Compare Analogue Productions and Classic records

I think both of these companies put out really nice sounding and looking products and both are top notch. Having said that, the Analogue Productions 45 jazz reissues are the best I've ever heard.

Chris

This is very LP-to-LP specific. Overall, if you like the music it's hard to go wrong with the Analogue Production reissues; the 45 rpm jazz reissues are absolutely superb -- the best I ever expect these mastertapes to sound on vinyl. (Very occasionally the sonics on the mastertapes may not be sufficiently outstanding to warrant the full 45 rpm treatment, but it will still be the best that mastertape is likely ever to sound on vinyl.)

The Classic Records reissues are more variable in my experience. Some are very good to outstanding, some are not.

In both cases, the 45 rpm reissues are consistently superior to the 33 rpm counterparts.
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I would add, that if you are adventurous, or merely tired of the endless reissues of the same 200 records, Analogue Productions Originals is a very fine series of new recordings of marvelous blues artists. The series was recorded at Chad's Blue Heaven Studios so the recording quality exceeds that available on most commercial recordings. Some are even recorded direct-to-disc. My highest recommendation.

Go on line to SUNDAZED records and check out some of their stuff. They sound very good for the money trust me. As it's been discussed on here before, be prepared to adjust the VTA on your turnarm to get the best possible sound from 180 or 200 gram vinyl.

45 sound better be4cause it's like running tape at higher speed where more data on tape per inch buit of course they have to be flipped more often.If you get them and or have a large collection nothing beats a vacuum cleaning machine like the VPI.I find that of qll the cleaners eydc the LAST power (pre) clener and eithe LAST or Disc Doctor cleaner for main claning then the LAST preservative whch hardens LP's and prevents wear.I make up my own home crew to clean Lp's even though companies like VPI male resonably priced cleaners but I amke a home bvrew by taking clewan ampty pot.First dump water into it.Then I put pinto of isopropyl into jug followe by two or three DROPS of dish liquid and same two or three drops of chemical goten at any phot shop Kodak Photflow a chemical which serves to reduce water tension so it foes not bead up allowing it to flow across and fully coat LP.A clean LP is a happy LP.Short of a vaccuuum machine a $40 Alssop Orbitrac with replacable pads does a very good job.I use for very dirty Lp's I use one to pre-clean very dirty garage sale Lp's so I don't gum up cleaning LP's that would gum up cleaning pads on the VPI tubes pads.Aftee this major cleaning that takes many steps just and occasional pass on the machine or use the Orbitrac to keep them dust free with a few zaps of Zerostat gun to static from the cleaning process causes or from other sourcdes so Lp's don't atrack.With Lp's cleanliness is next to godliness.
Chazzbo

Thanks everyone. Two follow-up questions. I have a few Classic Records and Simply Vinyl records I bought on Audiogon that are very dirty. Where can I send to have them cleaned. I have an ET-2 arm. Do I need to change the VTA for every record? Thanks

Get Disc Doctor Miracle Record Cleaner and some distilled water and clean them by hand. Very easy, very effective, just follow the cleaning instructions. Many of us here make a practice of cleaning every LP before we play it the first time. Makes a big difference in sound quality and in the life of the LP.

You have a wonderful tonearm that's easy to adjust. Absolutely plan on adjusting VTA for 140gr versus 180gr versus 200gr LPs. The differing thicknesses require it. See Lloyd Walker's recommendations for dialing in VTA and tracking force at http://www.walkeraudio.com/fine_tuning_your_turntable.htm

Best of luck,

I have the ET-2 and it is one of the easier Tonearms to adjust VTA for. I adjust then mark the spot for quick future adjustments for 120,150 180 and 200 gram vinyl. One thing do not over tigten the screws or you can split the air bearing. Just tighten until the screws are snug.

Regarding the ET-2, I owned this tonearm for many years and one thing I learned was that it was a mistake for me not to lock down the VTA adjustment bearing. I got addicted to the ease of doing VTA adjustment on the fly while the record was playing. The trade-off I discovered was a loss of bass resolution. If your system has decent bass resolution, locking down the screws makes a big difference, and I finally decided the improved sonics were well worth the slight trade-off in convenience.

Qdrone: I agree with your marking recommendation. Great suggestion.
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