Why would anyone want 180g records ?

As others have noted, the key to high quality LPs is not the weight of the vinyl in and of itself.  I have 120g records that sound simply marvelous. I have 140g records that are to die for. I have 180g records that are stunning. I have 200g records that are great. Basically, one can achieve marvelous sound with any of these weight records. The key is the quality of the vinyl, the excellence of the source and cutting engineer, and all of the critical steps that go into cutting, plating and pressing. 

At the same time, I'm very inclined to believe that in identically controlled quality of manufacturing, one can demonstrate a sonic improvement using a heavier weight of vinyl (e.g., 180g vs. 140g) due simply to the bit of mass loading provided. If my recollection serves me, Michael Hobson made this experiment during the early days of establishing Classic Records and demonstrated it at a meeting of the LA Audio Society. He also reported demonstrated a sonic improvement with his one-sided pressings vs. two-sided. Perhaps someone on the board has a link to the article I'm recalling?

Great discussion

certainly showcasing the lack of sound enhancements and the marketing hype

I don't like VTA issue

the worse this is 180/200g non fill
terrible

never heard that even with crappy US 70s impure vinyl

the worse this is 180/200g non fill... terrible

I agree with you about the non-fill, audiotomb. Oddly, notwithstanding all the 180g purchases I made in that early era, I never experienced this problem. I think I must have lived a charmed purchasing life.

The higher quality pressing plants now pressing 180g (like RTI and Optimal) seem to have gotten this under control today with proper attention being paid to temperature control. Quality Records (QRP) is the only plant I’m aware of currently pressing 200g and they’ve re-engineered their presses for this weight vinyl - all the LPs I’ve received from them have been perfect.

And, with these 180g and 200g pressings, changing VTA is a must. I know a number of otherwise highly critical listeners who don’t change their VTA with different pressings and it makes me wonder how they can truly evaluate the sound quality. If you’re tonearm doesn’t easily allow for changing VTA (actually SRA), I understand how all of these different pressing weights turn into a big pain in the tuckus.

(For those interested, there are a number of good posts on Audiogon about changing VTA/SRA and the differences this makes.)

Great insight Rushton

i have had my share of quality control issues from Quality Records / Acoustic Sounds - including nonfill

if you don't know what it is, if you hear what sounds like loud tearing of newspapers for short sections thats it

I have even had whole sides affected

if you don't know what it is, if you hear what sounds like loud tearing of newspapers for short sections that's it

Yes, it sounds like the stylus has been ripped off you cantilever and only that is now dragging in the groove.