A Commercial record grading system for used sound recordings

Electricka presents for your edification this example of a typical commercial record grading system of the kind used by traders who deal in used sound recordings. Traders of used recordings use these systems to rate, price, and advertise their wares; collectors and audiophiles use them to evaluate recorded performances and to make buying decisions.

There are almost as many such grading systems as there are vendors and traders in this field. Although there are no terminology or rating standards, this one is typical. As you will see, the factors used to rate parameters are subjective; no objective technical measures are employed. Terms are subjective and not defined.

Below are some of the factors that bear upon the acoustic quality and commercial worth of a used recording.