Sold Date: September 14, 2016
Start Date: September 9, 2016
Final Price: $45.00 (USD)
Bid Count: 9
Seller Feedback: 2822
Buyer Feedback: 19

SS: Still Sealed
Label: Mercury Living Presence
Catalog Number: SR 90310
Jacket Condition: M/ Mint

This auction is for a STILL SEALED LP Test Pressing of the Classic Records 200gram reissue of "Balalaika Favorites" with Vitaly Gnutov conducting the Osipov State Russian Folk Orchestra; pressed on CLARITY Vinyl. This set consists of 2 single sided* discs (A, B), for optimal sound performance. Original jacket is included as a bonus! These highly collectible test pressings are from the first stamper and approximately 20 copies are produced depending on the title. Test pressings reflect the closest you can get to the lacquers and hence have a special collectible value and store of value.

*Single Sided Test Pressings offer the ultimate in sonic fidelity.  The benefits of having a blank sided record include better surface contact with the turntable platter resulting in more efficient transmission of resonances into the platter and away from the cartridge groove modulation.  Further, elimination of grooves on the blank side preclude the existence of reverse side groove micro standing waves which are another form of resonance that can smear playback sound. For the ultimate in vinyl playback single sided LP's offer the creme de la creme of pressings providing additional clarity and definition to the sound. Generally, only a few single sided test pressing sets are made from the first stamper gives them even more collectible value ongoing.

Jacket in mint condition.

Good luck!

Background on Clarity Vinyl Pressings
In 2008, Classic discovered that de-magnitizing black vinyl records leads to better sound in playback.  The engineers at Furutech in Japan, makers of a commercial record demag machine, explained that the carbon black that was added to PVC record pellets contained trace metal that became randomly magnetized and while spinning below an electro-mechanical transducer (phono cartridge) caused electrical distortion inside a cartridge during LP playback.  Hence, demagnetizing a black vinyl record dramatically reduces the electrical distortion and leads to more "Clarity" in playback.  Michael Hobson, founder of Classic Records reasoned that if the carbon black were removed then the result should be more Clarity in playback.  Working closely with the PVC manufacturer Kenan, Classic developed its own proprietary "Clarity Vinyl" devoid of the problems with trace magnetic particles contained in black vinyl formulas.  A Clarity vinyl pressing on a flat profile die is the absolute ultimate pressing possible and even a step above the JVC UHQR black vinyl pressings.  Not to be missed - you can hear the difference!
------------
Thank you for visiting our eBay shop...

Refund Policy
Photos are for actual item up for auction. No returns or exchanges on all items. Items are sold "as is" and cannot be guaranteed against defects of any kind once opened. If an item is not as described, an exchange can be granted for the correct item. We are not responsible for buyer's remorse. Once you have placed your bid, you must complete the transaction per eBay's policy. Please pose any pertinent questions regarding your item of interest prior to placing your bid.

We strive to describe our items with the highest level of accuracy. If any issues arise, we will be happy to work with you to insure customer satisfaction. Please contact us first to try to seek a resolution before escalating the matter.

When available, jackets are provided gratas and as such are not described as part of the listing/auction. Jackets are included in "as is" condition. No exchanges or returns on complimentary jackets.

Packaging
We use thick cardboard boxes specially designed for LPs and bubble wrap all around to ensure records are well protected during shipping.  We are not responsible for any damages that occur during shipping. 

Payments & Shipping
State tax will be charged to California residents. These costs will be included in your final invoice for payment.

Payment must be completed within 7 days of purchase or auction win. Items will ship within 2-3 business days of receiving cleared payment.

We ship worldwide.

Shipping costs will be calculated after the winning bid is submitted to ensure that costs are accurate depending upon resident's address, the item's weight and type of shipping service.

Combined shipping is available.
Multiple purchases can be consolidated into one shipment. Items must be paid together in a single transaction for the combined rate to apply. Please request an invoice at the end of the auction, so that we may provide you with the discounted shipping rate.

Shipping Services

-Domestic Flat Rate: Applies to 1-2 LPs only (<2 lbs). Please add $2 for each additional LP. This rate does not apply to special items such as box sets containing 2LPs or more. Please wait for us to send you an invoice for accurate shipping costs after auction ends.
USPS Media Mail - $4.00 (2-9 business days/ Includes Delivery Confirmation)
UPS Ground - $12.00 (1-5 business days/ Includes Tracking Number)

-International: Please refer to the shipping calculator for approximate international shipping rates.
USPS Priority Mail (6-10 business days/ Includes Tracking Number + Insurance)
USPS Express Mail (3-5 business days/ Includes Tracking Number + Insurance)

DHL Worldwide Express Mail (1-2 business days/ Includes Tracking Number + Insurance) >> We recommend this service. It's quick, reliable and often less expensive than USPS Priority Mail. Please request an invoice from us to provide you with this service.

Note for International Buyers
For customs purposes, all items will be declared at closing auction price. Duties and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer. We do not reduce the value on customs forms as it is against eBay policy and is considered customs fraud. Custom delays could be expected on high priced items.
 
Customer Service
We appreciate our customers. If you have questions regarding any of our items, please feel free to contact us. Questions are generally answered within 2 business days. We are closed on major holidays and weekends.

We strive to describe our items with the highest level of accuracy. If any issues arise, we will be happy to work with you to insure customer satisfaction. Please contact us first to try to seek a resolution before escalating the matter.

We appreciate 5 star feedback and will do our best to work with you to earn it. Those who leave positive feedback will receive it in return.

Happy shopping!