I know this might seem like a broad question but hopefully I can clarify. I recently bought a record player and am starting to build a collection of records because I like the experience of hearing the original raw versions. My concern is if I buy a brand new record of an album that came out 30+ years ago, am I getting the original quality or just a pressing of a remastered version, and more specifically how can I tell? I hate to spend $40 on something that is the same quality as a CD or digital.
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2If this is a repress, I would say it is likely a remastered record. Has the cover any information about remaster (sometimes there is). Also, you can check on discogs.com, by identifying the disc code.– BebsDec 13, 2016 at 8:12
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If you could show us a picture of the record you are talking about (where we can see the number) we might help you...– BebsJan 5, 2017 at 11:18
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1I think "I hate to spend $40 on something that is the same quality as a CD or digital." implies that vinyl is inherently superior. Unless it was a direct to disk recording, it's almost certain that the original was recorded and mixed on magnetic tape, which introduces hiss and other problems. And almost anything recorded in the last few decades will have been recorded and mixed with digital processing. So almost all vinyl ends up being at best the same quality as digital, with all the disadvantages of vinyl (scratches, dust, etc.). And Bluetooth playback further corrupts the sound.– Ray ButterworthSep 1, 2020 at 12:24
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1 Answer
As I said in the comments, it really depends on what you are looking for, and probably on how you define yourself : Are you a collector or a listener.
Collectors
Collectors will look for the original released vinyl record, and focus and rare stuff. For example, Rolling Stones album Some Girls was censored shortly after original release. So, there is only a few existing original discs today.
Here you can see a list of Controversial Albums and some were banned and reissued.
Of course, there is a large amount of reissues, represses today which have probably a lower maket value.
The initial release of the Beatles album Yesterday and Today was sold 25,600$ at an auction. But you can buy represses for 2$.
So, Collectors will look after rarity, history, fun facts more than audio quality. They probably won't listen this copy to avoid using it more, they just want to have it.
Listeners
Listeners will focus on audio quality. Original copies, i.e. older ones have been played much more that new ones so they can be slightly damaged over time (don't forget playing a record consists on a diamond running on the disc groove, hence each time damaging it a tiny bit). Also, old releases have used old mixing techniques that (for some people) can be considered as lesser quality.
Older versions of the Beatles album With the Beatles were Mono, newer ones Stereo with a weird panning (100% left or right).
It that case, it depends on what the listener prefers.
For brand new records sold today, there is a chance that the cover (or inside sleeves) describes the material used for this reissue. You can also check on Discogs for additional information.
