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The Lifespan of an LP?

How many times can one play a new vinyl lp before the sound noticeably degrades? For the purpose of the exercise, assume one takes decent care of the record and has a properly set up and maintained, good quality deck and stylus. My system has been taking quantum leaps in quality over the last three years and I find myself buying more mint and near-mint vintage  records on Discogs and audiophile remastered records from MoFi etc. Thanks!
heilbron

Showing 2 responses by barts

barts's avatar
barts
675 posts
 
I only have about 300 records.  They have been played quite a bit and I can't tell if the sound has changed.  I play them on this beautiful piece of Americana:  http://www.victor-victrola.com/VIII.htm

Quite fun to listen to the original "Take the A Train" on the Vic and then follow it with a modern digital version on "the big rig"!  Fun is what it's all about.

To the OP:  Some of those records are nearly 100 years old and they still sound pretty crappy but engaging.  Oh yeah, I change styli (needle) frequently and if I see a little corrosion...some warm water and brillo takes care of that. I must have about 150 "needles" and yes they are sharp as a needle. Almost.

Regards,
barts 
barts's avatar
barts
675 posts
 
FWIW I had a CD fail or more properly the aluminum started to corrode on the outer edge.  The corrosion was under the label and above the polycarbonate.  Has yet to infringe on any of the music.  It was an early '80s disc as I recall. 

Regards,
barts
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