Chad Kassem's Massive Stereo & Vinyl Collection (Acoustic Sounds)

🎶 Join us for an unforgettable day with Chad Kassem, CEO of Acoustic Sounds, in Salina, Kansas. Chad generously shared over 9 hours of his time, revealing his jaw-dropping vintage stereo collection and his world-class vinyl record plant.
📀 Explore his rare record collection and a mastering studio with legendary equipment once owned by Doug Sax. Chad shows us how he creates industry-leading audiophile record pressings through one of the final steps with A/B testing on the amazing system in his office. They just finished their new UHQR pressing of the Steely Dan definitive vinyl version of Aja!
Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast or an audiophile, this is a must-watch experience. Don't miss it! Like, comment, and subscribe for more audio adventures!
Watch this incredible Acoustic Sounds Behind the Scenes:
• Acoustic Sounds Behind...
Acoustic Sounds:
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Acoustic Sounds Vinyl Vault
store.acousticsounds.com/viny...
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#VinylRecords #Audiophile #StereoCollection #ChadKassem #AcousticSounds #VintageStereo #RecordPressing

[@frankierodriguez8661]

If it means anything to you, I'm on the verge of tears watching you in this thing because, well I'm just a regular guy from West Spain who shares all these feelings with you Kev. I wish I could be there with you and talk about it for hours afterwards drinking coffee and listening to more stuff. Well done brother!!

[@skylabsaudio]

Means everything to me, Frank! I couldnt have enjoyed that expirience more. I appreciate you "getting it."

[@frankierodriguez8661]

@@skylabsaudio Well. Thanking you my friend. I watched a few videos from Just Audio, the guys from Baltimore and they went to see another really amazing collections and wow, you really feel the passion and it is an amazing feeling. We are really a funky awsome community 🙂

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

Thanks for sharing! I only spent half a day there and saw only a sliver of his world. Chad is an amazing person and a historian that belongs in the Audio Hall of Fame!

[@skylabsaudio]

Couldn't agree more!

[@drazenbabich]

As long as people like Chad exist, we’re good!

[@NickP333]

An audio nerd’s heaven. Absolutely beautiful stuff. Thank you 🔊😊🎶💜

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@Unpreeeedictable]

The world is a slightly better place because of Chad Kassem.

[@skylabsaudio]

Agreed

[@admiralhipowa7158]

With today’s throwaway society, thank god we have legends like Chad Kassem. A real connoisseur of quality sound. Please god keep him safe with health & strength for years to come.

[@danmartinez5502]

Holy Shit Amazing video . Chad needs to open an audio museum. Great job you are right it's mind blowing.

[@user-nv2rc2fd8q]

Man “O” man, talking about going down the rabbit hole, I’m speechless from seeing the video I can only imagine what it was like to be there physically. Thank you so very much for sharing. I live less than an hour from Salina KS and am five hours from you guys. In the not too distant future I would like to arrange to visit Skylabs, I have three vintage Pioneer receivers I would like to have looked at by you guys. One of three was made in 1980. It is an SX 7000 D. Long story short, I enjoy watching and learning talk soon,Christian

[@johnvincent4048]

I love Acoustic Sounds vinyl. I haven't been disappointed with any of their products. And after watching this video I appreciate them even more.

[@crispincrunch2453]

Maybe the fastest-feeling 25 minutes I’ve ever experienced on KZbin. Seriously even emotional at times 😮‍💨🥹 wow

[@jamescox3947]

Unbelievable. I'm sure that that was a moment that you (and anyone else who is into analog audio) will remember for the rest of your life. Thank you so much for sharing this. Chad Kassem is a unique and special individual for sure.

[@skylabsaudio]

💯

[@jdekong3945]

Bow to the master folks! Superb collection

[@brianj.connelly3353]

AMAZING!! THE LEGIT INDUSTRY STANDARD IN VINYL!

[@skylabsaudio]

Your mom is the standard in vinyl :)

[@jeffl915]

Great video, and insight into Chad, and Acoustic Sounds. I am just a hard working UPS driver, and music lover. I have bought the best equipment I can afford, at my income level. A lot of that equipment in your video I am not familiar with, as it is way out of my price range. I am not sure I would even want to hear that equipment, because I am happy with what I have, and don’t want to be sent down another rabbit hole 😂🤣. These are good times to be into music, and vinyl, as we have a few companies producing some great sounding records.

[@skylabsaudio]

I know exactly where you are coming from. I don't get gear envy. For those that can afford- kudos, genuinely. It's just not in the cards for me. My stereo sounds just fine to me!

[@randymeinholdt4401]

Insane than you for sharing. Met Chad in Wichita at a flea market. Heard his voice and immediate recognized him. Great guy!

[@larrysmith5413]

I have been a customer for many years. Thanks for the peak behind the curtain. Hope we see your tour of the pressing plant.

[@skylabsaudio]

It will happen. Thanks!

[@mcgjohn22]

great video. Anyone who gets the chance should visit Salina, you will get overwhelmed.

[@dtracy03ss]

Nobody Ever Talks Enough about Spendor Speakers, The 100s and the 200s are my Absolute Dream Wants, I have Heard them and they Rock. I ask people what they think of them and all you get is a Blank Stare!!! They Rock That was So Awesome to see you sat down in front of the 100s. NOW How did they SOUND? Tell us!!! Thanks Dave

[@bacarandii]

I think my head just exploded. Is Chad Kassem actually "grading" records for resale or reference out of that office (where are the employees?), evaluating the best pressings as guidance for Acoustic Sounds remixes and remasterings? And how does he have the time, energy and resources to even FIND all this cool stuff, much less buy it, pack it, transport it, unpack it, hook it up, display it, and listen to it!?!? Mind-boggling. I have that '60s kenwood (downcased) KW-60 tube receiver and the orange Heathkit tuner (another '57 Chevy-styled model) on the shelf below it it for exactly the same reasons: I love the way they look, and just looking at them makes me happy. So did this video, which is enough to justify the entire existence of KZbin all by itself. Thanks to both of you for sharing.

[@skylabsaudio]

We'll see the employees in the next video. He sells graded records and has people (employees) grade them. They are available here store.acousticsounds.com/vinylvault?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-pyqBhDmARIsAKd9XIOiD29WT9ULzln8x9fWbHqlx7mRPDEDAryl6woJxvb9aMV4U5XBHo4aArOrEALw_wcB

[@donaldscheer5206]

Chad Is Living His Dream! AND Letting All Of Us Share That Dream With His Vinal Releases!

[@BB..........]

Thanks for putting this video together. The entire video was interesting, but for me the highlights were seeing all of the Doug Sax & The Mastering Lab gear. All of the original TML gear, including those tube amps you saw, were designed and built by Doug's older brother Sherwood. Most people just don't have a clue how much Doug Sax & Lincoln Mayorga advanced the sound quality of recorded music with their founding of The Mastering Lab, and their direct-to-disc recording label Sheffield Lab. edit: At one time Sony had a bunch of the Sherwood Sax Thermionic 200 amps, but I guess the 8417 tubes are getting hard to find, so they auctioned a bunch of them off years ago. Mark Wilder used those amps for years.

[@raykuiper4979]

Well, like you had this experience which will be a kind of remenbrance for you, I had twice in my life such moments ,I was able to hear systems we both can dream off

[@marcparsons1726]

I didn't see a Zenith Circle of Sound! All serious, Amazing! That touches my soul!!

[@chrisedwards2959]

WOW, just wow…. That’s gonna be one of those experiences you look back on often and for a lifetime. I know there’s not 9 hours of footage but I would love a longer “B-roll” video. Maybe boring to some but amazing for us nerds. Thank you guys for what you do!

[@skylabsaudio]

Yeah, I think we have almost 4 hours of footage. We have to walk the KZbin algorithm line. :(

[@ole9421]

@@skylabsaudio Oh please, give us the rest in whatever time chunks the youtube gods will allow!

[@glenncurry3041]

It's analog baby! You've heard why nothing can touch vinyl! The more incredible the ability to source it correctly, and the AirForce is one of the best, the deeper and more detail you find in them!

[@bobc8649]

Wow ! How cool to for this guy to take the time to give you a tour. IMHO this could be the Holy Grail of audio equipment and recording!

[@skylabsaudio]

It really is unbelievable! Thanks for watching!

[@casperdowlen625]

My former comment never made it somehow. Ignore it if it pops up. All I was going to say is check out the Sota vacuum turntables like the Nova V and the Cosmos. The vacuum pulls down the record mating it flush with the platter. With the Sota clamp it is a stumner. The record is inert. You tap it and all you get is a deep thud. A clasdic late 1970s to the present turntable. Use the Cosmos armboard if you can on any of their turntables. Great video!

[@raouldelacruz9677]

That Willy Wonka ref is exactly how I felt watching it through the lens of your camera. I can only imagine what it was like to see and listen to what he shared.

[@dennisbohner6876]

The physical curation of aged hi-fi is a delight to witness. Thanks.

[@JimmyV1530]

WOW, What a fun post incredible, thanks so much for sharing your once in a lifetime tour.

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Universityofvinyl]

Loved the turntable shelving!

[@skylabsaudio]

Agree, he actually designed that shelving. I need some for our store display. Thanks for watching. Have enjoyed many of your videos!

[@obibaddad1991]

Great video, thanks. I used to sell records to Chad when he was mostly a collector and audiophile pre internet. I would run my ads in Goldmine. Most of what I dealt with was stuff from Harry Pearson's list. I never got to meet him but it was always nice to exchange want lists. I say good for him and for us as far as his success goes.

[@skylabsaudio]

Agreed! That man earned it 100%

[@thomasdix8453]

Amazing! Thank you!

[@ole9421]

I'd be happy to be a simple janitor at this place!

[@crispincrunch2453]

seriously, Night at the Museum

[@edricjr7930]

You were right . . . WOW!!! 😳😲👍🏽👍🏽

[@dogratco]

That Garrard with the plastic base looks like my first turntable. It came with two spindles. One for single-play and one to work as a changer.

[@erickrohn88]

Wow awesome vid, thanks so much for sharing!!

[@alwilliams5177]

Got awesome pre-owned pressings I got from Chad many moons ago. One of my favorite dealers.

[@philipmccloy6502]

Wow. I have just died and gone to heaven.

[@j.dekker5137]

Haha the mess on Chad's desk is insane, I just love the fact that it is littered with all kinds of different pressings. It really shows that his way of working is absolutely different from anyone else

[@mlblue5355]

Fantastic!!! The mountain of audio!

[@amerosmanagic7874]

amazing. i cant belive my eyes. thanks from Sarajevo bosnia.❤

[@beercanshooter7680]

Excellent!

[@The90sGamingGuy]

It's always a joy to see Chads facility and personal vinyl vault. That Mad Season Above LP re-issue sounds like they are playing in the room, it is out of this world good. That is one sweet record player collection. I bet those speakers from Doug Sax sound incredible.

[@bobgauthier1569]

Awesome 😎

[@MarvinHartmann452]

He has 2 fantastic set, the Heathkit A-100 with the matching tuner, and I think the other one was the first sansui tube receiver sold in America, they both sounds very good. I would have also loved to be in that room by myself too 😅 What a wonderful collection of equipment.

[@user-ec8ix7ms8u]

Outstanding presentation what an talented musical engineer

[@s.t.e.r.e.o.]

Wow great job. Always up for some Chad content.

[@sloboat55]

Excellent

[@BOBBRADLEYCHANNEL]

Great video, bucket list experience.

[@Donjasoni]

Very cool!

[@CUBICUB]

Great video, Chad is the man.

[@brucecoyle2565]

I’m glad you had the opportunity to experience Chad’s shop. I wouldn’t see the real goods but you can share it all on KZbin. Thanks for sharing and hope to come over for a visit soon.

[@knockshinnoch1950]

Absolutely fascinating!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@karaDee2363]

Wow!, that blew my mind.!!... I'm speechless

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Karen! Glad you liked it :)

[@wvtrumpet]

Enjoyed watching this

[@adaboy4z]

I'm so excited to get my Yamaha B2 amplifier back from full restoration. Watching this video just pumped me up even more to spin some records and cassettes!!!

[@Dave-if5qj]

Got a tour of acoustic sounds last year included QRP pressing and blue haven studios They were actually working on Elephant when I was there

[@andrewbrown3070]

Awesome video!

[@TalleyHoV]

Impressive collection for certain. Oh and nice T-shirt. 😊

[@davidpetersen7091]

Thanks for this. EXCELLENT! Mr. Aging hippie

[@user-gu6tf8ps6x]

This is the best video you have ever put out. I hope you get a million views.

[@The_Music_Sanctuary]

New to your channel and a great introduction, thank you for making and sharing this. I'm still stuck in that turntable room, what a walk through of history, an incredible museum. Nice to finally put a face too some of Chad's gear collection...cheers....✌️

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JackT_Music_on_Vinyl]

Amazing! Thanks so much for sharing this. His tee "Buy Now or Cry Later", truer words never spoken. And you with your Vinyl Cup tee, for Luke. Nice work, man.

[@skylabsaudio]

Gotta highlight great people, big and small. Both are great humans :)

[@JackT_Music_on_Vinyl]

@@skylabsaudio, agree 100%

[@quiksr20]

Killer video, Awesome to see the critical listening is being done from what looked like SL1200's... Epic gear!!!!!!!!!!

[@heimatliebe116]

Kevin, I am so happy to see you so enthralled and excited about your tour of Acoustic Sounds. I wish you many, many more happy moments like those!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks so much!

[@Dave78Ivey]

If you can, please tell us more about the office stereo system. I see two SL1200G turntables and Chad spoke about the ATC speakers. How about the cartridges, phono preamps and amps? Wonderful video man! I could watch this stuff over and over again!

[@Dinobandito777]

Omg!! The holy grail of an audio museum. I have been ordering 180 gram vinyl from them for years & had no idea what was behind them. Thank you for sharing this video

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joepowers3731]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jamesminotto8036]

WOW!!!!! I have the Yamaha CA 2010 !!!!! Cool video!

[@ReginaldDj1]

This was massive and so beautiful at the same time 😮 I wonder if he had that unicorn you know that techniques 1000 receiver but all in all I could absolutely live there this was heven to an audio head from the 70's like myself chief kiss I loved it❤👍

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

Really cool place

[@mancavedecorations8158]

Chad's a wild man. I haven't been there for years, but it was crazy then.

[@vincedebart]

I’ll first start off by saying love, your channel and your approach. Was looking forward to this video during your intro. However, soon into it I couldn’t watch it. The video was too Herky jerky. Not sure how it was processed shot or edited but for me, it was unwatchable. Maybe it was just my Device and or network connection. I reloaded it several times. Maybe I’ll download it. It will look better on my system. I’ve definitely heard about this gentleman and his company in the past. Thanks for taking the time to go out there and explore.

[@michaelmorris7552]

Great video Kevin!!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks!

[@marks.2909]

Another great video ! ,..Maybe part two in the near future ?

[@analoguecity3454]

How the hell did I miss this??😮

[@vinyljoe8861]

Great video.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks!

[@iamwoteveriwanttobe]

15:00 That's some real regret right there. Had me feeling it too! Love the passion and enthusiasm he has.

[@skylabsaudio]

You nailed it! I love that moment.

[@Gary-qq7og]

Just one word...WOW !!

[@davepounds8924]

Good video of acoustic sounds!! I was just surprised at how cluttered everything was there! But Chad hopefully knows where everything is!

[@skylabsaudio]

I think he is one of those people that has a map in his head and it's all laid out.

[@casperdowlen625]

Went right by the Denon broadcast turntable.

[@hifipi3.14]

Wow I’m jealous! Looking forward to the Elephant UHQR review, first one I shelled out for, the FOMO was too strong, worth every penny and very happy with it.

[@skylabsaudio]

My first UHQR too. I think there are more, for us, in the future ;)

[@BD-no2be]

Very cool video. Not even sure where I would've began but I understand what you meant when you said you could've spent a week there. Very very cool

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you. It was overwhelming for sure.

[@PoppinWheeliez]

This could have been a two parter easy. WoW. Unreal. For attainable gear unlike the airforce 1 the Yamaha....if you know you know. That CA series is so nice. Timeless look. No cheesy colours. Just classy. SP-10 are nice units.

[@erikbaas2003]

very nice video

[@chrislj2890]

It appears to have been a severe case of brain overload, lol. I love Acoustic Sounds, and just received an order of four LPs this week. They have awesome packaging, and it would take a sledge hammer to damage your records. I've been putting more in my wish list and will probably place another order this week. That Thorens record changer was insane, and I imagine a real treat to service. But I have been thinking of adding a full auto turntable to my rig, I guess for the nostalgia aspect. That Yamaha integrated amp looks delicious!

[@dphphoto]

Wow… that giant cassette…My dad gave me a player that plays those! Bell 404.

[@hawaiisteve932]

Gob Smacked !!!!!!!

[@txc500]

I have a box of those big RCA Tape Cartridges like Chads Sounds in Space! I am sure I have the player and tube amp too. Mine was from a setup used in dentists offices that was supposed to make you relax while they worked. It's called an Audiac. Really cool vintage looking metal housing.

[@swinde]

9:35 When I was in grade school, our school had one of these machine that used these big cartridge tapes. They let the students record their voices. I thought my voice sounded horrible.

[@karaDee2363]

Wish I was there to experience listening to LZ No Quarter with you,, that's one of my favorites, and Steely Dan is one of my favorites too.

[@skylabsaudio]

If you like No Quarter, you would have loved it, Karen!

[@tomreidy1237]

You are a lucky man Kevin. I would love to visit that place ❤

[@skylabsaudio]

I am!

[@philipgoldman4188]

Um….Geez..OMG…WOW Kevin just WOW!

[@krwd]

there is a channel in england that did a video about the large RCA cassette, very similar to a reel to reel

[@pervertedalchemist9944]

I see why it took nine hours to film! That's a lot of rare gems in there!

[@alex509ful]

Freaking awesome video! I wonder why y'all were talking about Mad Season Above🤔

[@skylabsaudio]

I just spotted it on his shelf, as it's one of my favorite 90s records. Sorry, I didn't get any indicators of anything that is in the works :(

[@fullwaverecked]

Halfway through, and the word "Wow" has lost all meaning. I'll just be speechless for for a while...

[@TheAnalogTapeMuseum]

I'd have a similar collection, if only I could win that dang lottery!

[@tomday7309]

Mouth open....no words.....