Reviewing and comparing the new Rhino Hi-Fi Vinyl The Cars & John Coltrane Cut By Kevin Gray

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[@timkolacny967]

I have the same corner ding on my copy of The Cars. One of the reasons I usually only order from a small handful of places (like The 'In' Grove) that know how to carefully ship records.

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

For years I thought the clear steering wheel on the cars’ album was water spraying out of a garden hose. How did I make it through life???😅

[@ThePressingMatters]

You're not alone! So did I

[@ThePressingMatters]

@bobrobertsmd1657 I thought that was the coolest thing! It's more interesting to see it that way, but then again cars = driving lol

[@iowabrewer6490]

That’s wild to think that, proud of you for making it this far in life

[@ralphwellmanii569]

Anyone else's jackets on both releases a bit oversized? They wont fit into any of my various outer sleeves.

[@joemayes1020]

Mike, you have the best customer service of any company bar none. You are also a great sales person, always in tune to what you are doing, number one a salesman. I say this with your actions, I really do not know you. Thanks for help with any little things that have come up in dealing and buying records from you & company.

[@1byte4]

I was lucky enough to catch their final tour in Philadelphia, it was awesome.

[@OrganTheGrinder]

My EU Burnie 33 cut of Coltrane's Sound (same plates as the RTI) had terrible non-fill. Glad I got Rhino High Fidelity.

[@firefighter0585]

Placed my order yesterday from Rhino. Can't wait to give it a spin!

[@Vinylfromtheunderground]

I buy from Mike all of the time and can say he ships with the best heavy duty mailers with corner protection so he is not kidding here. Regarding that cars lp, there is no need to ever upgrade beyond a clean original press as they sounds amazing. The cars self titled was done right from the start

[@JeffBoggis]

It would be great to have Kevin Gray on your show! Maybe he can give you a sneak peek of what may be coming in future quarters? The Cars album is close to sonic perfection. My only complaint is with RHINO’s packaging of these records. I received a total of 4 copies, with 3 separate shipments. All 4 record sleeves were damaged. Why? They simply threw an audiophile record in a standard media mailer with no bubble wrap or anything to protect the record. They need to take a shipping lesson from The In Groove who know how to protect our vinyl investments!

[@thomascars1]

I have the MFSL and the Rhino Cars record, and I agree that the MFSL is funky. It sounds really good, but also sounds really soft. The Rhino cut hits you in the face and I even said that it sounds much more like you’re in the control room watching them assemble the tracks rather than the MFSL, which just sounds like an album.

[@davepounds8924]

Speaking of packing. Everything I have bought from you has come in great condition Your packing box is the best! I don’t think even a sloppy mailman could damage a record in your boxes!!

[@mcintoshkid]

This reminds me at how Amazon shipping,,the records, same shit like rhino,

[@Zoostation69]

What are the speculations for the next rhino high fidelity releases?

[@pbthal]

The Rhino Cars is definitely more open and the clarity is really stunning, I think this is where Kevin's work a few years ago rewiring his whole setup really pays off. The original is denser for lack of a better word, a bit more compressed but nice and thick, I used an OG WLP for my comparison

[@mpw116]

Nice thoughts, Mike. Definitely picking up Cars. I want the Coltrane but there are too many great reissues coming out right now. Rhino, please give us some incredible rock!

[@ummagumma7826]

Is Kevin Gray a genius? Or are there others who do this amazing work over and over and over again? Those Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series are really good

[@dinoso]

There are others, Bernie Grundman and Chris Bellman.

[@ummagumma7826]

@@dinoso I have lots of Bernie Grundman and he's good but I don't hear the highest level of mastering Gray has. The Floyd reissues are all Bernie Grundman, they are good, but don't compare to Gray's own Dark Side mastering from 2003 (which happens to be analog fwiw). Gray seems to be superior.

[@dariuszsalamon9441]

@@ummagumma7826Grundman cut of DSOTM was done from digital and I hope they sent him high res file for it and not 44khz

[@thomaslytle5519]

Yes, we greatly appreciate your quality packaging, Mike! Rhinos “customer service” was Shockingly bad! Took them a full week to ship my order. Sent them emails and all I got was a crappy automated email response. I finally got a human email response… 3 weeks later. After my record arrived! A total joke. Crappy mailer but thankfully only one Tiny corner ding. I hope they actually do beef up the packaging… but! That should not have been an issue in the first place! Common sense. What good does it do to give these such beautiful stoughton tipon jackets if they’re just gonna destroy them in transit?! Duh!!! Anyway I have a Mint original press of the Cars and it sounds great. But this Rhino press beats the crap out of the original

[@renr17]

I am very satisfied with my Rhino copy of Coltranes Sound. Clean, quiet pressing and the jacket is gorgeous.

[@zoransamardzija9427]

Thanks Mike. My Coltrane arrived a few weeks with a large seam split and significant corner ding. After no response from them, I've escalated to Paypal. Not sure I trust Rhino to order anything else from the series.

[@vcp93]

They should take lessons from Acoustic Sounds/Analog Productions. Those guys are top tier in multiple ways, customer service included.

[@vcp93]

@@nikl2nite Are "they" you refer to Rhino or AP? If the latter, you must be super unlucky. Chad runs a tight ship; second to none.

[@chelillingworth9466]

Just look at how bad blue note does when you buy directly from them. It's a nightmare. It just shows that these companies do not do a good job of customer service and packaging.

[@oatmilk169]

+1 to the "cheapest, crappiest, white cardboard mailer." I had dinged corners on my first order which could easily had been avoided had they used a decent mailer. Odd way to cut corners (pun intended) because it ultimately cost them a second copy.

[@analoguecity3454]

Dings is something I NEVER have to worry about with you Mike! It's never happened since I've been buying, even "summer warps" are no problem with your shipment! Just wanna tell ya I appreciate it!

[@MyBrainsOnFire]

Crisp copies received in the UK

[@iLL-iNNeR-GrOoVe]

Besides the original pressing there is also the promo press that houses a different mastering than the original. A bit more forward and bold with a little more low end. There are those that have heard it preferred it to the original US mastering(Allied). I believe the inner groove is cut better on the promo. The latter pressing including the mofi has no such issue. I dig my Mofi vinyl and the MFSL UDSACD (best digital transfer). I've revisited this one enough since I first heard it as a kiddo in the early 80s. Sounded best then.🙂

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

Glad to see you enjoyed The Cars from Rhino as much as I did. It does what a high quality release should do, be revealing and make you want to enjoy it and become your top copy.

[@EddieJazzFan]

Crappy mailers. My Cars was mangled. They probably saved a whopping 12 cents on shipping, so congratulations Rhino.

[@raymondullmer2222]

The original LP is DR12. The KG is DR13. What compression are we talking about??

[@my_username_was_taken]

Oh they'll press The Cars again, let's be honest. We've seen the fomo stuff before. Look, they have Candy-O now. I am curious about a comparison between The Cars Japanese pressing and the others.

[@Rigs275]

Mike you did not miss anything seeing the Cars in concert. No interaction with the audience, just played the songs then just left no encores. Saw them at the Salt Palace. Worst concert I have ever been to and they are one of my favorite bands.

[@edwardgonczy3170]

"The Coltrane Sound". Where would you place a MINT early 80's Japanese Pressing?

[@mrshoning]

I ordered The Cars on 6/1. It didn't ship until last week, and it still hasn't arrived. Rhino should know better - I doubt I'll ever order from them again.

[@leefisher6337]

My copy of the Cars debut arrived with corner dings as well. I ordered 2 and they both arrived dinged in several places.

[@hifipi3.14]

I had a similar situation. Customer service is literally non-existent. I ordered The Cars on my phone and there was some error screen at checkout. So then I ordered from my PC and the order went through. Checked my email and bank account after (yes I should have checked before) and sure enough both orders did go through. Tried emailing them to explain the situation, got some boiler plate response and never heard anything more. Never received any shipping updated and both copies just showed up one day, terrible packaging, both copies have corner dings! They sound great but I'm really torn on Rhino, it's like everything was terrible except the physical vinyl itself.

[@jamiehol1895]

Hopefully they will start releasing good records that need a reissue, not this shit. The world doesn't need another copy of the cars

[@sandyfader4649]

So Mike, just between you and me, what rumors about upcoming Rhino releases have you heard? It will be our little secret. Good video btw, I got my Cars with a small corner ding as well, but love the audio. Thanks.

[@tiborosz1825]

They shouls send out new jackets to customers with a damaged jacket.

[@rixvspinner]

I always trust and enjoy your thorough vinyl reissue reviews Mike. Your the only one I know of that does an actual full on shoot out to see if indeed a new reissue is worthy of a purchase. Record retail is important to me. Picking through vinyl in a retail store is part of the experience of vinyl collecting, always has been for me for over 40 years. I would be curious to hear the The Cars reissue and would like to see Rhino release The Cars Panorama (very under-rated album) as well. I'm in Canada so this Cars reissue would cost me $125 CAD to my door so, not an option unfortunately.

[@chaunceyphillips]

I saw the Cars live in the early 80's. You didn't miss a thing. If it wasn't for Nick Lowe opening I would have fallen asleep.

[@vistavisionary]

The HDCD of the Cars debut is still my favorite way to listen to that album, but the KG cut Rhino reissue is my favorite LP version.

[@SpiralMind6869]

Has anyone found a way to contact Rino support that goes further then their auto response. I placed two orders and they mixed the orders together and missed two records. I agree with the mailers and the customer support. The album’s sound great. Have not sat down to compare to Mof version.

[@philipketchum1407]

That Cars copy is already sold out.

[@taralewis9916]

Rhino is a better listen compared to the original

[@CUBICUB]

Tom Dowd also did Layla, enough said.

[@Boatzerama]

Your mailers are excellent Mike.

[@yyman23]

Mike, I'd love to buy your dinged copy of The Cars. I emailed the store.

[@TheInGroove]

Hopefully they take it back!

[@yyman23]

@@TheInGroove If they don't, I'll buy it. I trust your shipping and packaging much better that what I saw online from Rhino.

[@JazzBums]

Spot on, Mike! Felipe

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

I've been back and forth on buying this Cars debut reissue, but I finally pulled the trigger. I own two original pressings, in near mint condition, but yes, the lack of bottom end makes me yearn for something better. I'm anxious to give it a spin. Thanks.

[@Bootradr]

On The Cars, same review and same issues. Thankfully only one corner was banged up and I'm not even going to fool with trying to replace it. The LP sounds spectacular. I hope they get their shipping/customer service organized and working because that will make a big difference on how well their business does. Brian in Fort Worth 🎶

[@LifelongMusicJunkie]

My corners were fine both both copies had seam splits! Go figure! They both sound great and I favour the Rhino High Fidelity Cars edition! Cheers

[@artmanjohn2]

I have problems ordering Vinyl Records in the summer months. I live in Texas and I've had issues with albums being warped by the summer heat by the albums just sitting in the USPS truck while being delivered, they don't have air conditioning. I'd say 2 out of 3 albums I ordered last summer succumbed to the heat in Texas and warped. When It's over 100+ degrees outside it can get extremely hot in the cab of these delivery trucks. One album I had to sent back 3 times. I love Texas but the summer months are brutal here for ordering vinyl records. It's a crap shoot.

[@memyselfmyvinyl894]

I just received my copies yesterday. Mailer is bad and I have corner dings on both. I am disappointed but seeing other reviews I expected it. I am excited for this series that Rhino is doing. I have always liked their Rocktober and Start Your Ear Off Right productions. I am really looking forward to what they will be producing because many "audiophile" records are jazz titles or pop/rock from the 60s and 70s (I talking to you MOFI) which I have heard a million times or dont care for. I'm really hoping we might get some high quality pressings from 90s and even 00s. Fingers crossed.

[@richardsteele3272]

I wonder how the Cars Rhino album would compare to my original 8 track tape? It is really crazy how bad the music came out for a while all formats were poor and we did not know how great they could sound. I will admit that the Car's 8 Track got played over and over again until I got something new. It was my first 8 Track I got and I do have some really good memories.

[@mccarthyd6603]

Nice job..a very good honest review👍 My favorite part though was Mike pondering what he is possibly going to do with the extra Cars copy he wasn't able to cancel in time...as he is talking with 11,476 albums behind him....a packed inventory in his store and warehouse... Whatnot auction coming up....hmmm....how am I going to get rid of this extra copy...classic🤔😂

[@vinylobscurity]

Good to hear that the shipping will be 'beefed' up - my CARS lp came in a slim mailer with NO stiffners, nothing. I had the same immediate reaction.

[@jameshiatt4218]

My records showed up with corner dings. My Coltrane showed up with a seem split as well. I filled a complaint with pictures. I received an email saying they were too busy at this time to take care of my issue. Very disappointed in Rhino. They need to sell these through record stores.

[@heroyaldog]

between the extra $10 they seem to be charging for a single LP release, the terrible shipping (truly unacceptable for a $50 record), and nonexistent customer service it's gunna be a no from me dog.

[@Andy-ty9yz]

Seen The Cars in 87 don't remember what they sounded like but do remember they came out and once they got in position they never moved the entire show. Might have to pick up that Cars record Thanks for the video.

[@jasonarsenault3791]

Well done Mike. Glad to hear your thoughts on it. Wish I knew the rumours about what might be next ! 🤙🏻

[@billa5289]

Nice review dude! I appreciate what felt like unbiased, honest feedback. Still waiting for my Cars copy. Hopefully it will arrive unscathed in better packaging.

[@Ampersand00]

Major labels typically suck when it comes to retail (looking at YOU, Universal, Craft are pretty good tho'), they should leave it to brick & mortar stores/specialists. Boutique labels are a different story (e.g. Sam, International Anthem, The Lost Recordings). Thanks for the review!

[@terrykeenan4308]

I ordered my Cars a week and a half ago, and just received an email yesterday it has shipped. That being said, after a week I sent an email about when my package would ship… crickets, no customer service at all. I did receive an email rating their customer service, I laughed and then sent an email back what customer service???!!! No one got back to me!

[@vcp93]

So glad to hear you discuss the "wonkiness" of the Coltrane LP. I listened to it several times and just wasn't impressed. Nice to know it's lacking because of the original recording and not something wrong with my copy. Cheers! 👽✌️

[@latheofheaven]

Kevin's later stuff IS better, I believe it is since he has upgraded his equipment and redone a lot of the tube stuff. I'm pretty sure that is why...

[@tubinonyou]

Great video! My copy of The Cars also came with a crushed corner due to their insufficient shipping practices. I opened a customer service issue and got as far as emailing pictures of the damage. Unfortunately, I received an automated response stating that the email was undeliverable to the recipient (despite getting a response earlier in the email thread). Oh well. Phenomenal pressing but they need to step up their shipping and customer service game by a lot. Lastly, if you were a shark that only cared about getting a piece of the pie, I doubt you would have praised these records that you are unable to sell in your store. Take care, Mike.

[@DonnyRamsoondar]

I really appreciate the storytelling behind the music. Thank you for sharing.

[@The90sGamingGuy]

While i enjoy these two albums im going to pass and see what else comes out in this series.

[@MrPuz92]

I haven’t received a single email back from them in 2 weeks and no shipping update. They need to do something

[@CUBICUB]

It took me 3 weeks to get a response from them, in the meantime I also order another, and cancelled my first order. I have yet to receive my 2nd order, it’s been about a week . Ugh

[@mattmcgourty7971]

Off topic but are you going to do a Wish You Were Here shootout video? I'm curious as to what are you favorite versions.

[@carrion_man3700]

I love the The Cars Rhino album. Can't wait for more titles...

[@luis6379-q7k]

I got a dinged corner of The Cars. I sent an email to customer support, and never heard back.

[@calebkeen8967]

I can confirm that I also never got a shipping confirmation and mine also arrived in crap packaging but thankfully no damage.

[@shawnmyers1880]

My metallic 598 lps records were dinged up when they came out a few years ago

[@StereoRodeo]

I also have corner dings. Hope Rhino does better shipping going forward with this series.

[@catherine6653]

I wish I could have seen The Cars live too. 🚗

[@audiotomb]

The Cars US first pressing sounds wonderful (don’t call it an OG) so I didn’t buy the Rhino I must stop buying duplicate titles I won’t play enough Earlier comments did talk me into the Coltrane Rhino release I have the Poetic Champions Compose Atlantic box set

[@iLL-iNNeR-GrOoVe]

The promo has a different mastering as the original US Allied as well. 😉

[@tiborosz1825]

Corner dings...just what you needed!

[@chaky1978]

So helpful, for those of us on the fence still, thanks, you da man

[@MichaelKuhl1965]

Weigh those LPs and see if they are 180grams, mine is not. 154grams, which is not even close.

[@WendellSexson]

164g

[@drumvc8060]

Great review, really enjoyed this one - thanks

[@dgross2009]

Don't get why they did this. Does the label make that much more? Oh that's right, they didn't have to hire any customer service staff and they charged for sucky, no choice, USPS postage and cheap Amazon level packaging. Hoping the rest of the titles are not must-haves so I don't have to suffer through this mess again

[@about.the.music...]

Nothing beats In Groove's and Acoustic Sound's packaging, but Amazon actually packs their vinyl records - for the most part - in a well-designed box with edge protection and the album arrives fine. I have been pleased with how so many new albums have arrived as they should--NEW looking. This is solely because of the way the vinyl record box is designed. It is a simple design but is a thick enough cardboard box with edge flaps that does the job, and is likely less expensive than Mike or Chad's box. And so Rhino (and Universal and even VMP) should be called out for their hack boxes in comparison.

[@AlanSenzaki]

I have the Rhino copy. Very happy. Thx!!

[@Muzik20]

Your channel makes my day man. Thanks

[@alanabentrod3963]

I’d be ok with a corner ding, mine came scratched. Reported it wait to see what they will do.

[@alanabentrod3963]

So far nothing!

[@bonesjackson81]

Yup I had a dnged corner. I comped to my og. Og had more bass but muddy in comparison. The Rhino definitely won but wasn't a blew me away situation. But I gotta say it's a damn nice high quality release and especially at $40 whereas mofi has gone ludicrous with prices. I am definitely keeping an eye on future releases. Kudos to Rhino for having an affordable high quality line of releases.

[@iowabrewer6490]

The cars Mofi is $40 also…

[@bonesjackson81]

@iowabrewer6490 I know. It's not nearly as good and I was referring to the new mofi prices.

[@AI_Surfer]

My copy of The Cars came with dinged corners like the one in Mike's video. Add to that the LP itself had vinyl shavings all over it, along with a slight warp. It took 3 good cleanings to get rid of the pops and clicks from the vinyl shavings, but it still does not play as quiet as I would like or expect. After hearing about all the problems of others with their experiences with customer service, I decided to forego the headache and hassle, and just kept the record as-is. I thought of buying another one, but I didn't want to risk spending another $40 and get another damaged and poorly pressed copy.

[@juliosanchez95]

My cars lp was dirty and slightly warped. Rhino does not answer their emails. I issued a chargeback with my credit card company.

[@iLL-iNNeR-GrOoVe]

just grab another and return the worse copy.

[@AI_Surfer]

@@iLL-iNNeR-GrOoVe It's been sold out for a couple of weeks.

[@PTJarman]

100% on the Cars pressing. Just got mine today 1600ish/5000 - dinged corners and OBI, seam split on top and black sleeve is also split wide open. Jacket is super thick and has no shot of fitting in a standard protective record sleeve and barely fits in my oversize sleeve. Album itself is absolutely brilliant, so still seeing this as win, but hope they change up the packaging size, etc. down the road - as Mike is right - this series might give other audiophile labels a run for their money. Cheers.

[@thexfile.]

159.0 grams not 180 grams.

[@7and12inchvinyl]

Duh

[@mikealexander7126]

Had *precisely* the same experience with the crap mailers. Dings all over. But they sound great.

[@about.the.music...]

Rhino doesn't care that they proceeded to allow new tip-on jackets to be easily mangled before the consumer even has the product in hand. It's really a waste.

[@Budley]

My Cars arrived last week and I haven't cracked to plastic on it yet, (work issues). Now I'm stoked to verify your impressions. Many thanks!

[@12stringblues]

I ordered two weeks ago, they still haven't shipped. I sent a customer service request and only got a automated reply to be patient. They are the worst at least Craft and Blue Note respond to customers service emails.

[@12stringblues]

@Nicholas as a customer I understand there can be delays and issues but what is very important is how they communicate these with their customers. In my case they have shown no communication other than a generic automated reply this is poor to unacceptable for a large company like this. Too bad about your defective LPs that can be disappointing and frustrating I hope they have at least taken care of some of these issues.

[@joaquinherreroalvarez3454]

What about Rhino is pathetic, my friend. Best regards from Spain. (John Coltrane is not Led Zeppelin, p. eje.)

[@tomwebb7091]

Couldnt return my Cars copy fast enough. Ahem. Major major non fills ruined it. Lovely packaging (and it bloody should be for £45!) but if the pressing is an abomination then back it goes. And back it went. Nb in the UK our seller is Dig who used one of the best mailers ive ever had to send my copy (with Coltrane LP included).

[@tomwebb7091]

@@nikl2nite Hi, we truly are the unfortunate ones! Then again its optimal media so perhaps unsurprising. I got alot of hate on Dcogs for stating the facts about my copies so i recommend you dont say anything or you will be accused of owning a Crosley and having hearing problems!

[@wayneg296]

👍👍😎✌️🤟

[@LetThereBeSound1]

Sorry guys (& gals) but I humbly disagree. Last week I conducted my own shootout of the Rhino, MOFI & Nautilus reissues of The Cars/The Cars with a local friend, and in our test, the Nautilus Recordings (NR-14) "Half-Speed Mastered" & cut by Jack E. Hunt in 1980, reigned supreme. The Rhino sounds too "balls to the wall" and is brasher (brighter) sound. Yes, dynamic but at the risk of lacking warmth and depth of field. On the other hand, the Nautilus seems to combine the best traits from the Rhino and the MOFI in a single package. Meaning, the dynamics, bass, and overall liveliness of the Rhino (but without going over the top like the Rhino does) and the body of the MOFI (but without sounding as thick or congested). Bottom line? If your system is neutral and of wide bandwidth and high resolution, you probably want the Nautilus. On the other hand, if your system errs towards the warm & mellow (a.k.a. more forgiving), the Rhino is exactly what the doctor ordered. In my humble opinion, YMMV. Oz LTBS P.S. If anyone is interested, I can provide links to three Hi-Res files (MOFI, Rhino, Nautilus) of the song "My Best Friend's Girl" which you can download and you can judge for yourself in the comfort of your own home.

[@bryanmorgan758]

How about vocal sibilance though? This is something nobody mentions with halfspeeds and is typically the reason I stay away from them! Luckily for everyone the nautilus prices are coming down for the first time in years because of this reissue!

[@LetThereBeSound1]

@@bryanmorgan758 I have Hi-Res files I could send you. All you have to do is ask.

[@iLL-iNNeR-GrOoVe]

I found it a bit forward and that could give the impression of more details. I upped my Mofi to KZbin. Sounds great on the VM95ML ifi Zen. Gotham/Amphenol phono cables. AQ Towers to ADC. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXrWaplqbr2saNU

[@LetThereBeSound1]

@@iLL-iNNeR-GrOoVe great job with this MOFI rip! You list the cartridge and the phono stage. But what’s the turntable?

[@WendellSexson]

No dinged corners on my Cars, fortunately. It does seem to be an issue for a fair number of people, though. My copy is dead quiet and sounds really good.

[@MattCupan]

I know there's a huge "audiophile" customer base. But, I just don't understand these dollar bin records getting these inflated price "hi fidelic" re-presses. Also, with the shipping, damages/losses are just gonna bound to happen. Even with as much care as you put into packaging a mailing, the process of a package going through mail is brutal.