To rauliruegas, Without a doubt, understanding anti-skating is much more complex that I had imagine. Almarg mentioned some of the points you make in his last response. I often wonder with all these mechanical and geometrical parameters if analog is really worth it. As you said it is an imperfect medium.
I recently had some bad experiences with both used and new LP's. It seems even new LP's come with their share of pop clicks and surface. noise About a month ago I purchased a brand new, sealed LP from Music Direct of Vivaldi 's "Four Season" featuring Isak Perlman as lead violin.. His performance is robust and simply spectacular However, sound quality was often marred by pops (some almost explosive) clicks, and consistent surface noise. The vinyl must have been sourced from Goodwill stores recycling bin. And this is supposed to be a new LP!!!
.I have read for years above the declining quality of vinyl used for LP pressings. I have a 35 year old copy of CCR's LP "Pendulum" which is virtually silent during play despite less plays than some other older LP's I still have in my modest collection.
I just purchased from the Discogs internet used record Mozart's "Six Quartets Dedicated to Haydn" played by Quartetto Italiano on a Philips label ( issue date unknown, possibly early 1960's) The performance is sublime, a testament to the dedication and brilliance of the four musicians. The sound quality is also extraordinary with a "your are there presence " However, the vinyl has its share of flaws despite the seller's description of being "almost mint" The booklets that accompanies the 3 LP set are beginning to yellow which may be a clue to its age. So far, I have only played the first LP. Early out on side two, there is a distinctive hollow echo distorted sound which I know from experience indicates badly worn grooves from either a cheap cartridge or two many plays. Nevertheless, it is fine recording and a keeper. Thanks for the comment.