BARNES & NOBLE HAS VINYL!!!!! BUT IS THE QUALITY UP TO AUDIOPHILE STANDARDS ????

One thing to be aware of, for new-to-LP's buyers: In some cases, an album (album meaning collection of songs---an album can be bought on an LP or a CD, or even as a download. In other words, "album" is not synonymous with "LP") title will be available on LP from two or more labels. For instance, the first two Band albums are currently available in pressings by both Capitol Records (the label the original released versions were on, in 1968 and '69) and Mobile Fidelity. Capitol Records and Mobile Fidelity make their LP's to very different standards, and sound somewhat dissimilar.

I don't know if Barnes & Noble sells either version, but the point is, if you bought either at B & N, it would be the exact same version of that particular LP pressing as you would get from any other retailer---brick & mortar or online. Barnes & Noble are not getting LP's pressed expressly for them, that are different from other retailer's copies of the same title from the same record label.

The ultimate point to be made is that, when one speaks of the quality of the LP's available at Barnes & Noble, it is a matter of the specific label/version of the LP that determines the LP's quality, not that Barnes & Noble is selling it. That is immaterial. Is this horse dead yet ;-)?

so as the needle played at the begining the surface noise was very bad, like it was dust on the needle, jumped in the batmoble back to old b&n was told they will only exchange it ,no money back!!!  but you can get your money back if you don't open it,now they do sell vinyl that is thicker but of course ,YOU WILL PAY MORE= THIN $21.00 THICK $26.00 can someone lead me to some good quality vinyl, online shoping, that has a decent return policy.

Sound like Barnes & Noble has a very fair return policy to me.  They were willing to exchange a copy that you opened and could no longer be considered new, for a different one.  Bravo B&N.

I am curious why you would expect a refund after breaking the cellophane, altering the record and then playing it?  Would you do this with a DVD after you watched the movie? 

Again, it is not the vendors fault if you don't like the quality of the pressing. Its the manufacturer or label as this title is sold by vendors other that B&N. Sounds to me that your relatively new to vinyl and your learning about its pros and cons.  For instance, the thickness of a record had nothing to do with its sound quality or surface noise.  Some of my quietest, best recorded LP's are thin.  180 gram Audiophile pressing is usually a marketing slogan.

When you find that online shopping outlet with the liberal return policy, let the rest of us know, OK.  Meanwhile, be aware that buying vinyl, new or used, is hit and miss.  If your worried that a new pressing may be a dog, post a question about it first before you buy.  You'll get feedback from those that are satisfied or those that will warn you to stay away.  Good luck to you.