LP's: Are Heavy/Virgin vinyl pressings better?

[Johnny Vinyl]

I must say that I am a fan of original pressings and will always try to seek out a copy in VG, VG+ or NM condition. Mint copies are rare and some say that only sealed original releases can be considered as Mint. I would subscribe to that logic.

Regarding the topic at hand, what has been your experience with the purchase of the newer Heavy/Virgin vinyl releases we see today? Do you have a Label that you have complete faith in as far as production quality? Do you think it's a hit-and-miss scenario?

I have generally been satisfied, but I'm also somewhat disappointed in that few of the ones I've bought scream out at me for the superior quality they are "supposed" to provide.

The other thing that seems to be a popular catchphrase on these releases is that they are "remastered". They would have you beleive that this means it is somehow superior to any previous recording. BUNK! You and I, and I suspect we have a fairly knowledgeble crowd following this thread, know this simply isn't the case. What is your view on this?

John