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Black vs. Colored Vinyl

I've picked up pieces of various threads about the different quality of vinyl used to make LPs.  What I've heard said is that the best vinyl to use is black, and that colored vinyl doesn't have the sonic quality of the traditional black vinyl.  Given that colored vinyl is all the rage these days and countless reissues of LPs we likely have multiple copies of anyway are hitting the market trying to encourage us to purchase yet another limited release, I thought I would reinvestigate the topic.  Anybody know of a quality resource that defines the different types of vinyl?  I heard about some vinyl back in the 70's used to make LPs that could be folded over like wonder bread being poor quality, and other LPs from the era that are solid and unbendable being good quality.  But today's market with all the groovy colors is a whole new world.  What y'all say?
pgaulke60
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,254 posts
 
I always stay away from colored vinyl because I can’t accurately cue a record into the desired spot. The color makes it impossible for me. The worst color IMHO is white.  
pgaulke60 OP
290 posts
 
@stereo5 
Total agreement, especially light yellows and reds.  Quite difficult to drop the stylus where it needs to go. Yes white is terribly difficult too
big_greg
6,554 posts
 
I do have multiple copies of a lot of records, but I don't think I've ever done a back to back comparison of one on colored and black vinyl.  To my ears, the color of the vinyl doesn't seem to affect sound quality.  I kind of like colored vinyl.  

One thing to consider is that a lot of new vinyl is warped.  According to one of the owners of the local record store I frequent (at least until recently), if you use a flattener like the Orb, it will melt colored vinyl, but works fine on black vinyl.

There's also stuff like Quiex vinyl, which is purported to be harder and play better than standard vinyl.  Apparently a lot of radio station promos were pressed on Quiex II vinyl.  I have a few Quiex II pressings and they do sound good.  It looks black, but if you hold it up to the light you can see through it.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
This is spewing black vinyl supremecy!!  But of course, I'm white and I'm terribly difficult too!!
edcyn
1,876 posts
 
I've always figured that because colored vinyl is usually used in special/limited editions, chances are that they might undergo a bit more post-pressing inspection.  And yes, I've found this to be true.  Then again, it all inevitably comes down to the label.  Columbia LPs are usually well pressed, no matter what.  ATCOs less so.
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