Vinyl records have been making a comeback in recent years, and our record collection has exploded at the Acorn Blog Studio. Along with this explosion, you might have noticed that the record price has also done the same.
Now, I don’t want to be that “Old Grump” in the room, but the record cost has gone up and outpaced where it should be. In other words, the Pink Floyd album, The Wall, I bought back in 1985 was about $22, and I thought that was highway robbery. Today that same album is hard to find at just under $50, and in some establishments, you could pay as high as $60 to $70. Across the board, all records have gone up in price dramatically from just a few decades ago. (I really might be that old Grump.)
After buying a number of records now, there are some changes from what I remembered back in the day. One significant difference you will notice is that the records themselves are about double the thickness of a record produced in the 1980s. Another difference is the number of colors the physical records themselves come in. The last three albums I bought were transparent blue, green, and clear compared to the traditional “black” of the 1970s and ’80s.
Here at the Acorn Blog, we are very curious and decided to look into why record albums are so different and pricier. What we found was surprising because a record is just a record….Right?
Audiophile-Grade Records
With the recent resurgence of records and renewed interest, the marketplace has stepped up and started producing what is called audiophile-grade records. These records are made with high-quality materials and processes in order to create the best possible sound quality.
There are a few reasons why audiophile-grade records are becoming more popular. First, many believe that vinyl records sound better than other formats, such as CDs or digital files. This is because vinyl records have a more comprehensive frequency range and a higher dynamic spectrum than other formats.
The frequency range of a sound system is the audible range that it can produce with clarity. The more comprehensive this range, the more accurate the sound quality. Vinyl records have a wider frequency range than CDs or digital files, which means that they can reproduce a more dynamic sound quality. This results in a more accurate and immersive sound reproduction.
In addition to the broader frequency and dynamic range, vinyl records also have a few other advantages over other formats. For example, vinyl records are less susceptible to digital compression, which can degrade the sound quality of digital files. Additionally, vinyl records are often seen as a more collectible format than CDs or digital files.
Best of the best?
What makes a record audiophile-grade? First, the vinyl used to make the record is typically thicker than regular vinyl. This makes the record more stable and less likely to warp or crack. Second, these records are often produced using “Cold Pressing” as opposed to “Hot Pressing,” which was used during the ’70s and ’80s. Third, audiophile-grade records are usually mastered by experienced professionals who use high-quality mastering equipment. This ensures that the sound quality of the record is maximized.
Whether or not audiophile-grade records are worth the extra money is a matter of personal preference. Some people believe that the difference in sound quality is worth the additional cost, while others believe that the difference is negligible.
Major differences between old vs. new
In addition to these technical differences, there are also some cultural differences between records produced in the 1980s compared to today. In the 1980s, vinyl records were the dominant format for music listening. However, today, vinyl records are in a niche format. This means that there is a smaller market for vinyl records today, which can lead to higher prices.
Let’s take a closer look at the two different pressing methods used in making records. When it comes to records, Cold Pressing and Hot Pressing refer to two different methods used in the manufacturing process.
Cold Pressing
This is the primary method of manufacturing vinyl records today. In this process, the vinyl material is placed between metal plates and hydraulic pressure is applied to compress the material into the shape of a record. The term “Cold Pressing” refers to the fact that the process is performed at room temperature or slightly below, without the application of heat.
Advantages of Cold Pressing
Cold Pressing is often favored by audiophiles because it is believed to preserve the original sound quality of the recording. Some argue that the absence of heat helps maintain the fidelity of the music.
Hot Pressing
Hot pressing, also known as steam or thermal pressing, is a technique used in vinyl record manufacturing. This method was utilized in the 1950s and is still used today by some record producers. In this method, the vinyl material is softened by heating it to a specific temperature, typically between 300 to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. The heated material is then placed between metal plates, and pressure is applied to shape it into a record.
Advantages of Hot Pressing
Like everything else that is made with cost as a driving factor, manufacturing speed is essential, and that is what Hot Pressing does for you. The application of heat allows the vinyl material to soften and set more quickly, reducing production time.
No matter what method you prefer, many people still enjoy listening to all types of vinyl records. Vinyl offers a unique listening experience that other formats cannot replicate, and the physical act of playing a record can be a rewarding experience.
The Future is Now?
The future of audiophile-grade vinyl records is uncertain. Some people believe that the trend will continue as more and more people become interested in high-quality sound. Others believe the trend will eventually plateau as the record market becomes saturated. Only time will tell what the future holds for modern-day records.
Here are some additional considerations for a quality vinyl record recording:
The quality of the master recording ultimately determines the sound quality of a vinyl record. If the master recording is poor, the vinyl record will sound bad, regardless of how thick or hard it is pressed. The pressing process can also affect the sound quality of a vinyl record. If this process is done poorly, the record may sound distorted or noisy.
The turntable and stylus you use to play the record can also affect the sound quality. If you use a low-quality record player, the sound quality will not sound crisp and clear. It looks like we need to get rid of our Micky Mouse record player here at the Acorn Blog, and I wish I were kidding.
Conclusion
Audiophile-grade vinyl records are made with high-quality materials and processes in order to produce the best possible sound quality. They are often seen as a more collectible format and becoming increasingly popular. Whether or not these records are worth the extra money is a matter of personal preference. However, there is no doubt that they offer a unique listening experience that is not possible with other formats.
So, to answer your question, is a record just a record? For the Acorn Blog, the answer is a big NO. Modern records are more expensive, but, in this case, that expense is justified with thicker and scratch-resistant vinyl. Believe me, we are very hard on our records, especially when we have our 80’s scratch parties here at the Acorn. Now we will just have to upgrade our sound system from our Micky Mouse Record Player from way back when to something a little more modern. There is always something to upgrade in your life, including your record collection.
Until next time, take care and stay safe out there.
Acorn OUT!!