2. analog
  3. 1210020397

Curse you Dynaflex

I picked up a used copy of Lou Reed's self-titled first record on vinyl last weekend--you know, the one with all the songs that were originally VU songs that was only released on CD in Germany. Anyhow it appears to be an early, if not first pressing, and it's an RCA "dynaflex" record. Here's the sales pitch from the inner sleeve:

"It is thinner than any other record you have ever owned. It is also superior in many ways to any other record you have ever owned. It is freer of imperfections--ticks, pops and blisters. It is much less susceptible to warpage. And its life wil be far longer than conventional records. It is the record of tomorrow, yours today."

That was all a load of crap. "Superior" actually equals "cheaper for RCA." And it's free of warpage because it's thin as paper--it can't hold any shape at all, much less a warped one!! This record is plagued with surface noise throughout. But I would have actually graded this visually as a VG++.

Anyhow, "dynaflex" sucks. But at least it still sounds better than the lifeless German CD issue.

Sorry for the rant.
sinisterporpoise68

Showing 1 response by rshak

rshak
416 posts
 
We called 'em "Dyna-Flaps." The "excuse" given by RCA at the time of their introduction - circa 1970 - had to do with oil prices/need to conserve oil. In addition to being flimsy, they were prone to other pressing defects, like "bubbles" which, if they could be tracked at all, sounded like a *dull thud* for 3 or 4 revolutions.

Having said all that, some actually sounded pretty decent to very good - - my favorite is ARL 2-0731, which contains both Schubert Piano Trios performed by Rubinstein/Szeryng/Fournier.
More to discover