ghost Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Hello, Sorry if this is a repost. I tried looking for a picture disc thread and it's really hard to sift through sales posts and news. First question, are they called picture discs or records? Second, are they worth paying for? I'm looking into buying a few albums on vinyl, but the only options that are available are a picture disc or a bootleg (in this case it's System of A Down - Mezmerize). My concerns are audio quality and durability. I've heard they have inferior audio quality and that the designs can sometimes "crack". Novelty aside, I would also like to enjoy my records so if these 2 issues are expected, I'm not sure I want to invest in a picture disc release. Thank you in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throughbeingcruel Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Typically, yeah they aren't the best. The only ones I have are as you said, the only option for that particular album. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HybridxReality Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I only go for picture disks when they look cool for the collection. Other than that, no. I do not want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cambionic Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I've heard a few picture discs of exceptional quality, but they were all pressed at 45rpm. A standout for me was The Uncluded - Hokey Fright picture disc. I couldn't even tell it was a picture disc when I spun it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throughbeingcruel Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I've heard a few picture discs of exceptional quality, but they were all pressed at 45rpm. A standout for me was The Uncluded - Hokey Fright picture disc. I couldn't even tell it was a picture disc when I spun it. Good to hear cuz my local shop is ordering that for me right now haha. Didn't know it was a picture disc until after I had them order it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markok Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I have couple left (sold all the others) and they sound excellent: Opeth - Deliverance Hate Eternal - I Monarch The only downside of a PD is a bigger surface noise and maybe durability, I have never seen a unplayable PD though, they will probably outlast my every CD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vinyl addict Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 You are better off with the bootleg most of the time. I have Hypnotize/Mezmerize boots and they sound good. Not hi-fi but better than the woooshing sound of a pic disc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stl_ben Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Some picture discs sound good some sound bad. But the same can be said about regular vinyl. Cpen5311 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DecayToDeath Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 I have the Hypnotize pic disc (can't speak for the Mez one) and it sounds surprisingly good with minimal crackling, except the last song on side B has some distortion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghost Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 Thanks for all the replies! Ok, so then how would people rate a PD with other other formats? For example, 1.Vinyl 2.Picture Disc 3.Blu-Spec 2 CD 3.CD From the sounds of it, I'm not sure I would want to buy one and would probably just opt for a high quality CD version. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejc625 Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 What the hell is a blu-spec CD? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stl_ben Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 It all depends on the individual pressing and your setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fowty Dollaz Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 What the hell is a blu-spec CD?Based on what I just read- pointless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghost Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 It all depends on the individual pressing and your setup.But generally speaking. Of course when it gets down to individual releases and setup it's going to vary, but I was speaking in terms of just broad categories.Yeah, Blu-Spec, SHM-CD, I've tried them all and I don't think they improve audio quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cambionic Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Thanks for all the replies! Ok, so then how would people rate a PD with other other formats? For example, 1.Vinyl 2.Picture Disc 3.Blu-Spec 2 CD 3.CD From the sounds of it, I'm not sure I would want to buy one and would probably just opt for a high quality CD version. More like: 1. CD 2. Vinyl 3. Poop 4. Picture Disc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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