Half speed masters. Are they worth the extra scratch?

I have purchased a number of half-speed mastered albums over the years, I’m guessing a dozen or 20. Most 33 1/3 rpm versions... most were noticeably better fidelity and to me worth it. But it has mostly to do with your values... I find now with streaming being so comperable to my vinyl that I probably will not buy any more new.

In the early days of half-speed mastering, companies like Mofi obtained copies of the original master tapes. Over time these master tapes deteriorate with print through and delamination problems, and so now many half-speed 180 gram records are produced from digital copies made by the record companies to protect their analogue archives. In many cases I have found the original pressings superior to the newer "versions" - buyers need to purchase from reputable sources - beware !! Try to seek out Nimbus pressings for Hi-Fi Today magazine (on eBay), these are genuine half-speed masters using the original master tapes and virgin vinyl. Good hunting !!! I bought all but two of the originals when they were first offered to readers, so I am on the lookout to complete my set.

Ok, just purchased my first better-records.com "hot-stamper" records.

Time to put my ears, brain and equipment to the test. Can't wait to start listening when the needle drops...

Great thread.  MillerCarbon, great explanation of how this works.  It is, as you say, contrary to the notion that you generally want tape speed to roll fast--i.e. think VCRs or reel-to-reel--faster taping speed the better.  Here, we're dealing with something different. This makes great sense the way you explained it.

Thanks to everyone for the input. I can definitely tell the difference between the master, original and streaming. Special thanks to @oldhvymc for explaining the purpose of the strobe. I will invest in a few albums that I like to listenin to their intirity. Maybe a better cart.