Vinyl 101: Learn the Different Kinds of Vinyl Remastering to Buy Better Records

So you’re at the record store looking for a copy of one of your favorite albums ever. Maybe it’s Rumours. Maybe it’s Thriller. Maybe it’s More Songs About Buildings and Food. And on the sticker, the record promises “AAA Remastering.” “Cool”, you think. But what does that actually mean? That’s why Vinyl 101 is here.

Vinyl remastering is a weird mix of science, art, and the difference between people’s sound preferences. But something labeled “remastered for vinyl” can mean several different things depending on the source material, technology, and philosophy behind the process. Here’s a clear look at the main types of vinyl remastering—and why they matter.

1. Analog-to-Analog (AAA) Remastering

Often considered the gold standard among audiophiles, AAA remastering keeps the entire process all analog. The tape is Analog, the process to remaster the album—get it sounding right for vinyl—is Analog, and the machine to cut the lacquer—from which records are made—is Analog too.  

This method preserves the warmth and dynamic range of the original recording. There’s no digital conversion, which some listeners believe maintains a more “authentic” sound.

2. Analog-to-Digital-to-Analog (ADA) Remastering

This is the most common modern remastering approach; most albums you buy new at a “budget” price utilize this type of remastering. It is cheaper and less labor intensive, but it also allows for “fixing” damage to tapes that has happened over the years. The tapes are turned into a digital file, where they are remastered, and then turned back into an analog lacquer.

3. Digital-to-Analog (DAA) Remastering

This is used for any music recorded digitally in the first place—like most modern pop and rap music—before it’s lacquered into an analog product for vinyl.

4. Direct Metal Mastering (DMM)

Probably the second most common vinyl remastering technique, this cuts out a step in the process—no analog lacquer is made at all—and the audio is cut directly to a copper master that is used to create pressing stampers. It’s the cheapest option, and is often what smaller artists—who don’t have the budget for the other techniques—use in their vinyl releases. The quality can often be the worst, but that’s not always the case.  

So why does this matter? It allows you to know if the copy of the album you’re buying is what you’re actually paying for. If you’re expecting the best quality sound, look for an AAA remastered edition. If you’re looking to just own a favorite on vinyl that will sound fine, the other options will do. Marketing on records—and the types of remastering—can be confusing, but always remember: music sounds better on vinyl!