Can we go back to 33's please?


Yes, I know we have a million records cut at 33.3, but now, I guess in an attempt to have a "super premium" image, some lables are cutting reissues at 45 rpm. I know Levinson did it way back - I have those and they sound great. The only thing is, I have many 33s that also sound great. I really don't feel like hassling with cleaning and storing 2 discs for each album and getting up every 10 minutes to change sides. I really think equal or at least almost equal quality can be achieved on 33. Listen to anything on Stockfisch, Opus3, Tacet, Naim. They do a great job with it. Not to mention many older RCA Red Seals and such. Is there anyone here who believes that 45 has the magic 33 lacks - all things equal?

Maybe it's my system - Linn, Rega RB700, Argo, is not capable of ferreting out the nuances of some other tables? Perhaps you folks with Caliburns believe 45s are the way to go? If not - tell the record companies and they might listen. I don't want to get up every 10 minutes. Sorry.
chayro

Showing 3 responses by stiltskin

****The original is in this area much better, but when you don't know it, the 45 Reissue is great And much cheaper.****
I don't mind so much getting up to change a record, my record player is near my chair. However I wouldn't play 45 rpm all day though.

You may notice the beginning of a well recorded 33 rpm Lp sounds its best.
As the cartridge traverses towards the centre ,the music sounds slightly differant, not consistent from start to finish.

The birth of 45 rpm in 1948 by RCA Victor, calculus was used to show that the optimum use of a record of constant rotational speed occures when the innermost record diameter is half the outermost record diameter.
Peter Copeland, British Library Sound Archives.

Basically groove velocity is important.

Much has been written.
Anyway at the moment I'm enjoying the MusicMatters and Analogue Production 45 rpm Blue Note reissues.
Rushton I agree , Classic Records have done a few exceptional 45 rpm re-issues that really do stand out and are treasures.

Pure Pleasure is another company with some absolutely fabulous re-issues.
Too bad Speakers Corner and Pure Pleasure don't release more select titles in 45 rpm and single side at that.
For sure you certainly don't need a system at the level of Mikelavigne's or anything remotely close to hear what a well recorded record in 33 or 45 rpm has to offer.

All though I'm sure Mikes system would be a real thrill to experience.

If the sonics on the original master are excellent in the first place and haven't lost their sparkle over the years.
And these re-issue companies do the best to their ability then their release will be the treasure to own for any particular music that you enjoy.

Anyone with a decades old established record collection today is well ahead of the game of course.
However I would not want to be starting a collection today from scratch.

Choosing certain recommended re-issues which may already exist in your collection and finding the re-issue superior of your favorite music makes all the time and effort you put into building a system pay off big.

Think of the alternatives to today's re-issues, not only the music you like but wanting sonics to match.

I'm positive Thomasheisigs 1959 record of Waldon Facade at the top of this thread sells for more then $50.00 for a nice clean copy.