These audiophile grade albums demand high prices at record stores.
What does 180 mean for vinyl.
180 gram is a heavier grade of vinyl that many believe coaxes a richer audio palate than lighter standard grades.
Many new vinyl record releases tout their selling feature of being pressed on 180 gram vinyl.
As a result many 80 s vinyl lps tried to closely replicate the digital output of cds.
Sure 180g lps ride more smoothly on a turntable thanks to their weight but the benefits end there.
You will notice that most pre 90 vinyl was about 140g and still sounds fantastic.
What does 33 45 and 78 rpm mean.
That doesn t mean there are no benefits to be gained from 180g or even 200 220g vinyl lp s.
Everything depends on the mastering process.
Are 180 gram vinyl records inherently better than standard pressings.
It has become a selling point for many new presses but ultimately it is meaningless.
33 45 and 78 rpm is the speed at which the most common commercially available vinyl records spin at represented in revolutions per minute.
It means nothing really.
The quality of the sound derives from the vinyl compound as opposed to the weight of the disc.
But does 180 gram heavyweight vinyl sound better than standard 140 gram records.
While some misconceptions exist there s nothing really noteworthy about heavyweight vinyl.
The introduction of digital methods of recording and mastering also changed the way it sounded.
The main dominators whether a record sound good or bad are the quality of the source.
80 s vinyl is plentiful but still flimsy and rather bendy.
180 gram vinyl has been the subject of much debate among record nerds.
The records themselves are often referred to by their speed.
Are thicker and heavier records actually better and if so why.
Warm analog sound gave way to a more sterile perfect aesthetic.
We explain the benefits of 180 gram vinyl to see if they are worth the premium price.
The words 180 gram vinyl have been the cause for many misunderstandings and debate among the audiophile and vinyl records community.
There is no strong correlation between the weight and the sound quality of vinyl records.