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QC at QRP

Let me start this post by saying that I'm a long-time supporter of Acoustic Sounds/Analog Productions, and think Chad Kassem has done the analog community a huge service by reissuing so many great recordings of the past on high quality vinyl and with beautiful packaging.  That said...

I recently placed a fairly substantial order from AS that included several jazz and classical reissues pressed by QRP.  As the reviews all say, the packaging is beautiful and the recordings from that batch that I've listened to so far have sounded very good.  However, I am a bit disappointed in the quality of some of the QRP pressings.  At least half of the records in this batch are noticeably warped.  I'm not expecting the utmost perfection in terms of record flatness, but some of these are warped to the point where the clamp on my Michell turntable isn't able to get them reasonably flat - and the Michell clamp is the most effective one I've ever used at tightly coupling an LP to the platter.  Without the clamp the records are unacceptably wavy.

I keep asking myself if I'm being unreasonable in my expectations and maybe I am. But these are 'premium' $40+ records from a company with their own pressing plant and that touts the quality of their pressings at every turn - 'Quality' is in their name, after all!  A couple of the records also have spindle holes that are drilled so small that the records can't be placed on the spindle without excessive force.  And, once on, removing the record from the spindle is another adventure.  Not acceptable IMHO.  

I'm tempted to return close to half the records in this order, but I'll probably limit it to the most egregious cases.  If the Michell clamp can reasonably flatten a record then I wont return it. 

Are others experiencing similar QC problems with QRP pressings?   YouTube channels like Scott Wilson's The Pressing Matters and others seem to universally praise the Analog Productions/QRP LPs - I don't think I've ever heard Scott complain about warped LPs from QRP or discuss other pressing anomalies like poorly drilled spindle holes.

Maybe I've just been unlucky, but I'd love to hear the experience of others.

lpluvr
elliottbnewcombjr
7,741 posts
 

I bought 180 gm; 45 rpm; good/better/best.

I got warps, off center holes, noise, and yes, once an impassable vinyl lump in a groove. Replacements most often (not all) were better. Annoying at best.

I don’t bother buying ’best’ or even ’better’ certainly not buying any 180 gm, and not bothering with 45 rpm either. They are or might be better, but it's not worth it to me.

I buy used LPs on discogs, 1st sort by quality, then skim down looking for lower price, low shipping, already in USA perhaps, so far ALL my used purchases have been enjoyable.

I don’t make any effort for ’best pressing’ either, it’s too much bother, the content I like would get my easily enjoyable attention on a cheap AM radio.

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This is related to my good/better/best decision making

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/satisfying-is-not-settling

lpluvr OP
78 posts
 

@elliottbnewcombjr I mostly buy used LPs as well.  Even with the vinyl resurgence, I still pickup excellent LPs - mostly Classical - in great condition for a few bucks.  Classic 50s and 60s Jazz LPs are more difficult to find in good condition, and clean copies can be very expensive.  For those I typically resort to new reissues.  I've had good luck with them in the past, but seem to be finding a lot of pressing issues with some of the recent releases.  Hopefully this is just a run of bad luck and future purchases will be better.

Still awaiting a reply from Acoustic Sounds with an RMA number to exchange the defective LPs I was sold.

elliottbnewcombjr
7,741 posts
 

@lpluvr 

What about LOUSY SOUND. 

I discovered Mandarin Orange on Pandora (since changed their name to Watchhouse). 

Made a 'station' and heard Ocie Elliott, a Canadian duo.

Ordered 'we fall in' LP. I must have gone deaf while waiting for it to arrive, I just wrote their management:

"I am extremely disappointed, after having high expectations. I have a mighty fine audio system

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/9511

and TT

I heard Ocie Elliott on Pandora while listening to Mandarin Orange (now Watchthous).

Without hesitation, I ordered 'we fall in' LP directly from their store.

Neither I nor my few friends who have listened with me are able to understand enough lyrics to even know the idea of the songs.

It's been sitting here in my office for a long time, I am just dealing with this disappointment now.

I certainly don't want to pay to return it to Canada.

Do you have any suggestion?

I hope you can find my order" (gave them some facts)

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My friend (gained here) heard Mandarin Orange here, borrowed my LPs, bought a few for himself, then went to see them live. The music was soooo loud it drowned their voices, he knew the songs, but it was a total disappointment.

 

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lpluvr OP
78 posts
 

@elliottbnewcombjr That’s one complaint I haven’t had about the Analog Productions LPs I’ve purchased. They have been universally excellent-sounding, and I’m sure even the warped LPs will play fine on my turntable. But I don’t feel I should have to settle for something that is, in my opinion, of substandard quality -  especially given the prices being charged and how much they tout their high-quality standards.

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