For most of vinyl’s history, records have been pressed on vinyl weighing between 120-grams and 140-grams. Recently, we’ve seen a trend toward heavier weight vinyl. It is not uncommon to see new releases pressed on vinyl weighing between 180-grams and 200-grams. These much heavier pressings are often labeled as “Audiophile Quality”, implying the lesser weight versions are not. As a result, many have questioned this implication and the rationale behind such a move to heavier weight vinyl, as the standard weight seemed to be more than adequate for many decades.
So, does the heavier 180-gram or 200-gram vinyl make a difference? Does it sound better? Does it have a significant impact on the overall listening experience? Or is it another marketing strategy designed to get us to spend more money for something that adds little value?
It is true that 180-gram and 200-gram vinyl records are thicker and subsequently heavier than the standard 120-gram to 140-gram pressings that we all grew up with. Okay, maybe not all of us.
One would assume that heavier weight vinyl would allow for a deeper pressing that creates deeper grooves and allows for more musical detail. However, that assumption would be false, as the standards for pressing on standard weight vinyl and heavier weight vinyl are for the most part the same. The technical standards for cutting grooves to vinyl master discs are the same, regardless of weight.
Therefore, the correct assumption would be that the weight of a vinyl record has little to no impact on sound quality. This is because the groove cuts are determined at the mastering stage, not by the record weight. If in fact the groove cuts were made differently for different weight vinyl, then there may be a case made for sound quality. However, doing such a thing is not technically possible. This is because of the way the vinyl grooves are formed. The point of contact of the stylus tip in the groove does not allow the needle to read any deeper than the standard for all vinyl pressings.
Vinyl record weight has very little to do with the sound quality of the music engraved in the grooves. As a matter of fact, a pressing on a 100-gram vinyl record would sound as good as a 180-gram recording. However, the feel of the record may be such that it makes you feel like it cannot be as high quality. So, the real benefit of 180-gram and 200-gram vinyl pressings may be psychological. The benefit can also be physical, as heavier weight vinyl tends to warp and crack less easily.
What really matters is the music source, the mastering of the recording, and the manufacturing process. Those three things have much greater impact on the sound coming off the vinyl than the vinyl itself.
All that said, some still believe that heavier weight vinyl sounds better. Some think that wow and flutter are reduced with heavier weight vinyl. This may be true for records played on less expensive turntables with lighter platters. A thicker record can improve isolation to protect the stylus from vibration. This is likely because the thicker vinyl may be able to absorb more of the vibration than a lighter weight version. However, when played on a quality turntable, with a quality stylus, and using a quality platform mat, the sound of a standard weight vinyl record is as good as its heavier counterparts.
All things being equal, from a sound quality perspective, if you’re buying 180-gram vinyl thinking the sound is better, you’re probably overpaying for something that isn’t going to meet your expectation. However, if you’re investing in 180-gram vinyl because it is heavier and, because it is heavier, will resist warping and lie flatter on your turntable, subsequently creating a more stable platform for your stylus, then you are investing with the right understanding.
In the end, vinyl record sound quality is dependent upon the music source, mastering of the recording, and the manufacturing process. The heavier weight vinyl is simply a more stable platform for transferring the music to your system. If you have a great system, the weight of the vinyl will be of minimal impact.
Finally, don’t be fooled by vinyl weight marketing. Just because a record is pressed on heavyweight vinyl does not mean it is the best version of a recording. Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab presses on 180-gram vinyl AND they also pull from the best music source available, master the recording to near perfection, and use a manufacturing process that has become the standard for audiophile records.
However, not all are labels are at the level of MFSL. Unfortunately, some record labels have taken advantage of the perception that 180-gram vinyl equates to a higher quality sound and pressed some of the worst recordings on 180-gram vinyl and marketed them as being “audiophile”. Records produced from poor recording masters, using low quality (usually digital) sources, and manufactured in below standard plants result in bad records on any weight vinyl.
Take the load off by doing your homework when buying vinyl. Look for quality in the sourcing, mastering, and manufacturing and you will do far better than stressing about the weight. There are great labels out there that you can rely on, such as Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, Sam Records, Analogue Productions, Blue Note, Impex Records, Speakers Corner, DCC Compact Classics, Music Matters Jazz, Chesky Records, Audio Fidelity, Electric Recording Company, and more. Choose a trusted source and you’ll find the weight lifted.
The Warped Vinyl Aficionado is dedicated to the fair assessment of vinyl music and the growth of vinyl record collections by those who appreciate quality and experience.
www.warpedvinylaficionado.com
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