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Is heavy vinyl worth it?

I just got into vinyl and am starting to build a vinyl collection starting from zero records. I bought an OJC copy of Sonny Rollins' Way Out West and it sounds great even on just regular vinyl. I'm wondering if buying the heavy vinyl (180g, 200g) is worth it in general...they're upwards of $30 in some cases. Do they really sound better? What are the advantages? Is it a longevity issue? Do the heavy vinyl versions sometimes contain better remastering?

Thanks,
Winston
wcheng

Showing 4 responses by onhwy61

onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,136 posts
 
The quality of the vinyl is usually better which results in lower surface noise and less pops and clicks, but it only really makes sense to consistently go 180gm and greater if you're willing to adjust your VTA (and other settings) on your tonearm.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,136 posts
 
On page 146 of issue 24 of HiFi+ there's a record review in which the reviewer states:

"Old Decca engineers have down the years been at pains to explain to me that the optimum vinyl weight is anywhere between 140g and 160g. Above this and the vinyl is tehcnically more difficult to work with."

Just something else to consider.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,136 posts
 
Vinyl is like tube components, they're not for everyone. Only you can determine if vinyl is worth the hassles.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,136 posts
 
Pbb, where did I say warped records were a positive aspect of vinyl? You said you had problems with a warped record purchase and I said you have to determine if the hassle is worth it. Clearly I'm saying that warped records are a hassle. It has been my experience that when buying new you will run across alot more defective vinyl purchases than CDs. It's just the way it is with vinyl. It's a hassle. Is it worth it to you?
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