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Half speed masters. Are they worth the extra scratch?

I just purchased a Dire Straits Brothers in Arms half speed master. I'm using a Pioneer PL530 TT. Can this album be played successfully on my TT? I put it on 45 rpm but there is no way to tell if it is spinning at the right speed. The speed control is working but not keeping a steady reading like when I play a normal 33 record. It sounds good but I'm wondering if they should be played on a different table. Also is it worth it to pay extra money for these? I payed 50$ for this album. Thanks for any information.
knighttodd
socalml528's avatar
socalml528
170 posts
 
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...
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,458 posts
 
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.
knighttodd's avatar
knighttodd OP
220 posts
 
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. 
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
socalml528-
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...


Congratulations! You are in for a surprise! What did you get?

Wait till you see how they are packaged. Easily the most secure shipping I have ever seen.
glupson
7,842 posts
 
"Half-Speed and other Audiophile grade vinyl is worth it if the original record was a well engineered recording."

I have half-speed mastered Exile On The Main Street by the Rolling Stones. Well, it could be worse. Just not by much. Confirming the above quote.

As far as Better Records go, there has been a recent thread with multiple customers sharing their experiences. Bigger sample brings more objective results. One of them is that records do come packaged impressively well.

Better Records White Hot Stampers: Now the Story Can Be Told! | Audiogon Discussion Forum
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