Why are records still warped?


This is more of a grouse than anything because I know the molding process won't ever be perfect. Still, here we are in the 21st century in the midst of a vinyl revival. Artists get it and are trying to satisfy us geeks with tasty pressings.

Cases in point are Bennett & Gaga's "Cheek to Cheek" and Lennox' "Nostalgia." Ordered both of them in (live in the sticks so no local source) and one dished, the other warped. Neither are unplayable, but both conditions are audible. Disappointing to say the least on such outstanding efforts.

The same week they arrived, I got copies of Hampton's "Silver Vibes" (mono) and Mendes' "Look Around" used at a swap meet. Perfectly flat with outstanding fidelity, especially considering their age.

Many of my "not" Golden-era pressings from the mid-70s through late-80s also lived up to expectations when I got them home. Many more did not, and that's why I ended up jumping on the CD bandwagon with a Sony CDP-101 in 1983.

In 2015, my digital playback deck is about 1000% better, CDs are better, SACDs are even better still, HD downloads can be superb, but still none of them best vinyl at its best. Unless it's warped.

We have the technology, know better and can better control the process. So, what is up with the warp thing? Is it laziness, budget or what?!?
effischer

Showing 3 responses by lewm

For $50, you bought it new and can return it.  I have purchased some new re-issues, on the odd occasion, that sound bad compared to the originals, but none have been seriously warped.  Harder to return them for poor sound quality.
You guys must live under a cloud. I don't buy a whole lot of new vinyl, but I cannot recall receiving a warped or dished LP in the last 5-10 years. So, first of all, may I posit that the problem is exaggerated as regards frequency? At least that's the way it seems. BUT, if I did receive a warped or dished LP, I would immediately wrap it back up, contact the vendor, and inform him that I was returning the LP for refund or replacement. Send it back, guys! Don't try to make it work with weights and such; you should not have to do that. You paid for a NEW LP. Sheesh.
Apologies to Raymonda, I certainly did not mean to imply that you were making things up. Sorry you've had a problem with warps. My only point is that I have not had such problems. I purchase about 10 "new" LPs per year; maybe you buy many more than I do. Last year I bought the Beatles set. That's 14 LPs, I think, in one purchase. I have some beefs around sound quality, but no warps.