[bclark8923]

Hey all,

I'm fairly new to Vinyl and been reading how 45RPM can be higher sound quality than 33RPM. Anyone have thoughts/knowledge on this and/or listening experiences they'd like to share?

Looking at trying to find my favorite 45RPM records if the sound quality is better!

[SnowPuppy77]

Hey all,

I'm fairly new to Vinyl and been reading how 45RPM can be higher sound quality than 33RPM. Anyone have thoughts/knowledge on this and/or listening experiences they'd like to share?

Looking at trying to find my favorite 45RPM records if the sound quality is better!

Yes 45RPM can potentially sound better.  The best sounding LP in my collection is a 33RMP direct to disc recording of big band Les Brown.  The 2nd and third best happen to be 45RMP from Analog Production Brubeck Time Out and Ray Brown Trio Soular Energy.  But I have several 33RMP that sound excellent.  Good to get your favorites on 45RPM if you can in my opinion.  But the mix and mastering makes a bigger difference than 33 or 45.

[twitch54]

while 45 rpm can sound better, Patrica Barber 'Modern Cool' for example, there is one definite drawback........playtime per side is noticeably reduced. This of course often increases the need for an extra Lp

[S Clark]

Even back in the 80's major labels were aware of the advantages of faster RPM on quality.  Angel records had a Sonic Series that were high quality.
https://www.discogs.com/label/339219-Angel-45-Sonic-Series

[Not Insane]

Hey all,

I'm fairly new to Vinyl and been reading how 45RPM can be higher sound quality than 33RPM. Anyone have thoughts/knowledge on this and/or listening experiences they'd like to share?

Looking at trying to find my favorite 45RPM records if the sound quality is better!

All other things being equal, 45 rpm sounds better. But I've never heard a 7" 45 rpm record that sounded as good as most LP's. The 12" ones usually sound better because that is their main selling point. They are pressed with the idea they will sound better. 7' records were made to punch a lot out and sell cheap.

[Elizabeth]

The inconvenience time wise is the biggest thing against 45 rpm cut albums. Four side to change instead of two....
But yes some 45's albums sound better than the 33. Would I BUY a 45 reissue just to sound better over the already owned 33? NO.
If it was a good label a great/spectacular recording... and new to me (If I did not own it at all)  on 45. maybe.

[bclark8923]

Thanks all! Very insightful comments

[brooklyn]

I purchased a Fleetwood Mac Rumors 180gr 45 speed two album set years ago.
There was no doubt for me that it sounded better than the original LP.. as forum
members have said, 4 sides instead of two and there more expensive..
I enjoyed mine.

[Letitroll98]

The consensus says yes, 45 lps generally sound better than a comparable 33 rpm issue, and I'll add my voice to that.  More expensive and more of a pain to play, but I think worth it for the improved dynamics, impressive bass, and expanded soundstage.

[maty]

Without any doubt (with good/very good recordings). More speed more bandwith, sound more airy.

Important: to appreciate it clearly the recording must have a certain quality.

[qdrone]

All things being equal it depends on the remaster job, quality of the  vinyl pressing.  I stopped buying 45 rpm albums, it ruins the flow of music having to get up to change album.

[maty]

You can verify it with:

Jacintha - Here’s To Ben. A Vocal Tribute To Ben Webster (1998), Vinyl 33" & 45", Groove Note 2014, US

https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/music/6958-playing-listening-post5960269.html
https://www.discogs.com/Jacintha-Heres-To-Ben/release/3841719



DR Peak RMS Duration Track
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33rpm
DR13 -1.18 dB -18.79 dB 5:23 01-Georgia On My Mind
DR13 -0.03 dB -16.41 dB 3:18 02-Our Love Is Here To Stay
DR14 -0.03 dB -21.47 dB 5:23 03-Tenderly
DR13 -0.92 dB -19.82 dB 9:41 04-Somewhere Over The Rainbow
DR12 -3.28 dB -19.93 dB 5:26 05-How Long Has This Been Going On?
DR13 -0.74 dB -20.38 dB 6:38 06-Stardust
DR13 -2.91 dB -19.97 dB 4:13 07-In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
DR13 -0.12 dB -15.86 dB 3:11 08-Pennies From Heaven
DR13 -2.53 dB -20.52 dB 7:31 09-Danny Boy

45rpm
DR12 -0.56 dB -16.42 dB 4:10 10-The Look Of Love (45rpm)
DR13 -1.00 dB -18.26 dB 7:32 11-Danny Boy (45rpm)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Number of tracks: 11
Official DR value: DR13

[Photon46]

Agree with all previous posts on the topic. One other obvious thing to remember is that you have to reach a certain level of system quality before the potential benefits outweigh all the negatives mentioned. When I was acquiring the Angel Sonic Series back in the 80's, I really didn't appreciate their superior audio qualities. Now that I've acquired a better system, I do indeed appreciate them! As others mentioned, not all 45's are created equal, depends on the source materials inherent potential and re-mastering and pressing quality. I bought the Doors "Strange Days" in 45rpm and was rather disappointed in the minimal improvements over a good 33rpm pressing. On the other hand, the 45rpm One Step Mastering of Santana's "Abraxas" is a sonic marvel (although I wouldn't part with the current $600 asking price to buy a copy.) Every current 45rpm remastering of "warhorse" Classical music releases that are sold by audiophile recording retailers like Music Direct sound better than any original 33rpm pressing I've ever heard. In spite of the acclaim the original RCA "Shaded Dogs" receive, I've yet to hear a 33rpm original release that lived up to some audiophile hype (and I have quite a few Shaded Dogs with low, early release stamper numbers.) Modern 45rpm remasters/pressings sound marvelous though IMO.

[Gov]

For me it’s more important to have great mastering...on say the Music Matters where comparisons of same/similar mastering is possible you do see the difference. But I have copies of titles where I vastly prefer the 33 over the 45.

[displayname]

For me it’s more important to have great mastering...on say the Music Matters where comparisons of same/similar mastering is possible you do see the difference. But I have copies of titles where I vastly prefer the 33 over the 45.

I think this is the most important factor, and I don't limit it to 33 vs 45. I think there are cases where some CDs or digital files get a better master than vinyl. If the mastering isn't good, the format really doesn't matter. And not all artists/labels/releases give equal attention when mastering every format.