Now I don't want to start a great big argument, but I have an old American Optical/Reichert Stereo Star Zoom 0.7X to 4.2X scope and am able to actually see right down into the actual grooves of an LP.
I also have a brand new pressing of Carol Kings Tapestry (yes, I'm an old fart). Let's just say after looking at it under the scope right out of the sleeve for the first time, claims that even a brand new LP's grooves are full of junk are shall we say slightly over exaggerated.. I see nothing that shouldn't be there. Clean, pristine wiggles cut into the vinyl.
HOWEVER! Even after a couple very careful playings, what looks to the naked eye as a still clean LP under the scope starts to look a little scary. If anything this would make me clean them maybe a little more often than I normally would..
So... There's another piece of actual, first hand, with my own eyes, information to chew on.
I also have a brand new pressing of Carol Kings Tapestry (yes, I'm an old fart). Let's just say after looking at it under the scope right out of the sleeve for the first time, claims that even a brand new LP's grooves are full of junk are shall we say slightly over exaggerated.. I see nothing that shouldn't be there. Clean, pristine wiggles cut into the vinyl.
HOWEVER! Even after a couple very careful playings, what looks to the naked eye as a still clean LP under the scope starts to look a little scary. If anything this would make me clean them maybe a little more often than I normally would..
So... There's another piece of actual, first hand, with my own eyes, information to chew on.