MoFi StudioDeck Turntable ON SALE! Stereo STEAL？
United States of Analog | June 15, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
The video discusses a sale on the MoFi StudioDeck turntable. The host is covering this as an “audio deal” or “stereo steal,” explaining why it’s a good value for newcomers to vinyl and comparing it to other entry-level turntables.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- MoFi StudioDeck with Studio Tracker cartridge – on sale for $799, normally $1,200 [00:00:50]
- MoFi StudioDeck Foundation – on sale for $799-$899, includes ultra low noise feet on the $899 model [00:02:14]
- Project Carbon Evo – priced around $599-$699, host is “not a big fan” and has had two with “minor issues” [00:01:41]
- Crosley turntables – mentioned as what not to buy for newcomers [00:01:29]
- SoundBurger – also mentioned as what to avoid [00:01:33]
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- The MoFi StudioDeck sale represents excellent value and gets you into “audiophile territory” [00:02:10]
- He suspects MoFi has dropped the price because “there’s something good on the way to replace it” [00:00:45]
- He’s negative on Project Carbon Evo turntables based on personal experience with reliability issues
- He owns and endorses the StudioDeck as “part of the family” [00:02:05]
Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- Strong recommendation for the MoFi StudioDeck at the sale price for newcomers to vinyl
- Warning against Crosley and SoundBurger turntables for new vinyl enthusiasts
- Advises against the Project Carbon Evo based on his experience
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- Opens the video filming from his Tesla, saying he’s “rolling out like some kind of audio guy-fiety” but looking for “audio deals” instead of “drive-ins” and “dives” [00:00:18]
- Says getting an email from British Audiophile “felt like Sir Anthony Hopkins had sent me an email” [00:01:15]
- Jokes about not knowing how to add links below his videos [00:01:39]
- Calls turntable feet “regular feet, I don’t know what they call the regular feet” [00:02:27]
Summary
In this opening segment, host Bob introduces a significant sale on the MoFi StudioDeck turntable while filming from his Tesla. He’s presenting this as an “audio steal” – the turntable with Studio Tracker cartridge is available for $799, down from its normal $1,200 retail price. Bob suspects this price drop indicates MoFi has a replacement product coming soon.
The host positions this deal as ideal for vinyl newcomers who want to avoid entry-level options like Crosley or SoundBurger turntables. He specifically compares it to the Project Carbon Evo, which costs $599-699, but expresses dissatisfaction with that model based on reliability issues he’s experienced with two units over the years. Bob emphasizes that for just a couple hundred dollars more than the Project, buyers can get into “audiophile territory” with the MoFi.
Bob’s enthusiasm for the deal is clear as he states he’d “take that all day, every day, 24-7.” He owns the StudioDeck himself and considers it “part of the family,” lending personal credibility to his recommendation. The segment also touches on different StudioDeck models, including a Foundation version that ranges from $799-899 depending on whether it includes upgraded ultra low noise feet.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
Gear, products, or brands discussed
- [00:02:45-00:02:56] MoFi StudioDeck turntable, Music Direct, Crutchfield retailers
- [00:03:01-00:03:09] Standard StudioDeck ($899), StudioDeck cartridge, ultra-low noise feet
- [00:04:02-00:04:06] Other MoFi turntables mentioned generally
Host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions
- [00:02:39] Calls the deal “a good deal” and says he doesn’t hate it
- [00:03:14-00:03:23] “I can’t say enough about the studio deck turntable” – very positive endorsement
- [00:03:44-00:03:56] Calls it a “big boy turntable” but acknowledges it’s “still midline” and “the sky’s the limit when it comes to turntables”
- [00:03:56-00:04:02] Says he “love[s] the aesthetics” of the StudioDeck and other MoFi turntables
Price/value assessments
- [00:03:09-00:03:23] Standard StudioDeck + cartridge + ultra-low noise feet = $999 total, which he claims is a “$1600 value”
Memorable quotes or strong takes
- [00:03:38-00:03:44] “I was like, you know what, Bob, it’s time to get a big boy turntable, get a big boy turntable”
- [00:04:13-00:04:19] “I don’t do my research, I’m on the fly, that’s what I’m going to bring to this space, okay, audio news and reviews on the fly”
- [00:04:27-00:04:48] Self-deprecating comparisons: “am I going to be as well read as Sir Andrew Robinson? No. Am I going to be as handsome as the British audiophile? Not a chance. Am I going to be as clever as the cheap audio man? Impossible”
Summary
The host enthusiastically endorses the MoFi StudioDeck turntable deal, sharing his personal experience of purchasing one during pandemic stress as “retail therapy.” He breaks down the pricing structure, explaining that for $999 you can get the standard StudioDeck, cartridge, and ultra-low noise feet – which he claims represents a $1600 value. While acknowledging it’s a “midline” turntable in the broader market, he emphasizes it was a significant upgrade from his previous equipment.
The discussion shifts to the host’s approach to his YouTube channel, where he openly admits to doing “audio news and reviews on the fly” without extensive research. He uses self-deprecating humor to distinguish himself from other established audiophile YouTubers like Andrew Robinson, the British Audiophile, and the Cheap Audio Man, acknowledging he can’t match their expertise, looks, or cleverness respectively.
Throughout this portion, the host maintains an enthusiastic but humble tone about both the MoFi product and his own position in the audiophile YouTube space. He emphasizes his day job in radio and his desire to bring something new and fun to the audio community, even while working with limited time and resources compared to more established reviewers.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion:
- MoFi StudioDeck turntable [00:05:08-00:06:58]
- 10-inch black straight tonearm
- Oversized black plinth with low noise feet
- 19-pound total weight, 3.8-pound platter
- Three-quarter inch thick Delrin platter and pulley
- 300 RPM motor with backlit on/off button
- Anti-skate managed by weight
- Smoked gray acrylic cover
- Studer tape machines (comparison reference) [00:06:38]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion:
[00:07:04] The host concludes it’s “a great deal” and encourages viewers to “pick up on the studio deck deal.”
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider:
[00:06:58-00:07:04] Clear buy recommendation – host hopes viewers “can pick up on the studio deck deal” calling it “a great deal.”
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers:
[00:05:40-00:05:58] The StudioDeck offers adjustability but keeps things “simple” and “clean” without complex gimbal adjustments found on other turntables.
How did the video wrap up:
[00:07:09-00:08:10] Standard YouTube outro requesting likes, subscriptions, and notification bell activation. Host acknowledges the informal nature but promises to bring something different to the audiophile space using his 45 years of broadcast experience and comedy background. Mentions he’s in the Texas Radio Hall of Fame and requests manufacturers send gear to help develop the channel. States he’s “not in it for the money” but “for the love of the game.”
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions:
[00:05:08-00:05:19] “I may not have as many specs as the other guys, I may not have pretty pictures like the other guys, but I’m going to come from the heart”
[00:08:02-00:08:10] “I’m not in it for the money, I’m in it for the love of the game, that’s right, and I think I have something to say”
Summary:
The host wraps up his MoFi StudioDeck review by emphasizing his heart-over-specs approach, praising the turntable’s aesthetics including its oversized black plinth, low stance, and clean 10-inch straight tonearm design. After his GoPro overheats, he provides detailed specifications: 19-pound total weight, 3.8-pound Delrin platter, 300 RPM motor with backlit Studer-style button, and anti-skate weight system, all topped with a smoked gray acrylic cover.
He delivers a clear buy recommendation, calling the StudioDeck “a great deal” and encouraging viewers to take advantage of the sale. The turntable appeals to him for its simplicity and clean engineering without complex gimbal adjustments, while still offering necessary adjustability features.
The video concludes with a personal appeal to viewers, acknowledging his informal presentation style while promising to bring something different to the audiophile YouTube space. Drawing on his 45 years of broadcast experience and Texas Radio Hall of Fame background, he requests the standard YouTube engagement (likes, subscriptions, notifications) and asks manufacturers to send gear to help develop his channel, emphasizing he’s motivated by passion rather than profit.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
