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
so even slightly warped vinyl (really thought that it's ok) won't match sacd while perfectly straight one is better?
Is that an Analogue vs Digital question? That's an even bigger Pandora's Box ;^)

Personally I don't pay any attention to whether the LP is warped or not. It's very uncommon for warps to be troublesome. The last time I saw such an occurrence was in a demo featuring an SME V. When it reached the middle of the playing side the edge of the warp clipped the arm, throwing it up in the air to land with an Armaggedon like impact that sent shockwaves through the room. I thought we were under attack! Then it re-enacted that impact repeatedly as if in a locked groove...

Also recall Bob Graham had a trick which involved placing a stack of cards under one edge of the LP during play to prove that unipivots can indeed track severely warped discs without de-stabilising.
Quite impressive!
Warped records used to be a problem for me with various Japanese and European tables until I started with the Linn Axis back in the mid-80s. It tracks almost everything silently. Have had no casue for concern though I know my records cannot be any less warped now then they were 30 years ago. Probably more. Its part of the record aging process. Some are better preserved and age better than others, like Jim Palmer. :^)
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It's certainly factored into the cost of doing business. A standard royalty deduction of up to 20% (called "breakage fees") comes out of the artist's pocket.