The vinyl gourmet the words 180 gram vinyl have been the cause for many misunderstandings and debate among the audiophile and vinyl records community.
What difference does gram make on vinyl.
The groove usually starts near the periphery and ends near the center of the disc.
I would take a dynaflex of carefully pressed super quiet high quality vinyl from new stampers over a heavy record made from recycled floor sweepings any day.
Ironically this is not in reference to groove wear from being in contact with the stylus.
Standard vinyl also offers heavy weight vinyl records that are audiophile grade.
180 gram is a heavier grade of vinyl that many believe coaxes a richer audio palate than lighter standard grades.
180 gram vinyl by contrast is significantly thicker and heavier creating a product that is widely considered to be audiophile grade but heavy duty records aren t capped at the 180 gram limit.
If earlier pressings or good reissues exist research the difference between pressings.
Less vinyl means less petroleum needed to make it.
A 180 gram lp is not only more satisfying to handle and place on the turntable but it offers more resistance to clutzy manipulation and other possible abuses.
The quality of the sound derives from the vinyl compound as opposed to the weight of the disc.
Sure 180g lps ride more smoothly on a turntable thanks to their weight but the benefits end there.
A heavier vinyl platter is more robust and durable.
At first the discs were commonly made from shellac with earlier records having a fine abrasive.
If you re interested in digging a bit deeper just google dynaflex and prepare for a nerd fight.
The vast majority of 12 inch records that have been pressed in the 20th century weigh between 120 and 140 grams.
Less vinyl means less temptation for the record manufacturers to augment their virgin vinyl with center punches and rim trim leftovers.
Buy if necessary but expect thinner vinyl.
In fact the mastering or cut to vinyl doesn t change or vary in any way depending on the weight or thickness of the vinyl discs that will be pressed and there is no specific mastering for 140g 160g 180g or 200g vinyl.
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The standard weight for our vinyl records is 40 grams for 7 inch records 110 grams for 10 inch records and 150 grams for 12 inch records.