Which compost do you use for seeds?

Do you use compost specific for seeds or multi purpose compost. This year I am using the latter and I must admit I am getting poor results from some of the seeds I am using. I am using older seeds from last year and new seeds from an Ebay seed company bought this year recommended from other forum people on here.
The poor results are from the like's of Peppers, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Chilli and Sweetcorn. Out of a seed tray with 15-18 cells I am only getting less than half a dozen germinating.
Good results have come from Leeks, Broad beans, Toms and Beetroot. It just seems a bit hit and miss this year from old and new seeds.
I will admit to possibly starting some of the seeds a bit early as I have no heat in the potting shed, but the trays do have those clear lids on them you can buy to keep the heat in.

One time I tried a soil-based one and foud it rather "cold" so I just use a good quality MPC. It may just be that it was a bit too cold or even too hot when the lids were on - could even be a combination of both. Strange that your caulis haven't germinated yet your toms have.

One time I tried a soil-based one and foud it rather "cold" so I just use a good quality MPC. It may just be that it was a bit too cold or even too hot when the lids were on - could even be a combination of both. Strange that your caulis haven't germinated yet your toms have.

It's not like the Cauli or Cabbage haven't germinated, its just that out of a full tray of seeds only 2-3 have sprouted.  All the Tom's that where planted have grown. I think it is what you have said, a combination of being too hot/cold.

I use Jacks Magic for sowing and potting on. Its great stuff.
Make sure your brassica sowing and seedlings don't get too hot.

And me

I user Clover MPC and found it good for everything. Its not a lumpy as Verve.

I've also used a John Innes seed compost but this seems to have been very wet and cold, even when not watered much.