Why I don't think I'll ever return to vinyl - brief rant

I have to say this - - - - I happen to have a collection of over 5000 LPs. Some mono from the "good old days", the remainder are stereo dating from the early 50's to present time. All of my records are graded MINT or MINT -. That's the kind of rating you need to look for when doing online searches of re-sellers that stand behind what they sell.

That being said, I'm having difficulty getting a spin on your music tastes. I sound like you are lost in a 2026 "funk". Real music is almost a thing of the past but something I enjoy tremendously. Obviously, I have no idea what you have available to you based on where you live. Online or in person.

For the money you are throwing away, there are many re-sellers available online that specialize in both new and used LP's, all of which are graded for condition and playback quality. Also, if you go to a website called MUSIC DIRECT, located in Chicago, you will never have to worry about getting junk records and wasting your money. This is a "high quality" audio "brick and mortar" store. You can also call.

Also, with MUSIC DIRECT, they carry a line of "ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDINGS." Most of which are of "master tape" quality, free of blemishes and very high-quality reproduction. If you are going to spend (typically) around $30-45 for a new record. this would be a good place to look. 

They have a staff of people available to help with most anything. They also have a 30-day return/refund policy. 

There are also many other LP retailers online. Just involves a little investigation.

I would steer clear of small-time producers that are trying to sell crap. 

GOOD LUCK! I wouldn't give up on vinyl quite yet. Another work of advice - - - - - - - -Keeping you playback equipment clean, and in proper working and calibration, is as important as the record quality. Make sure you keep your cartridge stylus clean and free of dirt accumulation. Also make certain that your tone arm and cartridge are not only mounted properly but also calibrated according to factory specifications.  If you are serious about vinyl in the future, I recommend an upgrade to most likely a higher performance phono preamp and a quality pair of phono cables that are properly grounded. Recommendation: Check out SCHIIT ELECTROINCS.  They manufacture a line of unbelievably high-performance products at almost ridiculously low prices. Their top two phono preamps can pretty well stand up to products costing 3-5 times as much. Beautiful construction and Warranty,

Vinyl created from 24 track analog tape has nuances you’ll NEVER hear from any digitally processed sources. You don’t NEED an audiophile system to HEAR the difference! I wish any NEW vinyl would have the same “label” as CDs. AAA, AAD, ADD, or DDD. If an vinyl album has anything other than AAA, you ARE NOT hearing the total experience!

Actually no CD could ever be AAA.

I am not a vinyl guy. I have a half decent turntable and a half decent cartridge and a mid-fi at best phono preamp.
 

Clearly you are on the fence. Quit while you are ahead. Buy a really good digital network player.

I buy Vinyl using similar methods to the method being made known have been used, but do buy in a way that ensures much improved remuneration for the performers.

I have not purchased as a direct merch, but via Bandcamp or a Crowd Fund venture. I have not felt the need to try to return an Album due to quality issues, but have received one Album that I was of the view was not pristine as a pressing.

If returning Albums is a thing, which it should be if quality is a concern, I find Amazon makes this very easy for their customers.