New Classic Records Clarity Non-Magnetic Vinyl

[Artisan Fan]

Something fairly unique happened today in the audio realm that was fun. I was selected for a comparison test of a new clear vinyl LP formulation of Side A of Blue Train by Classic Records (45 rpm). The Clarity record was created to remove the magnetic properties of standard vinyl which gets magnetized via carbon addition.

Removing the magnetic carbon lowers the noise floor. Classic sent me two records, one standard pressing and one exactly the same but with the new Clarity vinyl.

Here are my listening notes:

I just heard the two 45 rpm pressings of the Blue Train cut on the Scoutmaster with Sonata cart feeding an Audio Research PH3SE.

First, the black 200 gram pressing sounded really fine with nice amount of detail and a nice deep soundstage. Very nice to have this in my collection.

Second, the almost clear but slight greyish Clarity vinyl. Looks cool, sounds even better. I'm hearing the following things which I imagine come from the non-magnetic vinyl:

>> More detail all around. Hear more of the strings on the walking bass, and a ton of detail on the sax including hall which I did not hear much of before.

>> Quieter background.

>> Better dynamics.

>> Better layering and isolation of the instrments.

>> More realistic piano tone, sort of a bigger image across the keyboard width.

This is a nice upgrade for Classic Records and the record is quite stylish. It will take some time to adjust to using a record brush on something other than jet black but it's really no biggie.

 

[Artisan Fan]

Some background info in case anyone is interested.

http://www.classicrecords.com/blog/i...archivemonth=9

 

[RatherAnOddball]

Thanks very much for the review, info and link, A.F. Very much appreciated. Once I replace the stylus on my cartridge, I'll order a few of these records myself.

I hope that I'm not derailing your thread by asking, but I rarely encounter anyone very knowledgeable on this subject; could you please tell me of any other leads in the same vein?
I've bought a ton of MFSL, for example, but know of little else to look for. I'm very curious just how many other studios out there are offering either improved pressings of old recordings or improved methods of pressing new recordings.

 

[Tarmac]

Did you listen to it blind? Have your wife or servant put the record on for you.

This reminds me of those green CD markers in the 1980s