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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,

 

mgrif104
dhite71
454 posts
 

@mgrif104 

I recently bought a Kirmuss US RCM used for about $700.  It did seem overwhelming when I first got it and was preparing for the process but once you get going, it isn't bad.  You can do 2 at a time and walk away between spins.  I called and spoke to him as well.  He talked me into losing a couple habits.  One was wiping with a microfiber cloth after a clean.  Now I only use the lens cloth.  I also thought I was doing a good thing with a small record cleaner that is the tacky roller like used for pet hair and lint on clothes.  It for sure got the dust off but was apparently leaving a film behind.  I like the results from the Kirmuss.  It has made more noticeable improvements with records being quieter than my other two inexpensive spin wash RCM.  

 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
6,180 posts
 

@audphile

Stable 33.33 Vinyl Hole Reamer is a handy accessory. I recommend adding it to your setup. 

lewm
14,694 posts
 

It has not been my informal observation that a warp will go away with tight vertical storage alongside flat LPs.  But, as suggested, I never conducted the experiment in a formal controlled manner.  And I don't have 30 more years in which to do it.  As I recall, the other way to get rid of warps is to press the LP between two panes of glass and heat the ensemble to some specified temperature for some unspecified time, which is after all what the Orb does.

vitussl101's avatar
vitussl101
296 posts
 

Is there any reason that you could not use a Degritter with Kirmuss's potions and brush?  Is there anything special about the Kirmuss Machine, or is it simply the chemicals?

bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,625 posts
 

@mulveling  As one of those people who's "driving up the cost for the rest of us" I will defend my position by saying this.  When LP manufacturers are hyping their product as the best thing since sliced bread.  Re-mastered, 180 gram vinyl, bla bla bla.  And are charging $40 - $60.  Then I take the time to run the LP though my ultra sonic cleaner and play it on a pretty good system and I hear beautiful music, but with some snap crackle pop.  I'm sorry but that product is going back.  I wouldn't buy a new car with a noticeable scratch in the paint, or a new listening chair with a slight tear in the leather.  Why should I accept poor quality in supposedly high end vinyl?  But hey, that's just me.  Cheers.

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