The Doors Rhino Hi-Fi Box Set Review and Comparison VS Shootout Winners

[@Wreckords-Marcel]

So important for this to be available to the masses, and at record stores. My first audiophile record was the AP 45 LA woman 4 years ago as a 29 year old. Loved it and it completely changed my record buying habits. I have spent thousands on audiophile records and OG’s since that first purchase.

[@strahljd]

I just gotta say I love listening to someone speak passionately about something they love. I can't believe there are people out there who will look at an enthusiasm such as you have for great sounding records and see it as anything other than a good thing, absolutely blows my mind.

[@davidtoups4684]

I like it when you geek out over some of your favorite records. It shows that not all records are just a commodity you make money from.

[@sandyfader4649]

Got the box, can’t, wait to crack it open. My favorite band as well. Real glad to hear you voice your opinion on (in general) your preference of 33 over 45 rpm. I’m right there with you for the same reasons. Thanks Mike.

[@SAGNI0971]

On a highly resolving system, I’ve compared two of the Rhino versions thus far, the self titled debut and LA Woman against the AP 45/s. On the Rhinos you get none of the feel of the studio, the air, and the musical event i.e., the emotional statement is lacking in comparison to the AP/s. The Rhinos are detailed but the music strangely neutered. Jim’s voice is also much more textured and nuanced on the AP/s. There’s simply more slam and guts on the AP 45/s. I’m happy to have the Rhino box set as I love the band and the visual aesthetic of the box set is impressive but if I really want to connect to the music on a primal Dionysian level - which is what the band desired - I’m sticking with the AP 45/s.

[@alisonmccue8388]

This is so on point and thank you for sharing this

[@revelry1969]

I totally agree Mike. The rhino hifi sounds exactly like the instruments actually sound. Kevin’s system is the most transparent passing of the tape if you ask me. I like em all. The 45 infinite set and the rhino hifi. But I agree I will probably reach for hifi most often. I can hear way further into the tape with Kevin’s cut. Waiting for the sun sounds the best to me on the hifi. But they all are amazing. Did Kevin make 45 cuts at the same time? That may be the true ultimate. I forgot. The UHQR of LA Woman was pretty great too if you want a little more low end.

[@PiecesofVinyl]

This is a great review - you are #1 a fan of the band of the band and it shows that alone makes me trust your opinion on these - #2 you own a record store and have seen everything under the sun (and you run the store well) and #3 you have a great system so I know this is being heard at its best - I got this set mainly because I am a fan of the band and I just wanted all of them and be done - I probably would have gotten all the 45s in a box back in the day but I missed on it - I have highly considered the 45s - but I am super happy with this box! Once again great video!

[@katstar1982]

"That's got my inner Columbo wondering what the hell happened." 🤣

[@thomaslytle5519]

I’m sticking with my DCC debut and Strange Days and AP 45’s for the rest. There’s no way these are beating those. The sources Do Not get Better over the years. And not surprising, I’m Already seeing reviews confirming my predictions to the letter. 🤘🤞🏻

[@freewayflyer1000]

Great review, Mike. I agree that the sound on these records is stellar... for the most part. I was lucky to be able to order the set, but unfortunately, two of the LPs are defective: "Strange Days" has a nasty dishwarp, and "Waiting for the Sun" has terrible intermittent surface noise, especially on side 1. At the moment, Rhino is not able to replace the discs because they are sold out.

[@rix29]

Really hope Rhino release these individually and are available worldwide. I can’t justify the box set prices here in the UK.

[@HoomanR17]

Mike, Very helpful review. Clearly a need for a third party box making outfit to sell just boxes on demand for all these orphan records post box sell outs.

[@Geoduck.]

Thanks Mike. This was very useful will buy individual LP's as they come out.

[@scottwheeler2679]

Nice thorough review. There is nothing wrong with a preference for some compression in some cases.

[@renzonovara2728]

The one and only! As always, great review Mike! Salute 🫡

[@piotrburczyn9542]

That's the most awaited review!

[@SpyderTracks]

Kevin is unquestionably our eras master, I have an awful lot of his pressing since the DSOTM 30th anniversary and I’m sure some before I haven’t clicked. Matt Luthens and Sidney Meyer have definitely learnt his craft, they are suitable legacy’s. You’re right, just as Doug Sax had an incredible all tube system, Kevin has followed on from that and it shows every time.

[@vagrantpistol]

Like many, I was waiting for this. Glad I was able to get a box.

[@TylerJuranovich]

Listening to you talk about how much you've listened to these (or any reissue) of and The Doors album is like when Papa John said he's eaten 40 pizzas in 30 days. It's absurd, but I can't help but be impressed with how genuine it is.

[@dimebagdave77]

Many thanks and Happy holidays Mike, always look forward to these✌️🤘

[@djjoeykmusic]

Hi DBD, Have a great bless day!

[@dimebagdave77]

@djjoeykmusic hi DjJoey! It was an interesting and good Thanksgiving and 47th birthday! I'll tell you all about it later🤘✌️

[@djjoeykmusic]

@@dimebagdave77 Happy Birthday! Glad you are ok!! Happy Birthday Brother! Blessings

[@djjoeykmusic]

@@dimebagdave77 Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for you!

[@Claus-CaptainPhoenixCorner]

Thanks Mike - and a big thanks for this very detailed and qualified evaluation/comparison. I am very reassured by your "clarification" that they are published individually (missed the box...).. And I'm VERY glad to learn that the records sound better in the 33 Rhino-format - and not AP's "break-up-the-music-to-achieve-a-slightly-better-sound". I wish this 45-mania would stop...😉

[@Groover71]

Taking one guy’s opinion over the 45rpm mastering work done by the engineer who was literally in the studio with the Doors, is just weird.

[@MrJasonMeans]

Having your initials in your favorite band and favorite album from that band, Deadwax. Only some of us can appreciate how awesome that is

[@nothingimportant4504]

I only have a 70s reissue of the first album, as well as the MoFi; an OG stereo Strange Days; and a late 70s LA Woman, so not a lot to compare on my end. This Rhino box is easily the best version I own. I’m happy with it.

[@hocusmusic]

I wish Rhino would include Other Voices, Full Circle and An American Prayer.. That truly is the complete discography

[@petercurd7400]

Spot on Mike, it's the musicality (for want of a better word) of Kevin's mastering that makes his work so good. If you have a revealing system the albums from RHF have never sounded better.

[@noahwinter1407]

What outer sleeves do you use? I’ve been having a tough time with how thick the gatefold sleeves are.

[@designerjohnson]

I came here with the same question.

[@jamiehowarth541]

1/19/18 is us (Plangent) at Bruce's. I know none of the vinyl masses will bleloebr it but the Rhino digital on HDTracks and Quboz/ streaming kills. The tape stretch is inaudible in the Plangent version, it's totally repaired. I don't know how the vinyl could avoid the stretch without using the digital .

[@RocknRonni]

Thanks bro appreciate your review. looks like I'm going to have to pick up a couple of these records when they come out as singles lp versions, as they inevitably will soon.

[@classicrock7890]

Early 2000s we had Classic Records LZ and Genesis plus many other titles. A few from Speakers Corner. Not exactly a desert for good audiophile pressings. Would agree the cutting equipment has got better. I will now have to get some of these if they get individual releases. Thanks for the review.

[@petercurd7400]

The Classic Records pressings were sadly not as good as their mastering. Which makes the Analogue Productions reissues using some of those CR plates a genuine sweet spot IMO. Sublime mastering with quality pressings.

[@gratefuldawgs2738]

I love the 33 song layout better for the doors too. Listened to them so much growing up 😊

[@Matasky2010]

Strange that Soft Parade came with replicated inner sleeve but the others did not.

[@christopher.cordova]

Would love for you to hear the DCC pressings of Strange Days and Waiting For the Sun, those would have been a better comparison vs the Rhinos. Those two, from the DCC series, are incredible. My box gets here tomorrow, can’t wait! Thanks for the vid.

[@realmackle]

I think i'll stick with my ap LA Woman 45 rpm, but i'll definitely check out strange days and morrison hotel.

[@dgross2009]

Great Doors week. Just received notification that my Doors box set is being shipped. Will find out after I receive whether I agree. Thought the ap 33 UHQR of la woman was great vs your thoughts. Also although my record store was out of Doors in Detroit Friday I was able to score a copy on Amazon at regular price and that is on the way

[@topekasub]

Yeah! I got the Facebook message from the Doors website, right after RSD, about availability the Detroit live album! I couldn’t click on the buy button any faster!😂

[@jonathanthomas4722]

I’ll stay with my AP 45s. Rarely listen to the Doors anyway. But it’s nice to have so many good sounding options for them.

[@johnmason6213]

Choices are good. I’m looking forward to doing the same comparisons when I get my set here in Canada. I own a few from this series and they are all excellent! They have raised the bar for this price point.

[@latheofheaven]

It's interesting though, that you did NOT think Kevin's Black Sabbath S/T with all this NEW, brilliant equipment was better than an original Vertigo pressed 50+ years ago... 😁

[@mazzysmusic]

Why would he feel the same about two different bands and records ?

[@latheofheaven]

@@mazzysmusic Because he made the generalized, sweeping statement that is it because of the 'Magic' in Kevin's system that is mostly responsible for them all sounding great (and better according to him) Thus my inquiry...

[@Groover71]

@@mazzysmusicwhat’re you his spokesperson? Relax dude. Not everyone agrees with Mike on everything.

[@GeorgeD.303]

This box set is what its all about, great video Mike.... i expected these albums to be terrific and also a reason why i dropped out of buying the beatles box set.

[@nerdsreselling]

how does Kevin Grey output these many records? Have they created a clone of Kevin at this point?

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Hopefully these get individual releases and are easily accessible You have no idea how long ive been waiting for great 33rpm reissues of the Doors catalogue. Its an absolute minefield trying to piece together the Doors catalogue, finally the chase seems to be over. 🤞

[@matt6587]

i appreciate mike's enthusiasm. i think he's telling the truth as he hears it. and, at the same time, it makes sense to hear from multiple people and test it out ourselves if we can. it's a human thing to have bias. and mike himself notes the conflicts of interest.. his initials in the deadwax, friends and business partners with the mastering engineer. is it possible those things could influence anyone's sense of something? does chad always think his records are the best? of course, they are to his ears. why else would he put them out? in the end, it's all for fun! so it's cool to hear one person's journey and experience with his favorite record / band.

[@alexshkoditch4593]

I do not have the Rhino cuts, but I have all of the AP 45RPM albums and a combination of OG and repress vinyl. Regardless of any improvements - I'm done buying Doors reissues. Unfortunately for Rhino, these alums will be filled next to The Beatles 1964 US album boxset in my mind in the "not worth it" section. FWIW - Waiting for the Sun was reissued for a DCC gold compact disc in the 1990's and the tape had the dropouts mentioned on the master. Steve Hoffman said that's the way the master tape was. I also wondered why the AP did not have the dropouts.

[@christophercowles2553]

It bums me a little to think my AP 45 of the self titled is inferior to others, but I don’t know how many times I’m willing to be re-convinced that I need to spend money on another copy and I also like a matching set.

[@tonynewman1694]

Having got the DCC and the AP 45 RPM set as well so it's a no from me

[@charlieanderson8497]

Best get the AP 45's now while there in print. I don't see Chad reprinting them again after this.

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

After what? They're amazing, especially LA Woman.

[@PattyBG1103]

Thank you. I became a Doors fan years ago after my favorite band said they loved them. Please listen to a-ha albums True North, East of the sun west of the moon and memorial beach. You will love these albums.

[@mazzysmusic]

We came to almost all the same conclusions in these. Except for Strange days. The rhino box is excellent

[@rcpsammy7186]

Saved me from sitting for 35 minutes 👍

[@dusanradojevic9442]

If I had my initials in the deadwax on a copy of my favourite album by my favorite band I'd also play that copy more and prefer it over anything else... my subconsciousness would be biased if not my ears

[@festersuncle6298]

I ended up with my (since new) DCC pressings of the first 3 lp's. They sound fine for my Doors fix. L.A Woman AP and the remainder are Red or Butterfly.

[@analoguecity3454]

I have the Grundman version of the first, your right it's so "un-grundman" like!

[@chillepalmerz]

I recently found a nice Monarch stereo gold label and Break on Through Wasn't even the track that impressed me the most on it. That was probably Whiskey Bar.

[@toneswinger]

How do they compare with the perception box set.

[@topekasub]

As soon as you said “Who the hell cares!” I had to give you a like!😂

[@buzzhughes2889]

The AP UHQR is awesome. Decide for yourself.

[@Groover71]

That’s how it should be. But most in here are sheep.

[@MichaelBoltonsEntireCatalog]

Been checking out this guy's reviews for a while now. Reminds me of Krist Novoselic.

[@DanielSmith-r4z]

Excellent video. Learned a lot. Thank you. I got one for each of my daughters for Christmas. In their 20s, little clue who the Doors were. Now to set up the stereos I have for them. My first audiophile was Dark Side of the Moon MoFi and Abbey Road MoFi, both bought used in great shape when CDs were the rage and people were unloading vinyl. I think 20 bucks for each around 1986.

[@djjoeykmusic]

Great Video! Thank you Michael! Awesome Sauce

[@Groover71]

Raise your hand if you thought Mike wasn’t going to pick his guy Kevin Gray’s mastering over anyone else? Including 45rpm cuts from the guy who was actually in the studio with the band? 😂. Incredible. Some of you will fall for anything.

[@TheInGroove]

The Rhino Hi-Fi LPs were overseen by Bruce Botnick just like the 45 RPMs. Putz.

[@michaeledwards7668]

Im surprised Mike didnt mention the DCC cuts, possibly he doest have them to compare, but they sound killer. Maybe because of the Hoffman/KPG bad blood, also I doubt Mike will ever call out KG even if he doesnt like something

[@TheInGroove]

I talk about the DCCs in the two shootout videos. Note: See my Marvin Gaye Whats going on shootout. I prefer the Mofi One Step over the Analog KG cut.

[@jordansnook3062]

I’m most curious about the Strange Days DCC. I own the new Rhino hifi and a 67 monarch, with the rhino beating it handily. However, I know the DCC for this album is highly regarded so I’d like to know your thoughts on how it compares to the Rhino, Mike. I know you don’t have a shootout video for that album yet, so maybe you’re saving your thoughts for that.

[@michaeledwards7668]

@TheInGroove just watched..too polished in your opinion. Will you be starting up monthly live streams again? I enjoyed the one you did with Mazzy

[@lukejohnston5993]

FFS. A week away from KZbin and the opportunity to order this is gone. Was so excited for it.

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

If you don't have it just wait. The flippers will come down. Trust me...

[@ThisBirdHasFlown]

There will most likely be an unnumbered version coming out circa January

[@MajorTom106]

Just curious, what do you do with the loose bags the Analogue Productions records come in? Do you cut the hype stickers out or just throw them out?

[@brandondale4829]

Mike, what outers are you using for the Rhino Hi-Fis? The original master sleeves from MoFi are just too small.

[@cradio52]

Really hope that Rhino can make this same treatment happen for The Smiths.

[@HoomanR17]

Based on your review, it seems like AP could/should have hired KPG for the UHQR instead of BG ..too bad, could you imagine having a version of the Doors original album cut by KPG but on UHQR vinyl... Chad may need to reconsider.

[@Groover71]

No need to. The Doors UHQR is great.

[@HoomanR17]

@@Groover71 I understand this is all subjective but my comment was in regards to Mike's review of the UHQR which he didn't care for. Do you have other versions of La Woman where you prefer the UHQR to?

[@bonesjackson81]

I look forward to the Festivus airing of grievances episode!

[@MAB_Audio_Nut]

Love all the detail you go into. Now how do we get them all or the box being they are all ready sold out

[@GiveUsMusic]

I’d like to hear Bruce Botnick’s comments.

[@machavez00]

“Ray’s organ?” 😂

[@FotogInkArt]

Agreed. Shame Kevin didnt do the new Cure. 31:51

[@Jamko1970]

LA Women AP 45 for the win!!!!

[@krisdavis9995]

Great review!

[@therealhishaam]

Love the love for ma man KPG

[@walkkis372]

What outer sleeves are you using for rhino hifi records?

[@losendos8963]

Ya got a little misty eyed there at the end, Mike. Can't say that I blame you - I probably would too if I was able to experience something like that. And I believe people will find YOUR initials in the deadwax of L. A. Woman - now how cool is THAT!!!!

[@scottwheeler2679]

I am one of those who prefers the 45 rpm Music Matters with the Hoffman influence.

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

For me the og monarch sounds the same throughout. I can't imagine the rhino sounding better but I will find out soon enough.

[@tubinonyou]

Regarding LA Woman, I can deduce that you prefer the Rhino HiFi over the AP UHQR since you preferred the AP 45RPM significantly over the UHQR. But in what ways do you prefer the Rhino HiFi over the UHQR specifically? I have all the AP 45's and this new KPG box but would be very interested in hearing in what ways the $125 UHQR is bested by a $40 record. Will make for an entertaining read amongst individuals trying to convince themselves the $125 UHQR was worth it.

[@Groover71]

It was. It’s great. Hard for me to fathom the Rhino hifi is that much better or even better at all. 🤷

[@davidpetersen7091]

Great review. Thank You. Mr. Pete------> aging hippie

[@davystrangename]

Nice video. It seems that Kevin Grey gives the bass and midrange a little boost. Do you know about that?

[@dariuszsalamon9441]

or his equipment is resolving better bass

[@Daniel-c4s8x]

Hey mike if i was too look for the monarch pressing what should i look for?

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

MO in the deadwax. I hope you have deep pockets if you want a clean copy

[@Daniel-c4s8x]

Thanks man so the monarchs on ebay are not all the same? Some are fairly cheap.​@@crazyprayingmantis5596

[@TheTigersfan20]

Look at the side 1 label: there’s a misspelling as Break on Through to the “Oher” side, and Alabama Song has a different song credit to Witmark.

[@briangonigal3974]

My Rhino box was delivered Friday, but unfortunately inside the sleeve of the self-titled first album, the actual vinyl disc was Strange Days. All the other sleeves (including the one for Strange Days) included their proper albums, so I got two copies of Strange Days and am missing a copy of the debut. I emailed Rhino about this, saying I’d prefer not to have to send back replace any outer sleeves and break up my set with all the same limited edition number and is there any way I could just trade out my extra copy of strange days sans outer sleeve for just a vinyl disc of the first album, but I’ve not heard back from them yet.

[@gfy4476]

Hey Mike, what about LA Woman UHQR? Did you include that in the shootout?

[@bpbs2012]

What box did Vinyl Me, Please put out that was bettered by Kevin Gray mastered reissues?

[@TheInGroove]

The Blue Note Box.

[@hemantishwaran5741]

Sold out

[@geochi13]

Think they’ll reissue the boxset again? I have the AP pressings but missed out on this boxset.

[@hatfieldd7]

No

[@mazzysmusic]

Individual titles most likely in January.

[@realmackle]

they did something similar with zz top where they sold them individually unnumbered after the box came out- hope they do the same with this

[@allardvanderstarre]

the problem is if i order this : shipping plus taxes makes it a 400$ thing, a tad high at over 50 $ per record

[@paulspanbauer4125]

There’s a somewhat younger gal named Sarah Register who does a fine job mastering records. Keep an ear out.

[@DanielHog13]

For clear & obvious reasons to many folks around the 🌎, we have anticipated your review on this 🏆 Rhino 33RPM reissue box set. Your thorough & honest deliberation on this set plus the comparison to AP's 45RPMs of which I own all but 1 reissue from Chad. Though I've not listened to each new reissue TWELVE TIMES(!), I've played each once so far. Didn't even notice the jackets were #'d like my box, LOL. Again, I was happy when you hinted about your trip for a few days earlier this year to sit-in w/ KG AND attend his Cohearent Audio (2nd) LP release party, of which I too bought a copy of Anthony Wilson's "Hackensack West". Kudos Mike. PS MY initials (=ME) are also on the deadwax!! ; )

[@BeatlesOasisFan]

I have the self-titled Analogue Productions 45, and I think it sounds really bad. Very disappointed with it. Unfortunately, I doubt that Rhino Hi-Fi will be available in Poland.

[@theroguecybersoldier2629]

Ryan K Smith is another younger mastering engineer, but hopefully the greats teach some youngwr ones the ropes

[@dundee12]

How does the LA Woman Rhino compare to the 1970 Artisan cut?

[@cjay2]

The first album was released in mono. ONLY mono. The 'stereo' version was released 8 months later, presumably as an afterthought. I remember buying these LPs when they were released in NYC. The first album was meant to be heard in mono. The later stereo issue is not as punchy and real-sounding as the mono version. And if you mono it down, it doesn't sound at all like the mono release. It is like an old Beatles album, it's a panned stereo mix. The second and further albums had real stereo mixes and releases. Just saying.

[@mazzysmusic]

I got the Doors in stereo for my birthday in August 67. Didn’t know that was the first release. Still I prefer the album in stereo. I have an OG mono too. It’s nowhere as good as the stereo imho

[@barrybrennan2135]

Come on, Rhino.

[@FleagleSangria]

Mike, thanks for the review. Love The Doors also! That Felt Forum you suggested is awesome. Question: You having such excellent gear and I would think it not too difficult to achieve with additional equipment, would you ever consider doing sample comparison videos? I think many in your audience would be very appreciative of actual audio evidence combined with your expert opinions on the sound quality of The Doors to get a complete assessment of sound quality. Since The Doors are your favorite group of all time, maybe a nicely done sample comparison video as at least one off would be an exceptional video to show exactly why these Rhino’s are so much better. Take care 🎸👍🏻

[@clappersox]

thanks Mike, great review!!

[@robbiedetroitstigermanviny8883]

Tone Chasers

[@forcefin]

I have the RTI Bernie Grundman vinyl box set and happy with it. What make this one better?

[@scroogemcduck3003]

I think I can help answer this one. How about the guy who has hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment, a lifetime in the industry, an obsessive love of the band and an in depth knowledge of the instruments used has listened to all the options countless times and decided, and explained in great detail over 35 minutes in a video that it's due to 10% convenience and 90% sound quality. Where's your video on the RTI box and we can compare?

[@TheInGroove]

@@scroogemcduck3003😂

[@Groover71]

@@scroogemcduck3003has not had a “lifetime in the industry”. Give us a break.

[@love2spinvinyl]

Would have been great and interesting box set to listen to if Kevin set up his all tube set up to cut this. But great that this is an awesome cut using his ‘normal’ setup.

[@mildequator2536]

Great review, Mike!

[@dukenorman7311]

Hear that! ditch all pressings and get this! If anyone wants to sell me their Infinite set for $200 DM me, haha

[@pieterbalk-ht7kq]

How many Doors 1st album re-releases do we need? The music/vinyl industry becomes more and more lazy and boring! It will always pale in comparison to the Analogue Productions 45rpm.