New LP with pops + crackle, What is expected?

I have never came across a new record that was so noisy that it was not listenable. On the other hand, like mentioned above, I clean them extensively before use. Unfortunately cracking that new record open for the first time just to look at a record that is pressed off center and scratch more than most of my used stuff has happened a number of times. In this case I usually return the item to acoustic sounds without even putting it on the table. Try to find reviews on the actual LP your trying to buy. Although pressings are not exactly consistent, I have found a number of good or bad reviews on a product most of the time will be quiet accurate.

Darren

The obvious has been stated. There is no such thing as a too clean record when using proper cleaning products.
As far as new goes, my experience has been negative. I have a hard time returning records to a indie store that can barely keep the lights on. Unplayable/defective vinyl will get returned, but pops and ticks I live with.
My last new purchase was a Simply Vinyl pressing and it flat out stunk. A friend heard it and said "it sounds like there is a blanket covering your speakers."
I buy 90%+ used overall.

I need to jump in, since the majority of my experiences have differed. I buy new lps nearly every week and rarely do I have surface noise issues. Typical purchases are of "indie" bands; most recently I purchased Dead Weather, Radiohead, and Mars Volta lps. All played beautifully, that is if you like that kind of music. In the previous weeks I purchased Joshua Redman's "Moodswing", Sinatra's "In The Wee Small Hours", Jack Johnson's "En Concert", Dylan's "Self Portrait", 2 Sufjan Stevens lps, Rosanne Cash, Nora Jones, Leonard Cohen, Pearl Jam, Willie Nelson, Califone, Betty Davis, Lisa Germano, Lucinda Williams, Fleetwood Mac Live, etc. etc. All of these have played extremely well. I have purchased some Audiophile lps in the past two years that required returns, but seldom do I buy those. Usually jazz lps are available in re-release form or can be found used. I do not hunt for collectibles. I find the later pressings more than respectable.

The whole situation just stinks. We are a bunch of middle aged guys with disposable income who are willing to pay more than the price of a CD for music in a time when kids expect that music should be free. And we have to accept noisey new records.

I set up a second TT with a specific set of carts that tend to supress surface noise to play noisey vinyl, but that will be for used vinyl. I really want to avoid new vinyl unless it is something special and I can buy at Best Buy (where they will take it back).