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What's wrong with classical music on vinyl?

As I go through my collection of classical music on vinyl, and get new ones from record stores and eBay, I notice that I am not impressed with the sound quality. Most of my pop music albums sound fine. The classical (even sealed), on the other hand, sounds full of static, noise, and pops that completely drown out the music. The rubber surrounds on my woofers ripple visibly, and the more intense passages become distorted (particulary the brass instruments). (And yes, I've tried it with minimal volume, to test the feedback theory, and with the same results.) I've tried extensive record cleaning with some of the most recommended products. On the other hand, my non-classical music sounds fine. Madonna, Yes, and Simon and Garfunkel play fine. So do Crosby Stills + Nash, REM, and Nickelback.

The only thing I can think of is that the classical music tends to be recorded at a much lower volume, thereby causing a low signal to noise ratio, whereas the pop music is inherently recorded at a higher volume, and this helps to drown out the noise.

I'm beginning to think that I should stick to CD's or brand-new 200g LP's for classical music from here on.

Any comments/suggestions?
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Showing 1 response by logenn

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logenn
91 posts
 
I have a classical library of appx 2000 LP's mostly recorded in the 60's anf 70's and carefully selected for the artistic performance, not the sound quality of the recording.
Although I am using a top notch turntable, I have used lesser vinyl rigs and never experienced your problems. While listening to an LP has its limitations, I have never been able to connect to the music with digital to the same degree as vinyl, and my current digital isn't bad-Audio Note/CEC.
If your vinyl rig is properly set up, which can't be emphasised enough, you would be singing a different tune (no pun intented). Also you need to adopt a diciplined proceedure for cleaning, storing and preping LP's.
Your comments indicated that you haven't been properly schooled in using a turntable.
Does anyone know of a vinyl 101 course? All kidding aside, someone needs to mentor you in the process.
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