There are a number of reasons why some people believe that modern records sound bad. Some of the most common reasons include:
- The loudness wars. The loudness wars are an ongoing competition between record labels and mastering engineers to produce the loudest possible recordings. This can lead to clipping and distortion, which can make records sound harsh and fatiguing.
One way to avoid the loudness wars is to buy records that are mastered specifically for vinyl. These records are typically mastered at a lower volume and with less compression than records that are mastered for digital formats.
- Poor mastering. Mastering is the process of preparing a recording for release. A good mastering engineer can make a recording sound its best, but a poor mastering engineer can ruin a recording.
One way to find good mastering engineers is to look for records that have been mastered by engineers who are known for their work on other good-sounding records. You can also find reviews of mastering engineers online and in magazines.
- Use of digital compression. Digital compression is used to reduce the dynamic range of a recording. This can make a recording sound louder and more punchy, but it can also make it sound flat and lifeless.
To avoid the negative effects of digital compression, look for records that have been mastered with less compression. You can also try adjusting the equalization settings on your turntable or amplifier to boost the dynamic range of your records.
- Use of inferior quality vinyl. If the vinyl used to press a record is of inferior quality, it can affect the sound quality of the record.
One way to avoid inferior quality vinyl is to buy records from reputable labels. These labels typically use high-quality vinyl and manufacturing processes. You can also look for records that have been pressed in countries with a good reputation for vinyl manufacturing, such as Germany and Japan.
- Poor manufacturing quality. Vinyl records are delicate and can easily be damaged during the manufacturing process. If a record is not manufactured properly, it can sound noisy and distorted.
One way to avoid poor manufacturing quality is to buy records from reputable labels. These labels typically have high quality control standards. You can also look for records that have been pressed in countries with a good reputation for vinyl manufacturing, such as Germany and Japan.
In addition to the above, here are some other less common possible reasons why modern records may sound bad:
- Faulty turntable or cartridge. If your turntable or cartridge is not working properly, it can affect the sound quality of your records.
To troubleshoot a faulty turntable or cartridge, you can try cleaning the stylus and contacts. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the turntable or cartridge.
- Improperly set up turntable. If your turntable is not set up properly, it can also affect the sound quality of your records.
To properly set up your turntable, follow the instructions in the owner’s manual. This will typically involve setting the turntable level and adjusting the tonearm and cartridge alignment.
- Dirty records. Dirty records can cause noise and distortion.
To clean your records, use a record brush and cleaning solution. Be sure to clean both sides of the record before playing it.
- Incorrect playback settings. If your playback settings are not correct, it can affect the sound quality of your records.
For example, if the volume is too high, it can cause clipping and distortion. Experiment with different playback settings to find what sounds best to you.
Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy the sound of modern records is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the sound of modern records, while others prefer the sound of older records. There is no right or wrong answer.
However, if you are concerned about the sound quality of modern records, there are a number of things you can do to improve it. By buying records from reputable labels, choosing well-mastered records, and setting up your turntable properly, you can enjoy the sound of modern records at their best.
