How We Review

50-60% Below Average

• Below Average dynamics would indicate the the record sounds compressed, loud, fatiguing, or unexciting. The record is no better than what you might expect from a compressed digital format such as mp3.

60-70% Average

• Average dynamics would indicate you can expect better than performance than most compressed digital versions of the record, such as mp3. The record should sound as good or better than most compact discs.

70-80% Good

• Above average performance with dynamics, can be better than most compact discs and uncompressed versions of the album or song.

80-90% Very good

• At this level of dynamic performance, we are experiencing what vinyl has to offer. The entire record sounds open with plenty of headroom. Clearly more dynamic than any/all digital formats of the music.

90-100% Reference Quality

• Record is reference quality and will easily outperform all forms of digital playback, showing how much better dynamics can be on Vinyl format. Everything from treble extension to bass is controlled and no brick wall limiting is detected throughout the album.

Here is a great YouTube video that covers Dynamics:

50-60% Below Average

• Soundstage has very little to offer in stereo separation. Mono recordings sound dull and lifeless. Accuracy of musicians/placement on stage sounds quite narrow and uneventful.

60-70% Average

• Soundstage begins to sound more open and there is some realism that can be noticed. Less bleeding from instruments and some instruments sound more focused than others.

70-80% Good

• Soundstage has both depth and width. Instruments are placed in proper locations and there is enough distance between artists on stage that one can close their eyes and point out the majority of the instruments on stage with relative ease.

80-90% Very good 

• Soundstage has depth, width and separation of all instruments on stage. Production sounds as good as having the musicians in your room, playing in front of you. Music hangs in the air and you can easily point out all instruments with great ease.

90-100% Reference Quality 

• The speakers completely disappear. You are there.

50-60% Below Average

• Pops and clicks throughout the majority of the record. Record could be mistaken for a used record that was not cared for.

60-70% Average

• Pops and clicks throughout some of the album. Depending on music production, the record should still be enjoyable.

70-80% Good

• Surface Noise is generally good from beginning to end. While there may be pops and clicks, the distractions are much less annoying and often.

80-90% Very Good

• Level of surface noise is negligible. At low levels, no noise can be heard at all throughout the entire record. No pops and clicks are enough of a distraction that it would bother most listeners.

90-100% Reference Quality 

• With confidence, you could play this record and fool people into thinking they were listening to digital. No surface noise can be heard throughout the record.

50-60% Below Average

Treble on the record sounds harsh, brash, or brittle. Overly bright production can result in listening fatigue, making the record difficult to enjoy especially at higher volume levels.

60-70% Average

Treble instruments are listenable throughout the record but nothing stands out as well particularly well recorded. Some cymbal hits or crashes can sound unnatural or bright at times.

70-80% Good

Treble instruments are starting to sound more even handed and natural with less harshness or graininess on the top end. Cymbals crashes and splashes exhibit a pleasant attack without sounding harsh. Acoustics instruments and top end of most instruments sound natural and clear.

80-90% Very Good

Treble extension sounds incredible with no fatigue or harshness. Record is pleasing to listen to at any level of volume. Treble in production will show what air around instruments can sound like and micro details begin to pop out of nowhere with incredible realism.

90-100% Reference Quality

All you hear is perfection in all treble instruments. Incredible detail and realism with plenty of air and openness between the instruments.

50-60% Below Average

Mid range on the record sounds thin, muddy, or bloated. Poor mid range production can result in uninspiring sessions , making the record difficult to enjoy.

60-70% Average

Mid range instruments are listenable throughout the record but nothing stands out as well particularly well recorded. Vocals can sound unfocused.

70-80% Good

Mid range instruments are starting to sound more detailed. Acoustics exhibit a pleasant attack. Vocals and most instruments sound natural and clear.

80-90% Very Good

Mid range sounds focused with no muddiness. Record is pleasing to listen to at any level of volume. Mid range in production will show what detail around instruments and vocals can sound like with incredible realism.

90-100% Reference Quality

All you hear is perfection in all vocals and mid range instruments. Incredible detail and realism with plenty of detail and focus in the vocals and the instruments.