Companies like elusive disc offer 180g to 200g Lp's.

What does this mean?
Do these sound better then say, the originals?
Not cheap either, is it worth the expense over garage sale albums?

Thanks for your time.

180g and 200g refers to the weight of the LP, 180 or 200 grams. I think typical records are about 120 or 140 grams. A 180 or 200 gram record is quite a bit thicker than the typical one, which generally cuts down on the likelyhood of warping. They generally are intended to sound better than thinner records, but can always actually turn out worse.

I think the 180 and 200 gram records tend to sound better not because they are thicker, but for lots of other reasons. Some things I can think of are: better quality raw vinyl can be used; more care taken making the master lacquer, mothers and stampers; better pressing quality; and fewer records pressed before changing the stampers.

The downside is that as the record gets thicker, it changes the VTA (Verticle Tracking Angle), the angle that the cartridge makes with the surface of the record. Some cartridges are pretty sensitive to the VTA they are operated at, and the sound can be affected substantially. That's why some of the more expensive turntables offer adjustable VTA so you can optimize the angle for the cartridge you're using.

Hiya,

Every now and again, I buy a 200 gms vinyl. They are expensive though but as I said every now and again .... would not hurt the wallet too much!

They don't warp easily; most records are somewhat warped slightly. Sturdier and hugs the platter mat tighter ..... and let's the needle ride in its grooves for an even, smooth and secure journey. So music is richer.

When you hold a 200 gms vinyl you can feel its weight. Its a good feeling setting it on the platter. Soon I will have all of my favourite music on heavier vinyl.

Ok!
cosmicdust

BTW, do you think the heavier records cut down on resonance?

Also, what were the weights of 60s albums?

Like wise early 70s albums?

Hiya Mike,

It does. For example: I have a copy of High Voltage AC/DC on original copy and also on 200 gms. The 200 gms sounds richer by virtue of the extra thickness on which the grooves were cut. I can audibly see Phil Rudd setting the beats.

I don't know the weights but most early Lps especially the 60's and most all 70's Lps have more weight compared to early 80's. Those flimsy Lps usually have specks of "thingies" pressed into the grooves. They won't make the stylus skip and they don't affect the sound. The flimsy vinyls are there though but still OK if tracked properly with a record clamp or similar weight.

The heavier vinyls i.e. 200gms are pressed privately and not many are made therefore the pressing is cleaner.

They should make more pressings of the heavier vinyls and give them to us for a $5.00 a piece. Tha's a fair price don't you think?

cosmicdust

I personally will buy a 180g + LP over what I call the normal pressing weight LP's. While playing some PVC one night I found the 180g & normal pressing weight of the same LP (Van Morrisons Moondance). I played both LP's on the same TT and different TT's. Any combination I used the 180g LP had a much better all around sound quality than the normal pressing for me. This was by no means a lab controlled experiment. Just me in the basement with a 2 pack of Grolsch :D and time on my hands. When looking for specific LP's I will first check for 180g + LP's with the MoFi label. Again, just my two centavo's worth.