Best Vinyl Resources

Posted by: Zipperheadbanjo on 04 January 2013

Hey All,

 

I just picked up a turntable (Pro-Ject 2-Xpression with Ortofon Bronze Cartridge) and am enjoying it immensely. As I'm in the process of building a vinyl library, I'm wondering if anyone can suggest some good online resources that review the new re-issues that are available, or that provide insight on which pressings are superior... for those times when I'm browsing the used vinyl stacks.

 

All suggestions appreciated!

Posted on: 04 January 2013 by joerand

What type of music are you looking for?  It's possible you might find original issues superior to re-issues, especially if you are looking for originals from prior to about 1980. 

Posted on: 05 January 2013 by Quad 33

Hi Zipperheadbandjo.

 

The 'Michael Fremer Analog Corner' web site is worth a look regarding reviews of new reissue vinyl releases.

 

Regards Graham.

 

Posted on: 05 January 2013 by Zipperheadbanjo
Originally Posted by joerand:

What type of music are you looking for?  It's possible you might find original issues superior to re-issues, especially if you are looking for originals from prior to about 1980. 

Hi Joe,

I mostly listen to rock, folk, jazz, bluegrass, blues and associated idioms. Not into classical, but I do try :-)

 

Pre 1980 is certainly in my wheelhouse, but there is lots of new music that I love also.

 

With respect to used vinyl... what I'd love to find is a resource online, so that when I'm browsing stacks I can go to a website using my phone and see how the various pressings of an album are rated relative to each other... something to help me sift through the stacks to find the gold if you know what I mean. Does such a resource exist?

 

Posted on: 05 January 2013 by Zipperheadbanjo
Originally Posted by Quad 33:

Hi Zipperheadbandjo.

 

The 'Michael Fremer Analog Corner' web site is worth a look regarding reviews of new reissue vinyl releases.

 

Regards Graham.

 

thanks Graham!

Posted on: 05 January 2013 by joerand
Originally Posted by Zipperheadbanjo:
Hi Joe,

I mostly listen to rock, folk, jazz, bluegrass, blues and associated idioms. Not into classical, but I do try :-)

 

Pre 1980 is certainly in my wheelhouse, but there is lots of new music that I love also.

 

With respect to used vinyl... what I'd love to find is a resource online, so that when I'm browsing stacks I can go to a website using my phone and see how the various pressings of an album are rated relative to each other... something to help me sift through the stacks to find the gold if you know what I mean. Does such a resource exist?

I hear you about the online guide.  It would be nice, but I'm not aware of one.  The Goldmine Record Album Price Guide gives prices for the various pressings of an LP, however it is a hard copy and does not deal directly with sound quality, which I think is what you are seeking.

 

My thought on pre-1980 LPs is that you are dealing with the all analogue era.  If that is the sound you are after then those original issues may be superior to reissues.  The reissues may have a modern sound, with more punch and impact, but they will be digitally remastered at which point I figure why not just buy the CD?

Posted on: 05 January 2013 by Jay Coleman
Try the Steve Hoffman forum. It can be a little bewildering and you can't believe everything you read but there is a tremendous amount of information there.
Posted on: 05 January 2013 by Steve J

ZHB,

 

Don't dismiss original vinyl. There's still a lot out there at very cheap prices which will more often than not be better than any recent reissue.

 

Steve

Posted on: 06 January 2013 by Jay Coleman
I'll second Steve on getting original vinyl. It's most often the best.