Vinyl Me Please Essentials

Just got my replacement Prine. Still crackly as fuck. Now what? Keep trying? Seems like some folks did get clean copies.
from chat: "I'm very sorry about that surface noise, we're currently looking into the possibility that this was a mastering-related issue. We're not currently planning on repressing that release, but I'd be happy to provide a refund for that order if you'd like."

Where can I find the Rhino?
 
from chat: "I'm very sorry about that surface noise, we're currently looking into the possibility that this was a mastering-related issue. We're not currently planning on repressing that release, but I'd be happy to provide a refund for that order if you'd like."

Where can I find the Rhino?

Amazon product ASIN B08761Z68Y
 
from chat: "I'm very sorry about that surface noise, we're currently looking into the possibility that this was a mastering-related issue. We're not currently planning on repressing that release, but I'd be happy to provide a refund for that order if you'd like."

Where can I find the Rhino?

Mastering 😂😂😂

Yeah because a highly respected mastering engineer sent them a lacquer covered in crackle. GZ more like!
 
Last edited:
Mastering 😂😂😂

Yeah because a highly respected mastering engineer sent them a lacquer covered in crackle. GZ more like!
I mean seriously.... C'mon. I just went through 2 copies of both Kinks Lola and Black Pumas 2 LP, both pressed at GZ. Both first copies were absolutely riddled with noise, both second copies were clean. GZ is the worst major pressing plant in the world. I think if they weren't pumping out the numbers they do, they could be quite good. And I do find with lower numbered runs they tend to do a good job, like with RHH for instance. I've had almost zero issues ever with any RHH pressings and I think that's likely down to the low run. But the high number runs they do are abominable. I'm convinced it's because they are using the stampers FAR beyond the number they should be. Likely to save both time and money.
 
I mean seriously.... C'mon. I just went through 2 copies of both Kinks Lola and Black Pumas 2 LP, both pressed at GZ. Both first copies were absolutely riddled with noise, both second copies were clean. GZ is the worst major pressing plant in the world. I think if they weren't pumping out the numbers they do, they could be quite good. And I do find with lower numbered runs they tend to do a good job, like with RHH for instance. I've had almost zero issues ever with any RHH pressings and I think that's likely down to the low run. But the high number runs they do are abominable. I'm convinced it's because they are using the stampers FAR beyond the number they should be. Likely to save both time and money.
Dude, you seriously need to get some FirstRV to preclean. GZ aren't the worst, just sadly you have to work more with a GZ pressing. FirstRV will get the pressing compound out.
Another thing - when cleaning a record, using a vac cleaner or otherwise, when you give it a final wipe, use a real antistatic cloth - not that shit microfiber from Home Deport or Amazon - I learned the hard way that so much crackling is actually static coming off the cloth.
 
Dude, you seriously need to get some FirstRV to preclean. GZ aren't the worst, just sadly you have to work more with a GZ pressing. FirstRV will get the pressing compound out.
Another thing - when cleaning a record, using a vac cleaner or otherwise, when you give it a final wipe, use a real antistatic cloth - not that shit microfiber from Home Deport or Amazon - I learned the hard way that so much crackling is actually static coming off the cloth.
I mean, I have an Okki Nokki, I do a wash with Chisto, both directions, then I do a rinse with distilled water but no wiping, I let the RCM and the wash take care of that... and GZ are like, almost the only plant (aside from Precision which is also owned by GZ) that I consistently have these same issues with. So at that point, I consider it their fault. I feel like the amount of insanity I apply to each record in terms of record cleaning, stylus cleaning, freaking granular microscope level adjustments to the cart... at this point, if I still have a problem. It's them, not me. BUT... I appreciate the suggestion and I'll check out that FirstRV fluid, I've not heard of it before. Is it something that needs to be ordered from the States or is that something you can get locally up here?
 
I mean, I have an Okki Nokki, I do a wash with Chisto, both directions, then I do a rinse with distilled water but no wiping, I let the RCM and the wash take care of that... and GZ are like, almost the only plant (aside from Precision which is also owned by GZ) that I consistently have these same issues with. So at that point, I consider it their fault. I feel like the amount of insanity I apply to each record in terms of record cleaning, stylus cleaning, freaking granular microscope level adjustments to the cart... at this point, if I still have a problem. It's them, not me. BUT... I appreciate the suggestion and I'll check out that FirstRV fluid, I've not heard of it before. Is it something that needs to be ordered from the States or is that something you can get locally up here?
I was never crazy about the Okki Nokki, and I don't know Christo, but am always cautious about flavor of the month on the internet, but whatever works, works.

Not every fluid is ideal for every situation. There is no other product like FirstRV that really gets pressing compound out. I only use it on new vinyl that needs it, though. It is expensive and hard to get in Canada (I order direct from Nitty Gritty), and it should be kept in the fridge it evaporates very quickly.

Nitty Gritty Pure2 is my everyday go-to. Nothing I have tried works as well as a one-step.

I am also very fond of DiscDoctor. I gets knocked quite a bit on the internet because some people aren't bright enough to read the label - it needs to be diluted. If you do that, and a good, thorough rinse with distilled water, it is fantastic, particularly for vintage vinyl. I have rescued a lot of records thanks to DiscDoctor.

And always wipe. Sounds like your mother when you were a kid, right? Always wipe. It may look dry, but rarely is REALLY dry coming out of a vac machine, and that residue is crackly. When the antistatic cloth travels freely across the disc, then it's dry!

And before I play a record, I give it a spin with a good antistatic brush. Really helps. The Audioquest is fine.

And also consider the mat. I use a Herbie's, and it seriously cuts down on vibration and noise, like no other. The mat can be a contributor to noise level also.
 
I was never crazy about the Okki Nokki, and I don't know Christo, but am always cautious about flavor of the month on the internet, but whatever works, works.

Not every fluid is ideal for every situation. There is no other product like FirstRV that really gets pressing compound out. I only use it on new vinyl that needs it, though. It is expensive and hard to get in Canada (I order direct from Nitty Gritty), and it should be kept in the fridge it evaporates very quickly.

Nitty Gritty Pure2 is my everyday go-to. Nothing I have tried works as well as a one-step.

I am also very fond of DiscDoctor. I gets knocked quite a bit on the internet because some people aren't bright enough to read the label - it needs to be diluted. If you do that, and a good, thorough rinse with distilled water, it is fantastic, particularly for vintage vinyl. I have rescued a lot of records thanks to DiscDoctor.

And always wipe. Sounds like your mother when you were a kid, right? Always wipe. It may look dry, but rarely is REALLY dry coming out of a vac machine, and that residue is crackly. When the antistatic cloth travels freely across the disc, then it's dry!

And before I play a record, I give it a spin with a good antistatic brush. Really helps. The Audioquest is fine.

And also consider the mat. I use a Herbie's, and it seriously cuts down on vibration and noise, like no other. The mat can be a contributor to noise level also.
Cool thanks, I will definitely look into this stuff. And just for the record, no I'm not actually all that fond of the Okki either, I will be upgrading this in the not too distant future, it can be good but between the plastic arm expanding and the leaking issues this one has been a bit of a headache...
 
Cool thanks, I will definitely look into this stuff. And just for the record, no I'm not actually all that fond of the Okki either, I will be upgrading this in the not too distant future, it can be good but between the plastic arm expanding and the leaking issues this one has been a bit of a headache...
Do you have the one or the previous model? I have the one on pre-order and this isn't promising... What do you plan to upgrade to?
 
Do you have the one or the previous model? I have the one on pre-order and this isn't promising... What do you plan to upgrade to?
I have the older model, I think they've fixed these issues. I haven't looked too thoroughly in terms of upgrades yet. Possibly the VPI, maybe a Nitty Gritty? Don't be too concerned, generally the Okki does a good job. Just don't leave fluid in the reservoir, empty after every use, and don't leave the arm in the machine after cleaning, take it out and let it dry or it can expand...
 
So I got my copy of Room on Fire and it has some scratches on it (I imagine from the inner sleeve) that cause a consistent popping noise throughout several songs on side A.

You can only hear it in between songs and on quieter moments. Enough to ask for a replacement though. Side B had no issues. Very slight warp, but it doesn’t effect playback.

I thought it sounded pretty good. Better than I was expecting honestly! No annoying distortion like John Prine had.
 
Thirding. Looks and sounds great.

My Billie Holiday replacement still crackles but not nearly as bad as the first copy. Hoping another cleaning can help it out.
 
I’ll echo the same, Room on Fire is well worth the price of admission, especially at the special offer rate. Excellent sound and package.
 
Back
Top