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.
What does 180 mean for vinyl.
180 gram vinyl explained in short it s all about weight.
What does 33 45 and 78 rpm mean.
Everything depends on the mastering process.
You will notice that most pre 90 vinyl was about 140g and still sounds fantastic.
180 gram is a heavier grade of vinyl that many believe coaxes a richer audio palate than lighter standard grades.
It means nothing really.
The vast majority of 12 inch records that have been pressed in the 20th century weigh between 120 and 140 grams.
Ironically this is not in reference to groove wear from being in contact with the stylus.
Audiophile grade vinyl was a term originally used by labels that went out of their way to produce extraordinarily good sounding vinyl.
Historically there is an implied quality standard associated with 180 gram vinyl or 200 gram vinyl.
Warm analog sound gave way to a more sterile perfect aesthetic.
The quality of the sound derives from the vinyl compound as opposed to the weight of the disc.
As a result many 80 s vinyl lps tried to closely replicate the digital output of cds.
A heavier vinyl platter is more robust and durable.
80 s vinyl is plentiful but still flimsy and rather bendy.
Sure 180g lps ride more smoothly on a turntable thanks to their weight but the benefits end there.
What is audiophile grade vinyl.
It has become a selling point for many new presses but ultimately it is meaningless.
A 180 gram vinyl record is approximately 2 8 mm thick.
The records themselves are often referred to by their speed.
33 45 and 78 rpm is the speed at which the most common commercially available vinyl records spin at represented in revolutions per minute.
A standard 140 gram vinyl record is approximately 2 1 mm thick.
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