Van Halen - Collection II 1986-1996 - New Boxset Review & Unboxing

[@kylefennell8016]

Ordered this on Vinyl, wanted all the VH albums on vinyl. Now hope VH reissues VH III and Different kind of Truth!

[@ChrisTian-rm7zm]

I think maybe it would have been a good idea to add VH III to this box set.

[@tapanim6576]

I like Balance album and especially the song "Don't Tell Me (What Love Can Do)".

[@sidvicious3129]

Great Review here. I just received my vinyl box set on 10-06-23 and haven't had the time to listen to it yet. I will be buying the cds to this set. I have all of the original cds and most of the original albums except for unlawful carnal knowledge and balance (vinyl)-which are extremely rare and very costly. This box set puts those last two vinyl albums in my hands. I can't wait once I get the cd box-set to do my own comparison with the original cds.

[@Cpayne30]

It's stated on the website that these albums have been remastered, so no new mixing has taken place. The two 80s albums are bass shy, so I wouldn't be surprised if the EQ here is pretty radical. But that doesn't constitute a remix - just a remaster. You mention that you like the sound of the DLR remasters, but both the 2000 and 2015 CDs of those are pretty loud and compressed. From what I have read, these are fully dynamic and that's a good thing.

[@Cpayne30]

Now I've listened to these and the EQ is really not radical nor are they remixes. Radical EQ can do more harm than good, and in the case of OU812 especially, I think Grundman has improved it a little without changing the character of the album. I wish all modern masterings were this tasteful! Edit: I will say, the botched beginning of Poundcake is unfortunate. That should've been noticed.

[@jasonluttrull5953]

Thanks for this review. Nice to know what I'm getting with this. Definitely going to hold onto my original CDs.

[@JohnnyBeane]

Looking forward to receiving these. =VH=

[@BrendonSnyder]

Enjoy!

[@Patres87]

Sammy Hagar era albums have already been remastered or remixed with improved sound. It was released in Japan only as part of so called Forever Young Series.

[@BrendonSnyder]

👍

[@got2chews]

Correct but they didn’t remix them

[@thedreamcatcher72]

Cheers Brendon I was on the fence about this set, your thoughts have pretty much cemented my initial feeling that my o.g. cds will do just fine. Thanks for another cool vid.

[@ChrisTian-rm7zm]

I'm glad I bought the box after all, even if you are not so convinced. I don't think the songs are remixed. But with some songs I have the impression that the mastering has made some parts more audible, which seems like a remix. Conversely, it seems to me that this has caused the vocals to slip into the background a bit. This is especially noticeable on OU812. There the cimbals of Alex's drums have become quite loud and push themselves a bit into the foreground. This is almost distracting. But the box itself looks great with the silver VH logo and I finally have all the CDs of the Hagar era in great sound quality.

[@BrendonSnyder]

What you are describing is level changes which is in fact a remix. Remasters don’t change levels. Don’t think of a remix as only something that happens for dance music. Remixing is changing an original mix. You yourself have just described exactly what I said in my review. 🤷‍♂️ That said, I’m glad I bought it too! 👍

[@gokhanersan8561]

It seems like they foregrounded Edward and Alex at the expense of dynamics, instrument separation, and headroom. With these remasters you can really hear what was going on in the recording room. For an overall satisfying playback I prefer the Japanese remasters that Man From Cabo has posted on KZbin.

[@tendraftsdeep]

Excited to hear these on vinyl and how the sound adjustments translate to that format, hope my big boxset arrives early! Great simple art logo on box looks Awesome!

[@ScottFilippi]

Was kinda hoping for Live: Right Here, Right Now. But with what we are getting for 50 bucks are a decent remaster and the satisfaction that Sammy is finally getting his tenure recognized.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I’m ok with it just being the studio albums. But I am curious how they will package the remaining album with Gary Cherone, the final album with Roth, and the 2 live albums. With they just group all 4 together and call it a day? I hope not. Do they release the 2 live albums and because it’s 4 discs, call it a day? I hope not. Hopefully the 2 live albums get bundled with 2 additional live albums like Live Without A Net audio or some additional archival albums making the boxset worth while. As for the final 2 studio albums. One can only hope that they fill it full of unreleased material to make it worth while. But I’m probably dreaming.

[@neverleftthe80s29]

Really pleased that they have released this box set. Incredible value and the packaging looks good Brendon. Couple of things to add: 1. I wish they would release on CD & Vinyl the 'Live Without A Net' concert & secondly the OU812 tour concert from Japan that is on KZbin on DVD, Bluray, CD & Vinyl. Both are incredible concerts with Van Halen being on top of their game. Still very happy that they have released this box set with the 4 back to back 1# albums.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I’d love all of that but also want a live CD and Video of a Gary Cherone concert too.

[@neverleftthe80s29]

@@BrendonSnyder Yes, Van Halen III needs a remaster and a complete clean up. The mix is poor. They should and need to do something with the Cherone era as well. Cheers Brendon.

[@felixlusash]

Thanks so much! You saved me some $! Great and informative review!

[@ThemFuzzyMonsters]

The HD digital audio will also be available at the same time …

[@RonSM2112]

It is incorrect to say these are "remixed," regardless of what you think you are hearing. These albums are simply remastered. Proper remastering can account for a lot of sonic differences. But the mix is the same on each of these.

[@BrendonSnyder]

…says the guy that hasn’t heard the boxset yet. But let’s not forget it’s just my opinion. I hear differences and these are not just from the use of better technology. This has to do with positions of instruments in the overall sound. That does not change in standard remastering practices. Changes have been made to the levels. Plain and simple. But of course you should judge for yourself when you get your own copy.

[@RonSM2112]

@@BrendonSnyder Not sure why you would assume I didn't have the box set yet. Just because I pointed out that you were wrong about "remixing?" Of course now everyone has the box, and the fact remains that you are STILL wrong. There is nothing about these versions that could not be accomplished with modern remastering tools.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I assumed as much because at the time of the comment the boxset hadn’t been released yet. That said, plenty listeners have agreed with my assessment. I stand by it.

[@soulcraft79]

This has only been remastered. You'd be surprised with todays mastering tech and how much it can really enhance and subtract different elements in a mix, even from song to song, depending which aspect they want to focus on. (example: extra bass or less vocal prominence). It's not just like it used to be, very limited in what it was able to do. (example: maybe widen the overall stereo element and add overall volume.) I'm looking forward this even more now as OU812 sounded fine on some of the heavier tracks, but was really lacking bass on the keyboard orientated tracks. This is a chance for it to be fixed through the mastering process alone. If you prefer the old mix/masters, that's fine, they're still there!. But I've been waiting for a project like this where they make the most of modern mastering tech to a sometimes inconsistently mixed catalogue that really needed that tech ability/option to enhance and improve on it. (without going back and remixing it)

[@BrendonSnyder]

A change is a change. It just means that today’s remastering technology does more than it once did thereby sometimes creating a different mix. That said, it’s too severe for them to claim they keep all the levels the same. Anything that is chanced as drastically as this has been is a remix. Plain and simple.

[@CNK_WGDJ5150]

@@BrendonSnyder that is simply not true. By your logic, a '50s recording remastered in the '90s would be deemed a remix because "technology [did] more than it once did." I've compared the three songs already released to the original mixes, and they are the same. With the greatest of respect, I would ask, have you ever mastered anything using a modern DAW?

[@michaellynch4699]

​@BrendonSnyder no that's not true, a remix is having the original multitracks in this case 24 track analogue tapes and remixing from that remastering is processing the stereo mixes

[@MyKittyPercy]

I listened to “Amsterdam” on Apple Music and knew right away it sounded off. I went to the original mix, again on Apple Music, it was louder and just like I remember it. Not sure why they call this a remaster.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I miss the original mix as well. I don’t know why they felt they needed to modify it. All of the punch is gone. 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@BeelzebubLXXV]

I have the european version of balance on vinyl and it does include "Baluchitherium".

[@Douchemaster_McChest]

My copy arrives on Friday. Waiting patiently to compare it to the originals. I only wish they left the original CD tracklists as is on the new box instead of putting the songs that couldn't fit on the vinyl onto the bonus CD included in the box. I'm used to the original CD tracklists (though, I do have the original vinyl for 5150 and OU812 but haven't touched them probably since the late '80s early '90s since I listen mostly to CDs.)

[@pjstamm2112]

Great review and nice G&L back there!

[@neilmonaghan573]

Listening to these now and they sound great and it's total crap talk that these have been remixed.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I stand by my statement. I’ve done side by side comparisons and there are changes. Plain and simple. Perhaps you don’t know the songs that well.

[@Popeyes1987]

I didn’t notice if anyone realized October 6 is the release date for the box set and also the anniversary of Eddie’s passing. I don’t know if that was done on purpose or not but I noticed that.

[@neilbower9052]

Great to see a reviewer actually telling the truth about a box set for once, too many suck up to the record companies to keep the freebies coming. I will have to hear these 'remixes' first before i buy now. Thanks dude

[@BrendonSnyder]

My pleasure Neil!

[@CriticalAcclaim69]

They are not remixes, they are remasters....if you dont understand the difference then google it.

[@rmzzz76]

The main point of remastering is to get consistent volume levels and compression across all tracks on an album. When they do this for a box set, they apply the same technique just across all the songs on the box set, so we have consistent levels and compression for all the Hagar era Van Halen albums and it is kind of strange, because these albums were so different in compression and volume. The only master level effect tweaked is usually EQ, but that's not per track, but for the entire 16 track mix whatever. Eddie Van Halen's 5150 Studio was only a 16 track studio, so I assume most of this is 16-track... It is nice to be able to go from tracks on 5150 into OU812 and then to F.U.C.K without having to touch the volume on the stereo... But I agree it sounds strange and I do think some EQ manipulation and extra compression happened that ha taken away from the clarity of the original CD mastering.

[@kingdude1999]

Listening to them & the original mixes. They've definitely mixed & mastered them so that they all match. Which is great for me. OU812 is finally matching the rest. It was such a different mix & the volume of the original was so low compared to the rest of the Hagar albums.

[@Oldnobrand]

Someone that gets it probably the best explanation I have seen so far and summary. I agree these have been EQ'd No way it was just a remaster and level match.

[@MichaelRegan]

I have a Japanese box set of the four Hagar era albums plus the double disc RHRN with almost identical Box art. The discs are still in jewels, so the box is thicker. I think I’m good with what I already have, but I’ll listen to the streaming release of this new set to hear the new remastering before I buy this package…

[@tonybroken6353]

probably only for Vinyl collectors i think. Remastered isn't the same as remixed, i think people misunderstand that and think its going to sound amazingly better but it really doesn't. Sticking with my original CDs, nothing wrong with them at all!

[@knightfall9394]

i think it sounds better than the original cd’s at least on the 5150 & ou812 side but thats just me, i never thought there was anything wrong with carnal knowledge and balance even though i did read a interview with a guy who engineered balance who made it sound like the guys didnt really like carnal knowledge or what andy johns did

[@mjm5081]

Thanks for sharing! 🙏❤🌹 Eddie 🌹❤🙏

[@KokoTheGorilla69]

Is there anyway they can release this set as only instrumentals, with the cheese ballads removed? Then i might listen to them.

[@BrendonSnyder]

No

[@mse1576]

Where’s the Gary Cherone era boxed set? Lol

[@gokhanersan8561]

The good-ish news is : 5150 and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge have improved over the original CDs-for people who want to hear every bit of sound that comes from Eddie’s amp…who wouldn’t mind giving up some dynamics and headroom. On the remastered 5150 the guitar heavy tracks have sounds I have never heard before ! ....... The bad news : They missed the boat on this release by not spending the effort on OU812. When its Love and Feels So Good sound like the 2004 compilation versions-bold and satisfying. Mine All Mine, AFU, and Source of Infection still sound like coming from AM radio. They should have remixed those songs ! I want to hear a properly remixed version of Mine All Mine, which is arguably the most sophisticated song they ever wrote.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Yes there certainly are good parts in the remaster/remix. For me it’s just interesting to hear the new versions.

[@benedictdonald4338]

Agreed. Remixes would have been ideal.

[@gokhanersan8561]

@@BrendonSnyder Some people will be turned off by the loss of dynamics on 5150 and F.U.C.K. They really pushed the guitars to the front on those two. Sounds like Eddie’s amp is right in front of me. The 2004 versions of the songs from those albums are more measured in their approach…more dynamics there.

[@gokhanersan8561]

@@benedictdonald4338 I want to hear a properly remixed version of Mine All Mine. That song deserves it !

[@michaellynch4699]

Highly doubt these have been remixed

[@dean2822]

Just purchased this box set on vinyl. I own the original albums, 1984, women and children first, 5150, OU812. I’m hoping that 5150, and OU812 have been remastered from the original albums. My original albums are in good condition considering how much they have been played. It’s a nice box set. I will now probably have to get the first box set some time in the future.

[@BrendonSnyder]

They have been “remastered” but they don’t sound the same IMO. I feel they made tweaks to the levels and it has given the songs a different feel.

[@filmtintin]

Very good review though now I am anxious that the Vinyl set that I ordered will be a disappointment. I have all the jewel case and like you grew up with and bought it to have the vinyl version for the audio experience. Hopefully the sound on vinyl will be a good one.

[@Vampyre_Media]

I haven't received my CDs yet, but I did just finish listening to the whole collection II on 96k, 24bit HI-RES Flac files. I don't hear any inconsistencies from song to song. I think they sound much better than the originals. Maybe the compression involved in dithering, and down sampling for CD had something to do with it.

[@robertnobody]

The "Good Night" bat is visible on the left side of the screen, a nice security system for the collection....lol.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Back in action!

[@ledzep9501]

I've got crossing over in japanese cd release. It was released there of course (as always in japan). Love that song, it's huge... as for the instrumental it's called Bu (as we say but without t) - Luci (as luci-fer) and therium (from Greek word Therion meaning big Beast and the name is from a huge prehistoric animal like Rhinoceros... Baluchitherium, latterly known as Indricotherium or Paraceratherium, known as is an extinct genus of rhinoceros known from fossils of the late Oligocene and early Miocene, from about 30 million to 16.6 million years ago. It is known from fossils found in Asia. Baluchitherium was one of the largest land mammals that has ever lived. It stood about 5.5 meters (18 feet) high at the shoulder, was 8 meters (26 feet) long, and weighed an estimated 30 tons, which is more than four times the weight of the modern elephant.

[@GuitarAnthony]

Nice G&L in the background.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Thanks it’s a Rampage

[@srmurc6zo6]

I'll give them a shot. Like it or not, it will be cool to hear alternate mixes.

[@miked.8175]

There’s absolutely zero remixes

[@michellerosebrown]

Finally. It took this long?! Looking forward to the listening.

[@egos0108]

Thank for the info. I am going to buy the box set specially because b-sides and as you said, another listening sound to the original albums. Bye. New subscriber.

[@thelordofhellaz]

The Japanese remasters are the gold standard.......

[@ИванИванов-у8л9г]

Very good review 👍🏻 Thank you. I have a Canadian CD pressing of "5150" and I think it has a distinctly glossy cover of the booklet. Interesting coincidence 🙂 Re this boxset, with this packaging and some extra material it would be a valuable purchase for fans if the albums had the original mixes. If they are remixed I am not sure though 🤗

[@jonathanpearman1052]

Looking forward to this release on Friday and thanks Brendan for clarifying differences in soundscapes. Also glad you showed the physical packaging. Looks really good and glad they’re putting spine titles back on. Would have been nice to have the live material as well. Hope for a similarly loving treatment of Van Halen III, someday.

[@stevenlornie1261]

Better watch your back. The Steve Hoffman folks are gunning for you lol.

[@slipwagon7944]

Great review. Would you say the remastered tracks on the Best of Both Worlds 2 CD collection have better sound quality? Also, does Finish What Ya Started have the proper fade out on this new collection?

[@kngkrmson2179]

Nice set. But kinda weird that this a different style of packaging in comparison to the first CD box set. Despite that; I definitely will pick it up someday. 😅

[@pollitofogoso]

Thanks for the information. As you say, it is pretty sad that they only included eight rare songs… that I already have elsewhere! Greetings from Madrid, Spain.

[@BrendonSnyder]

We know there is so much in the vaults. Also they could have grouped the live album in this set. But more than anything the dropped the ball on the whole packaging making people thing there are some real rarities when actually there are none. Too bad.

[@rovo7249]

I ordered the vynil boxset. I hope is worth of the price 😶

[@paulfuller4135]

"Crossing Over" is also on the Japanese version of Balance CD with the alternate single-child cover. The collection is poorly named. Not only for the reasons you mentioned with the inclusion of the 2004 Hagar songs, but also the omission of the 1996 songs with Roth - "Me Wise Magic" and "Can't Get This Stuff No More", which were not included in the "Roth" Collection.

[@johnp8688]

How did you get it early , was it from a private store like sound exhcange? We had a Tunes here in South Jersey , in Marlton, the owner was also named Anthony, and that was when new release day was Tuesday, but if he got stuff in early , he just put it out cause he would have lots more customer on the Weekends, and at that time he had bestbuy and tons of other mall competition too.

[@manuelrayas5015]

I wonder how these 2023 Van Hagar remasters/remixes compare to the 2004 Van Hagar Japanese Forever Young Remasters.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I’ve never heard the Japanese remasters so I’d be curious to know how they compare as well.

[@ivostoyanov4850]

We want live Van Halen box set also cd +dvd

[@BrendonSnyder]

Wouldn’t that be great!

[@Oldnobrand]

Great Review and 100% agreed.

[@Starman2112ofKings]

Hey Brendon nice review. I was wondering about OU812 does it have a better sound than the original? Particularly is the bass boosted at least compared to the original 88 release?

[@fernando200021]

I support the question. The OU812 lacks bass at all

[@jeffreymathews245]

How in the for unlawful carnal knowledge did you get this before the release date?

[@RobNY5150]

Debating whether I’m going to get it. As a collector, I kinda have to but I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m ok with remasters but not remixes so much. With the albums I grew up with (like VH), the original album mixes are what I hear in my head when I think of them.

[@jeremywilson8158]

These are NOT remixes, they are the original stereo mixes of the Sammy Hagar Era Van Halen Catalog. If an album were remixed, they would need to go back to the original multitrack tapes (all of the separate instrument tracks) and remix them from that realm. These albums were "remastered", meaning Bernie Grundman received the 1st generation original master tapes of the stereo mixes and performed adjustments of said mixes based on his judgment (EQ/Compression/Limiting/Processing/etc). Let's face it, Alex Van Halen has zero motivation to go back to the multitracks and remix the entire Van Halen catalog. We can't even convince the estate to release the treasure trove of demos, outtakes, and live material locked in the 5150 Studio Vault because Eddie Van Halen didn't sign off on it. Without Ed's approval, it will not see the light of day, and now they need to convince Al of these matters (Wolfie confirmed this during the 2023 remaster announcement). Based on how everyone is reacting to these 2023 remasters, it's no surprise that some are shocked at how much more different they sound compared to the original releases (vinyl and CD). But there are many factors that can achieve this level of results (higher generation of master tapes, better transfer of tapes, EQ/Compression/Limiting/Processing moves). If you want a good example of how all of these factors can come into play, please listen to Dream Theater's "Distance Over Time" album from 2019. The CD release is crushed with excessive compression/limiting/EQ, yet the band provided the mix on the Blu-Ray release in Hi-Res stripping away all of the excessive mastering moves from the CD release. It is the exact same mix between the two formats, the only difference is the mastering choices made.

[@PopPop_2]

I ordered the vinyl boxset. I only wanted 5150, but at this point they don't have the individual albums available for whatever reason like the Roth albums.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I’m surprised they are doing the release in reverse this time. Except I’m sure they’re hoping people who only want one album will buy the whole boxset to get it thereby making more money. Typical record label for you.

[@THE-BENDER-BEAT]

Dose this collections II boxset have the same remastered sound like the collection I I sound on Amazon Music streaming?

[@PopPop_2]

@PRESTONBEN I'm not sure, I don't stream anything. I only listen to what I purchase. They sound different to the original cd pressings. Sorry I can't answer your question.

[@mk5346]

A bit off topic: Professor of Rock is wearing same t-shirt in his most recent video on AC/DC video...I had a bit of a glitch-in-the-Matrix moment when I was scrolling through my recommended videos...

[@BrendonSnyder]

😂😂😂

[@MegaRHUBBARD]

I have been looking forward to the ‘Hagar years’ as remasters for years. I am hoping that my hearing of these remasters will differ from yours and that I will enjoy these greatly. I guess I will have to wait until Friday. I must ask you what equipment you use to do your main listening with? Maybe you can answer this on your next’ 10 questions’ segment. Keep up the good work!

[@jimmm7339ki3456]

I’d like to know what setup you listen to music also.

[@jeffreykoger3978]

Thanks for this. My heart sank when you said "remix". I love the Hagar era, with OU812 being my favorite. I've been waiting for this era to be remastered for 20 years. Very disappointed.

[@michaelhollowood4385]

If they were remixed they were also remastered. If you go back to the mix phase it requires it to go back through the mastering process.

[@rotadyma]

This box set is remastered.

[@jeffreykoger3978]

@@thefonzkiss Brendon states in his review they sound different, as if this is a remix. I'm hoping they have not, but we'll see.

[@andrerone8208]

I'm looking forward to this Sammy Hagar box-set I have been waiting for over 20 years to listen to this collection I still have my original CDs from the day they were released back then I know that a lot of people are saying that this Sammy Hagar box set of CDs have been remix someone says that remastered then that's what I'm going to go by I'm still going to support the box that regardless I'm still in Van Hagar fan pair to the original lineup as well but what I really want to see are the concerts live footage and concert releases on CDs as well of Van Halen that's what I'm after but I don't want to wait too long because I know Natalie kicking the bucket some twenty years later down the I got another 10 to 20 years to wait for this and I don't want to wait too long but I'm looking forward to buying my boxing as well like everyone else and add this to my collection thanks

[@texeast8680]

Thanks for the CD review. Do you think or have you heard if the vinyl version sounds better in this case? Thanks.

[@BrendonSnyder]

The CD and the vinyl have the same issues

[@devonbrooks246]

I am very bummed. I was so excited about buying this. I wanted a remastered 5150 and we get a remix instead. Oh well. First world problems I guess.

[@miked.8175]

There’s no remix. Thank you to Brendon for creating unnecessary confusion

[@petervandebor1828]

I love Van Halen and gonna get this box set but i must say i like the V H with Mr. ROTH the most because Mr. Roth s voice is just so much more METAL, still with Sammy is also greate ,and the work of THE EDWARD LODEWIJK ,AND ALEX VAN HALEN ARE STILL AS WONDERFULL AS ALWAYS I AM FROM HOLLAND TO AND VERY PROUD ON THOSE GUYS SINCE 1978 ,I CAN SAY MY PALL'S ED&AL ARE THE BEST MUSICWIZZARDS THE PLANET EVER HAS, AND SEE THEM. IN AHOY ROTTERDAM BEDANKT EDWARD RIP, EN ALEX HOLLAND HOU VAN JULLIE MIJN VRIENDEN,ROCK AND ROLL EN DE VAN HALENS NR 1 VAN DE MUZIEK ❤ AFZ.BOR777 😇👍🌍

[@147decibel]

Excellent informative and detailed review Brendon. I was going to pass on this one but the fact it sounds like a different mix is interesting me. As you say you can still fall back on the originals. I do have the Roth remastered individual releases but missed the boxset that was released. Shame about the Live Right Here not included. Hopefully that gets a release. There is lots of soundboard material from that tour, maybe they could release some other dates as part of a set.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Yeah I think if you go into it understanding it has a different sound, then it can be cool to notice all the differences.

[@147decibel]

I wonder if the individual edition remasters they are the same remasters as those in the Roth boxset issued in 2013?

[@147decibel]

Always thought the original For Unlawful was a slightly dull mastering and a bit thin sounding for such a great album. The mastering on Balance was perfection to my ears.

[@jeffbridges8682]

Not a remix

[@davidmink6686]

The best years of Van Halen. Balance was my favorite record. I really liked Van Halen's mature sound. I was really excited about where they were heading as a band. Humans Being is one of my fav songs. I was devastated as a recent high school graduate when they broke up. My fav band at the time.

[@KokoTheGorilla69]

Must have been one of the geeks then because cool people listen to the original lineup

[@BrendonSnyder]

@KokoTheGorilla69 who says someone can only like one singer? Besides sounds like you’re a fan of Roth and not the band. If you liked the band you’d have continued on with them. Only listening to Roth doesn’t make you cool it makes you close minded. Try expanding your tiny brain to like other things and you won’t live such a miserable life.

[@davidmink6686]

I liked both versions. I just preferred Sammy.

[@JoeSmith-kj2nu]

I was hoping the songs sounded crisp and clear like how they sounded on the 2 best of collections

[@markbunton9919]

I love the Van Hagar version of the band but since there really isn’t anything new I will just stick with the CDs I already have. I really hope that Alex and Wolfie put some of the rare vault stuff whether it be tracks that were never released or some rare live recordings like KISS has been doing

[@markbunton9919]

I have the 3 tracks from the 2004 Best of Both Worlds album that I bought years ago. If I want Respect The Wind I can always pick up the Twister soundtrack probably for $1 at my local used store.

[@ryanwolfe3562]

Kinda bogus that they lifted two previously studio album tracks and put them in the rarities box seemingly just to make it look more complete. I understand that some former releases in this medium never included these tracks, but to someone who grew up with copies of OU812 and Balance having A Apolitical Blues and Baluchitherium on it (born in 2000) it feels cheap, not to mention it disallows you to listen to the box set perfectly chronologically.

[@jasongardner5466]

Great review!

[@pmc1649]

Fun Fact : Al played guitar and Edward played drums on A Apolitical Blues. Cool Review.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Cool 👍

[@crucify40]

Steven Wilson did a Dio remix? I must have missed that.

[@BrendonSnyder]

No two separate statements. Steven Wilson remixes and Dio having a Holy Diver remix as an example.

[@crucify40]

@@BrendonSnyder thanks for the clarification.

[@crucify40]

@BrendonSnyder BTW I just went out and purchased the box. Listening to OU812 since I think it's the disc that most needed a sonic improvement. I like what I hear thus far. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@RefreshTheDemon96]

how did you get the boxset before the official release date.... im dying for that boxset.... you guys in the states are paying $40 for this boxset, geezus christ we are getting screwed here in canada, here its double that price....

[@BrendonSnyder]

Sorry to hear it costs you guys so much more. Is it considered an import for you or music in general just costs more in Canada?

[@SaintMartins]

Yeah, the 1st "Roth era" boxset cost $50. in Canada. I heard a youtuber say in the U.S. their copy of the same "Roth era" boxset cost $25. I'm guessing the "Hagar era" will cost $60. b/c it has inner sleeves. The 1st box didn't.

[@alenmatkovic5190]

Try paying 300 Australian dollars for it. That's what it's costing us.

[@jeremiahmarks5529]

If you don’t want Crossing Over as a B side, it’s on the Japanese import of Balance

[@PJHVols]

For some reason I can’t find Van Halen collection 1 in cd box set. Do you have that? Or was it released only on vinyl?

[@BrendonSnyder]

It’s not called Collection 1, it’s called Studio Albums 1978-1984. It’s $29 on Amazon.

[@PJHVols]

@@BrendonSnyderah…i rewatched the video and heard you say that…I was that guy that didn’t listen 😅… You’ve opened the world cd box sets to me for stuff I like but don’t want to drop the money for LP versions. I’ve picked up the Tom Petty live at the filmore and I’m going to grab this Van Halen one too

[@SteveAuger2021]

Crossing over is pure ear candy use a good pair of headphones, and you will be amazed

[@THXSwitch625]

Well that’s disappointing. You’d think they could handle a simple remastering. I’m glad I put off preordering this set.

[@raymondyacco3734]

How do you have the Van Halen box when it don’t come out till Friday?

[@BrendonSnyder]

Connections 👍

[@raymondyacco3734]

@@BrendonSnyder sound exchange

[@RobNY5150]

I’ll probably pass on this boxset. I have several remasters of albums that I love, and I find that the remasters that I enjoy the most, are the ones, like you said, are more subtle and mainly enhance the original versions but basically sound the same.

[@SaintMartins]

Hoping "Van Halen Collection III" will contain all the left overs not released in the previous boxsets including all the remaining CD's & DVD's. Live Without A Net (1987) DVD Live: Right Here, Right Now (1993) CD Live: Right Here, Right Now (1993) DVD Best Of: Volume 1 (1996) Video Hits: Volume 1 (1996) DVD Van Halen III (1998) CD The Best Of Both Worlds (2004) CD A Different Kind Of Truth (2012) CD Tokyo Dome: Live In Concert (2015) CD

[@teddybozzio73]

Well, no, these records do not sound different: they just sound more -mp3 oriented, compared to the original ones that were still from an LP perspective, with lots of high frequencies and muddy bass lines. The overall quality is no serious difference to the original ones. 5150 should be REMIXED... that would make a difference.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I guess this is proof we all hear things differently. But the key take away is that they weren’t improved which is unfortunate.

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

I was excited for this release since I think some of the Van Hagar albums could sound better. This doesn't sound for what I am looking for. Shame. I think these albums deserve to be in the best light possible.

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

@@JIF882 I think 5150 and OU812 didn't age well in sound quality. Are these better sounding?

[@got2chews]

Give them a listen for yourself, possibly you’ll like them

[@richardhenle2650]

For the money its a great value, as was the other box set too. I'm actually more partial to the Sammy era, though their debut album is one of the best debuts ever. I just often felt the "Roth party antics" over powered them as being serious, he was a plus and a minus at times. As for this I know some are disappointed on not getting anything "new" but I have learned never to expect anything from this band ever, even when Ed was alive it was always frustrating that they never opened up the vaults of things that they must have somewhere. I mean Gary Cherone says there was another album he did with them, and that never will see the light of day. For that I doubt anyone came in and remixed this because no one is doing anything in the VH camp, its pretty much a done deal at this point. Also Hagar would have to be involved in any kind of re-mixing process and he has mentioned zero communication with Alex at this point who holds all of this stuff.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Have you listened to it yet? Regardless of what they call it, there are changes in the levels. I stand by my statement.

[@richardhenle2650]

@@BrendonSnyder Yeah I had a few listens was able to get a copy two days early here in the city. I get what you are saying, I don't doubt the sound adjustments, some things sound much clearer now and some not and some sound the same to me, but I think when a remix is going to be done, there is sourcing from different tapes of recording at least that is what has been specified for the Beatles releases also the band Ultravox I know for a fact they use many different takes in the process and always this is a band united issue where all the players that have any ownership of the material have to be involved. That is why I mentioned it is doubtful a full on remix was done to that degree, because Alex and Sammy have zero communication at all, and Sammy would have had to be called in/notified also signed off on and judging from his latest interviews there is nothing happening in the VH camp at all.

[@davidlg0478]

Hi Brandon. I notice a couple of other subscribers asked in the comments how did you get the VH boxset earlier than advertised release date but no response. There is an issue in VC at present where a lot of channels do not state they get products free to review which is against the rules if they do not declare same. I am sure this is not the case here with your channel as your reviews are all very candid and honest. There is an interesting video another VC channel just uploaded. The channel is Vinyl Rundown, video is Calling out VC shills. Great information in same.

[@BrendonSnyder]

Getting something for free isn’t the issue. It’s only if they are paying you that you have to declare it. That said, no this is not free I bought it. As I said in the review I acquired it early. I didn’t say a label sent it to me or that it was a paid review. I hope that clears things up.

[@ej9812]

Everyone keep your shirt on!! These are not remixed Alex Van Halen (hates the fans) he would never let these be remixed. From what I’ve heard so far is that they’re is not a lot of EQ and have plenty of head room.

[@ej9812]

@@JIF882 Wrong ….Warner tried to get a box set 10 years ago and Alex vetoed it. That’s when the original Demos leaked because those were remixed and the band vetoed it.

[@GoogleProd]

How does 5150 sound? Can you hear bass this time?

[@BrendonSnyder]

Did you listen to my review?

[@GoogleProd]

I just did,but it didnt state much on the audio@@BrendonSnyder

[@GoogleProd]

It sounds like you like the original better,thats why I wanted more opinions@@BrendonSnyder

[@BrendonSnyder]

Personally I felt I spent a good amount of time talking about the audio….I described the bass as being moved up to the front and overpowering in some songs and not others. The overall mix of the albums isn’t consistent. IMO the new mix of 5150 isn’t better than the original. Personally I feel it lost what little punch it had.

[@davidtrahan3062]

Question : how is it offensive for Brendon to express his opinion on what he hears when he reviews the music of a band… His opinion is about the music he hears not about the format that is on.

[@jeremiasnovaisteodoro9809]

Exelent collection👏👏👏👏

[@mrkevcanada1]

something that should be mentioned was the LP's version of the box set, its difficult to purchase the FUCK AND Balance LP's so this is why Im purchasing the set

[@BrendonSnyder]

I’m a CD guy

[@mrkevcanada1]

Oh Right, that's too bad.@@BrendonSnyder

[@tama2112]

Thank you for the honest review. Smells like a rushed money grab to me.

[@jeremywilson8158]

I appreciate your review of the new Van Hagar remastered collection but these albums have not been remixed, they are the original mixes. What you are hearing is the result of many factors that can play a huge role in the overall sound and can provide the illusion that you are hearing brand new mixes. This is the first time the Sammy era albums are being remastered from the first generation masters, which can provide a huge difference in sound. Then you have newer A/D convertors and hardware being used in the mastering process, along with different EQ, Compression/Limiting and processing choices all handled by Bernie Grundman. The only tracks I have heard from the collection so far are "Humans Being" and "It's About Time" and the new remasters blow the original releases away. The main difference I am noticing is a significantly lighter hand in EQ and Compression/Limiting by Bernie Grundman. These two factors alone can change the soundstage of instruments and vocals in the original mix. I can't wait until this Friday to listen to the whole catalog as my hope is the remasters were handled in the same fashion that Chris Bellman did for the DLR catalog (Vinyl and 192/24 Hi-Res).

[@gokhanersan8561]

The improvements on those two singles were tremendous. Contrary to what I am hearing in this review, I am quite hopeful for this boxed set.

[@gokhanersan8561]

What a missed opportunity this boxed set is. People say that the Japanese remasters from 2005 are superior in every way. Just ordered those to compare.

[@destiny-theseries]

I will say that I am very disappointed in these remixes. Prince's "Diamonds and Pearls (Remastered) was released the same week as the Collection II. And there's a VAST DIFFERENCE in sound quality when comparing these two releases. Bernie Grundman remastered Prince's album and was also in charge of the remixing it for Dolby Atmos. These Van Halen remixes are inconsistent and all over the place. Like you, I prefer the original releases. I wish the Van Halen camp took care of their remasters the way the Prince Estate does. Don't get me started on the Collection II's cheap packaging and lack of presentation.

[@Martinjr1975]

I love the Sammy Hagar period and i'm still pissed of why there hasn't been a Sammy reunion over the years ...

[@BrendonSnyder]

There was a Sammy Reunion in 2003

[@got2chews]

They reunited with Sammy in 2004

[@retromediaguy]

the Japan versions released in 2005 of all the Hagar albums are true remasters and sound better than the originals.(my Opinion) (They are called the Forever Young Series)..

[@ChrisTian-rm7zm]

After hearing this review, I'm glad I have the 5150 and OU812 Japan versions.

[@retromediaguy]

@@ChrisTian-rm7zm me too!

[@ledzep9501]

I think the vinyls are going to be much better...

[@BrendonSnyder]

I’m hearing they have the same issues as the CD version

[@FredBauer-c8n]

Thanks for this review Brendan. I won't be picking this up based on your review. Maybe later on if I find it used in decent shape, for a reasonable price, but I'll pass for now.

[@billymuellerTikTok]

to me, remix vs. remaster are fine... as long as it's not re-recorded with different singers / musicians like Foreigner & Dokken did... a lot of the late 80's, early 90's albums were casualties of the loudness wars and they changed the mix now so they match the vinyl resurgence - I like your idea though, hold onto the original CDs & their jewel cases

[@heavychevy4616]

thank u sir

[@stateofamoricapodcast9239]

These are not remixed by any stretch of the imagination. You really need to stop telling people that as it is extremely misleading on your part. Also, the rarities disc (and the whole set, for that matter) was geared toward the vinyl format. The tracks on the rarities disc have not been on vinyl before, thus being termed rarities.

[@BrendonSnyder]

I didn’t review the vinyl I reviewed the CD boxset thereby the songs on the Rarities discs aren’t rare. And levels have been changed. There is a distinct difference to certain songs. I stand by my review and feel it would be inappropriate for me not to call this a remix.

[@theheavydoorband]

Great review. I think I will pass on this set. Like you I have the originals.