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The quest for the hot stamper or is it a myth

I have looked at Better Records and their belief is  they have actually found the holy grail of vinyl geeks. The mysterious hot stamper. A record that has no outside evidence what actual number pressing it is. 1000 records can be pressed from a stamper before it degrades the sound. Some manufacturers go up to 1500. I have a DCC Van Halen # 778 on the record jacket and it sounds phenomenal and it should by DCC. Of course if you have Led Zep II and Bob Ludwig is in the dead wax you have a winner. I bought a Marvin Gaye "What's Going On" this year and its sounds really amazingly good. I have the 2 CD extended set and best of on record and SACD. The record not only slays them but cuts it
them up into little bits pieces and feeds it to the wolves. No contest. The sax is smooth and detailed as silk and the intro to "Inner City Blues" just makes me want to hear that over and over again. Ok I assume it was a well engineered album to begin with. Chime in on the engineering. Does anyone else believe in the hot stamper and do you think you have one in your collection???????
128x128blueranger

Showing 8 responses by tablejockey

tablejockey
3,771 posts
 
Tom Port's business is discussed here, Steven Hoffman and others.
Whether of not his copy of Steely Dan's Aja is worth $500, is up to the buyer. It's simplybusiness filling a demand. Does it sound "better?" Subjective, like the evaluating systems.

My neighborhood record store would get visits by his scouts for those pricey listings on his site.
I have plenty of "stamper" quality albums, purchased for a couple bucks. IMO, it just make sense to get as close to the source recording. Particularly, if you listen to music that
originally was released before 1980-90? Reissues and even period "greatest hits" have been off my radar for many years.

When I see a copy of VH's debut album listed for $200, I shake my head and roll my eyes. I have my $3.99 copy purchased in 1978, somewhere.
tablejockey
3,771 posts
 
The surprising thing about the "white hot stamper" is, the rating doesnt mean noise free!

$500 for ticks/stitches of a Jimi Hendrix AYE or Steely Dan CTE?

I guess the noise must be part of the experience?! 

Will someone report back on their time with one of these "WHS?" Im sure Im not the only one curious. Tom Port is great at selling the sizzle of the steak.
tablejockey
3,771 posts
 
The Buddha release is the original label. Your other copy is a later press?
tablejockey
3,771 posts
 
iopscrl  sums up Tom Port' business.

https://www.better-records.com/product.aspx?pf_id=yes__yesal_1812
https://www.better-records.com/product.aspx?pf_id=steelcount_1812
https://www.better-records.com/product.aspx?pf_id=john_elton_1812
https://www.better-records.com/product.aspx?pf_id=beatlwhite_1812

Many of us have copies of these timeless classics. All my copies have been through 2-4 copies  to get to my "hot stamper." Totaled, I may have spent up to....$150? I wonder if any of my copies are "WHS" grade? My Yes and EJ had an Audio Desk cleaning, they are quite impressive!

$1000.00 for the White Album...ouch! 

I'm sure whoever purchases it, they have the system to appreciate it.
tablejockey
3,771 posts
 
millercarbon-

At least you can return it if it doesn't play as advertised.

What grade is it...hot, super hot or WHITE HOT?

Unless the copy you purchased hasn't been taken off the site, I see a super hot for $250. Considering an average copy will go for at least $25+, it might be worth it to someone who doesn't have accessable B&M stores.

If indeed it IS a keeper, I would value it more than a perfect reissue.

I have mentioned in threads that Tom Port scouts have visited my neighborhood store for these unicorn presses.

Looking forward to your review. Please list pressing info-jacket # and any deadwax info if possible.
tablejockey
3,771 posts
 
"Captain Fantastic, I really wanted the newer looking and much quieter sounding copy to sound better. But it was no contest. The noisy one that nevertheless sounds so much better goes back on the shelf. It really does sound good! I mean just amazingly good!"

millercarbon-
What kills me is a Tom Port "WHITE HOT" grade,$300 Tumbleweed Connection isn't necessarily going to play noise free! I believe he once had a Elton John(2nd release) for $600!

FWIW, I've gone through several iterations of this great album, the domestic UNI 73090(dead wax:dtl ps 406)IMO is very good. 

Fortunately I too, can hear through some rough spots, if the music and recording is great.




tablejockey
3,771 posts
 
millercarbon-

what is the catalog number on the jacket?
deadwax info?

I have always liked that album, but mine isn't stamper worthy.
tablejockey
3,771 posts
 
Looks like someone is a convert.

But look, the super deluxe package for a little more...

http://www.elusivedisc.com/Peter-Gabriel-So-180g-2LP_4CD_2DVD-Box-Set/productinfo/EMILP80014/

The records would stay in their sleeves unplayed, but the rest looks interesting.

That is a great album. I don't have it on LP. On my hit list now.

Happy listening.





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