[gprro]

Anyone have a preference for any good reason? Wonder about ordering Acoustic Sounds pressed titles from the others as well. Funny that the others have sales on them while AS doesn't usualy discount 45's. Thinking about ordering the Beatles box, deciding on where...

[roscoeiii]

For the Beatles Box Set, you aren't going to find much difference between any of these. For harder to find stuff, I shop around since sometimes one will still have limited quantities after the others have sold out (found the 45 RPM Out to Lunch that way). Here is what I have found to be the advantages and disadvantages of each store:

Sound Stage Direct has free shipping over $30. So I often order there if only getting 1-2 LPs Free shipping for the others starts between $70-$100.

Music Direct has the largest vinyl selection, at least that is my impression based on my searches there.

Elusive Disc will sometimes discount everything (incl things marked "no discount") in some of their sales.

Acoustic Sounds will allow you to guarantee that you are getting QRP pressings of LPs that have also been done elsewhere. You can even put QRP in the search field. This is especially nice for scoring Sundazed albums pressed at QRP. Their Dylan for example. Acoustic Sounds also has some used Audiophile vinyl that can be hard to find (tho it is usually pretty pricey).

All of them get my business, and IME all are great to work with.

[Wayner]

I've ordered lots from Music Direct. I've gotten to know Rodger, Chris, Rocco and others there. They are friendly and once in awhile, throw the old dog a bone (like free shipping, or reduced cost). I've bought a couple pairs of Focal speakers from them and many, many LPs. Never a problem. One of the few e-retailers that are personal and may actually give a shit how the customer is doing, happiness wise.....

Wayner

[roscoeiii]

I've ordered lots from Music Direct. I've gotten to know Rodger, Chris, Rocco and others there. They are friendly and once in awhile, throw the old dog a bone (like free shipping, or reduced cost). I've bought a couple pairs of Focal speakers from them and many, many LPs. Never a problem. One of the few e-retailers that are personal and may actually give a shit how the customer is doing, happiness wise.....

Wayner

+1 the folks at Music Direct are great. I live here in Chicago, and have had the pleasure of chatting with most everyone there. Super folks all around.

[vortrex]

Acoustic Sounds is the only place I have ever ordered from where the jacket is not mangled when it shows up.  The "all you can ship" for $7.50 is a nice deal, and they often have a free shipping coupon too.

[gprro]

Yeah, I've ordered a little from everywhere too, do the same
with soundstation. So for the albums that are advertised as QRP pressings, like the recent Time Out release, they should be the same everywhere? Any chance AS keeps  the earlier
pressings, and wondering why they didn't keep them all for themselves. Guess they still move more by wider release.

[painted_klown]

What is a QRP pressing? 

[roscoeiii]

QRP= Quality Record Pressings

http://www.qualityrecordpressings.com/

Owned and operated by the same folks that run Acoustic Sounds. The records I have of theirs sound fabulous (especially their Tea for the Tillerman), and the QRP pressings are said to be an improvement over the earlier Sundazed pressings done elsewhere.

[SlushPuppy]

I've ordered music and accessories from all of them. Every transaction has been perfect. Three of the best companies on the Internet in my opinion.

[roscoeiii]

Yeah, I've ordered a little from everywhere too, do the same
with soundstation. So for the albums that are advertised as QRP pressings, like the recent Time Out release, they should be the same everywhere? Any chance AS keeps  the earlier
pressings, and wondering why they didn't keep them all for themselves. Guess they still move more by wider release.

I think (but am not sure) that it is mainly the Sundazed LPs that can't be IDed as QRP when in the shrinkwrap. But it may also be tough to determine whether an Acoustic Productions LP is QRP or not if you don't order from Acoustic Sounds (for cases where there are two AP pressings). Not sure.

[2gumby2]

I've purchased from all three companies and have had great service from all of them. I don't recommend Amazon for vinyl though. Their packaging is inconsistent and they may just throw the LP in a big box with no packing material and let it rattle around till it gets to you.

[Berndt]

Acoustic sounds has the best packaging ever. And it is the same always. Perfect. Never a damaged lp.

[liddown]

We are very lucky to have all three of these guys with pick from. I have ordered from all three and get the same great service from each of them.. Not a typical situation... 

[roscoeiii]

I've purchased from all three companies and have had great service from all of them. I don't recommend Amazon for vinyl though. Their packaging is inconsistent and they may just throw the LP in a big box with no packing material and let it rattle around till it gets to you.

Of late, Amazon has improved their vinyl shippers. I have liked their new packaging and haven't had any damage since the change.

And it hasn't been mentioned, but each of these companies (as well as Amazon are very good about exchanges in the case of shipping damage or a pressing problem with a record.

[kgturner]

I typically order from Sound Stage Direct. Like mentioned, they offer free shipping on orders over $29.99 which is pretty much one album now a days. Also, I get an extra 10% discount due to being an Audio Asylum member.

Kevin T