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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 6 responses by styx

styx
37 posts
 
Cello,

I have the R-100FXH.
styx
37 posts
 
Jphii, oh that notorius process of upgrading stopped with my Zyx.;)

Sufentanil, I have quite a number of Reissues. And they sound great. Since I have the Classical Records Box sets I know how good my system can sound. And how mediocre the originals can sound. I just listened to Beethoven 9th on MFSL 2-516. Small sound stage, mediocre focus and detail. And the subway effect. Which I have a lot with the London/Decca recordings. I most of the time prefer the classical reissues from Classic Records. Try them.
styx
37 posts
 
Cmk,

A comparission between CD and LP from the same recording is a problem. I have Moussorgsky's 'Pictures At An Exhibition' on 45rpm, 33rpm 1S and SACD from Classic Records. All the same recordings. And the SACD sounds rather blanketed. A lot of blankets. But when I listen to the new recordings, like the Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto from Anne-Sophie Mutter then this is totally different. This sounds pretty close to my vinyl rig. And I don't have my 'good' SACD player yet. It seams to me that they improved a lot in the new recordings. Unfortunately there is no way to know because I have not found a new recording on SACD and LP yet. I am talking about classical music. Perhaps someone can enlighten me.
styx
37 posts
 
Cmk
I 100% agree. Although the process before pressing counts for vinyl as well. There are a lot of bad vinyl. And unfortunately you can not judge by the label. You have to buy them and find out later what is good and what is junk. Although I have to admit that I am very pleased with the reissues from Classic Records. Not so with the condition of the LPs. But there are labels which are worse. Anyways, we should perhaps listen more to the classical interpretation. I am glad that I am not biased in one direction. Otherwise I could not have enjoyed Tchaikovskys 'Serenade for Strings Op.48' from the Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra with Marco Boni PentaTone (SACD) at this afternoon. Recorded in 2002. Or I would not listen to Karajan's interpretation of Dvoraks 9th - DGG (Vinyl) 138 922, at this evening. Recorded in 1964.;)
styx
37 posts
 
Albert,
I perhaps did exaggerate a little bit. But lately I bought 4 of the 5 Classic Records 1S boxes. There are some records which have goo or scratches or lots of clicks/pops on them. And you can not send them back. After all I am happy that I could find those records at all. The sound is outstanding. Especially from those 1S. It is better than my 45rpm. But there are those little imperfections. Now, everybody has a different point of view. I am very particular about it. If I receive a LP which has a even a small scratch on it I'll send it back. Now I am off for my next lesson.

Cmk,
I was biased toward analog to. But it just restricts my horizon. I even started to take piano lessons to better understand music. We have a baby grand from Kawai with a piano disc system. You know, you put a midi diskette in and it starts to play. Yesterday I was listening to the Pictures At An Exhibition suite from Mussorgsky. Very refreshing. I wish I had a whole orchestra, than I wouldn't need those canned music.;) But than I wouldn't be here and discus HighEnd with others, which is a lot of fun.
styx
37 posts
 
Albert, one I could buy used for $200 used. There were on each side a finger print. So the pre-owner did not know how to handle vinyl, or didn't care. But the condition is very good consider the price. Two of the boxes I got for $400 (sealed) each from theMusic.com. I guess they still have some left. And one I bought here on agon for $475 (sealed), The Export box which was not for sale in the US. This is actually the worst one. But you don't know when you buy sealed one. Last time I bought a sealed DMM from ebay and the record was scratched all over. And had some nasty marks on it. I guess the record was to much moved around and/or was badly stored.
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