How Long Do Lacquers Really Last?

[@mjanovec]

To answer your question, I’d much rather spend $400 on a stack of great records than for a single lacquer.

[@AnalogPlanet]

That is fair enough!

[@StylusDrop]

Mike of the In-Groove is an honest guy. I'm with him on this. Go ahead and tarnish your own reputation by going after him! The surface of acetates is much softer than vinyl (and therefore wear out much quicker with playing). That's why cutting lathes operate on acetate and not vinyl! So you have a relatively new (15 years is not old) acetate that still sounds good, so what?! They wear far quicker than vinyl and to try and argue otherwise is just bloody stupid! About ERC, Mike of the In-Groove was giving an honest opinion based on his own experience of the product. Other people's mileage may vary. To go after him for giving a honest, unbiased critical review of the product when you yourself have received thousands of dollars in free product from the company is not the smartest thing to do, is it? People are not stupid - they can see straight through you!

[@AnalogPlanet]

Mike’s ERC video was dishonest. It uses a customer’s bad repack to attack a quality label. It’s intended to damage a company’s reputation. It’s sad that you don’t see that. Mike could show you split seams and defective pressings from every label he sells but he chose only ERC. ERC’s packing is outstanding. The inner sleeves all come with rice paper. He shows a poor customer repack.He provides wrong information about the Craft reissue cut not from tape as he claims but from digital. You are fine with him attacking another man’s hard honest work at ERC with a dishonest video and you think somehow I tarnish my reputation by pointing it out. I realize you love Mike and he’s a good dealer and educator but you do him no favors being blind to his mistakes and excesses. His ERC video tarnished him. My calling it out doesn’t tarnish mine regardless of what you think.

[@StylusDrop]

@@AnalogPlanet I think you are wrong. What evidence do you have of a bad customer repack? I think you are making assumptions that should not be made. I think Mike was giving his honest opinion of ERC from his own experience. You should respect that even if your own experience is different (I'd imagine they would take extra care when mailing records to you for obvious reasons). Mike had no reason to do a hit job on them. You, however, have a vested interest in defending them. You hinted that Mike's motives may be due to ERC declining to sell to his store. ERC releases are limited to 300 copies worldwide - do you really think he would have a realistic expectation to become a dealer of their records and vindictively attack them when they declined? That seems improbable to me. Regarding the Craft cut, I think Mike has already admitted his error in a follow-up video.

[@AnalogPlanet]

@@StylusDrop What evidence do I have? Well as you know I get every ERC record for free. Every one of them includes a rice paper insert in the paper sleeve. Every one of them. The record Mike showed was packed in only paper and of course during shipping that produced micro-abrasions. Every ERC record I've gotten came tightly packed to avoid split seams and you know what? Not one came with a split seam. Mike shook the record in the packing to show how poorly packaged it was. Do you really think a quality company like ERC that spent well over $100,000 rebuilding a Lyrec/Ortofon cutting system and goes to such lengths to produce beautifully reproduced jackets, not to mention superbly mastered records cut using the master tapes would "cheap out" and so haphazardly package a record? Every ERC release costing a great deal of money instantly sells out to collectors around the world. Do you think that's because it sells shoddily packaged records that arrive with split seams? I realize you love Mike but take a step back please. I can show you split seams and defective records from Mobile Fidelity, Analogue Productions and every other premium and regular label. It would be very unfair to show one as Mike did and infer that that's the way they package records or that a defective indicates that the records they sell are defective. I guarantee you Mike has sold some defective records too. I'm sure he replaces them. ERC replaces them too. I've gotten defective replacements too. IT HAPPENS. And yes, Mike did try to become an ERC dealer. I have that evidence, but that's not the point! Nor is your ridiculous assertion that I'm "defending" ERC because it gives me records. I'm defending them here because singling out ERC with what clearly was a repack and putting them in such a negative light when Mike could do the same for all of the other labels he sells is unfair. Were I you, I could say he doesn't do that because he sells those other label's records and doesn't want to hurt his relationship with those labels. But I don't and won't because it would be an unfair insinuation just as you make against me.

[@IntheGrooveSoundtracks]

You went and replied to a ton of people of Mike’s video to come watch yours. All I got was some anecdotal stories about yours being fine, while glossing over the key issues like plasticizer loss, delamination, spiderwebbing, etc. I’m glad yours are fine, but you purposefully ignore the main point Mike was making, which is that lacquers are not meant to be a multiple playback medium and their lifespan is a stupid risk for a stupid price.

[@AnalogPlanet]

I guess you didn’t listen. Turn your speakers on

[@IntheGrooveSoundtracks]

@@AnalogPlanet The problem isn’t that your lacquers sound bad. I think they sound good, and Mike said the same in his own video. My problem is that you glossed over the main point, which is that these are not a multiple playback medium and a big gamble to purchase with such an uncertain future. By your own standard for providing supposed “evidence”, I’ve seen my local store owner buy a collection that had three lacquers which were all noisy and begging to chip. That means lacquers are bad and you should never buy them.

[@guinnster1]

@@IntheGrooveSoundtracks You're the one missing Mike F's point. He didn't grab a new unplayed lacquer and show that it sounds great, he grab one that was 17 years old and played many time's to prove that it still sounds great! So his point was The In grove was greatly exaggerating in his video. So stop being a fan boy and listen to this video without bias.

[@IntheGrooveSoundtracks]

@@guinnster1 Stop being a Framer apologist / fanboy and listen to Mike’s video without bias. You see how that stupid logic works both ways? Mike’s video was about lacquers tending to age poorly almost immediately, but he never said it was impossible for them be fine over the years. Perhaps Framer should pull some of the bad lacquers from his collection instead of the ones that were spared by age just to prove his own point? There’s a reason mastering engineers like Kevin Grey want to plate these things immediately after cutting. Time is their enemy, and to pretend it can’t cause major problems is a foolish mistake on Framer’s part.

[@guinnster1]

@@IntheGrooveSoundtracks Bud, time is the enemy of all things.

[@sebr5277]

I don’t understand your aggressive way of talking about Mike. I really appreciate his passion and advices ..

[@Baz63]

absolutely!!

[@albertanderson349]

Hi Michael, I respect all you do for the VC but I think you missed the point of Mike’s at the In Groove latest video. As a poor man collecting vinyl for over 40 years I greatly appreciate the In groove perspective on all thing vinyl and it helps me (and I’m sure many others) make informed decisions, your channel has also done the same. Its my opinion you were a little to critical (although as a writer thats part of your job) of in grooves video, it appears you have not watched many or enough of his videos. I truly admire what both of you do for the VC and hope you both continue to give the VC great content. Peace!

[@Baz63]

M.F. is well renowned for shooting from the hip at times and can come across as a bit aggressive.

[@AnalogPlanet]

@@Baz63 Excuse me, but it is a very angry Mike Esposito who “shot from the hip” in a video about lacquer fragility. It was a very dismissive and dishonest Mike Esposito who did a vicious takedown of a record label (ERC), when that same technique could have been used to takedown any of the labels he sells. So you are ok with his smearing ERC and Supersense. My video is mild mannered and even handed. Yoi come to my channel to make a ridiculous characterization of this exchange. You are clearly mesmerized by Esposito. That’s your problem.

[@Baz63]

@@AnalogPlanet I did not refer to this subject but other instances in your videos including a disgraceful impersonation of someone who, from memory, had suffered some sort of seizure impeding his speech. Go look at it again! As such your reply only confirms my synopsis...i rest my case

[@AnalogPlanet]

@@Baz63 The humor in that video (or lack thereof) that apparently stays with you was not at the expense of that individual it was situational humor that required some representation of that speech impaired person's response to his wife selling his records for $1 apiece. I stand by the humor and whatever it was, it was not "shoot from the hip". It was well planned.

[@lownessfunk4932]

@@AnalogPlanet Yea I agree with @Barrie Strong on this. That video you made came across as if you were taking advantage of an old man who couldn't express that the fact he didn't want to sell his records for a dollar a piece. It was not at all humorous in my opinion.

[@markwilding3828]

I like InGroove Mike. Obviously Fremer is in a league of his own when it comes to Analogue knowledge, But In Groove Mike also has a lot of knowledge to share especially when it comes to collecting and you get honest opinions about audiophile releases. He recently talked about ERC releases. He basically summed them up as great, but not $400 better than other well made full analogue releases. I feel like he is saying that those of us who will never own lacquers are not missing some other worldly experience. Everyone with a youtube channel rants... How else are you going to pad out 15 minute videos?

[@AnalogPlanet]

I never said he’s not knowledgeable. This video proves he’s not correct about lacquers. That’s all.

[@AnalogPlanet]

You must have watched a different video. The one I watched was angry, dismissive and used a customer repack to put down the label by showing a seam split, microabrasions caused by his customer repacking minus the rice paper inner sleeve in which every ERC is packed and then making an issue of a tiny pressing defect in the second LP. Everything in that video could have been done using a MoFi, an Analogue Production or any other label’s less than perfect record. But he chose the one he cannot sell. His was an unfair takedown of another man’s hard and honest work that somehow you defend because Esposito has provided you with useful education in other areas. For that you are willing to excuse his bad behavior. Your call.

[@AnalogPlanet]

He also was wrong about the Craft reissue which cut from digital and he did not know about the Roy Dunann curve and how bright and unpleasant is that Craft digital cut is because he recommended it nor somehow did he hear it or was he able to distinguish it from the far better sounding original or the better sounding ERC both of which compensate correctly for the curve. His take on lacquers is clearly misinformed but what’s really clear is that you buy into whatever he says and dismiss any evidence of his being wrong and or misinformed.

[@scottclute8413]

Are you positive,This site is professionally informative.Thanks.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

@@AnalogPlanet He was pissed for $500 you get poorly made album including ink marked edges on worn covers (literally altered at the factory from the original), scratches and glue on on album cover, poorly printed artwork, etc. I’d be pissed as hell if I got crap like this straight from the factory after spending that much money. Must be nice to get all your ERC releases for free so you shill for them. Incredible the backhanded deals reviewers get.

[@larrygoodwin6082]

Mike, I respect your opinion. However, to call Mike's video a rant is a bit of a stretch. Since I have been watching him, he has never instructed someone not to buy anything. He has offered his opinion, which is at the heart of why people view his videos.

[@AnalogPlanet]

The lacquer video was not cautionary. The tone was angry. His description of lacquer fragility “a few plays” was hyperbolic and simply untrue. The Supersense project is interesting and offers people a chance to own a lacquer. As my video proves they can sound great after repeat plays decades later. Why is he so worked up about this??????

[@nohandle54]

@@AnalogPlanet I watched it... he just didn't seem angry to me at all. He also said they sound great as well. Why are you so worked up about this??????

[@mrubengmail]

@@AnalogPlanet “the tone was angry” … “why is he so worked up”: in these respects you are throwing rocks while living in a glass house. Not necessarily commenting on your tone in this video, but there are plenty of examples across your many videos. Not to mention your characterization of Mike’s claims is itself hyperbolic.

[@iconix21]

Mike over at 'The In Groove' is very knowledgeable and credible, and is always educating us, the consumer, on what he believes to be the best value for our hard earned money. What he said about Acetates is true. You sir are out of line, and look petty making this video. Your credibility and what little left you have of integrity, is now gone. Smh

[@AnalogPlanet]

What he said about lacquers is not true. If you listened to these lacquers and still believe what you wrote, you are delusional

[@mjibmichaeljacksoninblack8170]

@@AnalogPlanet In his video, he agreed with you. He said that acetates are phenomenal and are the closest you will get to a reel to reel. The point of the video was to say that they deteriorate very quickly, and you won’t really get 500$ worth out of your record.

[@alwaysexpandinghorizons6173]

@@AnalogPlanet It seems you don‘t get it! Listen to the video again old man

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

@@alwaysexpandinghorizons6173 You'll be there before you know it, junior.

[@guinnster1]

You're the one missing Mike F's point. He didn't grab a new unplayed lacquer and show that it sounds great, he grab one that was 17 years old and played many time's to prove that it still sounds great! So his point was The In grove was greatly exaggerating in his video. So stop being a fan boy and listen to this video without bias.

[@estherp4867]

I don't think you're wrong in stating the fact that people can actually collect and play lacquers. If they want to spend $10K on a Strain Gauge system and $500 for a bad Love Supreme cut. On top of whatever prices were paid for the other equipment you've got to not wear down the lacquers that you play. Mike from the In Groove knows his audience are typically new music buyers who aren't trying to pay luxury premiums for records. He'd probably lose the trust of his viewers if he told them to buy a bad sounding lacquer at $500, or didn't give his honest opinion on their value to the average vinyl collector. This was a really misguided dig. A video about vinyl brushes would have been so much better and useful to vinyl collectors.

[@word2RG]

hah, vinyl brushes.. good one. i dont think it was a dig. i dont see that. just a differing opinion. prob just off the cuff reaction as an interesting content opportunity. Im better for it. That Tommy was beautiful.

[@amysarg]

There’s no need to start this conflict between two vinyl enthusiasts. It’s sad for us to see, and needless anxiety for the two involved. This disagreement could’ve been handled in a much less petty way I think. That there are some lacquers only 15yrs old that still play okay doesn’t really disprove what Mike was saying. Lacquers deteriorate at a much more rapid rate than vinyl records, that’s just a fact, and one people should understand fully before dropping a huge amount on a record probably not as great as the Acoustic Sounds A Love Supreme (1/6th the price + will last forever).

[@AnalogPlanet]

Most lacquers play as well as the two I played. It is Mike Esposito not I who completely exaggerated lacquer fragility. Yes they are more fragile than records but what he said in that video is NOT TRUE. I know you like him and he’s given you much good information but for goodness sake watch it again. He’s exaggerating, angry and nearly hysterical

[@ThePinkfloyd51]

@@AnalogPlanet Are you sure he's the one exaggerating, angry and nearly hysterical?

[@AnalogPlanet]

@@ThePinkfloyd51 My video makes quite clear that lacquers are more fragile. Did you actually watch the video? And yes, I'm quite sure that there's zero anger or hysteria in my video. I was very careful about that. Please give me the time count in my video where I display either anger or hysteria. i could easily do that with his video. The anger starts almost immediately as does his over the top assertions about how quickly they deteriorate. He needlessly trashes Supersense and in another video trashes The Electric Recording Company. Apparently that doesn't bother you.

[@ThePinkfloyd51]

@@AnalogPlanet Lol I'm talking about the way you are acting now. Look, I understand that this drama gets you more clicks, more attention and caters to your ego, but why are you choosing this hill to die on? I doubt the owner of ERC would stop sending you untold thousands of dollars worth of free records a year had you not chose this path. Mike had a bad experience with ERC, he shared that. What is so wrong with that? He stated a fact, as you did, that lacquers are not a good medium for long term enjoyment. What is so wrong with that? Come on man, I've always respected you and your immense knowledge and passion for records, but this is not a good look for you.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

@@ThePinkfloyd51 What else do you lol about, Trey?

[@Double-Exposure]

OMG!! I am a Stereophile subscriber and have been very much enjoying your output and contributions over the years, whether in the form of written articles or your videos here on KZbin. Your videos, for example, with young record enthusiast Malachi rank until this day as some of the most enjoyable and endearing videos coming out of the vinyl community. Having said this, I don’t find it in good taste watching content creators taking stabs at each other and here, sadly, I feel you have taken it several steps further. I happen to also be a subscriber of Mike at The ‘In’ Groove, who is consistently providing detailed updates each and every week of all new vinyl releases, re-issues, pressing qualities, supply issues etc etc and is to many a reliable resource of what is happening in the world of record releases. I feel in your video you take an enormous amount of “editorial liberty” to discredit him and misconstrue the points he made. It’s difficult to understand why someone of your stature would feel compelled to go after another (rather reputable) KZbinr by grossly misrepresenting his actual message. I don’t think you’re doing yourself or anyone else a favor with videos like this and I am hoping you can hear this and maybe even offer him an apology. He is, after all, very much playing on “your team”, being one of the most visible record store owners out there and passing along a tireless stream of record release updates to the community, and I found it painful to watch him, understandably, trying to set the record straight in his response to your video. Outside of this faux-pas, let me be clear, I am a fan and hope to see many more informative and/or entertaining videos from you in the future. Respectfully, Nikolas

[@AnalogPlanet]

His ERC takedown is irresponsible, untrue, unfair and hypocritical. It’s not about me or him. It’s about his video unfairly attacking ERC using a customer repacked record as the foil to do so. What do I have to apologize for? He’s trying to damage a man who’s put his heart, soul and money into an honest, high quality enterprise. It doesn’t mean Mike has to like it and he certainly is entitled to provide an honest perspective on ERC but he didn’t. What he did was produce a thoroughly dishonest put down video. Many people would enjoy having these Supersense lacquers! Yes by all means point out that they are more fragile than records but his characterization of them is simply untrue! For what should I apologize? I’m open to knowing!

[@panaceiasuberes6464]

What else would you expect from someone making hundreds of thousands of dollars from record label companies? The king has been naked for a very long time but only now someone had the guts to say it.

[@lownessfunk4932]

Well said and I hope Fremer will take your advice.

[@StylusDrop]

I agree @double exposure

[@AnalogPlanet]

​@Guitar TV That's hilarious and stop screaming. You are very naive and know very little about me if you think I have "no ethics". I get sent lots of free records from many labels including UMG, which sent me the George Harrison "All Things Must Pass" deluxe box set. It's awful and I wrote that. I have given many negative reviews to records I get sent. I did not "terrorize" Mike. Mike criticized ERC for a split seam. I could show you split seams and defective records coming from every major and minor label including Mo-Fi and all of the others. It happens. Singling out ERC was absolutely unfair especially since the record he chose was a poor repack from one of his customers. This video proves his comments about lacquer longevity are simply inaccurate.

[@Holdbyedges]

A few thoughts: 1. You’re right, ie, buy it or don’t. 2. The in groove guy is right, lacquers we’re not conceived of as a regular listening medium, and I don’t think a case would be successfully made that, though lacquer discs may endure a long time with proper care, they are as durable a medium as pvc. 3. If the supply of vinyl pressings is backed up due to demand & limited lacquer supply after the Apollo fire, is this prudent? 1 lacquer : 1 record? What a waste of needed lacquers. I would oppose it, not bc it won’t last, but for using a valuable resource to make a novelty vanity product. You want audiophile pressings? They’re out there without squandering needed lacquers for regular record production.

[@AnalogPlanet]

The lacquer shortage is over. The Japanese company has sufficiently stepped up production.

[@Holdbyedges]

@@AnalogPlanet Had not read that supply was healthy once again. That is good to hear. If this project doesn’t impinge on lacquer disc supply, I default to position #1 in agreement with you, buy it or don’t. I have good enough gear, I think, to appreciate it (Nott Horizon, Denon DL103R) played thru very nice vintage Yam C4 pre & KLH 5 spkrs, but too pricey a proposition for me, & as you mentioned, some orig master tapes have degraded in condition from they once were.

[@philliumo]

I feel like an important question that was just glossed over is: What is a lacquer and how is it different than a normal record?

[@zulumax1]

The short version is: A normal plastic pvc record is a stamped piece of melted plastic made from metal stampers which have the molded grooves in them. These molds were made from lacquer cuttings by a lathe cutting head, but you don't listen to the lacquer original carving, you listen to a stamped copy of it. A lacquer has only one side per disk not two sided.

[@AnalogPlanet]

@@zulumax1 the Supersense ones are two sided but generally speaking you are correct.

[@rcpsammy7186]

You're the only one on the planet who keeps pounding the facetious comment of, turn to dust, as a way to try to humiliate Mike. Instead of sharing a counterpoint, you chose to be a passive aggressive bully.

[@jimbennett2795]

COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF. WHAT A CRY BABY. AFTER INGROOVE'S REPLY MIKEY NEEDS TO SHUT IT BECAUSE HE'S BEEN HAD. $100,000 IN FREE LACQUERS ??? LOOKS LIKE MIKEY'S A PAID SPOKESMAN FOR THEM !!!! LOST TRUST.

[@AnalogPlanet]

@@jimbennett2795 Jim, I have about two dozen lacquers some of which I have because I was involved in the MCA "Heavy Vinyl" series in the 1990s. I was paid for my work and I was sent the lacquers as tests. That's what I was hired for. Others because I did work for labels. I do not have $100,000 in free lacquers or even $1000 in free lacquers. Esposito probably has more lacquers than I have. You can shout all you want but it doesn't change any of the facts. I am not a paid spokesperson for anyone. I am paid to be a writer and critic. I was working to save vinyl which was disappearing when Mike was a toddler and later when he was selling discount mattresses. I was on The Today Show and writing about vinyl in The New York Times. But whatever Jim. You've shown your true colors here...

[@larshultberg6972]

Childish video. Reminds me of Donald Trumps way of acting and talking. “Pile of dust” is of course not to be taken literally. Are you 5 years old?

[@jimbennett2795]

YES HE IS. AND HE HAS NOW BEEN CAUGHT TAKING UP TO $100,000 IN FREE LACQUERS FROM THE COMPANY HE IS DOING REVIEWS FOR. HE IS MAD, HAS BEEN CAUGHT RED HANDED AND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. SO HE'S ACTING LIKE A CHILD. UNBELIEVABLE.. I'M DONE WITH THIS GUY . THANKS MIKE AT THE INGROOVE FOR PULLING THE CURTAIN BACK ON THIS FRAUD.

[@analoguecity3454]

I think you took my man Mike out of context! He was trying to say that lacquers aren't nearly as durable as vinyl is , and he was exaggerating a joke when he said (pile of dust)! He tends to exaggerate a bit sometimes! I think his heart was in the right place, just as yours is! I like both you guys, maybe a little dialog between you two! I appreciate you both! P.S. Buddy Holly never sounded better! Even on KZbin! WOW! I can imagine hearing that in person! The who too, WOW!

[@edd2771]

I really want to see the video about the brushes!

[@AnalogPlanet]

Soon

[@markh.9822]

@@AnalogPlanet I sometimes notice my brush leaves very faint marks on NEW records. Is this due to some factory residue causing the marks? Should I be cleaning my brush regularly and how?

[@DingleBerry88]

@@markh.9822 I think maybe you should get a new brush. Maybe the records aren’t clean? Are you wet cleaning them with a spin clean or vacuum or anything like that?

[@jasone6181]

I am a customer of Mikes at the In Grove. He is a really great record store owner and has helped me along as I have progressed in the hobby. He was very patient taking all of my calls to help me pick out the turntable that was best for me not trying to oversell. Great customer service and always stands by his product to the bitter end. I have enjoyed and appreciate your videos as well Michael. It would be nice if you two could find a way to bury the hatchet and help To advance the hobby. Peace ✌️

[@AnalogPlanet]

I have no doubt about any of that. My criticism is of two particular videos that contain a great deal of bad information. Everyone makes mistakes. His ERC video was filled with them and was an unfair put down of a very fine reissue label using a customer repack to do the dirty work. His angry take on lacquers was equally irresponsible which is too bad. It will keep some people from hearing something as great as that 16 year old Tommy lacquer that still sounds astonishing. Did you even listen????? Sometimes reading these comments I get the sense that if Mike was a driving instructor who taught you really well how to drive and he was caught drunk driving and had run over a pedestrian you’d defend him because he taught you how to drive well.

[@jasone6181]

@@AnalogPlanet I did listen and they do sound great I get your point that they're not quite as fragile as he said.

[@AF-rd2vf]

@@Zwakkie05 you can’t spend other people’s money and you shouldn’t.

[@derosa1989]

Question Mikey - Why do Kevin Gray and Joe Harley insist on plating lacquers within a few hours of being cut if there is nothing that happens as they age?

[@leon9021]

Michael Hobson as well. I suspect like with many things some audiophiles futz over its really redundant practice. Like the flat profile, clarity vinyl and 200 gram its just gimmicks. Or if they are correct then I dont see how Mike at InGroove was wrong exactly.

[@AnalogPlanet]

All lacquers used for actual record production should be plated as soon as possible to limit “lacquer spring back”. It’s not an “audiophile obsession”. As with tape generation loss, 3 step plating produces loss (which is y MoFi makes a big deal of 1 step LPs). With unplated lacquers the springback clearly produces minimal loss when used for direct play

[@leon9021]

@@AnalogPlanet What does "spring back" mean and entail exactly? Does it make the lacquer resist coating somehow? And why does this just affect playback minimally? Also, I dont know if I would call plating loss of information. It adds noise with more steps, but the information is the groove curvatures and those dont move because of plating, unless maybe 100 generations are made.

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

@@leon9021 I would assume the material expands

[@leon9021]

@@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 Then I dont see how it just has a minimal effect on play, doesnt add up for me.

[@sidvicious3129]

The lacquers sounded great. I think that this issue could have been handled better by actually calling Mike from the In groove and having a conversation and later making a video about it. Mike never said anything about a lacquer turning to dust, what he said is the sound quality will deteriorate over time and that he has lacquers older than the ones that you played as covered in his second video. Mike said he isn’t telling anyone what to buy with their own money, he just said it isn’t a good value overall in his eyes as the owner of many lacquers. Mike also talked about his experiences with the lacquers from that company and he said for what he paid it wasn’t worth it as he quoted one record at 3,000 dollars.(As covered in his second video). I think Mike’s experiences are his own as your experiences Michael are yours. I like the both of you and just wished that this could have been done differently with a conversation among two men before the video, but I can also see your need to respond being an almost ambassador of vinyl when it wasn’t popular.

[@AnalogPlanet]

The video I watched seethed with anger. You must have seen a different one. The one I watched said lacquers deteriorate after a few plays. That’s simply not true. We are not talking about $3000. But you know anti vinyl people say the same things about records. Everything I said was aimed at these videos not about everything else he does! He’s made it more personal about me. It’s not a problem for me. My 30 years worth of honest reporting speaks for itself.

[@sidvicious3129]

@@AnalogPlanet I know Michael, I just wish that it hadn't went the way it did and even I know that Lacquers last longer than a few plays. If you are referring to the second video and yes, he was angry and it could be seen. If you look at the comments from both of your (each other's) videos, both of you are highly respected. Michael, I have been following you/reading since I was 18 years old. I'm not questioning your honesty or his. I guess when you feel someone is attacking you or your character, you will respond, and not always in a nice way, but it's just unfortunate, because both of you have so much to offer from different perspectives. I just hate seeing what goes down in the photography industry with the negativity, but I guess what is done is done. Have you done a review or opening yet on the new David Bowie boxset?

[@tweakerman]

The In Groove is actually a very good shop & and the guy who runs it is very knowledgeable, but it's like all audio, everybody has different opinions. Now I make very nice high-end cables, but the snake oil police say they're rubbish even though they haven't heard them, I think you are right though & so am I when it comes to cables, great video👍

[@AnalogPlanet]

I would love to visit his store and if he doesn’t throw me out buy some records. I am not a retailer and he is not a journalist.

[@tweakerman]

@@AnalogPlanet Visit his store, kiss & make up, you both run very nice KZbin channels, obviously not as good as my channel, but you can't have everything😃

[@derosa1989]

Just imagine if someone made a video about a record they bought was scratched and warped, and another person responds by posting their own video refuting with "evidence" by playing a flat and quiet record, claiming that records are fine. It makes no sense to refute any claim with an anecdote. Lacquers are by nature of their materials fragile, and that was the point of The In Groove video. Since Fremer agrees, arguing over one's "tone" or talking passed each other seems like a tempest in a tea cup.

[@Sckott01]

My opinion.... Laquers are not records. They are not durable. Yes your two sound incredible, Mikey, no question. But a laquer has limited give. Even with a $450 price, people will become upset when they don't stand up to semi-not-perfect handling and expectation. Last thing we need is this in the market; expensive and fairly fragile.

[@PreparationH67]

Im still kinda floored by the off hand comment he made at the beginning of the video, which he never expanded on substantially, basically claiming Mike from the InGroove is lying about the difference in durability between an acetate and a vinyl record or spreading a lot of misinformation about the subject when Fremer himself has said as much in previous videos. A lot is being made of the dust comment but honestly its pretty out of context since Mike from the InGroove was specially talking about used ones hes seen not being good and NEVER said they don't sound amazing. Someone has a big axe to grind here and its very clear its not Mike from the InGroove when Fremer keeps changing the topic to this ERC "drama".

[@patrickfrost1]

His name is Mike. That SHOULD be easy for you to remember Michael. No need to refer to him derogatorily as, "Mr. InGroove". That says more about you than it does about him. I enjoy your videos. Thanks for your expertise. But, be nice.

[@vinyljunkie07]

Lacquers were the main currency between DJ's until the digital revolution around late 2001/early 2002 or at least here in the UK. The dance music scene was moving so fast most DJ's were playing out something like 80% lacquers in certain genres of dance music. Those dubplates last surprisingly long especially considering how they were handled and played. I still have a couple from around that period that are fine. Not the biggest fan of The Who but that cut sounded incredible!

[@scottclute8413]

Mrike,How does one here in N.Carolina make contact with your products for sale????

[@rdubstacks1289]

Michael, Stop trying to bully The In Groove guy. The fact is you are totally biased on the ERC issue because of the fact that they give you ten's of thousands of dollars worth of records! You are showing all of us that all you are doing is trying to protect ERC so that you can continue to get free stuff from them. You should just keep your mouth shut on both the ERC issue and the Lacquers issue. Oh, and maybe apologize the Mike from The In Groove. Look at all of your negative feedback from this video. Maybe your head just got too big.

[@horowizard]

The discs sound fabulous! It's almost as if you're in the room with Buddy Holly. The difference between the normal Toms and the Accented Effected Toms is like night and day. Was that cut at 45 rpm as well? On Pinball Wizard you can hear so much detail in Pete Townshend's Electric Guitar part, although I've heard the Harmonics part in the second verse come through much clearer on CD issues. The Piano on the lacquer however, is clear as a bell and you can hear every note of every chord.

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

I’m a little surprised that Michael didn’t mention playing lacquers on a Strain Gauge phono cart. The moving mass of that design (which I own and really enjoy) is so low that even lacquers do not wear. Check Tam Henderson’s (owner of reference recordings) quote on SoundSmith’s site that he has played lacquers hundreds of times with no degradation! Because of this, Strain gauge styli can be played for up to 6000 hours before they need to be replaced. I know that SoundSmith’s regular moving iron cartridge designs are supposed to have less moving mass that traditional ones, hence less mechanical jitter, and perhaps that would mean less wear on lacquers also? Maybe Michael can interview Peter Lederman on the topic.

[@slistone1940]

Mike at in groove is saying that you take freebies from ERC that are worth up to $50,000. Is that true? As a journalist, would that be a conflict?

[@PreparationH67]

I think the biggest problem is the main sales site wasn't actually very upfront about the details of what was being sold. A lot of time was spent proving these sound good when I don't think, having seen the video, that Mike was claiming they sound bad hands down, but that the audio isn't going to last the same as a vinyl disc which is a point you have also made in a previous video. I don't think he's lying about never seeing lacquers from collections in good condition which does say something significant to the level of storage and handling care required to keep them in good shape compared to vinyl.

[@LastGenGaming675]

What kind of needle cart combo do you need to play a lacquer?

[@eddiecucumber5342]

Michael. You are a disingenuous bully. Mike from In Groove is a a straight shooter who calls things as it is. He has no secret agenda with ERC or lacquer masters since the real money for him is with retail mainstream products. RSD drops are more important to him than ERC who only make 300 records a year which is of no commercial threat to him. Unlike reviewers who might have undisclosed agendas. Anyway, Mike has never attacked your integrity in the past so I find it amazing why you needed to attack his.

[@brandontennyson5732]

Hi Michael do Bluetooth turntables ruin the analog expirence? I have one I'm not as immersed in the music as I used to be.

[@jobos98]

I am listening to these on a cheap Bluetooth speaker & can hear how quiet & clear everything is. Its wonderful. I used to be into vinyl years ago & have since moved on to digital. After hearing digital for years now actually know that Vinyl does sound better with Spatial stereo imaging & sweet mind Numbing sizzling stereo effect. I have Never herd that in any Digital Source. Ever.

[@therevrockinrollin]

Sounds dope af. I’d pay it. Let my wings burn as I reach for analogue Icarus - everything I want crave desire and lust is at the margin. It’s the way I roll. One man’s diminishing returns is another man’s Valhalla.

[@jasontimothywells9895]

Icarus as in the flight , one of my favorite Iron Maiden songs ,

[@jasontimothywells9895]

🤘

[@RURALELECTRICBAND]

You've come back in my life after I bought today, yes a "Used" 1995 MCA Pressing ( Thick Vinyl) of Buddy Holly. You wrote the liner notes. Im watching and yep thanks for keeping it real!

[@automatedelectronics6062]

I have some decades old lacquers from major record labels and they play and sound perfect. As long as you take care of them and play them with 1g tracking, they can last indefinitely.

[@AnalogPlanet]

That's precisely the point I was trying to make.

[@stevehobday5571]

hi there . can you give me some info on lacquered records . and what is the difference dubplate and lacquers ? im waiting to get my one of cuts from the pressing plant and a bit nervous about testing it in case it wears out as its cost quite a bit of money how many plays could i get . ? would appreciate your help .

[@ItsOnlyRockAndRollPODCAST]

Sorry Michael but I think you misunderstood what he was actually saying. I'm quite confident that you realize this by now. Now you two shake hands and lets back to being one happy community!

[@independentfilmandhealing]

What turntable is that? Who makes that arm? Thanks

[@chnlnine]

Sorry if this has been answered in the comments below, but what brand and model is that "lifter" .. I'm in need of one!! Thanks!!🙂

[@lokitio]

Hi Michael, this is all really interesting. However, previously in your Analog Corner column #60 you say, "Of course, a lacquer is only good for a small number of plays before it wears out. More troubling is lacquer's extreme flammability-great for a disco, where everyone's smokin' and tokin'." Is this referring to the same thing as here? Are the supersense specially formulated lacquers to help with longevity or fire retardant properties? Is that also true of the ones you've used as examples here that are now exceeding your earlier assessment?

[@gregc7314]

What are the green lights behind the turntable?

[@m6j159]

What a start to my Saturday (UK)! What a turntable, what a tonearm (coolest I've set eyes on...never mind the sound!) and what about the sound recovered by that cartridge. I'm listening on my Oppo mobile phone and that drum sound on Peggy Sue was simply remarkable. I can only imagine how that lacquer actually sounds through your rig, Michael. Brilliant. Also, please do come back to the record brushing video...though I was very, very happy to watch the change in direction. Thanks, Michael👍

[@1999zrx1100]

Personally the ugliest tonearm I’ve ever seen at any price. The table looks tacky as well. Just saying 😎

[@m6j159]

@@1999zrx1100 Fair enough...can't argue...eye of the beholder👍

[@dhkado]

Wow! Where to start? Michael, not sure why you felt compelled to respond to another vinyl supporting KZbin personality in such a way, but so be it. Point One: Easy point first. Why bother with a digital rip of a lacquer needle drop to prove a point? Doesn't the process of playing this needle drop through KZbin negate the whole point? I played these lacquer rips through KZbin, my mac, output via USB, to my $6000 DAC, all which rendered the sound as: "Meh" If the actual sound I'm hearing now, is what I actually hear on my turntable system, it would never be played; better sounding discs would always jump the queue. Is this lacquer better, worse, the same as a well-pressed vinyl? Who can tell from this demonstration. Point Two: Do lacquers deteriorate, and if so, how quickly? I think this is the major point of contention. I believe you both agree it does deteriorate with time and with playing. The real questions are: 1) How many plays will the lacquer remain superior sounding to a comparable vinyl pressing? 2) how much deterioration will take place through time alone? Does climate affect this, etc.? We can assume there is significant difference if cutting/plating engineers place such a priority on timely plating. So any hard answers to 1) and 2) would help folks understand the issue. For example, give a range of plays to answer question 1). It would probably alleviate most of the animosity in this discussion. Point Three: Regarding ERC. Gotta say, if any business is charging 10x or more for a similar and decent product, it better sound as good or better, have fantastic presentation, and certainly be free of defects. QC for 300 records is a one day job. Be like Nike, just do it! (I would have said "Be like Mike" but the pun is unintended! lol) Since you've gone that far, you should definitely make sure it is packaged and shipped to arrive without damage! I've been in manufacturing, wholesale and retail; sorry, no excuses on this one! I'm completely with In Groove Mike on this one. Point Four: Give the information, let the people decide. Give your "facts" and let everyone make an informed decision. I think that is what you are both trying to do, but please cut out the personal attacks! Yeesh! As they say, can't we all just get along?!! I watch most of both Michael and Mike's videos, so I don't care to take a side. However, Michael, if the only videos you've seen of In Groove Mike are his "rants" then you are missing the point. He is a businessman/salesman playing the long game. He would rather sell you a less expensive, but better item today than an inferior but more profit one. Why? Because he'd rather earn your trust and make you a long term customer for the long term. He does this by telling it like it is. And the Winner IS.... Sorry Michael, but in this unnecessary youtube battle, you don't come off well. Mike's point about how much free stuff you receive from ERC, and your friendship with the lacquer company does raise the eyebrows on why you felt it necessary to be this aggressive for this video and in comments. Thou doth protest too much, IMHO me thinks.

[@alanabentrod3963]

Fantastic!!!!!!!! but I still want the brush video.

[@johnq2299]

I think Mr Fremer owes us the courtesy of some additional transparency beyond his emphatic opinions. Namely, does ERC send you free records and more importantly did anyone at ERC ask you to post a response to In-Groove. Your response would have had more integrity if you clarified this up front. You’re entitled to your opinion but this video lacks integrity without that transparency.

[@AnalogPlanet]

Yes John. Here's the transparency: when ERC began I asked if there might be a reviewer discount so I could hear what they are doing. Instead they began sending me and many other reviewers reviewer samples. I also got a reviewer sample of the costly "All Things Must Pass" box set from UMG and wrote a very negative review of it. I can't be "bought" for a record or a series of records. I would have defended ERC or any other high quality all-analog label whether or not they sent me any records. Mike Esposito asked to be an ERC dealer and ERC declined. If you wish to use my reviewer records as the reason for my objection to his video you should use his being rejected by ERC as the reason for his video. I don't believe either reason provoked his video or my response. His video uses a customer's badly repacked record that left out the rice paper inner included in all ERC records, to basically trash the company. He could have done the same with records from Mobile Fidelity and every other quality label that sometimes have split spines and defective pressings. It was a very unfair attack on a very high quality conscious company. I don't know why he felt obliged to do that.

[@johnq2299]

Thank you for the response. Your points are well taken.

[@slistone1940]

I’m a journalist and I’d lose my job for taking tens of thousands of dollars worth of freebies. If you can’t afford to buy them, listen to them and return them to ERC and that lacquer company. You might think you’re not being bought off but it’s about perception What if ERC sent you 50,000 in cash, would you still expect people to believe that you are unbiased?

[@asufluffhead]

I'll wait for the digitized versions. How can we evaluate sound quality of a KZbin video...

[@orincat10]

I bought records from the late 2000s that sound worse than that. I'd be more worried about how fragile it is.

[@driesanalog4187]

Hello Mr. Fremer. So I got the Gregory Porter Lacquer last week and I noticed a hum on side A on B, and some cracking noice on the left channel of side A. Is that on your copy too? (no, it's not my system). The other lacquer I bough is Nina Simone, "I put a spell on you", which sounds absolutely great. Thanks a lot for your reply in advance.

[@stevehobday5571]

i got some information from somebody who has many dubplates . and says 25-30 plays before losing detail and even then very little wear ..

[@manolokonosko2868]

Probably the biggest selling point of a lacquer, besides the quality of the sound due to the source material, is that since it has not been pressed like a record, there is NO deviation from the center, which is very prevalent among albums pressed in the USA, particularly at Rainbow. I had to return 3 copies of the 2009 stereo Beatles White album because both records were pressed off center. This can never happen with a lacquer.

[@bertroost1675]

Is a lacquer more fragile than an acetate or are they the same thing?

[@andersjensen450]

How are you liking the DS Audio Ionizer? The price is pretty much the only reason i don't have one yet.

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

@11:15 - is that plinth solid aluminum?

[@unityoc]

I think you two guys are both right in your own ways. I think both the statement "lacquers are more fragile and less hard-wearing than vinyl" and the statement "lacquers still sound great after 25 years" can be right at the same time.

[@michaeledwards7668]

Mike from in groove made some good points in his new rebuttal video

[@AnalogPlanet]

Had his point been that lacquers can sound great at first but over time can deteriorate that would have been fine but instead his first video had an angry tone and it was hyperbolic to say the least. My goal was to play 25 year and 16 year old lacquers that have been often played and still sound incredible. That's all

[@bigboy9661]

Congrats! You can play 1 lacquer. That ain't proof. Nobody said this one well kept record turns to dust

[@AnalogPlanet]

I have more than a dozen lacquers often played that sound as good as these two.

[@michaeledwards7668]

Damn..sounds like Buddy Holly is standing next to me singing!!

[@frmacleod]

I like collecting records -- but just have a simple setup with a Rega Planar 3 / Marantz receiver / Dynaco A-25 speakers. But even though I don't care about the minutia of the hobby -- or high end stuff -- I still can't stop watching your videos. You're a fascinating speaker.

[@AnalogPlanet]

I owned A-25s and they are still great...

[@PeterGranaldi]

The Dynaco A-25's were my first set of "great" speakers! I bought them at Lafayette Radio in Lawrenceville, NJ.

[@revelry1969]

Is that tommy one available on vinyl somewhere? What was that lacquer used for

[@NeilBulk]

Were both lacquers warped? I could see the arm moving a bit and the light was bouncing around on the record clamp. And I hope to see the dry brush cleaning video soon.

[@austinhunt4260]

I think Esposito’s emergence on the KZbin vinyl scene as a favorite makes Fremmer insecure. Fremmer is expressing those insecurities by trying to damage Esposito. Fremmer strikes me (idk him) as an angry far-left ideologue who is a small little man with a small little worldview. I’ll personally take Esposito’s calm and understated persona/expertise any day of the week over yapping from an angry old chihuahua.

[@AnalogPlanet]

You can't spell my name correctly and your imagination runs wild as you try to define me. You are hilarious in your ignorance however!

[@davidhardy7356]

Do you have any Classical music lacquers to demo ? I mean something with a bit more finesse and naturalness sound quality wise .

[@DingleBerry88]

I think you’re both kind of right and that’s ok. It’s fine if mr in groove thinks it’s dumb to spend 500 bucks on an acetate that’s going to deteriorate faster than it’s vinyl counterpart. I think it turning to dust was hyperbole. However Mr. Fremer is also right because, if you can afford it and it sounds good then you should go buy and enjoy it. I do enjoy the KZbin drama though, so keep it up boys.

[@AnalogPlanet]

I wish everyone was a level-headed as you are!

[@DingleBerry88]

@@AnalogPlanet I’ll bet you never thought you’d say that to a dude on the internet who called himself “Dingle Berry”…

[@robertmarszalek1978]

Thank you for sharing this I have come back to it many many times when I need some musical inspiration this is like a shot of espresso on a dreary morning

[@jakepurches9162]

There is no doubt about the quality of the lacquer disks. I am also impressed by the transparency and very low colouration from the tone arm.

[@scottclute8413]

Thanks for your expert professional opinions.

[@scottclute8413]

Would Love to own it.Tommy a rock Opera,was and always will be a collector's piece.

[@JohnAdorjan]

My God! Even on my iPad I can hear the extraordinary fidelity.

[@contemporaryhomeaudio]

One of you has received over $50,000 worth of free records from ERC and one of you have not...hmmn

[@jimbennett2795]

THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYIN. I SEE A LIAR AND A CRY BABY IN ONE MAD MAN HERE

[@Mongodaze234]

What is that turntable??

[@TKRVideoCentral]

I'm not in the market for spending that kind of money on lacquers, but there's no doubt after listening to this that they have stunningly excellent clarity, even after 25 years. The switch from mono to stereo at the beginning of "Pinball Wizard" really brings that home. I hear NOTHING in the way of clicks and pops on any of these, except in the first revolution or two of the aforementioned "Pinball Wizard" and a random slight pop later in the record, and even then, it's barely noticeable. It's just proof that if you take care of it, it will last for years, without a doubt. That turntable and tonearm - WOW! Love that. Thanks for this - what a great education on this subject.

[@juliosanchez95]

Fremer lost some respect by the way he is acting.

[@slistone1940]

I’m a journalist and I’d lose my job for taking tens of thousands of dollars worth of freebies. If you can’t afford to buy them, listen to them and return them to ERC and that lacquer company. You might think you’re not being bought off but it’s about perception What if ERC sent you 50,000 in cash, would you still expect people to believe that you are unbiased?

[@AnalogPlanet]

Every record reviewer in the world has, since the beginning of records, accepted promo copies. And that includes every well respected jazz and classical reviewer you can name throughout the LP era going back more than 60 years. Are you making a distinction because of how much the records cost? Or is it the principle? If it's the principle then you must think every record reviewer/critic is corrupt or gives the appearance of being corrupt and you don't believe a word any of them has to say. Sorry, but that's ridiculous. Great music critics live and die based upon their recommendations. If it's the cost of ERC records, well then the principle only applies to records costing X amount and above? I could have said "I buy all of the ERC records" couldn't I have? But I didn't. Because I am a straight shooter. As for the audio gear in my room I paid for all of it though people who hate me post that I'm "given" all of it and I'm a "shill". There's nothing I can do about those people. I buy far more records annually than I am given as promo copies and that includes the ERC records. I will never sell any of the ERC records. My late friend Art Dudley was also sent the ERC records and he too decided he'd never sell them and he too was honest telling readers he was given them. After he died at too young an age, his widow did sell them. I'm okay with that. My credibility is my working capital. Do you think I'd recommend bad $600 records because I got them for free? I have among my readership many very wealthy sophisticated people. If I recommended to them costly junk, I'd quickly hear about it. ERC titles immediately sell out because they are very high quality records, despite what Mike Esposito claims. I could show you defective records from every label at every price point. It's totally unfair to do that unless all of them were defective and in the case of ERC that's not the case. I could make videos showing defective examples of records he recommends but I won't do that. It's dishonest. There are haters here posting vicious and untrue things about me and they would do that no matter what. Until yesterday "that lacquer company" had sent me NOTHING. After I defended what they are doing, which I did because what Mike Esposito said about lacquers is simply not true, they did send me a "Getz/Gilberto" and the sound is incredible and I'll say so and post a track here. The reason I've been doing this for more than 30 years and am considered one of the world's top audio reviewers is because people have found that my reviews are well written and generally my opinions as to how things sound are accurate. I don't "hype" products. And I'm an honest person. Vinyl almost died in the 1980s-90s. When Esposito was a toddler and later when he was selling mattresses I was writing about and advocating for vinyl records in The New York Times and on The Today Show. I deeply resent having my ethics called into question by him and especially by his fanboys here.

[@slistone1940]

@@AnalogPlanet why not just return the records once you’ve listened? Or sell them and give the money to charity? Why do you pay for all the audio equipment you review? Why is this different?

[@slistone1940]

And I am one of your fanboys. Don’t care for the mattress guy.

[@josephpetrosso4178]

Michael, an unrelated issue, Joseph Petrosso Michael, all great info thank you. An unrelated question Can you tell me which outlets you are using for your system with the Wilsons? Attempting to eliminate the hum I have with my phono set up. Could just installing high quality outlets help with this issue or do I need separate runs with proper Romex to resolve this? thank you

[@bareknuckles2u]

I coud swear that turntable is spinning in the opposite direction when Tommy was playing compared to when Peggy Sue was playing. Tommy sounded amazing.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Those lacquers sound like crap on my iPad lol.

[@MrGuto]

This concept of selling lacquers to general public at a premium because they were cut from a cleaner source is very disturbing. Lacquer is by its nature more fragile and will not age as well as a vinyl. The other channel is right on his rant. I don’t care how clean your particular 20 years old lacquers are. That doesn’t prove anything.

[@AnalogPlanet]

There's nothing disturbing about selling lacquers. You know there are people who think advocating and selling vinyl records is "disturbing" for the same reason. Those whiners say "records begin wearing out and losing sound quality after the first play". It's not true. What Mike said about lacquers is simply not true. He's not right about what he said in his rant! PERIOD. Yes, lacquers are more fragile than records and records are more fragile than CDs. So? I have many, many lacquers and they all still sound very very good. What Mike said in his video is basically hysterical and simply not true. Had he said "look, you have to take care of lacquers and not play them all the time and they can sound great for decades even if you play them many times but be careful", none of this would have happened.

[@marcbegine]

Wow, what a quality take for KZbin. Try to imagine the real Quality in the "Analog Planet" Room...... MUST BE AWESOME!!!!

[@foogloo78]

Michael, it is true that defects happen in manufacturing. Manufacturers do everything possible to limit the release of defective product. More importantly, they try to prevent it from occurring in the first place. That’s why there are ISO 9001 certifications and quality management systems. If a label is only releasing 300 copies of a title and are charging 15x the price of an analog version, a customer has the right to gripe. That’s unless you think we should all just keep our mouths shut and hand over the cash. I wish you would’ve just made the dry brush video instead. I need a new one and I’m really looking forward to seeing some of those brushes in action.

[@AnalogPlanet]

You misunderstand me: if you pay $300 or $50 for a record it should be defect free but every pressing plant has its share of defective records. ERC like the others replaces defective records. The question is why is "In Groove" singling out ERC for a defective record?

[@foogloo78]

​@@AnalogPlanet Just guessing but maybe because the number pressed (300) is so small a defective copy is pretty much inexcusable. Serious question; how does a record with bubbles get past QC? Also, what Mike did is no different from what millions do daily on Yelp and Facebook regarding restaurants, nail salons, and brothels. His gripe was legitimate and I appreciated the info. Off topic, looking forward to seeing that German-made brush with the magnetic box.

[@inert11]

seems the big issue actually is can your reviews be genuine (trusted) if your receiving free merchandise. If that is the case ?? as I just watched the in grooves post................to the point regarding ERC.

[@smyth77]

So, when can we see your opinion on the record brushes? It’s nearly Xmas and I would like to buy a few for gifts this year. Would really like to know more about the guy from the uk who’s brush you said worked really well. Thanks

[@radiosant]

yes please! I'd love to see the brush shootout as ultimately that's extremely relevant info for most of us.

[@jimbennett2795]

MR. INGROOVE'S NAME IS MIKE. HE IS HONEST. YOU ARE NOT BEING FAIR AND YOUR SO MAD YOU WON'T EVEN USE HIS NAME. IT'S A SHAME ON YOU.

[@jerryking7502]

I still believe the iconic Discwasher brush is the best, along with a good carbon fibre brush, which both should be used in conjunction with each other, The Discwasher brush has DIRECTIONAL bristles.....

[@aaronsmith8265]

😂

[@carlfuggiasco7495]

WOW WOW WOW....I listened to this with headphones and I do not know what you are using to record and post to youtube, but I was dancing and bopping and moving to the Who like I have never heard them before WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@carlfuggiasco7495]

I would pay 400 for that kind of excitement!

[@HoomanR17]

What is the Brand/model of the arm lifter? Thanks.

[@bradleykay]

Little Fwend or something close to that.

[@gianlusc]

I'm a big fan of yours, but I think that in this case Esposito has a lot of good points....

[@jaytorr6701]

I love your content and learned a lot about vinyl and records as s new vinyl collector. However, you never addressed the fact that you indeed have received over 50k dollars worth of records from the company you are defending... This is called lobbying. At least be open and honest about it.

[@AnalogPlanet]

I began defending vinyl records period in 1984 having received no money from anyone for anything. I am not driven by money. Like every record reviewer since the beginning of records I receive promo copies. If the records are bad I say so. If they are good I say so. Every label can and does produced defective records. The issue really is do you single those out and smear the company or are all of the records they produce defective? There are only a handful of pressing plants in the world that produce records in quanity and I could name them here. Every quality label uses the same pressing plants: RTI, QRP, Gotta Groove, Optimal, Pallas, Record Industry, GZ Media etc. They all produce GREAT records and the all produce some lousy records. The issue is, do the labels that use these companies replace defectives and the good ones, including ERC do. Holding up a defective ERC record and making generalizations about their records is simply not fair.

[@Dbriskit]

Hmmm...conflicting information from multiple trusted sources on this matter. What to do? Certainly can't argue with the sound of that Who lacquer - Christ on a bicycle! Never heard anything sound that good out of my laptop speakers.

[@AnalogPlanet]

Look, lacquers are more fragile than vinyl records and vinyl records are more fragile than CDs but well kept lacquers can sound fantastic after 25 years. I demonstrated that, and they absolutely don't turn to dust or seriously deteriorate almost immediately.

[@vinyljoe1940]

Love you both. I hope you both can move forward for the fans. Looking forward to the live chat

[@Pwcfrs24]

Anyhoo . . . are you going to do the video on dry brushes?? :)

[@jamesnoel3827]

And with this I'm done. Unsubscribed. Muted. I've had enough.

[@jimbennett2795]

ME TOO!! TAKING $100,000 IN FREE LACQUERS FROM THEM AND THEN RATING THEM. ON TOP OF THAT HE LEAVES LINKS TO BUY THEM TOO. LOST ALL CREDIBILITY. I'M DONE ALSO.

[@cjay2]

@@jimbennett2795 Shut up already and leave.

[@MhallProductions]

I’m not unsubscribing because I love what Michael has done to keep the vinyl hobby alive but I’m very very very disappointed how he tried to belittle Michael from the InGroove who have helped me in reviving my collection hobby.

[@damianzaninovich4900]

Awesome. Overture is my favorite. The way it’s mixed you can blast it as loud as your nervous system can tolerate. I wonder how they did that.

[@analoguecity3454]

The "buddy Holly " sounds like hes there!! Even through all this compression from KZbin and Bluetooth, i can only imagine how it sounds in person with zero compression!

[@thebottomband]

Do you think the distortion on the Peggy Sue guitar solo is on the tape or the lacquer? There's no distortion on the solo on my copy of Chirping Crickets & Buddy Holly from 2011. This lacquer certainly has a more natural room sound overall. Buddy is right there.

[@jasoncastor8535]

I hate when people attack other people for their options . You’re not always right and he’s not always right. I’ve been collecting records for 35 years, I have over 75,000, I’m only 42. I know what I know and what I need to know, but it’s people like you sometimes, who are obviously knowledgeable of the subject because you’re in the business in someway, but the reason people like me who work a 9-5 and have family and just collect dont ever say anything or express our opinion is because we don’t want to be attacked or become the subject of a video. We look to people like you for guidance, this could of easily been a video about the same subject without it calling anyone out, give us an opinion.

[@spacemissing]

These discs certainly sound good, but I wouldn't (couldn't) pay hundreds of dollars for one.

[@AnalogPlanet]

Fair enough!

[@mazzysmusic]

I would never buy a lacquer for more the $25. Playing them after the first time is Like reusing a condom more the once Only a slight exaggeration. Waste of money. It’s a collectors trophy. The Harrison Uber box is a better deal ✌🏻

[@rvickner]

I have no idea what all the fuss was about that needed a moderated live stream. The real world point was made at 9:45 "if you don't want to spend $400 on a Lacquer don't. If you do, do"

[@DrOz-007]

The Who sounds amazing.. even through Grado headphones via KZbin. Holy cow.

[@jeromelang6413]

Mr Fremer, are lacquers all black and opaque? I am wondering if it could be played by the ELP Laser Turntable? Thanks!

[@aaronsmith8265]

He’s not going to answer you, he’s too busy defending his decision to post this stupid video