$150 Steely Dan audiophile records? So much for bringing down the BS Vinyl Community

Well, I warned you. High BS equals high mark-up. The digital-hating audiophiles that were fooled by Mobile Fidelity for over a decade now get more respect than ever. So the Vinyl Community did not bring down the BS and now we have $150 Steely Dan records coming soon. Sigh (This video is not about ALL audiophiles, just the ones that claimed they could sniff out digital sources and belittled others as not being TRUE collectors, etc.)

[@67Pepper]

Dude, you just held up a MOFI Aja that you overpaid for. Hilarious. Can't wait for your "Women pay HOW MUCH for these purses"!

[@RobertFithen]

Dude, that was in a box that I bought back in the 90's for $10 (about 15 records). Swings and misses are hilarious.

[@RobertFithen]

So then you go back and edit your comment to add something about purses? Strike 2.

[@67Pepper]

@@RobertFithen Sure it was, hypocrite much?

[@RobertFithen]

You're just not very good at this. According to you I paid premium price for an upgrade album that I don't even like. Doesn't make a lot of sense, but random trolls rarely do. Strike 3.

[@67Pepper]

@@RobertFithen HA, Ha, you just called me a troll for calling you out on hypocrisy. Now you say that you bought an album you don't even like. I'm not sure whether to laugh at you or just feel sorry for you. Take care of yourself. I actually thought you were funny for about a minute. Keep up the silly banter.

[@jeffbrown2982]

Is some law of physics violated when you play a $150.00 record on a $100.00 turntable?

[@RobertFithen]

In a house full of noise.

[@jeffbrown2982]

@@Matasky2010 As long as the hideously expensive L.P. survives...

[@saford13]

Yes, it’s called the law of Inverse Idiocracy 😅 Thank you … good night!

[@keithmichael112]

it's like combining matter and antimatter, just be careful

[@varsityathlete9927]

this is happening a lot. many clients come into vinyl, get a cheapo player as a gift. end up spending 100s on records.

[@toneslotohnz4540]

Dude, you're killing me! And I say this as a hardcore Steely Dan fan: nobody who buys those $150 Steely Dan albums will be buying those albums for the first time. So you figure $150 for the Acoustic Sounds pressings is nothing since they've probably already bought the albums on regular vinyl, Japanese vinyl, MoFi vinyl, cassettes, 8-tracks, quadraphonic vinyl, Japanese SACDs, the DTS cd's, and DVD-A ... just to possibly hear a single sound they've never heard on the albums before. Even if that sound is Fagen's little fart before the second verse of Fire In The Hole (it's there, I swear... that's where they got the song's title. But you can only hear it on the Japanese SACD, with certified audiophile-quality headphones and a super high-end system... totally worth it though...). Thanks for the laugh...

[@RobertFithen]

Still trying to catch that high of hearing their favorite album for the first time when they were teenagers. Buying issue after issue after issue.

[@machavez00]

@@RobertFithen I had Aja on 8 track. I listened to it on an Audiovox under dash player in my sister’s VW bug. I had a pair of bookshelf speakers laying face up behind the rear seat, sounded pretty darn good. Cachunked between tracks.

[@heifetz14]

Fagen farts in a highly musical way. Ed Sheeran farts are lacking in musical quality.

[@Je-de1jo]

I’ll pay $150 to hear Fagen’s fart. 💨 Especially if it’s All-analog :)

[@mondoenterprises6710]

Totally worth it! LOL.

[@rayc4244]

Amen, brother. I stopped buying new records when they reached 35$. Enough is enough.

[@marcbenjamin9436]

I paid $4 for the Aja vinyl 45 years ago. I still have it. And, I play it and it sounds fine.

[@Glorygood56]

I have three Aja pressings. The one that sounds best was 1 dollar at Goodwill and the vinyl is flawless.

[@olegariomartinez6807]

This is why I buy mostly vintage vinyl and if new and priced sky-high, I buy the cd instead.

[@alanrogs3990]

Exactly. For example, Steely Dan 70's pressing are still out there and cheap.

[@vinylrichie007]

For a new record, over $40 is my jumping off point.

[@luckycue2]

I agree man. If it’s multi disk maybe $48 but I still feel a bit foolish seeing how the cds usually sound just as good for $5 off of eBay 😂

[@mikepahlow5009]

“The Royal Scam”…😂😂😂😂

[@Jake-2011-]

This is the only channel tell us what most of us feel about the the ridiculous price. Earn my subscription.

[@vintageaudioemporium]

I know so many salesmen on YT. This video is refreshing

[@Pauldjreadman]

America is NOT the only country, ooooooh no :)

[@6inchpianist]

$150 Steely Dan albums make me wanna buy more CD’s. Great video, Robert 👌

[@xcratchy]

Tell ‘em, champ!! Also, I hate the term “Audiophile”. Makes it sound like a person molests stereo equipment. I prefer “Audio Aficionado” …and whatever pressings & equipment was good enough for record buyers of the 60s-80s is good enough for me. I don’t care if I can’t hear the second flute in a song that rocks despite this fact.

[@Bootradr]

You crack me up with the audiophile comment haha! Isn't that like a pedophile that collects bicycle pedals? I probably shouldn't be joking about something that serious but thanks for the laugh! I've always thought it was kind of a snooty sound in word myself. "Do you have any Gray Poupon for the audiophile gentleman with the $5,000 pair of headphones listening to his classical music" :-) Hopefully that Gray Poupon commercial made it around the world in the 1980s?!?

[@Je-de1jo]

Molesting stereo equipment 😂

[@jeffl915]

Well, the difference is more than a flute, I can tell you that. I think cartridges, and needles have come a long way, and so have speakers.

[@danielphillips7537]

If a vinyl album I want costs more than $25, then I will buy the CD version for $12 or thereabouts. On my budget, over-priced food has to take priority.

[@itsjim2875]

You're right - recent generations seem to appreciate one's ability to fool others. They praise the sneakiness. I still rummage through LA area (used) record stores and enjoy picking up oldies, but goodies at $3-$5 each, though I have paid $100 for a rather rare Japanese pressing jazz LP. That's about my upper limit. I do not see myself ever spending over that, especially for anything new.

[@michaelscott8992]

The ability to fool others...and then have the nerve to hide behind, "hey, that's just good business". And then the fools nodding their heads as if apologizing to and "for" the ones screwing them. It's the culmination of a weak, sad, and sick society. I have no faith in the new palace guards, and reminded how more screwed up everything is becoming because of them.

[@budsmoker4201120]

They're idiots in every generation, one should not make broad sweeping statements.

[@richard8417]

A wise man once told me: "never underestimate the stupidity of people and realise half of them are even more stupid"

[@davidlg0478]

I am European and the BS here is bad also particularly with the additional postage and customs charges to buy any AP product. It amuses me that in particular Michael Ludwig and Michael Esposito, who both own hifi systems that equate to the price of a small house, were caught with their trousers down as they could not tell the difference between digital and analogue. Neither of them owned up or acknowledged that to their subscribers. If anything they have become more smug in their video presentations. In particular Michael Ludwig is now in a place where Chad Kassem uses him to publicise his new products knowing that ML will be gushing about them. I might pay a premium for one of my favourite albums but the thought of six Steely Dan albums on UHQR does not excite me at all. Love your channel. Really good honest video.

[@RobertFithen]

Sounds like you're one of the people who truly get the point of my video. Thanks!!

[@TheHSIHP]

The In Groove guy is insufferable. If you really want a laugh, check out how much people are paying for records in his Whatnot auctions.

[@EmbryonicRobot]

I only have one "audiophile" record, which I found in a thrift shop. Honestly, I don't think my aging ears can tell the difference.

[@crunchyfrog555]

Nothing wrong with that. I wish more people were as honest. I've trained as an audio engineer but I'd never say I have golden ears or even anything close. I simply do this one thing - do I like how it sounds?

[@EmbryonicRobot]

@@crunchyfrog555 That is a reasonable approach 🙂

[@crunchyfrog555]

@@EmbryonicRobot Yup, it all boils down to keeping it simple and sticking to the facts.

[@iamspyvspy3077]

Most "audiophile" records sound worse than originals

[@michaelscott8992]

It's not your aging ears my friend, it's called age-related wisdom.

[@userNULL]

I like vinyl because i like hearing it crackle. I literally spend so much just for the aesthetic. and to make audiophiles REALLY angry... i play the audio out of a cheap Studebaker radio through the aux jack 😁

[@greyhoundude6112]

Yeah? Well I play all of my vinyl, new or used, on my $79.95 Crosley record player that I bought at my local Rite Aid.

[@12stringblues]

I put a $50 limit on myself for any single LP but usually will try not to spend over $30 unless its a really special album to me. I started spending $60 for the (2 disk 45rpm) version of some of my favorite albums but then I stopped thinking that was a crazy price for just one album. If you have a top 10 list or a favorite band I say splurge on the best copy but if you are going to keep collecting you have to have a budget that is reasonable (following the law of diminishing returns). Thanks for the video!

[@excelexpert2085]

I am retired so $30...for something really special.

[@continentalgin]

People are paying stupid prices for concert tickets, too. In many venues, there are no seats. So, you're not paying $150 per concert ticket for a seat. You don't get a seat. You just get to stand there for 3 hours.

[@agomodern]

Ever notice at concerts when everyone is sitting and then stands up for the show the space for concert goers goes up about 1/3? Just think how much more money they can make with standing room only in a theater of say 30,000 seats.

[@yyman23]

@@agomodern don't give Ticketmaster and live nation any ideas... Thank goodness for fire codes.

[@voicesofvinyl]

Chad said in a livestream on 45rpm's channel that they will eventually be pressing the Steely Dan catalog on standard vinyl (similar to Two Against Nature/Everything Must Go) using the same metal parts, which is likely what I will be waiting for. I have some amazing sounding Japanese copies that will last me until then.

[@yousellouts]

Not true. The 33 editions are going to be from digital files mastered by Bernie Grundman.

[@DismasM]

I found it funny that the 'lost master tapes' were found just in time to create these releases right on the heels of the MoFi scandal. I'm not saying anything nefarious is going on with these Steely Dan releases... it's just ironic and worth a laugh. BTW, I've sourced all of my current Steely Dan collection (I have them all through Gaucho) on the used market for around $15 each. One (this one, anyway) has to wonder: The Steely Dan OGs sound so damn good, how much better will they sound at 10x$? Not 10X, I promise you that. Not even 2X. "A little more clarity in the transient detail..." or some shit like that.

[@contemporaryhomeaudio]

The fear of missing out is very high in the VC. Great video, you called it like it is.

[@mickschnabel]

yep, FOMO aplenty for sure!

[@Glorygood56]

FOMO… you nailed it. And the store owners and pressing companies milk that for all it’s worth.

[@dkeener13]

I just paid $50 for a sealed double LP of Julius Hemphill's Dogon A.D. The CD is pretty rare and goes for close to that, and it's a favorite recording of mine. That's about my upper limit.

[@glennsmusicchannel]

I just paid $9 for a used MOFI George Benson Breezin album. That's about right.

[@davidheafield1436]

Great rant ….here’s my take on what’s happened….by the way I’m U.K. On the whole , I’ll repeat , on the whole , we here in the U.K. we’re getting great pressings from the various U.K. record labels throughout the glory years of the 60’s and 70’s ….we didn’t realise that every other country weren’t necessarily getting the same great quality pressings. So come the advent of the internet information age and accessibility that eBay gave everybody a lot of Americans came to realise what shite quality they had been served up in comparison to other countries …. That’s when these “audiophile” companies realised in that by taking their time with pressings and exerting a bit more QC with what they were producing they could charge large premiums to a largely American fan base by giving them what other countries were already getting by default…..good pressings! The circle wanks that often occur on the likes of the Hoffmann forums only goes on to breed more people into their mutual masturbation ranks …..to use the age old adage , …..in the Kingdom of the blind the one-eyed man is King.

[@J4060]

Very well said. Right on.

[@ricefieldrecords]

Here’s my hypothesis. Whereas they are not publications, they are influencers and they are instantaneous posters: Methinks the KZbin pundits with >10K subs are amplifying the chatter on these things because they get them for free as promo’s. No money is exchanged but they get theirs from KZbin and the boxed stuff for their own personal collections or to flip down the road.

[@michaelscott8992]

No one would admit that but I won't argue that. There's way too many KZbin channels with any hack posing as some kind of expert. The time they spend doing it speaks for itself that there's a strong motivation far more than just "sharing" their "expertise". It's a very strange phenomenon, much like a $150 record is.

[@JonPickles]

I have to say the original Steely Dan sound great no need for these. IMHO of course. Great video again Robert

[@vintageaudioemporium]

And your originals are actually all analog too 😂

[@B.B.Amsterdam]

Say it Loud, I'm Bibi and I'm proud..not to have any audiophile record around.💪🏾🤓

[@ralphalder14]

The most I’ve ever spent on an album here in the UK is £50, and that’s was for something I’ve wanted for ages. Above that price I can’t justify it

[@keithmichael112]

if it's genuinely rare it's somewhat justified

[@agfagaevart]

25 quid for an LP by Asha Puthli, on pink vinyl. :-0

[@richmoreno9938]

$40 tops for something that’s rare and out of print. Also, I love the reference to “Cooter” and that some people watching this vid won’t know who that character is. #80’sTV 😂 #bringdownthebullshit

[@RobertFithen]

I'm not sure how many people got the "A.J. Scratch" reference either.

[@bipbopboom]

The KISS record on your wall only gives you more credibility in my book. And I’m not joking. Another honest and entertaining video, Robert!! Cheers!!!

[@jeffl915]

Kiss is a horrible rock band, with mediocre talent at best. I won’t say they have no music I like, but most of it is crap. They were all about marketing their look.

[@nicksvinylbutty5488]

I think $150 is around £120 ??? I'd like to think I'm strong willed enough not to buy a record for that much !!! Good to see someone actually saying what he thinks about this bloody farce....liked and subscribed 👍👍👍

[@gdwlaw5549]

closer to £ 148

[@scottfowler2563]

Hi Rob, In UK SD UHQRs are now £200 each ($241) I dropped out when the AS Jethro Tull Stand Up sells for £75 ($90)

[@MrEdWeirdoShow]

I used to have most "cool" albums produced on vinyl during the 1960s and 70s. Then CDs came along and blew all those hundreds of vinyl record albums away. The sound was so incredible that instead of feeling the bands were playing somewhere in my house, they were instead playing in my bedroom where I was sitting. These current day vinyl reprints are the biggest business scam I've seen in decades.

[@RobertFithen]

Seems to be working.

[@Jake-2011-]

$900 USD bill Evans box set!😢

[@therevrockinrollin]

I’ll stop paying it when I can’t afford my cocaine anymore. Also, I can’t afford my cocaine anymore. But seriously - if these are raising the prices of the non-bullshit presses versions at Target or local shop that sucks. Target prices are fantastic.

[@albundy666]

I have never spent over $50 on any individual vinyl album, original or re-issue. I still have over 95% of the vinyl I need. I bought my entire sound system for less than a grand, and my 62 year old ears wouldn’t appreciate it if I spent more. Not to mention I don’t have enough time left to get my money’s worth out of a $200 album.

[@dinodefuria6294]

Out of control pricing. Depressing . I'm buying the 33 rpm version for $30.

[@sunforest2016]

€25-35 max. Prices here in Europe are slowly creeping up but going direct through artist websites or the labels you can still get good deals. Mind you I only really collect indie so there’s your saving right there.

[@rocdocs]

Jeez man. Thats too much. I paid $50 for a Music Matters Bill Withers double record this weekend. That was about my top price, comfortably.

[@christi186]

This was a great video and I was happy to see it because I've felt disgusted about these releases, $125 is crazy anyway but $150? My OG Steely Dan pressings sound phenomenal and I don't think I paid over $20 for any of them. Steely Dan were known for being incredibly picky about the sound quality of their releases and now our OG's will be considered less than or not that good in the audiophile circles?? Give me a break, I love records and I actually love SD but this has really shined a spotlight on how badly we are all being taken advantage of.

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

Great video man!! I'm at $50 for a single album, I mean come on $150 is just outrageous. Like you said box sets are different it's a whole different ball game when it comes to box sets. Really enjoyed this video man!!!!

[@manchesterexplorer8519]

Vinyl Box sets are also redundant , most come with CD's that nobody really wants if your buying a " vinyl" box set . Also come with a book that you may look at once , a poster that you will never use and some type of " small worthless trinket thats mass produced in China . A good Vinyl box set comes with records and no fluff .

[@big_burly_bro]

$150 for a Steely Dan record!?! I'd rather have 150 bucks in grape soda. I don't like grape soda.

[@rocdocs]

NAME NAMES ROB! And pass the ocean-grown sativa!

[@thierrydefrance7220]

We all think of the same obnoxious know-it-all pretentious guy...

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@@thierrydefrance7220 Glasses?

[@thierrydefrance7220]

Hi Robert, wonderful video as usual. I only buy used vinyls, at least I am sure they are 100% analog and 20 bucks is my upper limit. And I see prices going up ridiculously in garage sales in France for uninteresting records in bad shape with a ragged cover. Total hype.

[@michaelscott8992]

$20, good for you Robert. People either have more money than they have sense or deserve, or no respect for the money they've worked hard for. A strange culture we've become.

[@dansmith3085]

I bought a used copy of the Steely Dan cd box set about 20 years ago, so I'm good.

[@jroc2427]

Well done…you are spot on. I actually ordered Can’t Buy A Thrill…but after deep consideration, I removed my purchase of as I have a great copy and with shipping + tax from Acoustic Sounds, is a $190 album really going to wow me as I will only listen to a few times per year. I did buy Miles Davis Kind of Blue UHQR 33 1/3. Sounds great but have other versions that sound killer. As a former recording engineer working with Prince, Replacements, Soul Asylum…all pends upon your system and $$$. Sure these HQ albums can be outstanding…but more than often you can and should be able to find a great vinyl version of excellent audiable quality. I would sit with anyone at any system and listen/discuss audible variations!

[@groundzero6662]

If you worked on 'and the horse they rode in on' thanks, one of my favorite albums of all time.

[@m.b.6129]

I paid 50 Bugs for all the remaster steely Dan CDs and I couldn't be happier....

[@MX-S]

They're noticeably louder than the original MCAs, but still sound great !!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Robert i am there with you. 100% my thoughts exactly. Can i ask you a question. Do you think high vinyl prices its because the sellers are worried on the diminishing crowds and want to CASH OUT FAST? In my country (latin america) this crap is getting ridiculous.

[@austinjones7104]

Love the stone temple pilots No 4 in the background, I have a small collection of about 40 records have to agree with you on the self appointed audiophiles whose pretentious nature scare off a lot of people interested in this great hobby.

[@TheChadTI]

That album is solid.

[@rocky-o]

i met my limit during the pandemic...i won't even pay thirty bucks for a brand new single l.p....i'm an old fart from the 60's who remembers when brand new l.p.'s only cost a few bucks or even less...nowadays...i don't even like paying double-digits for used albums...it has just gotten ridiculous.......great video robert...stay well...peace always...rocky

[@MX-S]

Why do old farts act like inflation isn't a constant force, and always needing to be taken into account when making these historical comparisons ? I agree with you, btw: used (or sealed, if you can find them) originals for me.

[@michaelscott8992]

@@MX-S Because people like whoever or whatever you are seem to accept that concept so simplistically. Inflation increases the cost of goods, period. Since the beginning of this "inflation" we're experiencing now, has your employer compensated your wages? Things cost more, you got more money? If so good for you, you're an anomaly. When inflation is over prices are higher and you've got the same spending power before it started. There are plenty of mini-inflationary periods that often go under the radar yet creep in all over the place. Just ask anyone working minimum wage or slightly above. Even $15/hour across the board can't catch up to how far things are out of whack. Kind of like $125 one-steps and now $150 UHQR's. Sure, someone isn't forced to buy them but when enough people do it genuinely becomes one of those "constant forces" you so accidently referred to but much in reverse to the consumers advantage. It sends a shock wave downstream to all new albums and also the used market. Spending power does not keep up at all with inflation. It's just that some people make enough money to overcome the financial effects it has on the majority so they have no problem spending the higher cost, and then there's those that spend what little they have on expensive albums and the like because they can't help themselves. Such recklessness makes it hard on responsible people trying to be sensible and sets everyone on a path of sending a message it's ok to gouge us. Careful when you speak of who gets what inflation really is and who doesn't.

[@timemer3068]

One of the most entertaining rants I've seen!! 👍👍

[@user-wx9ky9lr1y]

Excellent video and very blunt and honest -yes everyone is getting screwed and buying at these prices feeds the machine‼️ keep telling the truth please! I have steely’s complete back catalog so will be passing off course!

[@KevinJStoll]

Adjusted for inflation, $7.99 in 1979 is equal to $32.90 in 2022. In my eye's that just seams to high still. Now granted I'm 62 and bought a ton of vinyl in the 70's. I remember when Tom Petty had a fit about album prices at the retail level. I would say for a new album or reissue. I'm comfortable with 24.99 to 26.99. On 180 gram vinyl. I've been saying for some time that the used vinyl market prices are nuts. Especially the "Japanese" albums. There are a lot of "newbie's" in the vinyl community and they'll pay the high prices. But us veteran vinyl buyer's won't. Use album sales (not the record store owners) from guys that sell out here are taking advantage of the boom. I get it. But let's be real. This boom will level out soon. And I'm afraid a lot of these guys are gonna get stuck with a lot of inventory. Now there are several really good sellers out here that do it for the music and the love of vinyl collecting. This is just how I see it and what MY opinion is. Thake it for what it's worth. Peace and love.....

[@RobertFithen]

I'm just wondering how high the price will get before levelling out.

[@michaelscott8992]

The inflation angle is never fair to the average consumer. Business and commerce jump all over the opportunity to use inflation to increase prices, yet wages 99% never come close to a similar adjustment. It's not by accident either, here's an exponential disparity hidden in the bowels of inflation's unbalanced fallacy.

[@marksmusicobsession]

Man I loved this video. I jump out about $75 max for a new single LP reprint release. I am a self confessed music nut and do have a nice collection of vinyl but I mainly use digital source from my own digital library and streaming services

[@marymullings3823]

ok, just found your channel. Absolutely love you! My husband would pay $40 and I would pay 30. Keep your stories coming, they are fantastic. Keep safe

[@RobertFithen]

Thanks!!

[@anthonycorda7720]

I'm a 72 year old retired man who stupidly gave up his record collection years ago because "CD's are so much better". CD's are good but I have always missed my record jackets, CD booklets just don't compare. So about a year ago I decided to try to get my records back (yes to me they will always be records, not vinyl). I'm on a fixed income and so most of what I purchase are used with some new. I do have a limit on how much I am willing to spend on a record, 10 to 15 for a used and 20 to 25 for new. I have been suprised at what I have found for those prices however I do realize that there are some that I might never be able to afford. My big beef is: I realize that with production costs for newly recorded records the price in this day and age needs to be somewhere in the 30 dollar range but when it comes to new pressings of older records the price shouldn't be more than 20 dollars since there is no longer a cost for the recording process, it's just press the record and sell it. There I've had my say, thank you for reading.

[@RobertFithen]

I think a lot of us (myself included) did that when CD's took over. Big regret.

[@michaelscott8992]

That really spells it out nicely so +1

[@shadowofpain8144]

Same shoes, Like many things these days they just want the album worse than I do. At my age I know a fad when I see one. All the same reasons albums were given up before still exist.

[@tanduay64]

You're 100% on point with your take of this. I'm a Steely Dan fan and when I saw that these "audiophile" pressings were priced at 150+ each.....just laughed. Someone will buy them...and feel the need to justify their purchase, but I think most of the VC realizes what's gong on here. $150 new releases...remixes...remasters...outtakes and live albums, the easy money grabs seem to out number and over shadow the actual new music releases. It'll stop when people decide they've had enough and just don't buy this stuff anymore. I try and use common sense on purchases..new stuff ...maybe 40-45, used it really depends on the record. Really enjoy your videos, looking forward to the next one.

[@Astulock86]

You're a riot, thanks for the insight and opinions. I'm a mostly digital guy, so my vinyl ceiling is 40 bucks or so. I'm a sometime flipper, too. Hanging onto some sealed copies of modern music so I can scalp it for 25x the price by 2050 :D

[@sidesup8286]

About $50 was my limit. Now that I know some lousy pitchers and sports teams to bet on (against); $175.

[@sidesup8286]

This is the perfect time for raising prices, so you won't stick out like a sore thumb. If you do it now, you just blend in with the crowd. Everyone's doing it. Inflations gone crazy. Even supermarkets are doing it; eggs are up 40%, meat way up. Under $3 for a 2 litre of pop is now a good deal.Gotta have that fizzy though. Like the old Zombies song: Tis The Time Of The Season... for price gouging; and except for supermarket prices, the prices on audiophile pressings "stay up". To many, "You're bad if you raise prices." But if your records are really true analog, and there was just a major scandal about your main competitors lps being secretly digital, then you're the good guy. Price increase or not. Let's be adult about this. Accept the fact that new Audiophile Pressings are now a richer man's sport. Just like high end turntables costing thousands are a richer mans sport. Also realize that $150 albums from this company is nothing new whatsoever. Acoustic Sounds used to send out sales literature and catalogs, listing used and new lps. Maybe they still do. Circa mid 1990's were listed for sale by them, such things as a copy of the MOFI Deja Vu album by CSN&Y for $200. It was OOP a while That's the equivalent of $400 today. Their pricing is nothing new; its exactly like the title of the album...Deja Vu. They had a full page ad in The Absolute Sound circa 1990's for an auction of used RCA Living Stereo & Mercury Living Presence classical lps. Their minimum bid? $150 dollars each. Once again, near the equivalent of $400 today, and that was the minimum bid. So this nonsense about $150 being something radically new is actually radically old and false. Other companies prices will obviously follow or at least get closer. They have every right to charge whatever they want in this free society; and we have every right to buy or to pass. But make no mistake; this is officially a richer mans sport now; and chances are it's going to get even more exclusive with even higher pricing in the future. Let's all be adult about this. I like Steely Dan. Will I be buying $150 Steely Dan albums? No I won't. People to whom $150 is chump change, if you like the Dan enough; go for it. I'm pretty sure they'll be stunningly good. Steely Dan was known for their standards, both musically and sonically.

[@tiborosz1825]

$20 bucks is my limit and the album cover needs to be great..one of the main reasons I buy vinyl.

[@drbryant23]

Very entertaining. The world needs the non-audiophile vinyl collectors that haunt used record stores that have concrete floors and that wonderful dusty, mildew-like smell, and talk to store employees and other customers about their latest finds. The world also needs audiophiles who go to audio shows to see a new equipment and have seen the Sonus Faber factory outside of Milan. Good, interesting folks in both worlds.

[@RobertFithen]

Yep. What we don't need is smug, self-satisfied people belittling others, claiming they're the only real deal, refusing to admit when they've been called out and only profiting because of it. I have plenty of friends on here who are audiophiles, who I refer to for advice, not these bullshit artists I was referring to in the video.

[@chrislrenaud]

I also just discovered your channel, Robert. It’s fun hanging out with you virtually here. Dig your sense of humor, common sense perspectives, and what’s this other thing I’m trying to say… ego- and trend-chasing-free approach. Thanks for the channel!

You have the best VC channel of all KZbin Robert. I’m from Spain and I can certify that the reputation phenomena you mention also happens here, if not more.

[@bradferguson9840]

In Australia there’s a thing called the ‘tall poppy’ syndrome, where if someone gets too big for their boots (out of control ego) we cut them down size. It seems to work.

[@varsityathlete9927]

when is that happening in victoria

[@michaelscott8992]

People have always had the power to control almost anything they want, just not the collective desire and will to do it. It's called spending power. When we withhold they can't do this, when we show enough are fine with it because of no self-control we get $150 new releases and everything else including used prices sky rocket as well.

[@homersoddishe]

I bought the Folk Singer One Step for $125. That was my new record limit. Since it didn’t flip my world upside down, I have revised it downward. I guess $60 for a double LP is my current limit. Though I really miss the days of $10-15 LPs.

[@NickP333]

I own my share of MoFi’s, and I still like em. Gee z… I appreciate your apology for expressing optimism, Robert. That’s big of you to admit. Stand proud, brother! You’ve earned it. I’ve gotta feeling the BS meter is gonna explode and get all over everything. Good thing Steely Dan rates up there with, well… Nothing….I just don’t really like em. Am I supposed to feel guilty? Aja! that’s the most obnoxious and pretentious gatefold I’ve ever seen. Haha 😂 FFS….🤦‍♂️ .I give up…. On that note, if you love Steely Dan that much and a UHQR makes ya happy, then do it.

[@dona635]

If they issued a one only copy of Aja cut by Donald Fegan's teeth, they could get $1M.

[@MX-S]

🤣

[@christopherstrode9180]

I wouldn’t buy an audiophile record. I will spend $26 for a new record from Walmart, and maybe $30 something for a double. Great video as always!

[@TheHSIHP]

Kind of lame to but at Wal Mart though

[@baileydute1]

Thank you for exposing these exploits by the record companies. They must be owned by the same people who run TicketMaster.

[@Jiji-the-cat5425]

Honestly would not pay more than 45 bucks for a double LP, and that’s pushing it. Paying up 150 dollars on a record is completely bonkers. I’m so thankful for voices of reason like you. These snobby audiophiles are the main reason why I avoid interacting with much of the vinyl community. The vinyl subreddit has some of the most toxic people I’ve seen of any fandom. People there are so harsh and condescending towards one another, which irritates me so much.

[@hipoint4599]

My jumping off point, having grown up with LPs being the preferred medium and the "Nice Price" anywhere from $4.99 to 7.99, is $24.99 and it would have to be pretty special for that. Used and cutouts are fine for me. Also " ...audiophiles look away." 😂😂

[@michaelprice1216]

That's why Geffen/Universal have single lp versions mastered from hi res files available for between 24-28 bucks, depending on your local store. These UHQR version are geared to a different market. A market, I will add, that kept record manufacturing from disappearing altogether so that now there are tons of record pressing plants running around the world instead of just 4-6 worldwide. It's not even the record companies themselves that are 'making' records. These are all independent manufacturers. Operations like Acoustic Sounds have to lease masters to produce records like the UHQR Dan titles. Chad only works with original master tapes. Getting the tapes involves huge monetary investment uprfront just to have access to the tapes. Then they have to be insured during the duration of manufacturing. The costs for these versions is much more costly in every step. The record companies scrapped their pressing facilities 30 years ago. That's why they don't have any 'Sound Saver', 'Nice Price' series anymore. When they were pressing and selling a gazillion records every month they could offer tons of loss leader catalog titles at the prices you mentioned. That manufacturing sales structure has not existed for decades.

[@Axel_Foley1970]

You are so hilarious and truthful at the same time. You had me crying laughing. It was great seeing you at the Record show. Keep up the awesome videos!! Keepin it real!!

[@stevenmassey41]

On point as always. My limit is "0". I won't buy new pressings of older albums. I want the originals. I will hunt and kill for them. But I won't pay a penny for these marketing scams.

[@asmallwhitedog0479]

First pressing brother. Amen.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

I have never paid over $30 for a record. I can understand collectors paying more for stuff that is rare. But I buy to play and listen. Not to collect. I got the Steely Dan remasters from B&N for $5 ea. Sound fine to me. Also the Dire Straits' studio albums. But I'm not insane, so there's that.

[@michaelscott8992]

Big fist bump for my man Mondo, I love people that have sense :-)

[@michaelscott8992]

$30, someone with self-respect and damn sensible reason. And the rest spells it out beautifully, you're not insane, so there's that, lol ;-)

[@shahzadalam2081]

I was excited about the news that Chad is doing all the new Steely Dan's but when I found out he's charging $150 per album I was pissed - he should have just released them on his 45 RPM format on 2 lps where Acoustic Sounds charges average of $60 - now that I can handle but at $150 for UHQR forget it

[@veronicawilson3656]

i would never spend over 20 bucks for an album.

[@SPAZZOID100]

New vinyl is not going to be your thing

[@michaelscott8992]

Good for you Veronica. I've been buying albums since the late '60's and understand the market far better than those operating in it in the last 10-15 years. There are many, many (did I happen to say many) many, used record shops with EX quality LPs you don't need to spend more than $20. Yes, you can't walk out your door any given day and come home with exactly what you're looking for so I recommend just enjoying the thrill of the hunt and take the time to call about and not feel compelled to need any specific LP right away. Yes, this whole bubble has raised even used prices but if it's the music you love, there's ways to get it in your system until a copy you desire on LP turns up. Yes, I might have more than enough albums not to be concerned with ever "needing" anything else, but you're a wise person for holding fast to your position :-)

[@michaelscott8992]

@@SPAZZOID100 No sad loss there either. Time to bring down this wall of gouging and everyone in the cycle that supports it. It's coming ;-)

[@niallms83]

My price has long passed. I was recently shopping for the George Michael - Older reissue. Great album which I've always wanted to own on vinyl. $78 AUD to pre-order. I went to a thrift shop and bought the CD for $2 instead. Same story with The Mars Volta - Deloused reissue. $85 at my local record store. Found it on CD for $4.

[@TheMatzker]

I spent 150 to see Steely Dan perform the entire Royal Scam album..it was a great night. So, yeah, I'd probably spend another 150 to have the album in that in UHQR. Call me what you will, but I love Steely Dan. Their music got me through a horrible childhood. It's the least I can do to say thanks.

[@TheHSIHP]

Justify it however you want.

[@mattmcgourty7971]

I got caught up in the "audiophile" vinyl BS and paid $150 for the UHQR Jimi Hendrix Experience release from a few months ago. Put it on my TT and it wasn't much better than the copy I already had. I'm starting to thin my collection of records out now and swapping for older CDs, the mastering is what counts not the nonsense analog vs digital debate.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Same here dude.. My regular copy pressed at QRP in 2014 sounds just as good for the most part, but I really need to give them both a more thorough listen. I have the mono version too. If this wasn't such an important album to me, I'm not sure I would've gotten the UHQR, but then again, I didn't think they'd be that close and expected much more, TBH.🤷🏻

[@elixeroflife]

@@R3TR0R4V3 thats because they were made with the same stampers. nothing special about it. its even the same vinyl, just no pigment. and of course, you get the fancy box. i know this, because i use to run the Finebilt press

[@R3TR0R4V3]

@@elixeroflife they have different matrices though.. my 2014 copy is cut by George Marino, and the UHQR, Bernie Grundman of course. :)

[@cirenosnor5768]

Out of curiosity - what turntable, amplification and speakers are you using? In some cases, the gear will greatly influence what you hear. Or don’t

[@TheHSIHP]

I bought an og Track records Electric Ladyland for a hundred bucks last month. I personally think spending money on early/rare pressings is a much better option.

[@yambo59]

Theres a lot of elitist snobbery and snake oil BS in some parts of the vinyl and audiophile community. Some of these esoteric turntable reviewers doing comparisons talk for twenty minutes picking out a dozen tiny little claimed perceived nuances to justify why a given table costs $600 more than another one are really hard to believe sometimes and feels just like snake oil when someone tells me why a cork platter mat is worth $35 and a tried and true rubber one totall kills you sound - yet some of the highest priced tables have come with quality rubber mats, and its because they dampen platter noise - but today all of a sudden theyre telling us a rock hard fancy colored flat plastic mat is WAAAY better and will transform your turntable into a giant killer, its just that they go on and on like they can hear what no one else can, to me all theyre doing is satisfying sponsors. Far as $150+ records go ive been a lover of fine audio since I was a young teen in the early 70's but they'll never con me into paying that kind of money for a record, at the end of the day its still a needle in a groove and it always will be. Dont piss in my hand and tell me its raining.

[@MTrainRadio]

Haha... love this. Your humour is great. Wait for the Universal ones coming out - around 30$ in the US... probably £30 in the UK. I'm fascinated to hear/own some Audiophile albums to see if they are as good as some say... and have ordered a few things from Chad... but this wont stop me buying digital releases too.

[@davidyoung7470]

I'm so glad I purchased a Dac. When I play a song on an album and the same song on Spotify. It's very hard to tell which one is playing. That's with someone blocking my amp and switching back and forth. Fifty would be my limit for an album.

[@tdunph4250]

I'll do $40-$60 Canadian and that's it. And, the BS meter is alive and well here in Canada within the VC! Thanks Robert!!

[@thesurfacespins]

Mr. Fithen, the Steely Dan UHQRs contain two 45rpm discs not one. So there's that, and the band might be requiring a certain amount of money to the release their material which might be driving up prices of the album. There will be cheaper (digitally sourced) 33rpm editions of the Steely Dan catalog for $30. So, there will be other options for those that find $150 too high. The UHQR boxsets are high end products for those who can afford to pay the price and love the music. I won't be buying the UHQR's of Steely Dan, by the way, but if other people want to buy them good on them. I don't feel the need to get worked up about how other people spend their money. Thanks for the enjoyable rant.

[@davidharvey8238]

Geffen UMe are selling selling the albums simultaneously. 33 180 grams from a digital source for 30 bucks. Let's see if the uhqr is 120 greenbacks better.

[@alitabbal9529]

I will never pay $150 for a single album that has been reissued a million times, no matter how good it sounds. Sound is not as important as the music 🎶

[@michaelscott8992]

And don't you worry Ali, it "doesn't" sound "that" good. You're missing nothing except being taken ;-)

[@murch13]

I'm glad someone can be the voice of reason. I'm in Canada, by the time it gets here, with US to CAD currency, shipping, import fees, it's close to 300.00 cad. Forget it.

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Yep my top number for these new overpriced pressings is definitely under $100, excluding rare and hard to find vinyl as you’ve said. I help out some friends in the audio and electronics section of their record store. I can attest to this outlandish pricing even they’re outraged by the costs. they do well at staying in reasonable prices be , they share similar philosophy as you about this and have taught me much. I’m seeing this really exercised at other stores with wildly high priced used and new common artist pressings. I am seeing trend similar in vintage audio where people charging excessive prices for some certain units that are far from being high end regardless of their vintage status! You’re on point and on to something here Doc!! Great broadcast!!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🔥

[@bshah4831]

About 2 years ago after a significant update to my turntable, I shared with my hifi buddy that I seemed to prefer all my old 70s and 80s pressings to modern reissues. I now understand most have a digital step and the worst was Aja Back to Black pressing. I did buy MOFI original masters assuming they were pure analogue but never noticed a material improvement.

[@anton88ist]

It is true, the audio industry is selling us the same donkey over and over again, with an advertisement that compulsively moves us to buy the same thing again, thinking that they are going to give us the panacea of sound wrapped in gold paper. The original pressings sounded excellent, so I doubt that these reissues from Analogue Productions will improve on them 100% soundwise.

[@Chrisdrumz]

There was a time(perhaps 2 weeks ago) when one of your new vids would pop up on my feed and I'd think to myself "Cool, I'll watch that later." Now though,when one of 'em pops up it's "I am watching this NOW." A complete joy. Funny,informative, sometimes even.......TORTUROUS but definitely entertaining!✌️

[@cbpsks]

My number used to be $125 for a UHQR…..not anymore….I am done…my ears are great ….I know what sounds good to me…..I am pretty much through with vinyl…..you get to a point where enough is enough! It’s no longer a hobby….it’s a nuisance!

[@markkopernicky3489]

Great video. Lots of interesting points. I love Steely Dan. ..I have their records already. ..a few are 1st pressings. That's good enough for me. I would never drop $ 150 for an album...not even UHQR records...I don't own a single one..and have no interstate in them.

[@markkopernicky3489]

That should say "I have no interest in them"....not interstate.

[@MX-S]

@@markkopernicky3489 He is incorrect for a different reason. A record groove is one long highway for the stylus and traverses between song states: from one, to the next .... heh.

[@lmontanaable]

Wow so glad you made this video. This has gotta stop. $150US for a record even if UHQR is outrageous . BTW that turns into $205 CDN where I am from

[@georgedesjardins6080]

Glad to see this Trudeau dollar comparison, we all hope this incompetent liberal government gets the boot.

[@harrysmusicroom]

this is why the $600 Bill Evans box was repressed and suddenly is $900. You are totally correct about the price of used albums going up but what do you expect when the repressing is $35 or $40, a used copy at $20 sounds good right?

[@RobertFithen]

Because they have found out that is what people will pay. Business. That's why I don't blame the business owners.

[@sidesup8286]

I wonder what Chino and Daddy Gee would say about this? I'm never goin' back to my old school.

[@RobertFithen]

Tried to warn you....

[@ChrisPropfeMusicallyObsessed]

Really random question….do you use inner and outer sleeves on your albums?

[@RobertFithen]

I use outer sleeves on albums that can be easily damaged because of cut outs in the cover such as "Black Caesar" and "Physical Graffiti". Also on the sandpaper cover of Durutti Column. I use poly inner sleeves for albums with cardboard inner sleeves or collectible records.

[@memyselfmyvinyl894]

I spent $125 on the UHQR Are You Experienced. That is my limit and I have about hit my breaking point with these "audiophile" reissues. I won't be spending the money on Steely Dan records. I have an OG aja and like you said, it sounds great. I got it for free from my mother who bought it back in the 70s. I have also spent $200 on hard to find OG copies of some other stuff recently. Im good with my collection as a whole now for the time being and actually looking to sell some of the stuff I no longer consider essential to it. But prices will continue to rise if people are willing to pay it.