2. analog
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Do you know why

the vast majority of today's records are warped regardless of where they are pressed? This has come to a boiling point with me in the recent months. I've bought numerous records, most of them heavy vinyl as is the trend these days, and the vast, vast majority of them are seriously warped, to the point that I would not play them without my periphery ring. Warped heavy vinyl records have to me now become the norm. I suppose my anger and frustration have been particularly fueled by warped records pressed at RTI or QRP, which are considered and hold themselves to be the best pressing plants in the business.

I recently returned a Norah Jones album pressed at Kassem's QRP as it was horribly warped (in addition to being pressed off center), which I find absolutely unacceptable at a price of almost $40. Then I put on a brand new Black Sabbath album (Heaven & Hell with the late Dio) pressed at RTI and the record has warps and bumps throughout so bad that I can't even stand the thought of subjecting my Delos' suspension to over an hour-long torture test. Julie London superb sound-wise 45 rpm $50 reissue by BoxStar? Warped. Most of my MoFi albums, which are pressed at RTI as well, are also warped to some degree, although easily tamed with the ring, thankfully. So seriously, WTF?!!!!

In contrast, the vast majority of my used records from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, all of them pressed on the thinnest vinyl, are perfectly flat with a rare exception here and there.

I simply do not understand this phenomenon. Do you?
actusreus

Showing 2 responses by csontos

csontos
1,311 posts
 
I remember back in the vinyl heydays (late 60's-late 70's), two issues came up regarding this issue. Records were getting thinner and thinner until the complaints reversed that trend. Then there was the recycled vinyl problem which caused pitting and brittleness. However, it was probably mass production that caused the warps; not giving the record enough time to cool before removal from the press. I wouldn't be surprised to find out those running the equipment are just not knowledgeable enough to generate a good product. Prior to the late 60's, records were beautiful.

As far as centering is concerned, I have the habit of finding center against the spindle and placing a pencil dot on that side of the hole. Otherwise, you're only listening to half the record set up properly, the difference being quite audible.
csontos
1,311 posts
 
I'm pretty sure no new vinyl presses are being built. Heck, there's probably scores just sitting around rotting or collecting dust. Who do you think received an epiphany all of a sudden and decided to go into business, pay the licensing fees, and take you guys on a 3-day voyage to Gilligan's Island? Never to return!! Dupes!
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