I shudder to think what it costs for MOFI and Analog Productions etc over there, its bad enough here in Australia. I was raised in Masterton and have many NZ pressings from my journey I know the EMI plant in Wellington knew what they were doing when it came to pressing vinyl.
@@darrens7040 I am in New Zealand and buy direct from Acoustic Sounds. I save up and buy a bunch of records at a time to spread the shipping cost. It doesn't work out too bad.... not much more than the mass market pressings from digital masters. I have done it several times without a hitch... only downside is, it is not worthwhile to return a record if you get a dud (I've had 2 or 3 out of about 40 records - none of them were QRP Analogue Productions pressings)... but still worth it.
@@markwilding3828 bloody awesome to hear Mark I have a decent record store here and am glad you can get them over for yourself postage can be a killer I too save up when I purchase vinyl storage soloutions sleeves and inners and buy a good supply With all the worlds troubles I have been waiting over a year for the Carol King Mofi one step my store just keeps telling me it’s on its way Enjoy your buying and the journey is what my Dad tells me. I should ask around here in Brisbane if anyone would consider ordering with me to split the postage costs
@@darrens7040 There does seem to be something up with that Carol King one-step... seemed to keep getting delayed while other stuff was pressed. Hard to work out what happens behind the scenes sometimes. I know that orders from record stores are often greater than the number being pressed and that record stores often miss out.
A record released in 1960 was an Audio Fidelity recording entitled Percussive Vaudeville, the big theatrical sound, doctored for super stereo. I use this record to demonstrate my equipment to people who visit my home. After 62 years, it still takes first place in all my test records.
I agree! In order to enjoy an audiophile pressing you need a system capable of bringing out the full potential of the recording. Don’t forget about record maintenance. Cleaning vinyl and the stylus are a must!
Uhqr are for sure out of this world! And the regulars are spectacular sound. Got my order today and I'm now obsessed with their records. High quality you are absolutely right!!!! Super happy with it.🤩🤩🤩🤩
So glad I found this video! This clears up a lot of jargon for me. Thank you! For a long time, I've been following channels about equipment/gear, but now that I have a good enough system, I've been watching a lot more of your videos. While I've been learning a lot about vinyl collecting (such as in this video), I've learned even more about groups/artists. I've spent a lot of time jotting down bands and albums then listening to them. It's been a fun journey. Thanks Dillon (hope I spelled your name correctly).
The lowest quality pressing of The Doors debut album is better than most high quality pressings of other bands. Once that first note of Break on Through plays…..omg what an album!
Man, I’m waiting for a special moment to break the seal on that Kind of Blue! Glad I bought two! Since you’ve posted this, about 10 copies have sold on Discogs.
An insightful and honest appraisal of the "audiophile" market. You admit what you do not know and speak modestly and honestly about what you do know. I have about 3,700 LP's. Most of these were purchased at garage sales south of Tampa Bay area in the 80's, 90's and first decade of 2000's when people had decided to pitch their collections for pennies on the dollar. I also bought original pressings at record stores and then often swapped duplicates of titles at the used record stores that populated the landscape in the Tampa/St. Pete area in the 90's. I was not averse to purchasing about 40 Mobile Fidelity Pressings in my life as well as same number of Japanese pressings. I am generally quite happy with all of these - I have a MoFi of LZ II and have heard it against a VG+ Robert Ludwig pressing and would not part with my MoFi. It is dead quiet, and the Ludwig was noisy. That detracted for me much of the enjoyment of the slightly superior mastering. And I listen on an upgraded Linn Sondek LP12 so I have some ability to discern quality.
Thanks for all the help! I travel for work and collect records from the road. Your information has been amazing! I’ll be visiting your shop next time in Charlotte!
This is a fantastic video, sir. I have only gotten into vinyl in the last 4 months and I learned more from this one video than I have in all those 4 months.
I started collecting vinyl a little over a year ago. Sound quality is the most important thing for me so this has been super helpful in what to look for when it comes to quality pressings. Thank You!
Great video. Very helpful for rookies like me. I have a Rega P1 as an entry level TT with the Leak Stereo 130 integrated amp, with a Fosi phono stage, and I think I can listen to the differences between pressings and audiophile recordings, but it could be suggestion (like in your all-in-one friend story). For now I will stick with noraml records, at least until I upgrade my system.
I actually got to tour acoustic sounds pressing plant in Salina, Kansas in college. It was super cool to see the whole process. We got to see a 50,000 dollar audiophile set up and let me tell you that was the craziest sound I have ever heard. It filled the whole room and just emerged you
Another great video Dillion, I have to say since my collections is all digital It's starting to get frustrating with all the different inversions. I have 5 different versions of A Kind Of Blue and none of them sound the same. I'm starting to wonder who's winning this battle, me or the manufactors.
The Kind of Blue uhqr version was overhyped and my copy has scratches that are visible and very Audible on the last song. My Eagles mobile Fidelity was off center, warped and full of fingerprints and debris. Pathetic. Lynyrd Skynyrd record from acoustic sounds had a drop of yellow glue that I had to scrape off with my fingernail and then spent quite a bit of time trying to get the remainder of crud out of the groove.
I’m not into vinyl, but I can tell you that CCR’s Willy and the Poor Boys on Analogue Productions SACD sounds. Utterly. Incredible. So I understand where you’re coming from with being a fan of theirs.
Really enjoyed this video, Dillon! I've been collecting for about 13 years and still found this informative. I've set it before, but it bears repeating: Your new (to you) system is AMAZING!!!
You’re the first guy I’ve seen that actually knows his stuff. I’ve been collecting since 1964. Recently I had to see my Bill Evans-Jim Hall Undercurrent album mono on UAJ signed by both guys. I actually thought I was going to puke to I shipped it. It was EX -EX+ . That hurt. I don’t own many USA pressing. Mostly UK, Italy ,and Odeon red wax Beatles. Paul Simon,Joni Mitchell I believe I have three to five albums of each album. Beatles first pressing Parlophone - early stereo are panned hard right,hard left to the degree of isolated vocals right,instruments left. I’ve sent quite a few to Michael Fremer to listen to for his feedback. The most critical man imaginable. I did have a 63 Decca Please,Please Me he wanted to buy,but didn’t want to pay what it was worth. Christ the guy probably has a million dollar playback system. By the way. How many people do you believe have a Macintosh tube power amp,and preamp ? That’s quite an elite setup by anyones standards . If I ever get near No.Carolina I’m going to stop by ,and meet you. Lastly. The source master tapes are a big deal. 1/4 at 30 IPS. I’m sure you know companies like Capitol Records make or use dubs that are not close to the original source tape masters . Point being how are the companies you mentioned getting first generation tapes ? MoFo ? Did you mention they or some other pressing plant had 45 rpm Beatles albums ? I’ve never seen one . In any event you’re as good as it gets. Usually these audio reviewers are hacks. Ever see these clowns that sell online called “ Better Records “ . I know you have ,and your laughing now as well as I am. Cheers. Me
Thanks for talking about 45rom vinyl, i was always wondering why they sometimes sounds better than a lot of LPs. And the ones I bought in Germany about 40 years ago sounds fantastic, far better than a lot of the first generation CDs to come out.
Great video Dillon, been collecting Analogue Productions and MOFI stuff for a while now too and love their stuff. Even some of the Abbey Road half speed remasters have been pretty decent, especially their INXS - Kick.
Hey Dillon.. Real nice Video... Love the System... Hey!! I did add an Equalizer and " Boy" does make a difference in the Sound in our old house.... So Still being old and poor!!! Sounds pretty good.... You gave some good info.. everything good here.. Sonny still going through Boxes adding to tables... Still helping him sort... Peace Dan..
I missed out on the Infinite box when it first came out. So now that you reminded me of the AP copies, I'm gonna make my own. Too bad I can't get the box to put em in. Snooze you lose.
What I have found is that the more obscure or niche recordings that get released, the longer wait times for a potential repress (unless the company clearly says they will not be repressed). Anything like Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, John Coltrane, etc, will eventually get repressed once they can fit them in on the presses. If there is a record you truly want and you see it in a store or your online retailer of choice, buy it, because it may be awhile before it gets repressed.
great video bud, one note about the UHQR version of Kind of Blue is that each lp is hand pressed by the operator. that sort of blew my mind but chad has a video of the manual vinyl press they used to produce that UHQR. That is the definitive version of this Miles Davis album by several country miles.
Hey Dillon - so glad you have 'evolved' - that system of yours is an absolute dream and we are all super jealous. Just don't follow that dirty path down to snobby.. 😋
I own just 1 MOFI Record pressing. It was kind of pricey even for a used copy. I bought some used inport CDs for less than half the price, and they sounded very close in audio quality to the MOFI SACD.
People coming into this should know that analogue is dependent on the quality of your system! Digital is not! But if have a "decent " system, just a decent system, it will be much more realistic than any Digital! I think you did a great job explaining it! 👏 I'm not "dissing" Digital, because Digital can sound pretty good too especially with "hi resolution " Digital audio! Both vinyl ( depending on certain parameters ) and "hi res" are miles better than a regular "redbook" CD 💿!
What do you think about the Analog Spark label? I never heard of them till I recently bought a sort of hard to find Ben Folds album Supersunnyspeedgraphhic The Album. Hype label states they use The Best Sources, The Best Pressings and The Best Jackets. I haven't played it yet, still sealed, because I'm upgrading my stereo and currently don't have one. I don't see anyone mentioning them in audiophile vids. What do you know about them?
Agree on the quality of Analogue Productions but will point out that not everything on the Acoustic Sounds website is an AP/QRP product. I reflexively bought the Kid A Mnesia 1/2 speed master 3LP after I got a "what's new" email from acoustic sounds back in November. It was early morning on business travel and I just hit buy to try to get it before it was gone. It was already backordered but I guess they got more in and my copy was delivered this week. Opened up that super protective Acoustic Sounds box and realized it wasn't Analogue Productions at all. My mistake for sure, but no big deal. When I was adding it to my collection on Discogs, I read the comments and they indicate the pressing is a mess. Instead of hoping I got the one without issues, I think I'll just return it unopened and be more careful next time.
Great video, I’m definitely going to have to share this! I’m jealous of your Grateful Dead MOFI collection. Curious of your Hendrix collection. That Winterland box is always a tease. Did you make a video of your Hendrix collection?
Love your new intro! It's well deserved sir. I was lucky enough to pick up a UHQR version of 'Kinda blue' and like you I have a 6eye that always sounded amazing so in my mind that was good enough. I always just assumed that a Mofi would sound even better but good luck finding, and affording one. But when I received my UHQR I was completely blown away. they have something very special going on with the one step process. Great points on clear vinyl vs black, I'm assuming it's carbon? Thanks for the video Dillon.
There are some smaller labels, with maybe more limited titles who really care about the quality of their records... Impex, Speakers Corner come to mind. There are others. They care enough to do things properly (Do the things that really make the difference)... Get hold of, and master from the original analogue tape, have their records pressed at RTI, Pallas, QRP and package in quality sleeves.
I know your a Flying Burrito Brothers fan. Intervention records which is a smaller audiophile label does a really good Gilded Place of Sin and Burrito Deluxe and have really high gloss stoughton Tip On’s. I grabbed them both before the price increase. Really worth it I can only imagine what it would sound like on your system.
It's important to know about the different kinds of Mobile Fidelity (MoFi) releases. The One-Steps are obvious because of the packaging. But their other releases with the "strip" across the top are not all created equal. There are actually THREE variations. The least expensive are the "Silver label" editions. These are identifiable by the silver/gray color of the strip. They don't use the same vinyl as the more expensive MoFi releases and they're all 33 RPM. And then there are two variations of the non-Silver label 45 RPM editions. The "Original Master Recording" (OMR) and "Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab". The colored strip at the top will read one of these two things. The OMR indicates that the original master tapes were used as the source for the remastering. The other indicates that the source was not the original masters or could not be verified to be the original masters. Still, they're analog (assuming the original recording was analog) but not necessarily the original. This helps explain, to the uninitiated, some of the price differences they'll see both in the MSRP and the after-market. Also, totally agree with being patient. Many of the releases will be repressed in time. I held out and got a copy of Breakfast in America, and the first 3 of the 5 Dire Straits albums. The last two will be coming soon enough! Just hoping they repress Dylan's Desire while I'm still relatively young!!
Been dealing with Elusive Disc. Pissed me off after ordering a Rush box set and waiting 6 mo. then telling me it's not available any more. I've had a Black Sabbath box set ordered for almost a year now and haven't heard from them. I'm done with them.... Other companies you suggest? Thx for your time. Robert
I am setting up some old Bose speakers that I've had for sale here at the bike shop, to make sure I can sell them if they aren't as good as my other speakers. It is driving me nuts................LOL
A very useful video, worth to mention Three Blind Mice (Jap Jazz) and Sheffield Labs (thelma Houston & Pressure cookers). Also Impulse records is great.
Excellent explaination of the different pressings. You also showed in a diagram why some regular pressings will sound much better with a record clamp. Thanks again for sharing. Take care and enjoy listening with that fantastic system. ☮️
So, I took a chance at buying a collection at an estate sale. This includes a JCPenney all in one turntable, tape player, radio, and recorder. Also, comes with it two speakers and 50ish records with some cool music(not looking to sell) including Santana, bob Dylan, Beatles. I got all this for $40 and part of the reason why was because the table wasn’t turning and I was going to take a chance at fixing. I believe I diagnosed it to be the idler wheel tire that was caked and destroyed. In completion of fixing, would that be a good turntable for the records or would it destroy them? I appreciate your videos, great content. Liked and subscribed.
Just now working on record collection #3. My #2 collection had about 800 records, #3 has 7 so far...LOL Collection #2 was mainly used, older Pressings. Most VG and VG+. Not many new or M. A few possibly NM-. With this new collection I'm going for quality over quantity. I'm going to buy mostly new, sealed records, something I avoided like the plague last time. My mindset was "more more more I need a wall of records" instead of wanting optimum sound quality. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a junk collection, but I became more interested in the collecting aspect. A little hiss and pops didn't bother me. I found it nostalgic and charming. I also went down the collecting "variant" rabbit hole. Fun and interesting but expensive. I mean I had six variants of Eagles Greatest Hits...is that really necessary??? LOL I just wanna try another angle this time. In 40 years of loving vinyl I've never even owned a MoFi press or an AP press. I've never had a great stereo, or money for expensive records. So this is an adventure to me. A different kind of collecting. I don't have a big budget, so I gotta make my picks and purchases count. I'm only buying my very favorite of my favorite albums. I'm researching presses, and labels. Videos like this help, so thank you.
I bought a Japanese copy of Twisted Sister's Come Out and play and the drums sounded really strange. The EU press is better for sure! The cover with the OBI strip looks really cool though!
Hi from New Zealand ! .. Love your channel. Especially the rarities and classic finds. Stuff we don't find here often. What is the piece on top of your pre amp? Step up for the MC cartridge?
Two labels I like a lot are Music on Vinyl (MOV) and Rhino. MOV can get a little pricey but they sound great. I call Rhino the poor-man's MoFi - the vinyl is very, very quiet, I'm not sure what others think of Rhino (frankly, i don't really care) but they always sound great to my ears. The two best sounding records I've ever heard are a Depeche Mode singe/EP for "Everything Counts" on a milky clear vinyl (33.3 one side and 45 on the other) made in Germany by Mute (Sire?) and the other is a 45RPM 2-disc Polygondwanaland by King Gizzard put out my Aural Pleasure (kickstarter campaign) that was pressed in the Czech Republic. My Analogue Productons 200g 45rpm copy of Time Out by the Dave Brubeck Quartet only comes to life if I turn up the gain on my phono pre-amp. It's like a sports car that likes to run hot! I think half of the pleasure of listening to (and searching for) records is finding that special copy and dialing in your system to bring out the best of what was laid down by the artist(s).
Good Evening, really dig your channel. I was wondering what you think of half-speed mastering in general. I recently saw The Who and was thinking of picking up Tommy, being released on half-speed mastering on 7/8. I've heard pro and con about that type of mastering. I'd really appreciate your thoughts. Also, might you have heard a "regular" mastering copy of Tommy, and would you recommend that ? Keep up the great work. John K.
The best part about Acoustic Sounds is customer service. I bought the Miles UHQR and it was noisy. They had me destroy it and they sent me a new one, no issues. The Blue Note Classic Series is good, but I got a blue note 75th anniversary pressing of Moanin and it was pretty noisy, They had me send it back for full discount.
@@noblerecords And the price difference is only a couple of bucks. But it was out of stock at the time. I believe it's back in stock. My other AP purchase for xmas was their 180g Pet Sounds in stereo. I've never had a copy of that record. Might as well get a high quality version from AP because it's hard to find any version cheap.
Just bought a ‘95 Impulse RE of A Love Supreme and noticed Acoustic Sounds is coming out with a new pressing for some major change $$$. Recommend purchasing?
Wonderful vid! Wish I had seen this when I first started collecting. These Vinyl 101 vids are great. I'm a more seasoned collector now and I know what I like and what to look for, but I had a great time watching this anyway.
I have a very decent system , sufficient to support a $900 dollar cartridge, so decent not super high end but decent, I have so audiophile pressing imported and domestic, even the standard issue pressing are pretty darn quiet. At more expensive levels it’s about detail. Love my MoFi Kind of Blue, regular 33rpm, not sure how much more I could get out of the 45rpm etc without upgrading to megabuck cartridge and quite a table upgrade
I love 45 rpm but most of the time I am listening while cooking and just can't keep flipping discs while making food.. so I am willing to give up a bit of quality for ease of use.
Good breakdown. What are your thoughts on Intervention Records? Would you consider them an audiophile label, just on a niche scale? I have the Judee Sill and Everclear releases and they're pretty solid. I think Craft is doing some good things. Pretty much any recent Neil Young release can probably qualify as audiophile based on the care he puts into his releases. And I know they catch some heat because a lot (all?) of their sourcing is digital, but Music On Vinyl releases are pretty well done, although not sure they qualify as audiophile.
Well, I have the Judee sill intervention releases, I need to give them a listen again on my new system but they are very nice. I don’t think anything with a digital source could be audiophile quality but I could be wrong 🤷♂️
@@noblerecords I think a digital source can be audiophile, but it has to be mastered properly for vinyl. I have no idea what MOV does, so that why I'm on the fence with them even though their stuff sounds good. Analog Productions has used digital sources on a limited basis when there is no analog source and Chad wants to put out the release. Nils Lofgren Acoustic Live is an example. It was never recorded to tape but is an absolutely spectacular AP release that also got the UHQR treatment. I went with the cheaper $60 version of it. But they label it that it was recorded at 44.1kHz/16-bit then mastered for vinyl.
As someone starting out on his vinyl collection journey, all the way down in little ol New Zealand, this video was so valuable. Thank you! 😊
Hey thanks!
I shudder to think what it costs for MOFI and Analog Productions etc over there, its bad enough here in Australia. I was raised in Masterton and have many NZ pressings from my journey I know the EMI plant in Wellington knew what they were doing when it came to pressing vinyl.
@@darrens7040 I am in New Zealand and buy direct from Acoustic Sounds. I save up and buy a bunch of records at a time to spread the shipping cost. It doesn't work out too bad.... not much more than the mass market pressings from digital masters. I have done it several times without a hitch... only downside is, it is not worthwhile to return a record if you get a dud (I've had 2 or 3 out of about 40 records - none of them were QRP Analogue Productions pressings)... but still worth it.
@@markwilding3828 bloody awesome to hear Mark I have a decent record store here and am glad you can get them over for yourself postage can be a killer I too save up when I purchase vinyl storage soloutions sleeves and inners and buy a good supply
With all the worlds troubles I have been waiting over a year for the Carol King Mofi one step my store just keeps telling me it’s on its way
Enjoy your buying and the journey is what my Dad tells me.
I should ask around here in Brisbane if anyone would consider ordering with me to split the postage costs
@@darrens7040 There does seem to be something up with that Carol King one-step... seemed to keep getting delayed while other stuff was pressed. Hard to work out what happens behind the scenes sometimes. I know that orders from record stores are often greater than the number being pressed and that record stores often miss out.
A record released in 1960 was an Audio Fidelity recording entitled Percussive Vaudeville, the big theatrical sound, doctored for super stereo. I use this record to demonstrate my equipment to people who visit my home. After 62 years, it still takes first place in all my test records.
I’ll keep an eye you! Thanks for watching! 🙏
Love that you got your upgraded system --your sound clips of records are a treat! Keep 'em coming!
Thanks!!
I agree! In order to enjoy an audiophile pressing you need a system capable of bringing out the full potential of the recording. Don’t forget about record maintenance. Cleaning vinyl and the stylus are a must!
Yep! Totally agree. Thanks for watching! 🙏
Can’t forget the 500$ rca cables!
Uhqr are for sure out of this world! And the regulars are spectacular sound. Got my order today and I'm now obsessed with their records. High quality you are absolutely right!!!! Super happy with it.🤩🤩🤩🤩
So glad I found this video! This clears up a lot of jargon for me. Thank you! For a long time, I've been following channels about equipment/gear, but now that I have a good enough system, I've been watching a lot more of your videos. While I've been learning a lot about vinyl collecting (such as in this video), I've learned even more about groups/artists. I've spent a lot of time jotting down bands and albums then listening to them. It's been a fun journey. Thanks Dillon (hope I spelled your name correctly).
Thanks for the video. Been collecting off and on since I was 12 in 1970. Appreciate your insight, always something to learn!
Thanks for watching! 🙏
One of the absolute best audiophile vinyl overview videos out there! Well done. Thank you!
Thanks for watching! 🙏
Love your channel man. Been watching for almost a year now and you really got me into collecting and you’ve put me on some awesome music. 🤝
Thanks for watching! 🙏
The lowest quality pressing of The Doors debut album is better than most high quality pressings of other bands. Once that first note of Break on Through plays…..omg what an album!
As are all their albums.
Frank, hell yeah!
I know your comment is a couple years old, I hope you're still rockin'!
Dufass
Man, I’m waiting for a special moment to break the seal on that Kind of Blue! Glad I bought two! Since you’ve posted this, about 10 copies have sold on Discogs.
An insightful and honest appraisal of the "audiophile" market. You admit what you do not know and speak modestly and honestly about what you do know. I have about 3,700 LP's. Most of these were purchased at garage sales south of Tampa Bay area in the 80's, 90's and first decade of 2000's when people had decided to pitch their collections for pennies on the dollar. I also bought original pressings at record stores and then often swapped duplicates of titles at the used record stores that populated the landscape in the Tampa/St. Pete area in the 90's. I was not averse to purchasing about 40 Mobile Fidelity Pressings in my life as well as same number of Japanese pressings. I am generally quite happy with all of these - I have a MoFi of LZ II and have heard it against a VG+ Robert Ludwig pressing and would not part with my MoFi. It is dead quiet, and the Ludwig was noisy. That detracted for me much of the enjoyment of the slightly superior mastering. And I listen on an upgraded Linn Sondek LP12 so I have some ability to discern quality.
The Linn Sondek is a great table! I used to have a Linn Basik. Thanks for watching! 🙏
Thanks for all the help! I travel for work and collect records from the road. Your information has been amazing! I’ll be visiting your shop next time in Charlotte!
Nice video. I liked seeing you showing how UHQR's are made.
This is a fantastic video, sir. I have only gotten into vinyl in the last 4 months and I learned more from this one video than I have in all those 4 months.
I got 15-20 mofis. I love them. The sound quality is amazing.
I started collecting vinyl a little over a year ago. Sound quality is the most important thing for me so this has been super helpful in what to look for when it comes to quality pressings. Thank You!
Thanks for watching! 🙏
Really great video! thanks for making this so clear. Started collecting again last August and I'm 56 - everything is sooo different now. thank you
Great video. Thanks. Another favourite of mine was TBM (Three Blind Mice) label, e.g. Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio, Midnight Sugar.
RCA Living Stereo series - 1950's they sound stunning
So I’ve heard!
Super helpful! As someone just getting into things it’s nice to have a clear breakdown to refer back to. Thanks!!
SonicFlare is also great audiophile channel to watch. All things audiophile with a great and charming host.
Thanks!
Great video. Very helpful for rookies like me. I have a Rega P1 as an entry level TT with the Leak Stereo 130 integrated amp, with a Fosi phono stage, and I think I can listen to the differences between pressings and audiophile recordings, but it could be suggestion (like in your all-in-one friend story). For now I will stick with noraml records, at least until I upgrade my system.
I ordered an acrylic platter and a Rega tone arm for my crosley cruiser. Also added a tweeter to the front. Can’t wait to hear my mofi records on it
Oh man! That’ll be awesome
@@noblerecords 😂
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 it would be kinda funny, actually.. like putting a Mercedes logo on a Toyota
I actually got to tour acoustic sounds pressing plant in Salina, Kansas in college. It was super cool to see the whole process. We got to see a 50,000 dollar audiophile set up and let me tell you that was the craziest sound I have ever heard. It filled the whole room and just emerged you
Another great video Dillion, I have to say since my collections is all digital It's starting to get frustrating with all the different inversions. I have 5 different versions of A Kind Of Blue and none of them sound the same. I'm starting to wonder who's winning this battle, me or the manufactors.
Hopefully both of you 😬🤣
The Kind of Blue uhqr version was overhyped and my copy has scratches that are visible and very Audible on the last song. My Eagles mobile Fidelity was off center, warped and full of fingerprints and debris. Pathetic. Lynyrd Skynyrd record from acoustic sounds had a drop of yellow glue that I had to scrape off with my fingernail and then spent quite a bit of time trying to get the remainder of crud out of the groove.
I’m not into vinyl, but I can tell you that CCR’s Willy and the Poor Boys on Analogue Productions SACD sounds. Utterly. Incredible. So I understand where you’re coming from with being a fan of theirs.
This was fantastic. You’re the best ambassador for vinyl Dillon. Keep it going brother.
Thanks! I don’t know if I deserve that title but I try!
I would suggest mentioning to your listeners about how important cartridge alignment (Tonearm setup) is for best sound and reduce record wear. Jim
Really enjoyed this video, Dillon! I've been collecting for about 13 years and still found this informative. I've set it before, but it bears repeating: Your new (to you) system is AMAZING!!!
I saw it every day! 🤣 thanks!!!
Drool! I see you got the lights fixed on the amp too.
You’re the first guy I’ve seen that actually knows his stuff. I’ve been collecting since 1964. Recently I had to see my Bill Evans-Jim Hall Undercurrent album mono on UAJ signed by both guys. I actually thought I was going to puke to I shipped it. It was EX -EX+ . That hurt. I don’t own many USA pressing. Mostly UK, Italy ,and Odeon red wax Beatles. Paul Simon,Joni Mitchell I believe I have three to five albums of each album. Beatles first pressing Parlophone - early stereo are panned hard right,hard left to the degree of isolated vocals right,instruments left. I’ve sent quite a few to Michael Fremer to listen to for his feedback. The most critical man imaginable. I did have a 63 Decca Please,Please Me he wanted to buy,but didn’t want to pay what it was worth. Christ the guy probably has a million dollar playback system. By the way. How many people do you believe have a Macintosh tube power amp,and preamp ? That’s quite an elite setup by anyones standards . If I ever get near No.Carolina I’m going to stop by ,and meet you.
Lastly. The source master tapes are a big deal. 1/4 at 30 IPS. I’m sure you know companies like Capitol Records make or use dubs that are not close to the original source tape masters . Point being how are the companies you mentioned getting first generation tapes ? MoFo ? Did you mention they or some other pressing plant had 45 rpm Beatles albums ? I’ve never seen one . In any event you’re as good as it gets. Usually these audio reviewers are hacks. Ever see these clowns that sell online called “ Better Records “ . I know you have ,and your laughing now as well as I am. Cheers. Me
Thanks for talking about 45rom vinyl, i was always wondering why they sometimes sounds better than a lot of LPs. And the ones I bought in Germany about 40 years ago sounds fantastic, far better than a lot of the first generation CDs to come out.
This is like “driving for beginners” let me show you my Ferrari.
Love the Klipschorns…The Jubilee’s look interesting..
I like the Basis turntable and Vector tonearm. It's doesn't get much better than that for the money.
Great cintent and presentation Dylan!
Great video Dillon, been collecting Analogue Productions and MOFI stuff for a while now too and love their stuff. Even some of the Abbey Road half speed remasters have been pretty decent, especially their INXS - Kick.
Awesome!! Thanks for watching! 🙏
Thanks a lot for the great lesson.
Good informing video for my older kids.
Thanks for watching! 🙏
Hey Dillon.. Real nice Video... Love the System... Hey!! I did add an Equalizer and " Boy" does make a difference in the Sound in our old house.... So Still being old and poor!!! Sounds pretty good.... You gave some good info.. everything good here.. Sonny still going through Boxes adding to tables... Still helping him sort... Peace Dan..
I missed out on the Infinite box when it first came out. So now that you reminded me of the AP copies, I'm gonna make my own. Too bad I can't get the box to put em in. Snooze you lose.
I know!
What I have found is that the more obscure or niche recordings that get released, the longer wait times for a potential repress (unless the company clearly says they will not be repressed). Anything like Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, John Coltrane, etc, will eventually get repressed once they can fit them in on the presses. If there is a record you truly want and you see it in a store or your online retailer of choice, buy it, because it may be awhile before it gets repressed.
Congratulations on the new audio gear. I have heard all of the pieces separately. I bet they make a great system!
Love it! Thanks for watching! 🙏
Thanks for posting this fun and interesting vjd.
IDK what saucy means but I'm feeling it. lol
great video bud, one note about the UHQR version of Kind of Blue is that each lp is hand pressed by the operator. that sort of blew my mind but chad has a video of the manual vinyl press they used to produce that UHQR. That is the definitive version of this Miles Davis album by several country miles.
Yes! I saw that video! Amazing stuff!
Hey Dillon - so glad you have 'evolved' - that system of yours is an absolute dream and we are all super jealous.
Just don't follow that dirty path down to snobby.. 😋
I won’t!
Great video and I appreciate the break down of audiophile vinyl in simple terms.
Thanks for watching! 🙏
I own just 1 MOFI Record pressing. It was kind of pricey even for a used copy. I bought some used inport CDs for less than half the price, and they sounded very close in audio quality to the MOFI SACD.
That intro. ❤🔥
Great stuff! Sharing with all my nerds!
Thanks!!
People coming into this should know that analogue is dependent on the quality of your system! Digital is not! But if have a "decent " system, just a decent system, it will be much more realistic than any Digital! I think you did a great job explaining it! 👏
I'm not "dissing" Digital, because Digital can sound pretty good too especially with "hi resolution " Digital audio! Both vinyl ( depending on certain parameters ) and "hi res" are miles better than a regular "redbook" CD 💿!
All this is my opinion of course!
Question, how do all these audiophile companies get the master tapes for all these albums when so many of them burned in the 2008 fire?
What do you think about the Analog Spark label? I never heard of them till I recently bought a sort of hard to find Ben Folds album Supersunnyspeedgraphhic The Album. Hype label states they use The Best Sources, The Best Pressings and The Best Jackets. I haven't played it yet, still sealed, because I'm upgrading my stereo and currently don't have one. I don't see anyone mentioning them in audiophile vids. What do you know about them?
Agree on the quality of Analogue Productions but will point out that not everything on the Acoustic Sounds website is an AP/QRP product. I reflexively bought the Kid A Mnesia 1/2 speed master 3LP after I got a "what's new" email from acoustic sounds back in November. It was early morning on business travel and I just hit buy to try to get it before it was gone. It was already backordered but I guess they got more in and my copy was delivered this week. Opened up that super protective Acoustic Sounds box and realized it wasn't Analogue Productions at all. My mistake for sure, but no big deal. When I was adding it to my collection on Discogs, I read the comments and they indicate the pressing is a mess. Instead of hoping I got the one without issues, I think I'll just return it unopened and be more careful next time.
Oh yeah they are a dealer of all new releases. They are great about shipping.
You’re beard looks fantastic in this
Heyyyyy thanks my man!
Great video, I’m definitely going to have to share this! I’m jealous of your Grateful Dead MOFI collection. Curious of your Hendrix collection. That Winterland box is always a tease. Did you make a video of your Hendrix collection?
Feeling saucy today 🔔
Thank you. Very useful overview.
Love your new intro! It's well deserved sir. I was lucky enough to pick up a UHQR version of 'Kinda blue' and like you I have a 6eye that always sounded amazing so in my mind that was good enough. I always just assumed that a Mofi would sound even better but good luck finding, and affording one. But when I received my UHQR I was completely blown away.
they have something very special going on with the one step process. Great points on clear vinyl vs black, I'm assuming it's carbon? Thanks for the video Dillon.
Thanks!
There are some smaller labels, with maybe more limited titles who really care about the quality of their records... Impex, Speakers Corner come to mind. There are others. They care enough to do things properly (Do the things that really make the difference)... Get hold of, and master from the original analogue tape, have their records pressed at RTI, Pallas, QRP and package in quality sleeves.
Hey Dillon, great video. Could you make one on the reissue labels like Rhino, Sundazed, Real Gone, etc?
I know your a Flying Burrito Brothers fan. Intervention records which is a smaller audiophile label does a really good Gilded Place of Sin and Burrito Deluxe and have really high gloss stoughton Tip On’s. I grabbed them both before the price increase. Really worth it I can only imagine what it would sound like on your system.
I know about them! I have the Judee Sill releases! Great stuff!
I just upgraded my power amp to a used McIntosh MC152... It got decent enough reviews from owners.
It's important to know about the different kinds of Mobile Fidelity (MoFi) releases. The One-Steps are obvious because of the packaging. But their other releases with the "strip" across the top are not all created equal. There are actually THREE variations. The least expensive are the "Silver label" editions. These are identifiable by the silver/gray color of the strip. They don't use the same vinyl as the more expensive MoFi releases and they're all 33 RPM. And then there are two variations of the non-Silver label 45 RPM editions. The "Original Master Recording" (OMR) and "Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab". The colored strip at the top will read one of these two things. The OMR indicates that the original master tapes were used as the source for the remastering. The other indicates that the source was not the original masters or could not be verified to be the original masters. Still, they're analog (assuming the original recording was analog) but not necessarily the original. This helps explain, to the uninitiated, some of the price differences they'll see both in the MSRP and the after-market.
Also, totally agree with being patient. Many of the releases will be repressed in time. I held out and got a copy of Breakfast in America, and the first 3 of the 5 Dire Straits albums. The last two will be coming soon enough! Just hoping they repress Dylan's Desire while I'm still relatively young!!
Been dealing with Elusive Disc. Pissed me off after ordering a Rush box set and waiting 6 mo. then telling me it's not available any more. I've had a Black Sabbath box set ordered for almost a year now and haven't heard from them. I'm done with them.... Other companies you suggest?
Thx for your time.
Robert
I am setting up some old Bose speakers that I've had for sale here at the bike shop, to make sure I can sell them if they aren't as good as my other speakers. It is driving me nuts................LOL
A very useful video, worth to mention Three Blind Mice (Jap Jazz) and Sheffield Labs (thelma Houston & Pressure cookers). Also Impulse records is great.
Excellent explaination of the different pressings. You also showed in a diagram why some regular pressings will sound much better with a record clamp. Thanks again for sharing. Take care and enjoy listening with that fantastic system. ☮️
Thanks for watching! 🙏
So, I took a chance at buying a collection at an estate sale. This includes a JCPenney all in one turntable, tape player, radio, and recorder. Also, comes with it two speakers and 50ish records with some cool music(not looking to sell) including Santana, bob Dylan, Beatles. I got all this for $40 and part of the reason why was because the table wasn’t turning and I was going to take a chance at fixing. I believe I diagnosed it to be the idler wheel tire that was caked and destroyed. In completion of fixing, would that be a good turntable for the records or would it destroy them? I appreciate your videos, great content. Liked and subscribed.
Just now working on record collection #3. My #2 collection had about 800 records, #3 has 7 so far...LOL
Collection #2 was mainly used, older Pressings. Most VG and VG+. Not many new or M. A few possibly NM-.
With this new collection I'm going for quality over quantity. I'm going to buy mostly new, sealed records, something I avoided like the plague last time. My mindset was "more more more I need a wall of records" instead of wanting optimum sound quality. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a junk collection, but I became more interested in the collecting aspect. A little hiss and pops didn't bother me. I found it nostalgic and charming. I also went down the collecting "variant" rabbit hole. Fun and interesting but expensive. I mean I had six variants of Eagles Greatest Hits...is that really necessary??? LOL I just wanna try another angle this time. In 40 years of loving vinyl I've never even owned a MoFi press or an AP press. I've never had a great stereo, or money for expensive records. So this is an adventure to me. A different kind of collecting.
I don't have a big budget, so I gotta make my picks and purchases count. I'm only buying my very favorite of my favorite albums. I'm researching presses, and labels. Videos like this help, so thank you.
I bought a Japanese copy of Twisted Sister's Come Out and play and the drums sounded really strange. The EU press is better for sure! The cover with the OBI strip looks really cool though!
Great video. Thanks.
Great video I was just thinking the other day I needed more audiophile Grateful Dead MoFi …“audio file” lol crickets that was great.
🤣🤣🤣 thanks!
Been a fan of all those 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽 Nice video my dude
Thanks!!!
Great video! Really helpful
Good one, man! Thanks!
Hi from New Zealand ! .. Love your channel. Especially the rarities and classic finds. Stuff we don't find here often.
What is the piece on top of your pre amp? Step up for the MC cartridge?
That’s just a part that came out of an old Klipschorn. The family I got them from had a bunch of old parts as well.
Two labels I like a lot are Music on Vinyl (MOV) and Rhino. MOV can get a little pricey but they sound great. I call Rhino the poor-man's MoFi - the vinyl is very, very quiet, I'm not sure what others think of Rhino (frankly, i don't really care) but they always sound great to my ears.
The two best sounding records I've ever heard are a Depeche Mode singe/EP for "Everything Counts" on a milky clear vinyl (33.3 one side and 45 on the other) made in Germany by Mute (Sire?) and the other is a 45RPM 2-disc Polygondwanaland by King Gizzard put out my Aural Pleasure (kickstarter campaign) that was pressed in the Czech Republic.
My Analogue Productons 200g 45rpm copy of Time Out by the Dave Brubeck Quartet only comes to life if I turn up the gain on my phono pre-amp. It's like a sports car that likes to run hot!
I think half of the pleasure of listening to (and searching for) records is finding that special copy and dialing in your system to bring out the best of what was laid down by the artist(s).
I agree! Thanks for watching! 🙏
Don't forget about Speaker's Corner vinyl. They sound quite good.
Yes! They do!
Good Evening, really dig your channel. I was wondering what you think of half-speed mastering in general. I recently saw The Who and was thinking of picking up Tommy, being released on half-speed mastering on 7/8. I've heard pro and con about that type of mastering. I'd really appreciate your thoughts. Also, might you have heard a "regular" mastering copy of Tommy, and would you recommend that ? Keep up the great work. John K.
Does Mobile Fidelity ever rerelease their pressings? I'm a newbie to Vinyl & do not want to pay outrageous collector prices.
Yeah so go on their website, you have to preorder them.
Sweet intro! Love it! Slo-mo it!
Thanks!
Hello, how eliminate odors from vinyl covers
Great video. I always wondered the appeal of the Japanese pressings.
Yeah they are cool, I get it. Used to collect them heavily.
The best part about Acoustic Sounds is customer service. I bought the Miles UHQR and it was noisy. They had me destroy it and they sent me a new one, no issues. The Blue Note Classic Series is good, but I got a blue note 75th anniversary pressing of Moanin and it was pretty noisy, They had me send it back for full discount.
Yeah the 75th blue notes are nowhere near the classic series!
@@noblerecords And the price difference is only a couple of bucks. But it was out of stock at the time. I believe it's back in stock. My other AP purchase for xmas was their 180g Pet Sounds in stereo. I've never had a copy of that record. Might as well get a high quality version from AP because it's hard to find any version cheap.
Love the breakdown Dillon! Great video!
Also I’ve over payed for records do you have a resource to check when records will be reissued?
No, I have no idea, I’m not that high up in the food chain yet 🤣
@@noblerecords damn it 😂
Fantastic video, Dillon. Thanks for giving me something to refer my friends to that think I’m completely insane. lol
Hahaha
What's your top 5 "affordable" turntables that sound great currently available in the $200 to $600 price range?
🤣🤣 felling saucey!! Love it!
Just bought a ‘95 Impulse RE of A Love Supreme and noticed Acoustic Sounds is coming out with a new pressing for some major change $$$. Recommend purchasing?
Everything acoustic sounds does is worth the money.
What about DMM (Direct Metal Mastering)?
Wonderful vid! Wish I had seen this when I first started collecting. These Vinyl 101 vids are great. I'm a more seasoned collector now and I know what I like and what to look for, but I had a great time watching this anyway.
I have a very decent system , sufficient to support a $900 dollar cartridge, so decent not super high end but decent, I have so audiophile pressing imported and domestic, even the standard issue pressing are pretty darn quiet. At more expensive levels it’s about detail. Love my MoFi Kind of Blue, regular 33rpm, not sure how much more I could get out of the 45rpm etc without upgrading to megabuck cartridge and quite a table upgrade
Great video. Hope to meet you someday. Seem like a cool dude.
Hey I try!
I love 45 rpm but most of the time I am listening while cooking and just can't keep flipping discs while making food.. so I am willing to give up a bit of quality for ease of use.
Good breakdown. What are your thoughts on Intervention Records? Would you consider them an audiophile label, just on a niche scale? I have the Judee Sill and Everclear releases and they're pretty solid. I think Craft is doing some good things. Pretty much any recent Neil Young release can probably qualify as audiophile based on the care he puts into his releases. And I know they catch some heat because a lot (all?) of their sourcing is digital, but Music On Vinyl releases are pretty well done, although not sure they qualify as audiophile.
Well, I have the Judee sill intervention releases, I need to give them a listen again on my new system but they are very nice.
I don’t think anything with a digital source could be audiophile quality but I could be wrong 🤷♂️
@@noblerecords I think a digital source can be audiophile, but it has to be mastered properly for vinyl. I have no idea what MOV does, so that why I'm on the fence with them even though their stuff sounds good. Analog Productions has used digital sources on a limited basis when there is no analog source and Chad wants to put out the release. Nils Lofgren Acoustic Live is an example. It was never recorded to tape but is an absolutely spectacular AP release that also got the UHQR treatment. I went with the cheaper $60 version of it. But they label it that it was recorded at 44.1kHz/16-bit then mastered for vinyl.
Good info. I learn so much from you. 👍
Thanks for watching! 🙏
Nice Inner Urge SRX!
I love it!
Dillon do you have electric mud by muddy waters? So good
Yes! It’s one of my favorites!