I put every new record I buy into my ultrasonic cleaner before I even play it the first time. A couple of slight tics I'd consider acceptable but not more than that.
Brand new vinyl - what’s acceptable to you?
I just ordered a dozen new albums - this time all 180 g variants. The Norah Jones had a scratch on it coming out of the paper sleeve the first time. (Separate gripe - why do they package ostensibly “audiophile” albums in crappy sleeves which might actually damage a record?). I’ll return the Norah Jones. But, the Miles Davis album has a noisy spot 1/4 the way through the first track. I’ll try cleaning the record but usually don’t have to for a new album. Or should I as a better practice? (This old dog can learn new habits).
Fortunately, the Pat Metheny is dead quiet - thank you ECM! All my ECM vinyl - even from decades ago are quiet. However, my experience is that ECM is very much an outlier: that most labels will come with some noise.
I’m working my way through all the albums but it made me want to poll the group: How much noise do you accept on a new pressing? Do you have a rule of thumb for what to reject?
Thanks,
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I guess I should change my practice to clean before first play (maybe ECM excepted) - though I don’t have an ultrasonic cleaner - just a spin doctor. As I’m not enamored with how well it cleans, perhaps I should invest in an ultrasonic unit. But I’d also like to be at a point some day where i don’t need to “invest” in more accessories. Noted on the couple of tics and pops being the limit for you. Best, |
@larsman - which ultrasonic machine do you use and do you recommend it? |
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