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Why would anyone want 180g records ?

Do they have any advantages, theoretically speaking? And practically speaking, besides the requirement to adjust VTA ?
inna
jeffdill2's avatar
jeffdill2
10 posts
 
I've read from a few sources that 180g has better longevity because, naturally, a record is worn down over time from the fact that the sound is produced by scratching a needle against it. More material translating to longer play time without diminishing sound quality.

Of course, I have no idea if that has any validity to it. And even if it did, you'd probably have to play the record constantly for about 100 years. But it's interesting, nonetheless. :-)
boxer12
1,703 posts
 
I agree with your skepticism Jeff. Even if true, the vinyl only needs to outlast me.  
jeffdill2's avatar
jeffdill2
10 posts
 
@boxer12 haha, exactly.
tketcham
267 posts
 

jeffdill2, don't know where you read that 180g vinyl lasts longer because of the additional thickness, but that's not how it works.


If you pressed a 100g LP and a 180g LP using the same pressing mold, they both have the same groove indentations(modulations). The difference is the amount (thickness) of vinyl between the groove modulations on either side of the LP. And if you use the same turntable/tonearm/cartridge to play both LPs, the grooves will wear down at the same rate. There isn't more groove to wear down with heavy vinyl.


In my opinion the only real advantage to heavy vinyl is the somewhat better chance of having a flatter record. That's IF the pressing process is done correctly. Unfortunately, I've run into more problems with non-fill with heavy vinyl records so for me the advantages/disadvantages of  heavy vinyl is a wash. I wish the industry would just provide standard weight LPs for most everything and if perfectionists want heavy vinyl releases, they can pay for the additional cost of doing so.


Regards,

Tom

tketcham
267 posts
 
PS: Read the article on 180g records that Rushton provided (link above).
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