Buying Records


I always buy new sealed LP records unless new is not available. I only shop eBay. When buying a used record I buy near mint, nothing lower graded. I never seen used mint. I have had good luck with near mint. Most make no noise at all. A few have had a second of very light noise and I am ok with that. I noticed on the very light noise it about disappears if I track VMN95ML at 2.5 grams. It is normally a 2 gram tracking. So tracking on the heavy side may be of benefit.

jimbennet

LOL, I purchased the first on my pre Xmas Hol's Vinyl Albums from BandCamp, which turned out to be a Digital Download.

Too Eager to press the Buy Now.    

  

UPDATE on record prices between 1970 to 2025 in real value.

The typical £2 record price l quoted in 1970 would today retail for £39.54

This represents an averaged inflation rate of 5.58% per year in that time period.

CONCLUSION… Records produced today (in real terms) do not significantly have any price difference with those sold in 1970

I recently discovered two things about Music Direct whom I have used for many years dating back to my time in Chicago.  Although, they are quite good about exchanging defective products they do not offer a money back policy; rather just a credit.  Also they only permit two returns of an item.  I recently bought an album that the first two versions were defective.  I await the last exchange.  Also, they seemed to be "out of stock" on a large swath of their offerings.  Just raise these points so all are aware.  I have also used Experience Vinyl out of Doylestown PA and Acoustic Sounds; they  are both quite reliable.

I recently gave all my vinyl to a friend and sold all of my phono gear. 70 years old and lazy. CD's and streaming is where I am now.  I still have a Nitty Gritty 2.5 record cleaner back with a new fresh factory refurb and tune up. All cleaning parts and cleaner solution pump replaced. Only ran 2 albums to check all was working as new, which it is. Reach out if you have any questions or interest.

When I get asked whats the difference between vinyl and a good CD player with top quality DAC's I tell them a good CD set up is like ice cream and vinyl is like frozen custard. Nice and smooth. 

For NYC dwellers Academy Records on 18th St. is an amazing place.  I believe they now have an annex, specializing in LPs, in Brooklyn.

I have bought hundreds of LPs from them, very fairly priced.  All do need a thorough clean, and a few of the $1 ones had to go in the trash.