Which vinyl records are worth buying new?

[wnewport]

I am just getting into vinyl and so far everything I own I have bought used. I was wondering which records, new or old, are worth purchasing new online, and which online vendor I should use.

Thanks,

Wyatt

 

[Aman]

New LPs are very hit-and-miss. It is basically a selection between two radically differing qualities; on the one hand, there are the far and few plants that press high quality LPs with great attention to detail, and on the other, there are the majority of plants that press flimsy, dirty, scratched, dry pieces of garbage.

The majority of the former plants charge huge premiums for their records. Unless the new LP has a significantly better mix than the original pressing, it is probably a safe bet to go with the original pressing. If it's a new album pressed onto vinyl, it most likely isn't worth buying because the recording equipment used has already taken the virginity of the recording. Unless you're a badass like Neil Young and record everything on analog tape still. Then the new LP is worth it.

The bottom line is, unless it's pressed by Mobile Fidelity, or RTI in accordance with Steve Hoffman, it probably isn't worth buying. And, with the astronomical prices these products go for, they often aren't even worth it then unless for the ultra-OCD music collectors.

 

[wnewport]

I was thinking of albums that I already know and love like Dark Side of the Moon or various jazz albums that you can't find in the used sections. Is spending 25 bucks on these a waste of money? My setup is pretty modest with a Rega P1 and NAD PP2 as a preamp.

I'm not getting into LP for the SQ, more for the fun of it.

 

[Aman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wnewport /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was thinking of albums that I already know and love like Dark Side of the Moon or various jazz albums that you can't find in the used sections. Is spending 25 bucks on these a waste of money? My setup is pretty modest with a Rega P1 and NAD PP2 as a preamp. I'm not getting into LP for the SQ, more for the fun of it.

I'd say yes, that'd be a waste. Especially if you're more in for the fun of it. Just wait until an original copy rolls by and you'll pay at most the same, but probably far less, for it. And it'll be, most likely, of higher quality as well.

 

[Sherwood]

There are, however, some advantages to new vinyl that Aman hasn't referenced. With some major artists, the vinyl is mastered differently than the cd. Red Hot Chili Peppers and White Stripes come to mind, immediately. In fact, the legendary Steve Hoffman mastered the latest White Stripes, and it's amazing. It's also $30, so caveat emptor.

Aside from that, vinyl is an eccentric, bargain medium. Do it because you love music you've never heard of, not because you want the ultimate in resolution. I think, personally, it's also acceptable to do it because it's cool and it makes you cooler to play vinyl.

 

[s m @]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aman The bottom line is, unless it's pressed by Mobile Fidelity, or RTI in accordance with Steve Hoffman, it probably isn't worth buying.

I can't totally disagree with this, but I definitely have a much better time finding good quality new pressings than you seem to. One reason is that RTI, one of the pressers you mention, does the pressing for a great number of labels. From their site's customer list section:

Quote:

Analogue Productions Classic Records Capitol Records / E M I ..... Constellation Records Concord Music Drag City Ebullition Records Fat Wreck Chords Kranky Records Jade Tree Records Lookout! Records The Definitive Jazz reissues Matador Records Rhino Records Pure Audiophile Records Revolver .....Modern Alternative Rock STOKYO Tigerbeat Touch and Go SONY MUSIC SubPop Thrill Jockey Records Warner Brothers Scratchers Supreme!!

This is a large sampling of the best labels in N. America. Including a lot of classic reissues (ie. Classic Records, which itself presses for multiple labels, and which I can often get releases for ~$16.99 CDN, although I know you can pay way more). I know you say in accordance w/ SH, but mastering surely doesn't affect RTI's pressing quality.... To say nothing of some other consistently good labels (both foreign and domestic)....... there's lots of good vinyl produced today, obviously some substandard stuff as well, like always.

It's hard to recommend specific records to the OP without knowing exactly the OP's taste, but if I had to reco one there's always my fallback:

 

[sonick]

White Stripes: Icky Thump
Red Hot Chili Peppers: Stadium Arcadium

just to name a few contemporary rock/alternative music that's out on vinyl that is worth buying over the CD.

 

[jellojoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by s m @ /img/forum/go_quote.gif It's hard to recommend specific records to the OP without knowing exactly the OP's taste, but if I had to reco one there's always my fallback:

Well that album alone is enough to make me get into vinyl. I wonder if Kevin Shields perfected the vinyl pressing of Loveless too.