What is 180 Gram Vinyl?

[Otto]

I have seen this term around, but I don't know exactly what it means. I suppose it has something to do with the mass of the actual record itself, or was somehow derived from some such historical meaning. I have seen references such as "180 G Audiophile Vinyl". I also saw a listing for 120, 150 and 200 G vinyl, among other things. Have a look here for the different vinyl categories.

I Googled and Wiki'd, but didn't find much (I didn't really look all that hard, and thought it might be worthwhile to have such a thread here).

So what's up? What's the good stuff? And the junk to avoid? And really, what are the differences between these differently categorized records?

[geekwithfamily]

Otto

120-140 g is a "normal" vinyl LP, like most new releases in the 20th century. 180 g is considered audiophile grade and most new releases and re-releases available today come out in this format. The record is thicker and heavier so it may be less prone to warping over time. Some claim sonic benefits on 180 g's like better stereo imaging, less noise, wider bandwidth, etc. Another factor is "virgin" vinyl (often a feature hand in hand with 180 g and heavier LPs) which uses no recycled plastic which can contain impurities leading to a noisier record.

Another factor is playback speed. 45 rpm records inherently sound better than 33.3 rpm's. I own Radiohead's "Hail to the Thief" on 12", 45 rpm, 180 g LPs. I think this is the highest quality though you get less time per side. Plus I've only listened to it a few times as I have to take apart my turntable to switch the belt to 45 rpm mode. It sounds great.

I don't think you can say that all 180 g sound better than 120 g as the quality is largely dependent on the recording, mastering and pressing.

For example, you could have the original UK pressing of an early Black Sabbath album that will sound better than any US release because they were initially mastered differently.

If it's available and I can afford it I always opt for a 180 g pressing, I just assume it must sound better, though this may be a sonic placebo. When I'm shopping I take the 180 g sticker a stamp of quality though I'm probably just falling for marketing. On the other hand it is much more expensive to press 180 g virgin vinyl so you must assume the band or label cared enough about the record to do it.

[Otto]

Thanks Kyle! As you know, I've recently obtained an old Thorens TT, and I'm starting to gather up some records -- really, just a couple off eBay. They were called VG to VG+ quality, but I don't know if they are 180 or not. Probably not, or the person would have specified (unless they just don't know about that stuff either).

I don't want to spend a bunch of money buying the highest quality audiophile records, but, on the other hand, I know that you usually get what you pay for (what am I really expecting from eBay?!?!?). The 180 G pressings I see are usually about $30. I might buy one a month for that price, and that's OK. It's a long-term thing, I know.

Thanks again.

[eddthompson]

Most of my vinyl is your bog standard 120 gram stuff, bought cheap second hand from record shops etc. As said above, if its a good recording it will sound good on 120 or 200 gram.

For records i realy, realy like, ill stretch to the 200 gram super duper re pressings, ie i have most the classic records led zepplin releases, dark side of the moon on 180 gram etc, they make lovely collector type items too, usualy with realy nice heavy card sleeves etc.

www.acousticsounds.com is a good source for such things, they even shipped to the uk for me

edd