the level of "Better Records". Some of your cheapest records will turn out to be your favorite gems, after a good clean. That's part of the vinyl magic - don't give that up to the cash grabbers. MoFi have been really hit or miss (some can be good I guess). Some reissues can be great, but many of the "audiophile" reissues are so, so disappointing. Some RSD issues are great, but many are just lame. New music on vinyl can be lots of fun. Get used to DiscOgs for sourcing the rare and hard-to-find gaps in your collection, and also to scope out what pressings/variants are available with rough values & quality ratings.

Amazon can be really cheap & fast for new issues, but god help you if you like to receive your covers without dinged corners (at the least). Acoustic Sounds & Music Direct know how to properly pack vinyl. But I’ve been caught on the long end of a backorder some of the few times I’ve used M.D., so Elusive Disc probably gets highest ratings from me.