New Re-Issue Vinyl: Surface Noise, Ticks, Pops....

I was the original Quality Manager at RTI, from when they started in 1973 until I left in 1986. Yes there are other domestic pressing plants still operating. RTI had a much better rep when I was there, but then again I took the time to make certain everyone knew what they were doing. This included the matrix (plating) department. Can't say much for the place now, though.

I buy a lot of New Release vinyl and frankly the pressing quality from the US sucks. The new Portishead double LP is a prime example. Dishing or warps in the vinyl seem to my biggest problem and the US copy of portishead is no different.

I have now swapped it for a UK pressing and that is a lot flatter.

Generally I find that the Euro or UK pressings are a LOT better than their US couterparts, thou the US pressings are cheaper.

I am a bit like Tim, the better your system the less I hear a lot of these pops and click's.

Still you need to have a RCM and clean your LP's before playing and that gets rid of all or most of any annoying pops or clicks. One will never get the same quiet back grounds like CD.

With vinyl you either get it or you don't, and once you have enjoyed the great musical results you can get, it is hard to go back to CD.

Anyway, I am now buying a LP flattener direct from Japan which should fix any issues I have with dished or warped LP's from the USA.

cheers

I'm glad that someone started this thread. Apparently I'm not the only one that has problems with new vinyl. I am a complete newbie to the analog world. I spent about $5.5k buying my first analog rig just over a month ago, and spent between $30 to $50 buying new records, so far, I am not impressed with the noise levels of these new records. I cleaned all my new records with LAST Factory Power cleaner and Preservative. One of the worst records I have found is Diana Krall's "The Best of Diana Krall" - I think I paid $35 for it, and the poppings are unbearable.

Very disappointing for a starter.

Sorry Viper but I can't resist.

" best of Diana Krall" is an oxymoron if there ever was one :-))

I just bought the Analog Productions 45RPM Bill Evans How MY Heart Sings, and although it is a fantastic mastering and sound quality, there are some terribly loud ticks happening on the first play. Perhaps it will get a bit better, but i never heard these kinds of hits on any other LP.

Viper- be careful of last on LP's - I have heard of people very unhappy years later with LP's that were treated.