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How Much Surface Noise is Too Much?

Just curious as to a range of opinions here. At what point is an LP unworthy of being played with your stylus/cartridge? Should one expect a used record store to give refunds on LPs which turn out to have more than a certain amount of surface noise/warpage and, if so, how much damage/defect should be criteria for getting one's money back? Any other thoughts along this line?
lg1
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Everyone's tolerance level for surface noise differs, let alone the difficulty of quantifying surface noise, so it's really an impossible question to answer, IMO.

If you hear too much surface noise, then it's too much surface noise. However, I wouldn't count on the record store refunding your money for a used LP.
sonofjim
557 posts
 
I'll put up with more noise if the record is a hard one to find or if the underlying sound is especially good but Tvad is right, everyone's tolerance differs. Digital sensitized many to this more I think. The longer you play vinyl, the less a little noise seems to bother.
rlxl
92 posts
 
When it interferes with your listening pleasure.
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