The excitement for vinyl records appears to be unwavering, and it’s surprising to see how their popularity has surged since the days when many dismissed them as obsolete. Today, vinyl isn’t just a niche interest; it’s flourishing in the mainstream.
While we’ve addressed several common misconceptions about vinyl in the past, there’s much more to uncover. Just like the often-debated audio quality of vinyl, people continue to circulate myths about this format.
Myth: Colored vinyl has inferior sound quality compared to black vinyl
Not surprising at all
Why is black the standard color for vinyl records? Modern records are crafted from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is naturally clear. To achieve the black hue, manufacturers incorporate black carbon, which is believed to enhance durability. This has become the conventional standard.
During the 1970s and 1980s, colored vinyl became popular but developed a reputation for subpar audio quality. This was often attributed to the absence of carbon and the inclusion of colored dyes. However, these colored releases were mainly novelty items, and other factors, such as poor mastering and pressing techniques, contributed to their sound quality issues.
Today, experts, including those at Victrola, assert there’s no intrinsic reason for colored records to sound worse than black ones. While some exceptions exist, factors like pressing techniques and mastering quality are far more critical. The advancements in manufacturing processes mean that colored editions, particularly those aimed at collectors, are produced to high standards.
Myth: Heavier (180g) vinyl provides superior sound
“Heavy metal” is just a metaphor
There’s a common belief that heavier records are of higher quality, leading to the assumption that a 180g record sounds better than a 120g model. Marketed as “audiophile” quality, the truth is that weight does not inherently improve sound quality.
The audio information is located within the grooves, which remain constant regardless of the record’s weight. While heavier records do resist warping better than standard ones, this is the extent of their advantage.
Myth: High-end turntables guarantee better sound
More money, more issues
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In the past, I spent considerable time writing for a site that sold record players, back when vinyl was still a niche market. I would describe some incredibly expensive turntables—models costing thousands of dollars with elaborate designs—believed to offer the best audio experience. However, the reality is that even a top-tier turntable can sound terrible if paired with inferior audio equipment, while a mid-range turntable properly set up can deliver superior sound quality.
Moreover, there’s a diminishing returns factor; to notice the difference between a $1,000 and a $4,000 turntable, one would likely need exceptional hearing.
Myth: A record clamp or weight always enhances sound quality
Weight isn’t everything
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With the trend of heavier records, we’ve introduced additional weights that sit atop records during play. The idea is that these clamps can reduce vibrations and help keep slightly warped records flat for optimal playback.
However, if your records are flat and your setup is solid, a weight may not make any noticeable difference.
Myth: Records maintain consistent sound quality from start to finish
There are fluctuations
A less-discussed aspect of vinyl audio quality is its inconsistency throughout a record. This is due to the outer grooves moving faster beneath the stylus than the inner ones, which generally results in clearer detail and reduced distortion.
As the tonearm progresses inward, the available space decreases, which can lead to increased distortion known as inner groove distortion. This can also influence the placement of tracks by record producers, with more dynamic tracks usually found toward the outer edges where sound quality is better. Thus, if your record sounds less vibrant toward the end, it’s not merely a figment of your imagination.
Enjoy your music
It’s easy to get caught up in the myriad myths surrounding vinyl records, especially since they have been around for decades. Ultimately, vinyl serves as a medium for music (along with visual art and notes). Enjoy the experience, but don’t overanalyze the format.
