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Why are records still warped?

This is more of a grouse than anything because I know the molding process won't ever be perfect. Still, here we are in the 21st century in the midst of a vinyl revival. Artists get it and are trying to satisfy us geeks with tasty pressings.

Cases in point are Bennett & Gaga's "Cheek to Cheek" and Lennox' "Nostalgia." Ordered both of them in (live in the sticks so no local source) and one dished, the other warped. Neither are unplayable, but both conditions are audible. Disappointing to say the least on such outstanding efforts.

The same week they arrived, I got copies of Hampton's "Silver Vibes" (mono) and Mendes' "Look Around" used at a swap meet. Perfectly flat with outstanding fidelity, especially considering their age.

Many of my "not" Golden-era pressings from the mid-70s through late-80s also lived up to expectations when I got them home. Many more did not, and that's why I ended up jumping on the CD bandwagon with a Sony CDP-101 in 1983.

In 2015, my digital playback deck is about 1000% better, CDs are better, SACDs are even better still, HD downloads can be superb, but still none of them best vinyl at its best. Unless it's warped.

We have the technology, know better and can better control the process. So, what is up with the warp thing? Is it laziness, budget or what?!?
effischer
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,393 posts
 
Don't these companies notice the high rate of defective returns? Or is it factored into the cost of doing business.
Clearly, they're not going to change their process.

Does anybody know what Steve Hoffman has to say regarding the high number of poor quality vinyl being released?
raymonda
855 posts
 
Great question lowrider.
lewm
12,461 posts
 
You guys must live under a cloud. I don't buy a whole lot of new vinyl, but I cannot recall receiving a warped or dished LP in the last 5-10 years. So, first of all, may I posit that the problem is exaggerated as regards frequency? At least that's the way it seems. BUT, if I did receive a warped or dished LP, I would immediately wrap it back up, contact the vendor, and inform him that I was returning the LP for refund or replacement. Send it back, guys! Don't try to make it work with weights and such; you should not have to do that. You paid for a NEW LP. Sheesh.
ttweights
50 posts
 
It is an unfortunate truth that many records are warped but there is one undeniable solution:

Click the 25 second video and see how to play all warped records

http://www.ttweights.com/home.html
raymonda
855 posts
 
I am not making up anything and speak the truth from my experience. Also, if you read my post....I do return them but then I get another with issues. This is a problem I've noticed 5 hat has increased with frequency over the past 16 months, or so.

BTW.....I use a Michell clamp and a TTW ring.
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