Episode 5: A Learning Curve - Vinyl Hell

Wednesday, 02/14/24: Wilson discusses his utter frustration with buying vinyl, but decides to take it up a notch!
Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro
10:50 MoFi Gate Explanation
12:42 Where do you draw the line?
18:43 Vinyl Hell
Some notes: While this episode is not on MoFi Gate, it is sort of the 900 pound gorilla in the corner of the room. At 10:50 I talk about MoFi gate and if you're not interested in that almost overly talked about history, jump to 12:42. Here are some MoFi Gate resources...
MoFi Gate:
- The N' Groove - the video that started it all. • BREAKING NEWS: ALL Mob...
- Noble Records - to sum it up! • MoFi-gate in Layman’s ...
- Michael 45 - Digging deeper: • Michael Jackson Thrill...
- Safe & Sound Texas: David always has a balanced view - • Episode 28 Mobile Fi...
#audioequipment
#audiophile
#hifispeaker
#hifistereo
#hifi
#hifiaudio
#Schiit
#Schiitaudio
#MidFi
#vinylcommunity #vinylrecords
#mofi
#MoFigate
#MobileFidelity
#msfl
#acousticsounds #UHQR #ClarityVinyl

[@robbiedetroitstigermanviny8883]

I was the Guy saying I wouldn't buy a $150 Record but I just bought My first one and I'm glad I did. Awesome Video!

[@MidFiMan]

You see? I'm not as crazy as you thought! LOL! What did you buy? Thanks for watching.

[@robbiedetroitstigermanviny8883]

@@MidFiMan I never thought You were crazy. I've always been on your side. I just was afraid to pull the trigger. I bout the Impex Getzs Gilberto. It was $170 with tax. I also bought The John Coltrane Giant Steps Analogue Productions Atlantic 75th Album. Awesome just Awesome Sounding. Appreciate it My Brother!!!!

[@MidFiMan]

You won't get hurt with those. That Giant Steps is off the chain, bro.

[@robbiedetroitstigermanviny8883]

@@MidFiMan You got that right. Thanks for the suggestions!

[@jim010109]

I just can't do it. Between buying a decent turntable, then there is the cart, which could cost hundreds if not more. Then buying the records themselves. I've got over a thousand DVD's and probably 30% of those are blu-ray, if I went down the vinyl rabbit hole, my wife would kill me, lol.

[@MidFiMan]

I remember very well early on in my journey watching a guy on KZbin (not sure who), but he was at my stage. I remember thinking, "there's no way in hell." Well, I'm in that hell right now! LOL!!. Come on in, the water is fine!! LOL!

[@syr1964]

Chris Bellman did a AAA cut of Chicago Transit Authority on Rhino. I got it for around $35. Sounds excellent. Don’t know how it compares to the Mofi version-hope you’re happy with yours! I’ve been burned on discogs before as well but if you stick to sellers with over 99% feedback they typically do right and either let you return or give you some sort of refund.

[@MidFiMan]

I will look up that Bellman cut! I wasn't aware he had a remaster of CTA. The MoFi is very good, almost dead quite. I've got a few guys (individual sellers) on Discogs I will buy from without hesitation and they know what I expect. The ones I've actually had problems with are the big sellers, like bricks and mortar stores that sell on Discogs. With that being said, GoVinylGo is a big seller that nails it perfectly every time!

[@sidvicious3129]

You aren't crazy. The heart wants what the heart wants. I would have also blown a gasket with that Santana album as well. Discogs is becoming bad, but I have to admit that I have had more hood than bad experiences, but the bads are b....a....d!!! The one thing that you might want to look at is a machine that can fix warps, and there are two, the Vinyl Flat and the Record PI System. Out of the two, I would get the Record PI, which will be the one that I will be buying. I have the vinyl flat, the older one, and just no, time to try something different. It does work, but more attention is necessary. The record PI seems more of a set and forget with a digital reading. I was able to fix 6 and ruined 2 with the Vinyl Flat.

[@MidFiMan]

Man, those dang flatteners are expensive LOL. I'm going to get one eventually. Thanks for watching.

[@jazzlyrics4988]

I guess there's no wrong or right in this hobby. Everyone choses whatever they think is more important or best. I went the complete opposite way, getting rid of every MFSL, AP and such that I ever had. Just sticking to old records, because they're soo much better - to me.

[@MidFiMan]

Really? Even got rid of your Acoustic Sounds stuff? I can understand the MofI due to the controversy, but even the Acoustic Sounds? That's amazing. Thanks for watching!

[@jazzlyrics4988]

@@MidFiMan Last I tried was the 45rpm UHQR of Kind of Blue. That got such great reviews everywhere and since it's one of my favourite records, I gave in... Pretty silly, because I do not like it nearly as much as my Columbia pressing.

[@MidFiMan]

That seriously surprises me.

[@jazzlyrics4988]

@@MidFiMan If the record has the stamped XSM 47326/7 matrices, it's pretty much ok still, I guess. Some do sound better than others, but there's plenty around still for not that much money, if you want to try for yourself. My personal favourite is a pressing from around 1970 - which is not even close to being an "OG". To my ears, in my room and on my system, that record sounds phenomenal. The music moves and excites me in a way that the UHQR fails to.

[@markcarrington8565]

I’ve been collecting records again for nearly two years. I do look for early pressings of the records I used to listen to when I first started collecting in 1975 onwards. Using a Pro-Ject VCE record cleaner gets rid of most of the noise and they sound great. I also buy the specialist pressings and I’ve just bought five of those at a major UK hi-fi show this weekend. They ranged from £40 to £120 and they are without exception, fantastic sounding records. By the way, I have only two UHQR pressings and they happen to be the ones you showed 😄.

[@MidFiMan]

It's like eating steak you bought from a butcher with inferior beef, but you didn't know it was inferior until you had superior beef from a superior butcher. You simply cannot just go back! Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

[@Universityofvinyl]

I found a NM Thriller with the early single production credit 2 yrs ago for $26. I’m lucky though because I have several great used record shops within an hour of my home. Get a Humminguru if you’re serious about taking advantage of original pressings. Good video 👍🏻

[@MidFiMan]

I’ve got a good ultrasonic cleaner. Works great! That’s in one of the first episodes, albeit the videography sucks. LOL. Thanks for watching.

[@MidFiMan]

I actually want to upgrade. It might be a Humingguru that I end up with, not sure, but I know I’m going to need to upgrade in the not so distant future.

[@dexhome_2010]

I picked up a iSonic 6.1 Pro ultrasonic cleaner for Christmas. One of the biggest sonic improvements I’ve made to my vinyl hobby. Every record I own is now cleaned, it transformed many OG’s and will extend the life of my Cart. You must clean even brand new UHQR’s due to the manufacturing process. Good points on your video!

[@MidFiMan]

@@dexhome_2010 Well, like and subscribe, you'll love the episode I'm about to drop tonight.

[@dexhome_2010]

I did both earlier today, I’m from NC, grew up in FL and now in VA. About the same age as you but my kids are younger. Enjoyed listening to your videos today while I mowed.

[@danijelsan81]

Yea, I hear you. I started collecting about 13 years ago and the experience was the same. I quickly realized that it’s better to buy the best reissues that I can afford in order to avoid waste and frustration. I do buy used classical music because records often really are minty, but other genres, especially of popular music that was actually listened to is tricky. I bought a ‘NM’ copy of Thriller years ago and of course there was groove damage because someone played it over an over again on god knows what kind of equipment. So I complained and returned it. Considering where prices are currently for many originals, it’s downright dangerous buying used online. There are however sellers on both eBay and Discogs that are honest and grade well. I make sure to save those and go back to them. But yes, you’ll pay to find those. 😅

[@MidFiMan]

That's it! You've got to pay to find the good dealers. It's a "cost of doing business" type of thing. Thanks for watching!

[@rich.e]

I hear ya... got re-issue stung recently with a new Massive Attack 'Protection'... bought new in a record shop... reduced from £35 to £16... (I'm in London)... couldn't wait to put it on when I got home... then couldn't wait for the side to end 😞 Sounded flat as a pancake. However you take it, enjoy the music; that's what it's all about.

[@MidFiMan]

Man, that grinds, don't it? A couple days ago, I got a Mile Davis repress in that sounded like chicken scratch LOL. Horrible. In any case, thanks for watching!!

[@rich.e]

@@MidFiMan chicken scratch... shouldn't laugh but we've all there. Ordered an '07 vintage Blood On The Tracks this morning so let's see if I get another buyer's remorse slap from ordering before I've got out of bed - there's a first time for everything! I'll check out more of your vids so please keep em coming. Cheers mate!

[@67w30]

That was funny!! My cousin and I talk about OG vs UHQR/MFSL/MOFI / impex and we go back n forth.

[@MidFiMan]

It absolutely makes for interesting conversation! Thanks for watching!

[@MidFiMan]

And it is a back and forth! But that’s okay. I’ll take it. I need the stress! Keep watching!!

[@carravagio16]

Ive experienced the same issue with some Records, Ive been burned for one reason or another one to many times and it does add up and also i makes the "hobby" less fun. I still buy records but ive also re-kindled my love of CD's which has been a fun side journey for me and much easier on the wallet. I know its apples an oranges. But one thing is that i have some CD's that i couldnt stream or have on vinyl so it all works out. kudos Brian.

[@MidFiMan]

Brian, you’re right about it getting less fun and this is not a hobby whereas you should ever feel it’s less fun. I have other stores too. Probably a half dozen and I just couldn’t fit them in. A couple pure nightmares. LOL.

[@carrion_man3700]

The Steve Wilson Chicago II is the definitive version, imo. I have an OG and the Wilson mix kills.

[@MidFiMan]

I've got the FLAC and it is quite good! He's got an ear, that's for sure. I've got a story to tell on Chicago II, I've got at least three, maybe four, and that's been a journey too. I can't remember if I mentioned that in this episode. Thanks for watching!

[@budsmoker4201120]

Lol, if i throw my dads original Thriller to my new reissue that i bought a couple of years ago. It sounds like a totally different album. I played them both for my dad this past Wednesday and he was shocked at the sound difference. I then told him, "do you see now, the shit my generation goes through." 😢 we got to deal with shit records and shit recordings and shitty pressings and shitty QC as well. 2024 and they cannot press an LP anymore. P.S. I AM DONE WITH 180 GRAM vinyl. Love the Video Bud, it is reissue hell out here in 2024

[@MidFiMan]

THAT is hilarious! Yeah, all the "modern" reissues of Thriller have a bad rep. It's amazing. I love 180 gram vinyl to the point that I don't like 120 gram (or whatever it is) vinyl LOL. I just like the feel. I do think 180> attracts more static electricity. Thanks for watching! Subscribe and come on back, ya' hear?

[@budsmoker4201120]

@@MidFiMan I can relate on the feel, it just seems as of late they have the most QC issues. It could be anecdotal. Keep the vids coming.

[@robertjermantowicz-uw3iw]

Stick to a first issue CD of Thriller.

[@arzabael]

I left a comment about audiophiles likening the end product of a well mastered song on vinyl to a painting made of mud and it was rude and I apologize

[@MidFiMan]

It's all good, no harm and no foul! Thanks

[@arzabael]

@@MidFiMan haha you the man man

[@DustinKoester]

Every single aspect of this video makes me absolutely despise “audiophiles.”

[@MidFiMan]

Is it really that bad? LOL! Man oh man! Why would you even watch?

[@mondoenterprises6710]

They're called cds. Only kidding, but seriously, dude, no way am I buying $170 records derived from digital sources.

[@MidFiMan]

I hear you. The UHQR’s are all analog, without exception, I believe. Analog Productions does occasionally put out a digitally sourced LP, but it’s clearly marked as such. Nils Lofgren’s acoustic album, which is thunderously amazing, is an excellent example.

[@MidFiMan]

Oh and by the way, thanks so much for watching!!

[@Joe-yi8xj]

As someone who owns like 4000 records, the current state of buying is fomo. I bought records because I was a kid and CD's were $17. A lot of my stuff is under $7. Many .25-$1 records. Prestige, blue note, ojc, riverside, Marvin Gaye steely Dan etc. you could find a lot of it. Although Blue notes have always been picked over. I can't imagine owning this many records and paying $30-40 each. I recommend to mix it up. Analogue, digital. Instead of buying a UHQR. Buy a good dac. Read liner notes on discogs, and keep an eye open for lp's but bargains only. A small clear mind curated lp collection will be more satisfying than a horde of junk. A little slap crackle never hurt anybody

[@MidFiMan]

I've got a decent DAC (Schiit Bifrost 2/64), I've just found digital to not be as satisfying sounding as vinyl. I've also got a lot of FLAC, or a lot for me. Probably 600 gb.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

My shop has 20 records for $15. Many in NM all the way to junk. I pick up the NM's usually side projects, or a b list band or singer or side player. Kiki Dee, Randy Meisner, etc. I enjoy the all analogue sounds of the 70's and some 80's. @@Joe-yi8xj

[@robertjermantowicz-uw3iw]

LP's are obsolete technology.

[@MidFiMan]

I can't say that...yet! LOL!

[@mondoenterprises6710]

Ps. Buying those lps is not mid fi.

[@MidFiMan]

I would call that truth. LOL. On the other hand, my system is Mid-fidelity equipment. I have a $1,100 preamp, not a $10,000 Passlabs.

[@robcammell1069]

Dude clean your records you will notice the difference, use a spin clean.

[@MidFiMan]

I have a US cleaner. I clean all my records and it does make a difference, but it's not always a fix.

[@VintageStereoCollector]

Waste of money paying a lot of money for those when u sell those you won’t get the money that u pay for cis it’s already used

[@MidFiMan]

I'm not trading on the stock market. It's not an investment and I think if you think you're going to get your money back on any of this, you're not giving yourself a good expectation. On the other hand, I don't want to blow money, either. Thanks for watching!

[@greyhoundude6112]

Perhaps you should just concentrate on the music, rather than the music delivery system. You can pick up CDs for a couple of bucks apiece now and you know what? They're going to sound just as good, if not better, than vinyl. After all, it is still about the music, isn't it?

[@MidFiMan]

CDs versus vinyl? Yes, many of them sound better than vinyl and many of them absolutely do not sound better than vinyl. I wouldn't say it's all about the music. For me, a lot of it is about the experience, and the gear is part of that experience. I mean, a lot of it has to do with the music, but I'm a gear head and a lot of audiophiles are gear heads too; you can argue whether that's a good or right thing. I like both the music and the gear.

[@MidFiMan]

That’s remarkable. I’ve got CD’s that sound better and worse than their vinyl counterparts. Some do and some don’t. Same with FLAC. It’s not all about the music; I enjoy the gear just as much. I enjoy the tactile elements of vinyl, whereas CD and streaming just doesn’t engage me the same way. If it were only about the music, we could get away with a set top box like my youngest daughter uses when she’s in the shower. Thanks for watching!