What Is A 180-Gram Vinyl? (Everything You Need To Know)

There are so many different kinds of vinyl records.

7-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, 33 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm, 120-gram, 140-gram, 180-gram, and many more.

And yes, I know some of those are the same.

The point is simply that there are a lot of different descriptors out there when talking about vinyl records

What do they all mean? That is a topic for a different article (specifically, this one).

Today, we are only concerned with one question: what is a 180 gram vinyl.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about 180-gram vinyl, including whether it is better and something you should be looking to buy.

 

What Is A 180-Gram Vinyl?

180-gram vinyl is a vinyl record that has been made using a greater quantity of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pellets. This makes them heavier than standard vinyl albums.

Modern records typically use between 120 gram and 160 gram vinyl. But there are heavier records, like 180-gram vinyl records. These heavier records rest more securely on the turntable and are less likely to warp. Does that make them better? Let’s find out.

 

Does 180-Gram Vinyl Produce Better Sound Quality?

While your instinct may be to think that thicker, heavier vinyl will produce better sound quality, the reality may be a bit different. But not necessarily.

The answer to the question regarding 180-gram vinyl producing better sound quality is, generally speaking, a “no”. But you could also make an argument for a “yes,” albeit a “yes” with a caveat.

Generally speaking, the quality of a record’s sound is more a product of the recording, mixing, and pressing procedures than it has to do with the weight of the vinyl. For great sound quality, a record needs a good start in life.

The quality of the original recording’s vocals and instruments, the quality of the production of the master tapes, and the quality of the procedures and the machinery used in the cutting process all have a more tangible effect on the overall sound quality of the record than the weight of the vinyl used.

However, in the long term, a record that has been manufactured using 180-gram vinyl should be more durable and less prone to warping than a record produced using lighter vinyl. That means that, over an extended period of time, you can expect a 180-gram vinyl record to retain its original sound quality better than a lighter record would.

 

Is 180-Gram Vinyl Really More Durable?

In the same way that a pair of denim jeans is more durable than a pair of cotton chinos, a 180-gram vinyl record is going to be more durable than a record produced from 120 or 140-gram vinyl.

The heavier vinyl affords the record a certain degree of protection against general wear and tear over time. While it has a negligible effect on the amount of wear on the grooves from the stylus, the heavier vinyl is better at preventing scratches.

And should you, heaven forbid, drop your vinyl, it will be less likely to crack.

The use of heavier vinyl is additionally beneficial in that it can help keep your records in shape—literally—by being less susceptible to warping. Records may warp due to excessive heat, pressure, weight, direct light, or a combination thereof.

A record that has been made using 120-gram vinyl is much more likely to be affected by these factors than a 180-gram vinyl record.

With a lighter-weight vinyl record, all it takes to potentially warp your record is exposure to direct sunlight, incorrect storage, or living in a hot climate. A 180-gram vinyl record has more resistance to these factors. The greater heft will help keep your records perfectly flat and in shape for longer.

 

Is 180 Gram Vinyl Really More Stable?

A heavier vinyl record is less likely to move around on the turntable platter than a lighter counterpart. The added stability of a heavier record helps prevent any vibrations from being transferred to the stylus, allowing it to read the grooves with a higher level of precision. Keeping the needle and the tonearm from bouncing will lead to less distortion and a better overall sound quality.

 

Are There Any Other Benefits Of 180-Gram Vinyl?

While there are no direct benefits that can be attributed solely to the weight of the vinyl used, record companies which take the time and effort to release an album on 180-gram vinyl also tend to take extra care when it comes to the whole mastering and manufacturing processes.

Their records are often produced from better-quality master tapes and use superior processing techniques. These record companies also tend to avoid using recycled vinyl. They prefer virgin vinyl, which is freer from impurities that can ultimately lead to noisier playback.

 

180-Gram Vinyl Records: Additional Questions

Next, we will answer some more common questions related to 180-gram vinyl. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

 

Is 180-Gram Vinyl Better?

Compared to a 120-gram or 140-gram vinyl, a 180-gram vinyl should be more durable and more stable. If you are not confident that your record-storing skills are up to Olympic standards, then opting for 180-gram vinyl will help preserve your records’ sound quality better.

 

Is 200-Gram Vinyl Better?

While there will be no detectable increase in overall sound quality, a heavier 200-gram vinyl record will be even less prone to warping. The main advantage afforded by 200-gram vinyl is a further increase in durability.

 

What Size Vinyl Is Best?

Records come in three standard sizes: 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch. 7-inch records tend to be the reserve of singles, and 10-inch records are less common and usually reserved for special pressings or EPs. There is an argument that a 12-inch single has the capacity to sound better than a 7-inch single, due to the greater physical space for the grooves, which should aid in preserving the sound quality.

 

Why Is Heavy Vinyl Better?

If you value the durability of your records, you will find that heavier records are better in this respect. The heavier vinyl is less susceptible to damage, general wear and tear, and warping than its lighter counterparts.

 

What Is A Vinyl Weight

A vinyl weight is a circular object resembling a hockey puck. This small device is used to hold a record firmly in place while it rotates on your turntable. Instead of a weight some vinyl enthusiasts prefer to use a clamp to secure the record to the turntable’s spindle.

 

Is A Vinyl Weight Worth It?

The stylus vibrates as it tracks your record grooves and some of that vibration will be transferred to the record itself. When this happens, the stylus has a harder time accurately reading the grooves. Coupling the record to the platter using a vinyl weight or clamp reduces this vibration, resulting in cleaner playback and less distortion.

 

180-Gram Vinyl: Final Thoughts

I hope that cleared things up. You should now know exactly what 180-gram vinyl is and whether you want t spend a bit more for it. To some it is worth the extra cost. To others it is not.

That said, you don’t usually have a choice if you are looking for a specific record. The manufacturer chooses the material to use in the production of their vinyl records.