Hi Mike, I'm solely a 33rpm man! I don't go anywhere near 45rpm records. I look for the best possible "sound" available on a 33rpm release, by the best Mastering and Remixing Engineers, and that's fine by me. I'm still to be convinced that the slightly "better" sound quality of 45rpm releases, adequately "offets" the inconvenience and lack of 'continuity' of 2 or 3 track per side records! Just my personal preference. 🙂👍
Another thought: I've been all over these Rhino Hi-fidelity series reissues. Apart from the shipping delays and bad shipping boxes used early on, it's a fantastic series and I've purchased every release. The series was originally marketed as a limited numbered series of 5000 (2000 on the ZZ Top box) that cannot be purchased in your local shops. Fine. To instantly repress the titles as un-numbered copies once they sell out cheapens buying the numbered sets to my way of thinking. Additionally, these records are now appearing in the local brick & mortar shops. Also, fine. I've concluded that Rhino should issue the records in this series as un-numbered copies going forward and should also be made available in the local shops immediately on the release date; not just through Rhino's web-site. Then just repress more if the demand is there. Otherwise, what's the point of ordering these records as numbered copies right away directly from Rhino before they "sell out"? My two cents.
That is a great point! There will be collectors out there that will go after the numbered one's but your statement is true. It will lessen the value of the limited-numbered ones for sure. Maybe a better method would be raising the numbered editions to 15,000 to 20,000? Thank you!
I'm 56 and I have listened to these 1970s albums all my life. I really don't need to listen to LA Women ever again, I can sing every song from the album, Same with most of these reissues. I enjoy discovering new music. Most of these classics I have on SACD. I just popped in Abraxas on SACD on my RubyKi and it is astounding. Why would I spend a hundred dollars on a DSD rip to vinyl, when I have DSD source component. Yes, I have a decent phono stage too and I have collected all the same audiophile records you all have. Vinyl needs to be PERFECT for me to enjoy, I would be upset if my UHQR had a single pop in it, I expect vinyl perfection at these price levels. Mike is right, 45 is a pain in the ass. Now at 56, is the race to owning the absolute best version so important anymore? Truth....I enjoy streaming HiRes on Amazon HD. Sounds great to me, and I can go off in tangents sampling everything I want. (I just listened to the entire Joni Mitchell archive series without having to buy it, shelve it for years without listening to it again, and it is great quality and highly enjoyable at 12 dollars a month subscription) At this point, I would only need a kick ass streamer system. Only 150-dollar album I would buy again...maybe....is Zeppelin in AAA. Just for nostalgic shits and giggles. I have thar AP Doors on SACD also...sounds great.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. One of my priorities is to update my high rez streaming capabilities, The Sony HAP is okay but there is much better options out there that sound so much better. Thankfully about all of my UHQR's have been pop free and quiet but it is getting out of hand and I have got to learn to be very selective of what I am buying. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
@@woobiecat5631 I agree with you a lot on streaming, have a very nice setup for that. That said, this is a hobby for me, and vinyl gives me something to spend time on, cleaning, playing, adjusting the turntable, messing with different amps, curating albums. I'm retired and just back to vinyl after decades of CD'S Was actually surprised how much I enjoy the sound of vinyl over CD'S, I get some surface noise, and an occasional pop, but a good Ultrasonic cleaner, and a vacuum machine really keep it to a minimum. It takes a commitment, and I understand most people just want good sound and options without any fuss, but I enjoy being engaged in the process.
@@pnichols6500 Sound like you and I are doing the same thing. Just recently retired and getting back into vinyl and my audio system. I have loved this hobby since I was young but when kids came that slowed things down a bit but having fun with it now. Thank you!
@@MikesVinylExperience I would categorize the HAP as a music server. It's not a traditional streamer as we know them today. Very limited streaming capabilities..... That said, the HAP is a very good music server held back by its DAC. You can use an external DAC via the USB port and it will make a significant improvement to the sound. I personally did this and it worked great. If you want a modern streamer with several streaming options that's a different story. I do however like the fact that my HAP works without any subscriptions. :-} I recently bought an Auralic Aries S1 with external power supply to fill my "Streaming" needs. HIghly recommended at the price.
I think most agree that 33 records are generally preferable due to convenience. The glaring exceptions are Brothers In Arms which contains longer versions of several songs vs the original vinyl and the sides are pretty long. The other example is Dylan's Blond On Blond. I do have many 45 versions of albums but generally feel they are excuses to charge more by the manufacturers. Thanks for the info on ZZ Top. Did not think that box would sell out that fast and waited on reviews before pulling the trigger. Still have not seen any sound quality reviews (Rhino Hi Fi is not always the best)
I did not see the ZZ Top box set selling out. I was planing on doing a review of the albums in the box set but when it sold out I thought what is the sense since no one could buy it. I might do that now, that they are releasing the individuale albums. Thank you for your comment!
Great subject Mike. Do we really need all these reissues? Probably not. Do we need some? That depends on a number of things:- Have you got a copy of the album you are satisfied with? Do you even like the album in the first place? Are you a “completist” and must have all the albums in a particular series? Are you even bothered about 33rpm vs 45rpm? Did you miss out on a limited edition audiophile album which you now want & has skyrocketed in price (Abraxas One Step, The Cars debut & Marquee Moon Rhino HiFi in my case)? What is your budget? Do you want it? Each to their own I say. As long as these Audiophile reissues keep selling out then the labels will keep doing them & who can blame them? They want to make a profit at the end of the day & nobody forces you to keep buying.
Great questions! And that right there pretty much sum's up my thought process for buying these high cost albums! You have nailed it perfectly! And I am happy we have these guys re-mastering these great albums, I am so happy to be getting the Steely Dan UHQR's So far they have been very good and I am happy to purchase them. Thank you so much for your comment!
@@MikesVinylExperience Cheers Mike, I am loving the SD UHQRs as well. Aja & Gaucho are astonishing & I have grown to like Pretzel Logic over time. It probably is the worst sounding of the bunch but it’s nowhere near as bad as some would have you believe. It’s just sounds a lot different to my UK OG Probe copy but this is one where I love to have both pressings
I too have drawn the line. The UHQR of the Doors LA Woman made me think. I already have the 45 Analogue Productions version along the The Doors. I said no, but wanted the others on 45, so I did order the 4 I didn't have mainly because they were in stock and I had a couple other albums I was ordering anyway. Like you, I spend a huge about at Acoustic Sounds. I preordered all the Steely Dan's a couple years ago, I subscribed to the Atlantic 75 series and the Pablo Series. My family knows I'm insane. LOL Have a great day, love your channel Mike!!!
There's a lot of good record's that won't that popular, I doubt they'd do them! It would be a nice change of pace! I don't mind getting up every ten minutes for quality! I have a lot of 12 inch singles , some of those are only 2 tracks 3 or 4 minutes! And if there better than the original, then yeah it's a good thing!
When the Doors LA Woman UHQR was announced, I sat and listened to my Analogue Productions 45 RPM of it and said to myself that the UHQR was a non-starter. And I have kept that opinion and will not buy any Doors 33 RPM UHQR if Chad does more. I have the One-Step of Bridge Over Troubled Water and did not get the 33 RPM, and I have the One-Step of CSN's "Couch" album and did not get the AP 45 RPM. So I am holding back, even though I did buy the RHF Bad Company despite having the AP 45 RPM, but that was because I had all RHF releases at the time, until ZZ TOP which kicked me off the RHF bandwagon. Cheers
I am starting to be more selective in my audiophile albums especially the uhqr and one steps. I will only buy them now if it is an album i love rather than letting fomo influence me.
Just another note; my own little rant if you will. I routinely see these audiophile reissues on Ebay for extreme amounts of money. I suspect some of the numbered limited editions like ZZ Top, which most didn't see selling out that quickly, were purchased for speculation. Personally, I'll buy one of that series but will wait for Eliminator etc... The box looked spectacular and the slipmat would be great for a true ZZ Top fanatic! P.S. - Tried sending you a note that I've seen your Wilson speakers used and mint at a discount without any waiting.
My threshold is do I have one audiophile pressing already. For example I have the AP Bill Evans 45rpm box set so I passed on the UHQR’s. If I have a regular pressing of an album I love and an audiophile pressing comes out I’ll buy it. For example Blue by Joni Michelle, I have the Amazon version but now I want the One Step. The RPM for me doesn’t matter as much. If I have a 33 and a 45 comes out like kind of blue, I only need one pressing.
That's a great practice! In a way that is what i have done espessially on albums that I like somewhat. What has cought me in this FOMO so to speak is the albums that I turly are attatched to such as the Door LA Woman, I need to be a whole lot more patienet before snapping up the latest and greatest. Thanks for sharring you thoughts and process. I love it!
I just purchased my first MOFI One-Step (Eagles Hotel California) and I'm not certain it's as musical as the original. The detail is definitely there but the guitars seem to be in the background for much of the album. I have read mixed reviews. I would only spend that kind of money on a "favorite" recording. I have chosen some on SACD instead that are prohibitively expensive on LP. I have mixed feelings about 33 vs 45rpm due to the convenience factor but, like you, for a favorite album it may be worth the added flipping. I currently own the "Kind of Blue" SACD so I haven't purchased the LP. I don't like to double up on albums too much. There is a lot of music still to be purchased for my collection. For that reason, I've held off buying the Steely Dan UHQRs despite them being a favorite musical artist. I always find it a difficult decision. I would love a great copy of L.A. Woman and the new 33 rpm version seems beautiful but it is also twice the price of the 45rpm version which I'm told does sound fractionally better.
It is such a hard decision to make. And you hope when you get it that it sounds fantastic. This happened to me on the Countdown to Ecstasy UHQR, it didn't sound as good as the other Dan UHQR's and still dosen't. It is slightly better than my OG but not by much. The other Steely Dan UHQR's are outstanding. I have not purchased any of the Steely Dan SACD's but I have got some of the Atlantic 75 titles on SACD and have been impressed with the sound. I have the Hotel California One'Step and I do like it's sound over my OG. I have heard that the DCC version of the album is the best but it goes for crazy money. In my comparison of LA Woman UHQR, I liked the AP 45rpm better than the UHQR. Wasn't expecting that at all. Thank you for commenting Brian.
Great subject Mike I own 9 UHQRs and I did purchase the both Bill Evans UHQRs and I have the Mofi Bill Evans Sunday .. you did right but passing the UHQR Sunday sounds slightly better than the MoFi. I’m definitely going to slowdown on purchasing the UHQR releases. I saw that Doors LA Woman UHQR and i I decided to pass I spun the AP 45 and was very happy with it. It’s is getting annoying seeing the same titles over and over again. Why can’t they get Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd to name a few those are titles I’m interested in for the audiophile mastering done by Kevin Gray or Ryan K Smith or Bernie Grundman.
Boy if they did Led Zeppeling or Pink Floyd I would spending my money!! I don't feel to bad about passing on the Bill Evans UHQR's I really do like the Craft OJC's and I know the UHQR's are better but I'm saving my money for the last two Steely Dan UHQR's. Thank you.
For me, the Doors is a no go. I'm interested in the Doors, but I've never been a big fan. It's just too much. I can't buy but so many of them and since July, Chad has been popping them out pretty quick and all of a sudden as a surprise announcement. I bought the two Bill Evans Trio items even though I had the OJC copies; that was $344 with tax and shipping because I sadly did it in two transactions, so I paid the $11 in shipping twice. So, Sept 27th is Katy Lied, one of my favorite albums. I imagine you're going to find a Sept or Oct announcement, just my personal opinion or hunch. I am ready to see Chad doing something other than what has already been done. I did pre-order Abraxas, but I only have the Kevin Gray RE from 2015 or so. But yes, I'm getting tired of buying the same ol' stuff. ON THE OTHER HAND, Chad can't press what he can't get a license for either. And yes, I'm an old box fan.
Thank you for your comment. I guess in a way we are really lucky to have all of these folks doing remasters of some these iconic albums. Like you, I just hope we will start to see some different stuff that hasen't been done in recent years. What was your thoughts on the Bill Evans UHQR's. I am sure they are wonderful and better than the OJC's? Thanks again.
@@MikesVinylExperience To me and my system and ears, there is a significant difference in the way LaFaro's bass is represented on the UHQR and it's a good thing. I saw it said in a forum that it is almost like it had become "The Scott LaFaro Trio" and that is accurate. Anyone who says there is little difference between the UHQR and the OJC are not listening or doesn't want to admit their OJC might not be up to the task, IMHO. And don't get me wrong, I can see where someone would be perfectly happy with the OJC, even after hearing the UHQR. I found it a worthy buy.
I missed out on the first One Step Abraxas, so just ordered the upcoming MoFi release. So for any that are no longer available, glad they are doing that release. Was too slow on the ZZ Top, but I just found a FANTASTIC OG Fandango, and have a fantastic OG Tres Hombre so even though Rhino is putting out the single albums, I'm content with my OG's. Got the new BOT Water by S&G, but it's not one of my favorites, so it won't get much play. So like you said, the one's no longer available, glad they are putting out new pressings.
Yeah that is good new from Rhino. And I agree with you on sticking with OG's, and if you can find them in very good condition you can't go wrong. Thank you.
@@MikesVinylExperience It is of the Mofi Gain 2 Series that were all analog if they were recorded and mastered on Analog originally before Mofi went to the controversial DSD Master system ..
I´m totally get the problem with the too often turning the record. If I have the choise in advance I would pick the 33rpm too but after paying an already high price I´m not buying again. This Doors release, IMO was a bit unnecessary, so MANY great albums out there that A.P. should work on and not again and again on the same bands. I can understand that the collector in us getting triggert by these great boxes and I think if one of my absolute fav bands would get handled this way I would buy them too again. I like some songs of the Doors, love the voice of Jim (not so much their instrument sound) but not as much as America, Alan Parsens, Michael Jackson... The new Foreigner 4 release from A.P. sounds amazing and I guess I would always change my release against theirs because their work is really outstanding and tops every older release I have. But sure it must be a band I really like, not buying "everything" again but because everything sounds that great and the noise is so low I love A.P. releases my new Simon & Garfunkel was a bit too noisy for me, by far not as silent as Analogue Productions and because of that 80€ was to expensive IMO. The Eagles MoFi´s sound amazing, love them
There are many new vinyl buyers who don't have a copy of this album or many of these albums. Calling it a cash grab is ridiculous. I think the problem you have is in your own head that you feel like you need to own every copy that comes out. It's a 'collector' problem. I'm glad they're coming out again. I don't have many of them and it's nice to see some semi affordable copies available as opposed to the hundreds and thousands of dollars they cost because the collectors are hoarding them. You have 2 copies of the one step Abraxas and don't even know why. I know why. You thought you'd be able to sell one for a profit. Thank goodness they're pressing more audiophile copies.
The reason I bought two (did this to a few others as well) was to play one and display the other. I have never sold any of my vinyl. What gets to me is when a new audiophile release is anounced I get curious as to if it will better than the one or one's that I have and I bit on it and order it. And your right, know ones fault by my own for buying them. Thanks for your comment.
I have bought two UHQRs the first Jimi Hendrix was the first UHQR release not very impressed with that sound of that record I had a classic records box of Jimi Hendrix that sounds just as good. And then I bought kind of blue because I only had a '80s reissue. I bought only one of the one step Yes fragile. I just bought two of the Rhino Hi-Fi records and the records that I currently have are better sounding. As I just said in my last video I have replaced many of my records with audiophile grade records and I'm not interested in spending $100 or more to get that little bit extra better than what I've already have. As I get older I'm not interested in amassing a giant library of music. I just want records I love to listen to and I already have way too many records I don't listen to. I purchased all the doors records at 45 RPM when they first came out they absolutely sound phenomenal. Do I need a UHQR of that, hell no. There was a live stream a few years back Chad was asked why does he keep making the same records over and over again that everybody else has reissued. he said I'm not making them for you I'm making it for people that never owned the record before. Well he's right about that he's not making them for me but from time to time they do come up with a record that I want to own because I it was never released as an audiophile record in the past
Thanks Ron! Just subscribed to your channel. That is the best reason I have heard for the many re-relases, is so others can snag them. I still wonder when they are announced if they will sound better than what I have, be it an OG or some other pressing. And I usually bit on it if its an album that I love. Thank again Ron!
@@MikesVinylExperience Thanks for subscribing Mike I always try to get the best sounding version but when I already have it high-end audiophile version do I need another probably not. I just bought two of the Rhino high fidelity records and I guess I shouldn't have. see you on the next video buddy.
If they changed the box a little to use less packaging shouldn’t the price have gone down a little too ? And if they didn’t include all that silly paperwork inside wouldn’t that save a little money too less paper and printing you would have ? I don’t have either of the 45 or 33 of this album by AP but how can a two album set cost $60 and the new 33 $125 and I’ve heard that the 45 still sounds better then the 33 ? It seems like it’s just another cash grab
No I didn't buy the uhqr la woman because I got the 45s all of the doors not that long ago why buy a more expensive version that is sonically inferior, spend more money and takes up more shelf space, it makes no sense for me but I wasn't the target audience for that release. It was for those who didn't buy the 45 rpm they now have an option, so theirs no harm in that.
Honestly I am tired of all these reissues of the same titles over and over again. I get tired of buying the same album over and over again. It’s too much and it’s getting too expensive I am learning to live with what I got. I don’t need it I don’t want it plus I get sick of hearing the same music. That’s why the Pablo Series is cool because at least it’s Jazz that you don’t hear too often or at least I wasn’t familiar with a lot of the Pablo albums and I think they are fantastic. But this other stuff can go.
@@MikesVinylExperience Many people still don’t have these records, perhaps they are trying to reach new listeners of old classics in audiophile quality
Don’t understand why you’re complaining about this If a company rereleases a record you have don’t buy it!! Simple!!! It’s funny you’re upset because don’t you have multiple copies of the same album??? Don’t you buy a ton of acoustic sound recordings you already own??? Are you upset that The Santana One Step I see will go down in value when the MOFI version is released very soon??? Just funny you’re complaining about this If
So true, I guess that's why I was thing what the heck is going on when the LA Woman UHQR was announced. I have all the AP 45rpm Doors albums, Does this mean I will need to buy them again, thinking they would be better soncialy but thankfully they are not. Thanks Dave.
And that will be okay. I hope they will release some albums that have not been released in some time. Like maby some ELP or Chicago and many, many others. Thank you.
… controversial subject. As to me, I am getting so tired of these constant high priced overpacked re-releases which generally I can only interpret as cash crabbing or desperate survival actions by those reissue labels. The market is currently going further down due to economic, consumer spending reasons. The original labels have already successfully entered the audiophile reissue market because they have learned how to do this well, and they have cost advantages vs the ones who have to pay license fees. The reissue labels struggle to get licenses for good titles or overcome expiring license issues by changing the format or pressing quality feature. I.e. 33 instead of 45 rpm, or one-step instead of three-step. To me, I see all of this more like „the emporer‘s new clothes… in fact he/she is naked“. Fomo is mostly gone and that’s a good thing no matter how hard these labels tell us „buy now or …“. I am directing my spend towards the original more small size labels like ECM, Fone, JMI, Analog Tone, Cohearant, Groove Note, Yarlung… They have great artists and production all dedicated to high quality and full transparency. In my opinion, it is also a responsibility of us as consumers to support the living artists to create new wonderful music and the ones who create new jobs to make a living rather than feeding the ones who are hugely piggybacking on the work of others. Luckily, we don’t have to buy them all and there is plenty to choose from for everybody‘s taste and wallet. And there are millions of good shape great sounding low priced OGs or older represses out there. Horses for courses.
Great advise! And there is nothing more satisfying than finding a good shape OG and bringing it home, cleaning it up and playing and being so satisfied with it's sound! Thank you Thomas!
Mike, you used the proper phrase "indulge yourself". Any audiophile purchase above and beyond a standard vinyl purchase (an OG you previously bought new, a new repress or a previously owned used OG) of any album should be categorized as "self-indulgent". The incessant complaining about the proliferation of audiophile re-releases or releases of these albums is just plain silly. Nobody's holding a gun to your head (the collective "your") to buy them. You either want them or you don't. Whining about the available options is pointless and boring.
Very true, and the fact that I am so curious if the new audiophile repress is going to be better than what i have is likely goint to tip the Collective mind set and I end up ordering it. Thanks for your comment!
These rereleases are not meant for you. They are meant for new customers who didn’t originally collect these albums. So don’t buy them. YOU don’t need them, unless you feel the 45rpm are better. You’re lucky that you are able to buy all these expensive luxury albums, quit whining please.
It is true to a point. For me I had to get the UHQR of the Door LA Woman. Why? I already had the 45rpm but when a UHQR is accounced by AP I will always assume that it will or at least could be the difinitive version of this album that I love! So for me and yes I do have on some re-releases a case of FOMO, becouse on the albums I truly love I will always want to know if the NEW release will be better. In most cases they are. In some cases such as the Doors LA Woman they are not. So while I agree with you somewhat that they are not for me or others like me that have other audiophile pressings, I will always (at least on the ones I turly love) I will likely be purchasing them to see just how they compare to what I have. My point is, do we really need new audiophile pressings that are not as good as ones that are currently still available (Doors LA Woman example)? Thank you for your comment.
Hi Mike, I'm solely a 33rpm man! I don't go anywhere near 45rpm records. I look for the best possible "sound" available on a 33rpm release, by the best Mastering and Remixing Engineers, and that's fine by me.
I'm still to be convinced that the slightly "better" sound quality of 45rpm releases, adequately "offets" the inconvenience and lack of 'continuity' of 2 or 3 track per side records! Just my personal preference. 🙂👍
I much prefer 33rpm. Had I not had the 45rpm of LA woman I would be completely satisfied with the UHQR. Thank you.
Another thought: I've been all over these Rhino Hi-fidelity series reissues. Apart from the shipping delays and bad shipping boxes used early on, it's a fantastic series and I've purchased every release. The series was originally marketed as a limited numbered series of 5000 (2000 on the ZZ Top box) that cannot be purchased in your local shops. Fine. To instantly repress the titles as un-numbered copies once they sell out cheapens buying the numbered sets to my way of thinking. Additionally, these records are now appearing in the local brick & mortar shops. Also, fine. I've concluded that Rhino should issue the records in this series as un-numbered copies going forward and should also be made available in the local shops immediately on the release date; not just through Rhino's web-site. Then just repress more if the demand is there. Otherwise, what's the point of ordering these records as numbered copies right away directly from Rhino before they "sell out"? My two cents.
That is a great point! There will be collectors out there that will go after the numbered one's but your statement is true. It will lessen the value of the limited-numbered ones for sure. Maybe a better method would be raising the numbered editions to 15,000 to 20,000? Thank you!
I'm 56 and I have listened to these 1970s albums all my life. I really don't need to listen to LA Women ever again, I can sing every song from the album, Same with most of these reissues. I enjoy discovering new music. Most of these classics I have on SACD. I just popped in Abraxas on SACD on my RubyKi and it is astounding. Why would I spend a hundred dollars on a DSD rip to vinyl, when I have DSD source component. Yes, I have a decent phono stage too and I have collected all the same audiophile records you all have. Vinyl needs to be PERFECT for me to enjoy, I would be upset if my UHQR had a single pop in it, I expect vinyl perfection at these price levels. Mike is right, 45 is a pain in the ass. Now at 56, is the race to owning the absolute best version so important anymore? Truth....I enjoy streaming HiRes on Amazon HD. Sounds great to me, and I can go off in tangents sampling everything I want. (I just listened to the entire Joni Mitchell archive series without having to buy it, shelve it for years without listening to it again, and it is great quality and highly enjoyable at 12 dollars a month subscription) At this point, I would only need a kick ass streamer system. Only 150-dollar album I would buy again...maybe....is Zeppelin in AAA. Just for nostalgic shits and giggles. I have thar AP Doors on SACD also...sounds great.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. One of my priorities is to update my high rez streaming capabilities, The Sony HAP is okay but there is much better options out there that sound so much better. Thankfully about all of my UHQR's have been pop free and quiet but it is getting out of hand and I have got to learn to be very selective of what I am buying. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
@@woobiecat5631 I agree with you a lot on streaming, have a very nice setup for that.
That said, this is a hobby for me, and vinyl gives me something to spend time on, cleaning, playing, adjusting the turntable, messing with different amps, curating albums. I'm retired and just back to vinyl after decades of CD'S
Was actually surprised how much I enjoy the sound of vinyl over CD'S, I get some surface noise, and an occasional pop, but a good Ultrasonic cleaner, and a vacuum machine really keep it to a minimum.
It takes a commitment, and I understand most people just want good sound and options without any fuss, but I enjoy being engaged in the process.
@@pnichols6500 Sound like you and I are doing the same thing. Just recently retired and getting back into vinyl and my audio system. I have loved this hobby since I was young but when kids came that slowed things down a bit but having fun with it now. Thank you!
@@MikesVinylExperience I would categorize the HAP as a music server. It's not a traditional streamer as we know them today. Very limited streaming capabilities..... That said, the HAP is a very good music server held back by its DAC. You can use an external DAC via the USB port and it will make a significant improvement to the sound. I personally did this and it worked great. If you want a modern streamer with several streaming options that's a different story. I do however like the fact that my HAP works without any subscriptions. :-} I recently bought an Auralic Aries S1 with external power supply to fill my "Streaming" needs. HIghly recommended at the price.
What I cant believe is that these albums cost $150 and we still want us to pay shipping, they are ridiculously expensive.
Yes! I think Music Direct is still offering free shipping over $100 even if it is MOFI albums. You would think at $150 they cover shipping. Thank you.
I think most agree that 33 records are generally preferable due to convenience. The glaring exceptions are Brothers In Arms which contains longer versions of several songs vs the original vinyl and the sides are pretty long. The other example is Dylan's Blond On Blond. I do have many 45 versions of albums but generally feel they are excuses to charge more by the manufacturers.
Thanks for the info on ZZ Top. Did not think that box would sell out that fast and waited on reviews before pulling the trigger. Still have not seen any sound quality reviews (Rhino Hi Fi is not always the best)
I did not see the ZZ Top box set selling out. I was planing on doing a review of the albums in the box set but when it sold out I thought what is the sense since no one could buy it. I might do that now, that they are releasing the individuale albums. Thank you for your comment!
Great subject Mike. Do we really need all these reissues? Probably not. Do we need some? That depends on a number of things:-
Have you got a copy of the album you are satisfied with?
Do you even like the album in the first place?
Are you a “completist” and must have all the albums in a particular series?
Are you even bothered about 33rpm vs 45rpm?
Did you miss out on a limited edition audiophile album which you now want & has skyrocketed in price (Abraxas One Step, The Cars debut & Marquee Moon Rhino HiFi in my case)?
What is your budget?
Do you want it?
Each to their own I say. As long as these Audiophile reissues keep selling out then the labels will keep doing them & who can blame them? They want to make a profit at the end of the day & nobody forces you to keep buying.
Great questions! And that right there pretty much sum's up my thought process for buying these high cost albums! You have nailed it perfectly! And I am happy we have these guys re-mastering these great albums, I am so happy to be getting the Steely Dan UHQR's So far they have been very good and I am happy to purchase them. Thank you so much for your comment!
@@MikesVinylExperience Cheers Mike, I am loving the SD UHQRs as well. Aja & Gaucho are astonishing & I have grown to like Pretzel Logic over time. It probably is the worst sounding of the bunch but it’s nowhere near as bad as some would have you believe. It’s just sounds a lot different to my UK OG Probe copy but this is one where I love to have both pressings
I too have drawn the line. The UHQR of the Doors LA Woman made me think. I already have the 45 Analogue Productions version along the The Doors. I said no, but wanted the others on 45, so I did order the 4 I didn't have mainly because they were in stock and I had a couple other albums I was ordering anyway. Like you, I spend a huge about at Acoustic Sounds. I preordered all the Steely Dan's a couple years ago, I subscribed to the Atlantic 75 series and the Pablo Series. My family knows I'm insane. LOL Have a great day, love your channel Mike!!!
It is a way fun hobby! Yet it can be expensive. So excited for Katie Lied coming out later this month! Thank you!!
Abraxas One Step is from DSD64 same as the new 33rpm version.
I wasn't sure and couldn't remember. Thank you for letting me know. Thanks again.
It’s a business, the idea is to make money first. No holds barred. No one is forced to buy them.
You are correct! Thank you.
There’s making money and there’s running a viable business with ethical principles. If making money is the first principle, what’s the second?
There's a lot of good record's that won't that popular, I doubt they'd do them! It would be a nice change of pace! I don't mind getting up every ten minutes for quality! I have a lot of 12 inch singles , some of those are only 2 tracks 3 or 4 minutes! And if there better than the original, then yeah it's a good thing!
Thank you.
When the Doors LA Woman UHQR was announced, I sat and listened to my Analogue Productions 45 RPM of it and said to myself that the UHQR was a non-starter. And I have kept that opinion and will not buy any Doors 33 RPM UHQR if Chad does more. I have the One-Step of Bridge Over Troubled Water and did not get the 33 RPM, and I have the One-Step of CSN's "Couch" album and did not get the AP 45 RPM. So I am holding back, even though I did buy the RHF Bad Company despite having the AP 45 RPM, but that was because I had all RHF releases at the time, until ZZ TOP which kicked me off the RHF bandwagon. Cheers
Your smart. I hope you will check out my review of the Door UHQR, you'll be gland you hvae the AP 45rpm. At least in my opinion. Thank you.
I am starting to be more selective in my audiophile albums especially the uhqr and one steps. I will only buy them now if it is an album i love rather than letting fomo influence me.
Pretty much where I am at with them. They are really expensive! Thank you.
Just another note; my own little rant if you will. I routinely see these audiophile reissues on Ebay for extreme amounts of money. I suspect some of the numbered limited editions like ZZ Top, which most didn't see selling out that quickly, were purchased for speculation. Personally, I'll buy one of that series but will wait for Eliminator etc... The box looked spectacular and the slipmat would be great for a true ZZ Top fanatic! P.S. - Tried sending you a note that I've seen your Wilson speakers used and mint at a discount without any waiting.
I actually found a pair as well locally. going to try and go look at them. Thanks Brian.
My threshold is do I have one audiophile pressing already. For example I have the AP Bill Evans 45rpm box set so I passed on the UHQR’s. If I have a regular pressing of an album I love and an audiophile pressing comes out I’ll buy it. For example Blue by Joni Michelle, I have the Amazon version but now I want the One Step. The RPM for me doesn’t matter as much. If I have a 33 and a 45 comes out like kind of blue, I only need one pressing.
That's a great practice! In a way that is what i have done espessially on albums that I like somewhat. What has cought me in this FOMO so to speak is the albums that I turly are attatched to such as the Door LA Woman, I need to be a whole lot more patienet before snapping up the latest and greatest. Thanks for sharring you thoughts and process. I love it!
I just purchased my first MOFI One-Step (Eagles Hotel California) and I'm not certain it's as musical as the original. The detail is definitely there but the guitars seem to be in the background for much of the album. I have read mixed reviews. I would only spend that kind of money on a "favorite" recording. I have chosen some on SACD instead that are prohibitively expensive on LP. I have mixed feelings about 33 vs 45rpm due to the convenience factor but, like you, for a favorite album it may be worth the added flipping. I currently own the "Kind of Blue" SACD so I haven't purchased the LP. I don't like to double up on albums too much. There is a lot of music still to be purchased for my collection. For that reason, I've held off buying the Steely Dan UHQRs despite them being a favorite musical artist. I always find it a difficult decision. I would love a great copy of L.A. Woman and the new 33 rpm version seems beautiful but it is also twice the price of the 45rpm version which I'm told does sound fractionally better.
It is such a hard decision to make. And you hope when you get it that it sounds fantastic. This happened to me on the Countdown to Ecstasy UHQR, it didn't sound as good as the other Dan UHQR's and still dosen't. It is slightly better than my OG but not by much. The other Steely Dan UHQR's are outstanding. I have not purchased any of the Steely Dan SACD's but I have got some of the Atlantic 75 titles on SACD and have been impressed with the sound. I have the Hotel California One'Step and I do like it's sound over my OG. I have heard that the DCC version of the album is the best but it goes for crazy money. In my comparison of LA Woman UHQR, I liked the AP 45rpm better than the UHQR. Wasn't expecting that at all. Thank you for commenting Brian.
Many thanks!🤘
Thank you.
Great subject Mike I own 9 UHQRs and I did purchase the both Bill Evans UHQRs and I have the Mofi Bill Evans Sunday .. you did right but passing the UHQR Sunday sounds slightly better than the MoFi. I’m definitely going to slowdown on purchasing the UHQR releases. I saw that Doors LA Woman UHQR and i
I decided to pass I spun the AP 45 and was very happy with it. It’s is getting annoying seeing the same titles over and over again. Why can’t they get Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd to name a few those are titles I’m interested in for the audiophile mastering done by Kevin Gray or Ryan K Smith or Bernie Grundman.
Boy if they did Led Zeppeling or Pink Floyd I would spending my money!! I don't feel to bad about passing on the Bill Evans UHQR's I really do like the Craft OJC's and I know the UHQR's are better but I'm saving my money for the last two Steely Dan UHQR's. Thank you.
For me, the Doors is a no go. I'm interested in the Doors, but I've never been a big fan. It's just too much. I can't buy but so many of them and since July, Chad has been popping them out pretty quick and all of a sudden as a surprise announcement. I bought the two Bill Evans Trio items even though I had the OJC copies; that was $344 with tax and shipping because I sadly did it in two transactions, so I paid the $11 in shipping twice. So, Sept 27th is Katy Lied, one of my favorite albums. I imagine you're going to find a Sept or Oct announcement, just my personal opinion or hunch.
I am ready to see Chad doing something other than what has already been done. I did pre-order Abraxas, but I only have the Kevin Gray RE from 2015 or so. But yes, I'm getting tired of buying the same ol' stuff.
ON THE OTHER HAND, Chad can't press what he can't get a license for either. And yes, I'm an old box fan.
Thank you for your comment. I guess in a way we are really lucky to have all of these folks doing remasters of some these iconic albums. Like you, I just hope we will start to see some different stuff that hasen't been done in recent years. What was your thoughts on the Bill Evans UHQR's. I am sure they are wonderful and better than the OJC's? Thanks again.
@@MikesVinylExperience To me and my system and ears, there is a significant difference in the way LaFaro's bass is represented on the UHQR and it's a good thing. I saw it said in a forum that it is almost like it had become "The Scott LaFaro Trio" and that is accurate. Anyone who says there is little difference between the UHQR and the OJC are not listening or doesn't want to admit their OJC might not be up to the task, IMHO. And don't get me wrong, I can see where someone would be perfectly happy with the OJC, even after hearing the UHQR. I found it a worthy buy.
I missed out on the first One Step Abraxas, so just ordered the upcoming MoFi release. So for any that are no longer available, glad they are doing that release. Was too slow on the ZZ Top, but I just found a FANTASTIC OG Fandango, and have a fantastic OG Tres Hombre so even though Rhino is putting out the single albums, I'm content with my OG's.
Got the new BOT Water by S&G, but it's not one of my favorites, so it won't get much play.
So like you said, the one's no longer available, glad they are putting out new pressings.
Yeah that is good new from Rhino. And I agree with you on sticking with OG's, and if you can find them in very good condition you can't go wrong. Thank you.
I have two Little Feat MoFis from the 2000s and I have no reason to replace them since they are really great ..
Some of the MOFI's in my collection are fantastic, Agree with you, the Little Feat albums are excellent! Thank you.
@@MikesVinylExperience It is of the Mofi Gain 2 Series that were all analog if they were recorded and mastered on Analog originally before Mofi went to the controversial DSD Master system ..
@@VIDSTORAGE Yes, And they sound amazing at least to me. Thank you.
I´m totally get the problem with the too often turning the record. If I have the choise in advance I would pick the 33rpm too but after paying an already high price I´m not buying again. This Doors release, IMO was a bit unnecessary, so MANY great albums out there that A.P. should work on and not again and again on the same bands.
I can understand that the collector in us getting triggert by these great boxes and I think if one of my absolute fav bands would get handled this way I would buy them too again. I like some songs of the Doors, love the voice of Jim (not so much their instrument sound) but not as much as America, Alan Parsens, Michael Jackson...
The new Foreigner 4 release from A.P. sounds amazing and I guess I would always change my release against theirs because their work is really outstanding and tops every older release I have. But sure it must be a band I really like, not buying "everything" again but because everything sounds that great and the noise is so low I love A.P. releases
my new Simon & Garfunkel was a bit too noisy for me, by far not as silent as Analogue Productions and because of that 80€ was to expensive IMO.
The Eagles MoFi´s sound amazing, love them
Agree the Foreigner 4 is sweet! I have got to tame the collector in me but lately it has been pretty hard! Thank you!
There are many new vinyl buyers who don't have a copy of this album or many of these albums. Calling it a cash grab is ridiculous. I think the problem you have is in your own head that you feel like you need to own every copy that comes out. It's a 'collector' problem. I'm glad they're coming out again. I don't have many of them and it's nice to see some semi affordable copies available as opposed to the hundreds and thousands of dollars they cost because the collectors are hoarding them. You have 2 copies of the one step Abraxas and don't even know why. I know why. You thought you'd be able to sell one for a profit. Thank goodness they're pressing more audiophile copies.
The reason I bought two (did this to a few others as well) was to play one and display the other. I have never sold any of my vinyl. What gets to me is when a new audiophile release is anounced I get curious as to if it will better than the one or one's that I have and I bit on it and order it. And your right, know ones fault by my own for buying them. Thanks for your comment.
No wonder singles and seven inches are so unpopular, if people hate to get up every 10 minutes can you imagine them getting up every 3 minutes!😊
Besides, if you don't want it , don't buy it! Maybe other people like it!😊
I have bought two UHQRs the first Jimi Hendrix was the first UHQR release not very impressed with that sound of that record I had a classic records box of Jimi Hendrix that sounds just as good.
And then I bought kind of blue because I only had a '80s reissue. I bought only one of the one step Yes fragile.
I just bought two of the Rhino Hi-Fi records and the records that I currently have are better sounding.
As I just said in my last video I have replaced many of my records with audiophile grade records and I'm not interested in spending $100 or more to get that little bit extra better than what I've already have. As I get older I'm not interested in amassing a giant library of music.
I just want records I love to listen to and I already have way too many records I don't listen to.
I purchased all the doors records at 45 RPM when they first came out they absolutely sound phenomenal. Do I need a UHQR of that, hell no.
There was a live stream a few years back Chad was asked why does he keep making the same records over and over again that everybody else has reissued.
he said I'm not making them for you I'm making it for people that never owned the record before. Well he's right about that he's not making them for me but from time to time they do come up with a record that I want to own because I it was never released as an audiophile record in the past
Thanks Ron! Just subscribed to your channel. That is the best reason I have heard for the many re-relases, is so others can snag them. I still wonder when they are announced if they will sound better than what I have, be it an OG or some other pressing. And I usually bit on it if its an album that I love. Thank again Ron!
@@MikesVinylExperience Thanks for subscribing Mike I always try to get the best sounding version but when I already have it high-end audiophile version do I need another probably not. I just bought two of the Rhino high fidelity records and I guess I shouldn't have.
see you on the next video buddy.
If they changed the box a little to use less packaging shouldn’t the price have gone down a little too ? And if they didn’t include all that silly paperwork inside wouldn’t that save a little money too less paper and printing you would have ?
I don’t have either of the 45 or 33 of this album by AP but how can a two album set cost $60 and the new 33 $125 and I’ve heard that the 45 still sounds better then the 33 ?
It seems like it’s just another cash grab
In this case it is true. Pretty much a money grag.
Maxing profits before the final decline in vinyl...will become too expensive (already is) for the masses
Very true.
Mike da gusto oírle 👍🎶🎶🎶😍😍😍
Thank you my Friend! And nice to hear from you!
Oh the ZZ top Rhino albums if ytou buy all 5 it still cost $200 excpt they dont give you a box
And they are not numbered. At least they are making them available so more people that would like a great copy can get one. Thank you.
Like a dog chasing after its own tail.
I seam to be doing that alot lately! Thank you.
No I didn't buy the uhqr la woman because I got the 45s all of the doors not that long ago why buy a more expensive version that is sonically inferior, spend more money and takes up more shelf space, it makes no sense for me but I wasn't the target audience for that release. It was for those who didn't buy the 45 rpm they now have an option, so theirs no harm in that.
I was thinking that since it was a UHQR it would/should sound at the very least as good as the 45rpm. Boy was I wrong! Thank you.
Honestly I am tired of all these reissues of the same titles over and over again. I get tired of buying the same album over and over again. It’s too much and it’s getting too expensive I am learning to live with what I got. I don’t need it I don’t want it plus I get sick of hearing the same music. That’s why the Pablo Series is cool because at least it’s Jazz that you don’t hear too often or at least I wasn’t familiar with a lot of the Pablo albums and I think they are fantastic. But this other stuff can go.
Agreed, love the pablo series! I am too getting tired of buying all of these redo's so to speak. Thank you.
@@MikesVinylExperience
Many people still don’t have these records, perhaps they are trying to reach new listeners of old classics in audiophile quality
Don’t understand why you’re complaining about this If a company rereleases a record you have don’t buy it!! Simple!!! It’s funny you’re upset because don’t you have multiple copies of the same album??? Don’t you buy a ton of acoustic sound recordings you already own??? Are you upset that The Santana One Step I see will go down in value when the MOFI version is released very soon??? Just funny you’re complaining about this If
So true, I guess that's why I was thing what the heck is going on when the LA Woman UHQR was announced. I have all the AP 45rpm Doors albums, Does this mean I will need to buy them again, thinking they would be better soncialy but thankfully they are not. Thanks Dave.
I will bet that in a year or two, they will have something "better" for you to buy.
And that will be okay. I hope they will release some albums that have not been released in some time. Like maby some ELP or Chicago and many, many others. Thank you.
… controversial subject. As to me, I am getting so tired of these constant high priced overpacked re-releases which generally I can only interpret as cash crabbing or desperate survival actions by those reissue labels. The market is currently going further down due to economic, consumer spending reasons. The original labels have already successfully entered the audiophile reissue market because they have learned how to do this well, and they have cost advantages vs the ones who have to pay license fees. The reissue labels struggle to get licenses for good titles or overcome expiring license issues by changing the format or pressing quality feature. I.e. 33 instead of 45 rpm, or one-step instead of three-step. To me, I see all of this more like „the emporer‘s new clothes… in fact he/she is naked“.
Fomo is mostly gone and that’s a good thing no matter how hard these labels tell us „buy now or …“.
I am directing my spend towards the original more small size labels like ECM, Fone, JMI, Analog Tone, Cohearant, Groove Note, Yarlung… They have great artists and production all dedicated to high quality and full transparency. In my opinion, it is also a responsibility of us as consumers to support the living artists to create new wonderful music and the ones who create new jobs to make a living rather than feeding the ones who are hugely piggybacking on the work of others.
Luckily, we don’t have to buy them all and there is plenty to choose from for everybody‘s taste and wallet. And there are millions of good shape great sounding low priced OGs or older represses out there.
Horses for courses.
Great advise! And there is nothing more satisfying than finding a good shape OG and bringing it home, cleaning it up and playing and being so satisfied with it's sound! Thank you Thomas!
Just don’t buy them - stick to CDs. Often the rereleases are no better or worse than old releases.
I have been purchasing more cd/sacd's more as of late as well. Usually at a really good price as well. Thanks
Mike, you used the proper phrase "indulge yourself". Any audiophile purchase above and beyond a standard vinyl purchase (an OG you previously bought new, a new repress or a previously owned used OG) of any album should be categorized as "self-indulgent". The incessant complaining about the proliferation of audiophile re-releases or releases of these albums is just plain silly. Nobody's holding a gun to your head (the collective "your") to buy them. You either want them or you don't. Whining about the available options is pointless and boring.
Very true, and the fact that I am so curious if the new audiophile repress is going to be better than what i have is likely goint to tip the Collective mind set and I end up ordering it. Thanks for your comment!
Just say "NO" to 45's.
Good statement! Thank you.
These rereleases are not meant for you. They are meant for new customers who didn’t originally collect these albums. So don’t buy them. YOU don’t need them, unless you feel the 45rpm are better. You’re lucky that you are able to buy all these expensive luxury albums, quit whining please.
It is true to a point. For me I had to get the UHQR of the Door LA Woman. Why? I already had the 45rpm but when a UHQR is accounced by AP I will always assume that it will or at least could be the difinitive version of this album that I love! So for me and yes I do have on some re-releases a case of FOMO, becouse on the albums I truly love I will always want to know if the NEW release will be better. In most cases they are. In some cases such as the Doors LA Woman they are not. So while I agree with you somewhat that they are not for me or others like me that have other audiophile pressings, I will always (at least on the ones I turly love) I will likely be purchasing them to see just how they compare to what I have. My point is, do we really need new audiophile pressings that are not as good as ones that are currently still available (Doors LA Woman example)? Thank you for your comment.