Not sure why this kind of thread doesn't exist yet in a sub forum titled "Vinyl Nutjob World".  I want to know about your latest vinyl pickups, new, old, or even from the chum dumpster.  Even better if you can tell me anything about the mastering and the pressing quality because I hate wasting money on crap records.  P.S. I better not catch you referring to vinyl as 'vinyls' or you get the plank!

Last week I was excited to snag Iron Maiden's Book of Souls.  It's got Chris Bellman's etching in the deadwax and is nicely pressed and flat (I believe pressed @ MPO for USA).  Mine has a tiny bit of crackle but I've dealt with worse; absolutely listenable on headphones.  The mastering is a little muddy, if you are a Maiden fan you probably notice it is par for the course.  I've heard a digital rip and found it too fatiguing. The Hoffman guys recommend flipping the loudness switch or  boosting the treble if your amp can do it.  The music is fantastic but not necessarily groundbreaking -  definitely not 80's level Maiden. We get longer tracks than usual so it's split into 3 LP's with nice wide grooves.  I recommend it!