Despite my best judgement, I just got more albums from ERC. I wish they would use a different stamping plant, as the quality control is terrible. Issues:
- spindle hole off center, often by more than I’ve seen with other albums (using DS Audio ES-001)
- mono signal not centered between speakers (and it’s not my system!)
- more noise than I would like (but this could just be from the master tapes)
I do want to be supportive of ERC as they have always been great to me: very responsive and replaced albums without question. But I’m now batting 0% for receiving a quality pressing the first time (experience with about 6 albums), and I’m not super picky. That’s not acceptable, especially at their pricing.
I also think this is why some claim their albums don’t sound that great, while others disagree. It’s because the QC is so variable! I’m sure both camps are right.