I was looking at buying the re-issue of Hot Rats and found making the purchase complicated by the fact that there are two pressings, a 150g and 200g. The 200g record is $5 more than then the 150g ($25 vs.$30). I'm not sure which one to go with. Without any doubt both of these records came from the same master. At some point in the manufacturing process they diverged. The question that comes to mind is, will the heavyweight release give me a 20% improvement in sound. Does it justify the cost? Would I be better off going with the 150g record, allowing me to get more music for my money?

Can anybody say that they have compared 2 different weight pressings from the same manufacture/master? Does the heavyweight pressing sound any different? And to carry that one step further would it be due to the manufacturing process or the dynamics occuring on the TT at playback time?

Have you done any comparisons with other 150/200g pressings? I doubt you would see a 20% improvement in sound. I really don't understand Classic Records fascination with 200g pressings other than offering choice. I think they offer a great product but imo the 200g versions of any release are unnecessary. 150/180g are probably all we need.
Now having said that I have never done a comparison between 150/180/200g of any of their releases, I enjoy the several 200g pressings that I do own.

Hi,

Generally speaking the 180 and 200 gram records sound better than lighter weight records. But there are a number of caveats and conditions that figure in to this.

First, many heavyweight vinyl pressings on made with virgin vinyl. This makes a difference.

Your VTA needs to be adjusted for the thicker records to get the full benefit.

You need to have a suitable rig from cartridge to loudspeaker to get the full benefit. My experience was that mid-fi gear didn't do the trick. When I moved up from a Rega P2 with a Rega Super Elys cartridge to something better the difference between lightweight and heavyweight vinyl became much more evident.

As a matter of information, in my system it seems like the 45 rpm pressings make a bigger improvement in sound quality than just heavyweight vinyl alone. But again, the difference is more profound with better playback equipment.

Jim Pendleton
Osage Audio Products, LLC
info@audiointelligent.com
573-696-3551

As a matter of information, in my system it seems like the 45 rpm pressings make a bigger improvement in sound quality than just heavyweight vinyl alone. But again, the difference is more profound with better playback equipment.

Jim Pendleton
Osage Audio Products, LLC
info@audiointelligent.com
573-696-3551

I have a Rega P2 with Grado Gold, and noticed the same.

Quote: First, many heavyweight vinyl pressings on made with virgin vinyl. This makes a difference.

Are the Classic Records 150g issues not virgin vinyl?

Quote: As a matter of information, in my system it seems like the 45 rpm pressings make a bigger improvement in sound quality than just heavyweight vinyl alone.

I concur.

Hi Hawklord,

I'm not sure if the 150 gram Classic pressings are virgin vinyl or not. I don't have any, but it should be noted on the jacket somewhere. That's usually a feature that they want customers to know about.

If the 150's and the 200's are both on virgin vinyl, then it would set up a good test to see how much difference there was in sound between the two.

I do know that I have some older original run pressings of stuff that was not on virgin vinyl and some later releases that are on virgin vinyl, but not heavyweight vinyl, and the re-releases are more solid sounding in every case.

The other variables here are better mastering the second time around, and perhaps a better job of producing the press plates. I don't think that we could assume yes or no on this as it could vary with each record.

So with that variable possibly being anywhere, and the sound quality in comparison better on the virgin vinyl re-releases, I'm willing to guess that the virgin vinyl may be a definite improvement.

Happy listening.

Jim Pendleton
Osage Audio Products, LLC
573-696-3551
info@audiointelligent.com

Get the Classic Records 150G vinyl over the 200G pressings. The 150G pressings tend to be better suited towards most needs. 200G pressings are difficult to press right so erratic quality.

Hi KentTeffeteller,

Thank you for passing this information along to all of us. When you compared the two weights of Classic Records pressing, what did you find the same, better, or worse between them?

This would be very helpful information for all of us, and possibly for Classic Records as well.

Happy listening.

Jim Pendleton
Osage Audio Products, LLC
573-696-3551
info@audiointelligent.com

I too have not really "compared" as i would not want to buy two of the same album , A friend & i once he gets his new trutable are gonna each buy different pressings at some point & see what we hear .
I have been buying the 180 gram virgin vinyl pressings , i too agree see if the virgin vinyl is indeed on all of them .
i would think you would be fine with the 180 pressing .

I have a Rega P2 with Grado Gold, and noticed the same. We have the same cartridge, mine on a Grado wood arm and a Thorens 124. I have a Sonata Statement and a SME3009 tonearm also, both still in the box. I should get off my lazy butt and set them up.

Interesting read at classic records website http://www.classicrecords.com/blog/index.cfm?archiveyear=2008&archivemonth=9 One point, they drastically changed their production methods in 2008 (I think the 7 disk set was The Doors). I find no information on their website as to how the 150g disks were pressed or what material is used. Yesterday I sent them a message via their website asking for more info on how the 150g were made. I await a reply.

I have at least one other Classic offering, Led Zep III and it does sound good.

Get the Classic Records 150G vinyl over the 200G pressings. The 150G pressings tend to be better suited towards most needs. 200G pressings are difficult to press right so erratic quality.

I was wondering about this very idea. If the same equipment is being used, you have to wonder about any different design/production/technique considerations that have to be made for making records that are thicker. How does that affect what needs to be done in the production process and does it require different procedures to ensure a good pressing? Are the masters designed for the 150G or the 200G pressings--or something in between?

It would be good to get an answer here and some enlightenment. I'm sure they can be using different equipment to press the 150G and 200G versions. Or, rather, I'll say I'd be pretty surprised to find that is the case.

Inquiring minds ...

Richard

Hi,

The 200 Gram pressings need much longer cycle time and cooling in the pressing process. Most of the time, they don't get this. As a result, noisy surfaces and lip warps become an issue. Also, those vinylphiles without VTA adjustment must suffer from lesser quality sonics. I have had much better luck with Classic 150 Gram pressings than their 200 Gram pressings regarding quality.

Hi,

The 200 Gram pressings need much longer cycle time and cooling in the pressing process. Most of the time, they don't get this. As a result, noisy surfaces and lip warps become an issue. Also, those vinylphiles without VTA adjustment must suffer from lesser quality sonics. I have had much better luck with Classic 150 Gram pressings than their 200 Gram pressings regarding quality.


Would this include ones made after they changed record presses? http://www.classicrecords.com/blog/i...archivemonth=9

The new ones are better than much of their older 200G pressings. Unless you have adjustable VTA, 180 and 200G records sound inferior. The newer Classic Records are better made and quieter than the older ones.