HOW TO Build an AUDIOPHILE Record Collection on a Budget!
United States of Analog | September 10, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video focuses on building an audiophile-quality vinyl record collection without spending premium prices. The host specifically spotlights Rhino Records as a label that’s been producing exceptional-sounding vinyl pressings in the $20-40 range, challenging the need for expensive $200+ audiophile editions. He provides historical context about Rhino Records and begins showcasing specific albums that offer great sound quality at reasonable prices.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Rhino Records/Rhino High Fidelity: Label producing high-quality vinyl reissues at $20-40 range, with some exceptions
- Kevin Gray/Coherent Audio: Mastering engineer mentioned for several pressings
- Warner Music Group: Parent company that acquired Rhino Records
- The Cars album: Limited edition of 5,000 copies from Rhino High Fidelity, mastered by Kevin Gray from original analog master tapes, sold out [00:05:01]
- Curtis Mayfield “Curtis Live”: Double album, Kevin Gray/Coherent Audio cut from original master tapes, regular pricing [00:06:25]
- MoFi’s Thriller: Referenced as expensive audiophile record the host bought months ago [00:01:57]
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- Rhino Records is “killing it lately” in terms of quality vinyl production [00:01:08]
- Questions whether expensive $100+ audiophile records are necessary when quality alternatives exist at lower prices [00:01:41]
- Has been disappointed with some expensive audiophile records recently and hasn’t bought any since getting MoFi’s Thriller [00:01:53]
- Believes you can build an excellent audiophile collection by carefully selecting “hidden gems” rather than premium-priced editions
- Has become a “super fan” of Curtis Mayfield in the past year [00:05:48]
What are the host’s strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
Recommendations:
- Check out Melinda Murphy’s vinyl content channel [00:00:55]
- Look for the Rhino mark on labels or hype stickers of quality standard releases [00:02:32]
- Consider Rhino pressings as alternatives to expensive audiophile editions
Warnings:
- The Cars album had shipping issues for many buyers, though his arrived in perfect condition [00:05:36]
Any interesting vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?
- The Cars album: Rhino High Fidelity limited edition, described as “fantastic” and “incredible” [00:05:04]
- Curtis Mayfield “Curtis Live”: Double album, described as “outstanding” [00:06:25]
- Ramones “Weird Tales of the Ramones”: CD compilation mentioned as example of Rhino’s past work [00:02:18]
- The Turtles “Wild Mania”: One of Rhino’s first big successes [00:03:19]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
Memorable quotes:
- “I hope you don’t mind, but today we’re gonna have a little bit of a vinyl ruckus” [00:00:00]
- Mocking expensive pressings: “$200 300 gram pressings on Swedish ultra mega vegan vinyl in a quad fold sleeve stuffed in a faux Walnut collectors case” [00:01:17]
- “Gabba-gabba-hey” when mentioning the Ramones [00:03:59]
- “Thank you Warner Brothers. Thank you bugs, Daffy and Elmer” [00:04:17]
- “Wow, I’m exhausted. Can we go to recess now?” after the history lesson [00:04:33]
Summary
In this opening portion of the video, the host introduces his mission to help viewers build quality vinyl collections without breaking the bank, specifically highlighting Rhino Records as an underappreciated source of audiophile-quality pressings. He expresses frustration with expensive premium vinyl editions, questioning their value after recent disappointments with $100+ records, and suggests that carefully selected mainstream releases can offer comparable quality at a fraction of the cost.
The host provides an educational history of Rhino Records, tracing its evolution from a 1973 Los Angeles record store to a major reissue label under Warner Music Group. He emphasizes Rhino’s reputation for quality mastering and creative packaging, noting their work with major artists and their recent launch of the Rhino High Fidelity online division. This background serves to establish Rhino’s credibility in the audiophile space.
He then begins showcasing specific examples from his collection, starting with a sold-out Cars album from Rhino High Fidelity that he describes as “incredible,” mastered by renowned engineer Kevin Gray from original analog tapes. The host also shares his recent appreciation for Curtis Mayfield’s music, highlighting a live double album as another example of Rhino’s quality work at reasonable prices, setting up what appears to be a longer showcase of recommended albums.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
Brands Discussed
- [00:07:29] Rhino Entertainment – Praised extensively for their reissue quality
- [00:08:16] Kevin Gray/Coherent – Mastering engineer mentioned for Billy Cobham album
- [00:10:14] Elektra – Label stamp on The Doors album
- [00:11:00] Mobile Fidelity (MoFi) – Compared unfavorably on value
- [00:11:18] Warner – Publisher working with Rhino
- [00:11:17] Chris Bellman/Bernie Grundman Mastering – Mentioned on Van Halen reissue
Key Findings and Opinions
- [00:07:32] Rhino Entertainment is doing “fine work” and host has become a “super fan”
- [00:11:05] Questions spending $125-150 on MoFi releases when quality alternatives exist for $20-30
- [00:11:32] Doesn’t feel he needs the MoFi version of Warren Zevon when he has the Rhino glow-in-the-dark version
- [00:08:52] Advocates buying from independent record stores
- [00:09:35] Admits he’s “NOT a doors fan” and got “burned out” on them in late 70s/early 80s
Price/Value Assessments
- [00:10:42] The Doors “L.A. Woman” cost “somewhere between 20 and 30 bucks” vs expensive audiophile versions
- [00:11:05] Questions spending “$125 150 dollars on a mofi Van Halen release” when standard retail offers similar quality
Comparisons to Other Gear
- [00:11:00] Van Halen: Standard Warner/Rhino release vs upcoming MoFi releases
- [00:11:32] Warren Zevon: Rhino glow-in-the-dark vinyl vs new MoFi version
- [00:11:49] “Mofi doesn’t have glow-in-the-dark vinyl. I have glow-in-the-dark vinyl”
Vinyl Records/Albums Discussed
- [00:06:48] Curtis Mayfield – Solo debut album on translucent blue vinyl with slipmat
- [00:08:02] Billy Cobham – “Spectrum” on clear vinyl, Kevin Gray cut from analog masters
- [00:08:47] INXS album – Wife’s purchase from Piranha Records
- [00:09:58] The Doors – “L.A. Woman” (1971 stereo mix, 180g, pressed in Germany)
- [00:11:23] Van Halen record – 180g lacquer cut by Chris Bellman, remastered from original analog tapes
- [00:11:40] Warren Zevon – “Excitable Boy” glow-in-the-dark vinyl
Audiophile Tips and Advice
- [00:08:52] “You should buy from independent record stores”
- [00:07:49] Look at the back of records “in the very fine print” to see if it says Rhino Entertainment
- [00:10:50] “Choose wisely” when selecting reissues – Rhino offers great value
This portion focuses on the host’s enthusiasm for Rhino Entertainment reissues as budget-friendly alternatives to expensive audiophile pressings. He showcases several recent Rhino releases including Curtis Mayfield’s solo debut on translucent blue vinyl, Billy Cobham’s “Spectrum” on clear vinyl, and The Doors’ “L.A. Woman” – all featuring high-quality mastering and pressing at standard retail prices of $20-30.
The host makes a compelling value argument against Mobile Fidelity releases, questioning why anyone would spend $125-150 on MoFi pressings when Rhino offers comparable quality with features like Chris Bellman mastering and remastering from original analog tapes. He particularly enjoys the novelty aspects of some Rhino releases, like the glow-in-the-dark Warren Zevon pressing that MoFi can’t match.
Throughout this section, the host emphasizes supporting independent record stores while demonstrating how careful selection can yield audiophile-quality results without the premium pricing. His personal anecdotes, including his wife’s INXS purchase and his own complicated relationship with The Doors, add authenticity to his recommendations while reinforcing that great pressings don’t require breaking the bank.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
Gear, Products, and Brands Discussed
[00:12:17] – [00:17:04]
- Rhino Records (multiple releases and their “Start Your Ears Off Right” series)
- Rhino High Fidelity label
- Kevin Gray mastering (coherent audio)
- 180 gram audiophile vinyl
- Chad Kassem (Acoustic Sounds) – referenced by comparison
Specific Albums Mentioned:
- Eddie Hazel “Games, Dames and Guitar Thangs” (baby blue vinyl)
- The Monkees “Pisces Aquarius Capricorn and Jones” (green vinyl)
- The Monkees “More of the Monkees” (double album)
- Yes “Fragile” (Rhino reissue)
- Yes “Live at Knoxville Civic Auditorium” (triple album, Record Store Day release)
- Talking Heads “Stop Making Sense” (double album)
Host’s Final Verdict or Conclusion
[00:16:28] – [00:16:56]
The host strongly endorses Rhino Records, stating “Way to go Rhino, Keep up the good work” and recommends doing yourself “a favor get yourself some Rhino.”
Final Recommendations
[00:16:07] – [00:16:56]
- Buy: Rhino Records releases – described as “normally priced” retail records that deliver excellent quality
- Consider: The “Start Your Ears Off Right” series and Rhino High Fidelity label releases
- Specific endorsement: The Cars release on Rhino High Fidelity ($50-ish price point)
Final Tips, Caveats, or Advice for Viewers
[00:16:12] – [00:16:25]
The host questions why he was spending $150 on audiophile records when many left him “disappointed,” suggesting Rhino offers better value for money.
[00:16:56] – [00:17:01]
Advice to look for “unhyped secret cut from original analog tape Kevin Gray mastered hidden gem” releases from Rhino.
How the Video Wrapped Up
[00:17:04] – [00:17:12]
Standard YouTube outro asking viewers to hit buttons (like/subscribe) and requesting comments about favorite Rhino finds. Brief blooper moment with leaf blower noise interrupting recording.
Memorable Closing Quotes or Strong Final Opinions
[00:16:45] – [00:16:50]
“It’s one of the best sounding records I own and I’ll stand on top of Chad K. Kassem’s coffee table and say it” – referring to The Cars Rhino High Fidelity release.
[00:16:52] – [00:16:56]
“I know it’s not a competition, but you know what I mean do yourself a favor get yourself some Rhino.”
Summary
In this final portion, the host showcases several more Rhino Records releases, including colored vinyl editions of Eddie Hazel and The Monkees albums, high-quality reissues of Yes albums, and the recent Talking Heads “Stop Making Sense” release. He emphasizes the excellent packaging quality, reasonable pricing, and superior sound quality of these releases, particularly praising Kevin Gray’s mastering work and the attention to detail in the reissues.
The host builds to a strong endorsement of Rhino Records as an alternative to expensive audiophile labels, questioning why he previously spent $150 on releases that often disappointed him when Rhino consistently delivers quality at normal retail prices. He specifically highlights their “Start Your Ears Off Right” series and the High Fidelity label, with The Cars release being singled out as potentially the best-sounding record in his collection.
The video concludes with an enthusiastic recommendation for viewers to explore Rhino’s catalog, suggesting they might discover hidden gems that offer superior value compared to hyped audiophile releases. The host wraps up with a standard YouTube outro, encouraging engagement and asking viewers to share their own Rhino discoveries, ending on a brief humorous note about recording challenges with neighborhood leaf blower noise.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
