UPDATE 2025
You might find the comments at the end of this one interesting.
Contemplating trying a money-back-guaranteed Hot Stamper pressing? Our good customer ab_ba has some advice on one of the best ways to go about it. He writes:
Pick out a Hot Stamper on the better-records site. (Choose something you know well, that you already have a few copies of. Pick a Super Hot Stamper, so it’s not absurdly expensive.)
First, see how it compares to your other copies. If it’s not as good, send it back, full refund, no questions asked.
Next, look at the matrix number on the Hot Stamper, and buy three copies on discogs in NM or VG+ condition with the same matrix. Or, go hunt around your local shop for same.
Then, once you get them, clean them to the best of your ability and then do another shootout. Just do it quick – you’ve got 29 days.
If you prefer one to your Hot Stamper, send back the Hot Stamper. No questions asked, and thank Tom for the matrix number.
I’ve done this a couple of times, and every time, I’ve kept the Hot Stamper. Wasted my time and money is all I did. That, and convinced myself Tom’s records are worth what he charges, in that I can’t get records that sound that good for less money.
Dear ab_ba,
Good advice, let’s hope some audiophiles take it. They might just find the world of better sound that’s waiting for them the way you did.
And if not, then they get their money back, no harm, no foul.
Thanks for writing,
TP
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