The Cars Candy-O: Ultimate Showdown! RHINO HIGH FIDELITY, MOFI And OG!

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The Cars Candy-O: Ultimate Showdown! RHINO HIGH FIDELITY, MOFI And OG!

Рет қаралды 6,003

Күн бұрын

In this video, I've assembled a complete shootout of The Cars Candy-O, with three pressings, two systems, three listeners and high resolution files of two songs for download.
The Cars Candy-O was recently reissued in a new all analog cut by Kevin Gray by Rhino High Fidelity. It follows the successful debut in the Rhino High Fidelity series. Also included are the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab edition mastered by Shawn Britton and a first pressing mastered by George Marino.
The session took place in two parts, the first at my friend Oswaldo Martinez' listening room at Let There Be Sound, with the second part done on my home system that was recently upgraded. All equipment used in each system is listed below.
The third listener was my friend John Deuble who came to visit and brought the additional copies of Candy-O that were needed. The Rhino is my own copy that I purchased recently.
Thank you to Oswaldo Martinez for hosting the first part of the shootout and creating the files that were done in the spot as we listened. Also I'm very grateful to Oswaldo for providing a loan of the System Audio Pandion 30 speakers you'll see in the video and in my updated equipment list.
A big thank you to John Deuble for his assistance with modifying my equipment console, system set up and for providing the additional copies of Candy-O.
The files for two songs are listed below and I urge you to download them and stream them through your main system for best effect. It's not perfect but I feel the are a good indication of what we heard.
00:00 Introduction
01:47 System Reset
03:33 Part One at Oswaldo's / Pressings
05:58 The Original First Pressing
06:46 The Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab
08:25 The Rhino High Fidelity
09:54 Part Two at Scott's / System Upgrade
12:52 Conclusion
Please download these files if at all possible and hear them through your main system to get the best idea of how these sound. Don't play them over your phone speaker, LOL!
Let's Go (OG) tinyurl.com/36...
Let's Go (MOFI) tinyurl.com/5z...
Let's Go (Rhino) tinyurl.com/28...
It's All I Can Do (OG) tinyurl.com/mv...
It's All I Can Do (MOFI) tinyurl.com/mn...
It's All I Can Do (Rhino) tinyurl.com/yc...
Oswaldo's A/B/C/D Comparison (Including the Nautilus Superdisc!)
• THE CARS Original vs. ...
Let There Be Sound’s Reference System:
• My Sonic Lab Signature Gold MC cartridge
• VPI Avenger Reference Turntable w/FatBoy 12 Tonearm
• Van den Hul “The Grail” Phono Stage
• Herron VTSP-360 ESP REF Tube Line Stage
• Prima Luna EVO 400 Tube Amp
• System Audio Legend 60.2 Loudspeakers
• IsoTek Aquarius V5 Power Line Conditioner
• Assorted cables by Nordost & Discovery Cable
Oswaldo Martinez
President • Let There Be Sound
mobile: (954) 465-5040
e-mail: vinylrules@aol.com
KZfaq: / @lettherebesound1
website: www.lettherebes...
Link to the first The Cars S/T Shootout - • The Cars S/T Rhino Hig...
If you particularly enjoyed this video, please consider a small one time donation to the channel! You can do so easily by clicking the "Thanks" button in the row of icons just below the title. Any amount truly helps and is greatly appreciated.
The Pressing Matters Amazon Affiliate Storefront
www.amazon.com...
(As an an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)
Scott's Reference System
-Basis 1400 Turntable
-Rega RB300 Tone Arm
-Audio Technica AT33EV MC Cartridge
-Hana SL ML Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Pre
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-System Audio Pandion 30 Loudspeakers
-Tributaries Series 8 Interconnect Cable
-Herron Audio Interconnect Cable
-Soundstring Tricormaxial Speaker Cables
-Panamax M5300PM Power Filter
-VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner
-Avis Record Cleaning Solutions
-Ursa Major Record Cleaning Brush
-Milty Zerostat
-DS Audio ST-50 Stylus Cleaner
-Disc Doctor Record Brushes

Пікірлер: 128

@mikemoffatt6610 4 ай бұрын

Listening to the samples, I do like the detail of the Rhino more, but one thing I will say, when the crunchy guitars kick in on the MoFi, I prefered the guitar sound in that pressing. I think I'd be happy with either, to tell you the truth. They both bring something new to the table. I think Candy-O as an album suits having a little bit of a strident edge to it, personally, I've always viewed it as the more raw album between their first two masterpieces. More ragged and punchy. From what I heard from the MoFi, it brings Candy-o closer to mastering of the first S/T album, which for a lot of people, would be a very good thing! I'd rather have a little bit of a different edge to Candy-o, like I said, but that's just me. Thanks to you and your friends for taking the time to do this! You have some of the best vinyl reviews on KZfaq, in my opinion.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Hi Mike, Great to hear from you, and I like the points you made here. This was an album I didn't buy when it came out, but now that you mention it, it seems they were going for a different sound than the debut. It's a bit sharp and angular, and perhaps the Rhino brings out that aspect a bit more than any other. The MOFI dials it back a bit, and it's a matter of taste which is preferred. The MOFI removes some of the strident edge, so as someone having a close listen to them all, it's the more audiophile approach, a bit easier on the ears. That probably why opinions on this are all over the place. I feel the Rhino just went a bit too far the other way. A clean original of the best stamper might be the sweet spot for many. Thanks so much for your comment!

@Rigs275 4 ай бұрын

Luckily I have all of them since I am a big Cars fan. Got all the MoFi when they came out. Great video Scott.

@michaelhawk4964 2 ай бұрын

Very informative review and the uploaded HQ samples really showed the differences. I'll be receiving the Rhino HF shortly. One of the things I like the most about your videos is how your emotions clearly come through when something moves you in the listening experience or describing the positive attributes of a particular recording/pressing. That is what it's all about, thank you.

@ThePressingMatters 2 ай бұрын

Hi Micheal, Thank you for your comment. I'm glad you took advantage of the samples and came to your own conclusion. I really hope that you enjoy the Rhino HF. I'm glad you mentioned my way of presenting things. I try to be fair to each version and describe differences, and that's where the value lies I think. I'm transparent where my preference might lie, but I'm careful to realize that others may feel differently. We have a new Rhino video coming up very shortly - Black Sabbath! Hope you can catch that review too.

@MrTgrewell 4 ай бұрын

Scott loved this shootout. I have an OG pressing and the 2019 Deluxe Ric Ocasek supervised remastered with the extra tracks. Man, now I'm wondering where it lands. I think it sounds pretty great but now I'm second-guessing myself and I'm considering the MOFI.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

So glad you enjoyed the video!I wonder too where that 2019 lands.i wasn't really aware of it and none of us had it for the shootout. Oswaldo decided to source the Nautilus for his collection so perhaps we'll revisit at some point. If you consider this a top album for you, perhaps the Mofi would be an upgrade over what you have. Try and listen to the files provided for an indication of what these sound like on your system.

@latheofheaven 4 ай бұрын

Aha! That was indeed worth waiting for! Thank you kindly for going to all the time and trouble and your friends too, that was great!

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Thank you! Now you can see why it was better to go with the full shootout over the first impression style of video. It's always exciting when you get a new, shiny record (and this one is the best looking, imo) but excitement can be deceiving until you hear the competition. Thanks for your patience. I'm glad you found it worth the wait.

@billa5289 4 ай бұрын

To my ears and on my system, the Rhino sounds fantastic. I haven't done a shootout yet, but I do have an OG and a MOFI. Both of the latest Rhinos sound fantastic to me. I am impressed with Kevin's AAA cuts, both are flat, clean, and very open. I found both to be toe tapping productions on my all analog tube system. Great video with an honest review of what you guys heard.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Hi Bill, Thanks for your comment! You're certainly not alone in your assessment - it seems many feel the same way. When I first heard it in isolation, I did too. It wasn't until hearing the comparison that the differences became more apparent. That's when I realized I'm happy to sacrifice the extra detail for a more refined sound with less sizzle. Obviously it's subjective and both are valid approaches. We also both had all tube systems. You really must do your comparison to get the whole picture, and you may end up feel ing the same way. I think at that point it comes down to personal preference. Clearly there is nothing wrong with either pressing. It was concerning to me to go against the tide of opinion on this but I was determined to report honestly as I always do. I really love Kevin Grays work in most every instance, I'm always praising his mastering choices and love what he does 99% of the time. It puzzles me why in this case I don't. I'll be interested to hear back after you've carefully compared the three copies. Thanks for your support for what I do, even when opinions differ.

@billa5289 4 ай бұрын

@ThePressingMatters Thanks for the detailed reply! Hopefully I can get time to compare them soon. The work that you put into detailing the review criteria and the honesty of the results is impressive. Nice work!

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

@@billa5289 Even if we don't agree, I always respect another opinion. There's so many variables, things are rarely unanimous. So interested to hear what your conclusion is. Whatever that may be, it's always welcome here.

@lpc1231000 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for this review. I have an OG first press, in near mint sound and I am happy with it. I was considering the Rhino because I got their S/T and it sounded so great. Now, I will look for the MOFI if I decide to replace my OG.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for watching. Check out the files if you can, it might tell you more than I describe here. But a clean original first press would be a nice sweet spot I think.

@GIBKEL 4 ай бұрын

I pulled my original out the other day and to no surprise, it sounded great. Maybe it’s my older ears but 6 out 10 times, I enjoy the original pressings. I don’t know if it’s to do with where it was pressed but it seemed to be well recorded. My first Cars lp …pretty rough and not as well recorded. That being said, the two Rhino lps I have of the Replacements are wicked good. Thanks for the comparison…cheers!

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

The original does sound great, really if you have a clean one, George Marino did a fine job on it. The MOFI is different, I think better and the Rhino of this one is very different. Some will enjoy it no doubt. Most people feel the first Cars record was better recorded. Surface noise can be hard to hear through for sure. Glad you enjoyed the comparison, thanks for watching!

@automatedelectronics6062 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the sound samples. I just listened to the "Let's Go". I'm going to have to give my OG and the Expanded edition a sound comparison now. With the OG, they used multiple pressing plants, as did the other labels in the WEA group. I find the "SP" pressings to be 2nd best. Although the "SP" pressings are vinyl, it come to mind that they often had raised pimples in the vinyl. I believe this might indicate recycled vinyl was used. The OG pressings all seemed to have "SP" in the matrix number on the label. You have to look at the deadwax to identify the pressing. The best pressings will have CSM in the deadwax. The Mofi version sounded good to me, but all the ticks at the beginning of the song ruined it for me. Maybe there is a scratch there? Ticks and pops, plus surface noise drive me up the wall. I was so grateful when CD's came out. Thank you for the video!

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for all the great info! I'll double check but I think this is a SP. I don't believe it was a CSM. It also had some numbers scratched out, so maybe a recut, though it is stamped STERLING and RTB. Glad you enjoyed the video.

@raywelsh5335 4 ай бұрын

Scott, those speakers look stunning. I think I'd have hidden any future album purchases from my parents if that was the end result - criminal!

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Hi Ray, They really are wonderful. I'm absolutely spoiled now. It would be difficult to go back. I might have to have a record sell off, lol.

@raywelsh5335 4 ай бұрын

Good luck with selecting the ones to sell! Lol.

@dimebagdave77 4 ай бұрын

Love the record cabinet. Thanks for your review ✌️

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

@LifelongMusicJunkie 4 ай бұрын

Hi Scott. There must be something wrong with my Mofi of Candy-O! I bought it from a third party seller on Amazon and it must be a counterfeit! haha. It is so dull in comparison at the same volume level. The Mofi only comes to life when you elevate the volume and it needs quite a bit of db increase to match the Rhino level, or the OG for that matter. The Mofi certainly is not bright! Nice speakers and nice video! Cheers

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for your comment! I'm sure your MOFI copy is not any different, but once volume matched, did you still feel the MOFI was dull? I found that the MOFI could be turned up and held together beautifully, while the Rhino at the same volume became too aggressive. It's interesting how we each perceive these differences. I'm really sensitive to anything, component or record, that seems bright or overly detailed. Yet those same item might sound wonderfully detailed and present to another. It's great people are enjoying the new Rhino and in a way I wish I was one of them. But even on my system that leans slightly warm and somewhat forgiving, I didn't enjoy this one. It's great there's a copy for every taste anyway. I would be curious to hear what you think of the files provided. Do you hear it the same way as your copies or something a bit different?

@djjoeykmusic 4 ай бұрын

Hi Scott, great video Well done. Awesome job

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Thank you my friend! Was a fun one to put together. Thanks for watching!

@rcpsammy7186 4 ай бұрын

No joke, this is by far the best pressing. I compared 3 different issues.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Which ones did you compare it to?

@LetThereBeSound1 4 ай бұрын

And what is your analog chain like? Please list turntable, cartridge and phono stage. Thanks! Oz

@rcpsammy7186 4 ай бұрын

@@ThePressingMattersa pristine og and the mofi. Waiting to see what your take is, my good man 👍

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

@rcpsammy7186 You'll be surprised!

@rcpsammy7186 4 ай бұрын

@ThePressingMatters fair enough on your opinion. Of course I don't have 10g speakers, so I have to use what I have, but I also own top of the line Sennheiser cans that I use a lot. Your analysis was wonderful. And, as you stated it all comes down to preference. That said, no way would I let my mofi go, I like it as much as you. I just think this Rhino is punchier, and yes, I do like the detail. Thanks for a few minutes well spent. Will see what you bring next 🤘

@FleagleSangria 4 ай бұрын

Hi Scott, Im offended. The naked legs are still visible on the original cover, please cut those out immediately! Lol, hillarious story. Too funny. Reminds me of an ABB Eat A Peach WLP I just purchased not long ago. The lp is stone mint. The front even has the timing strip. However, I guess the bottom half of the gatefold got damaged because the previous owner creatively cut away the damaged part of the gatefold and then used half of another completely different cover to repair and make a full jacket again. Ok the funny part is the album they used… A Melissa Manchester album lol. Talk about two polar opposite albums and covers! So now when I open the album there is Ms Manchester’s half a face and eyes staring at me. Ha. You know I just thought of something while typing this. Maybe it is also more witty repair job than I think… There is a song called “Melissa” on Eat A Peach. I hadnt thought of that. Even more funny. Maybe the owner was at least *trying* to make a connection with the ABB lp cover lol. I only paid $15.00 for it so I can put up with Melissa Manchester staring at me for a cheap NM WLP 👍🏻 Anyway you can tell your friend he isnt the only one who has cut away album covers, haha. The review of the review… First, thank you for going the extra mile and even two miles, by getting your friends ears and detailed opinion, on this review. Very kind of you and the extra effort is much appreciated! Outstanding effort. Im pretty much the same on what takes priority as far as sound quality. I do enjoy detail but if push comes to shove I am more towards the musicality and tonal quality than detail also. The overall impression I have been getting on individual reviews on the new Rhino Candy O has been mixed. And after getting a general feel that the Rhino might be as you described it, I am not totally surprised that the Mofi came out on top (too bad the S/T Mofi came out so poorly. That is still puzzling to me). I am curious, did the original Candy O that you guys listened to have both “sterling”and “RTB”( stands for Roy Thomas Baker) in the runout groove area at the end of each side of the lp? In the end I think Candy O is simply not as well recorded. Not sure if they were going for a darker and more sterile/menacing sound or not. But it is a step down in general in fidelity. For me, it is good to know that the Mofi won out over the Rhino. I have the original and the Mofi lp. So I think I am set. Thanks again for the time and effort you gentlemen put into this. Thats is the way it is done 👍🏻👍🏻 Also, incredible looking system and congratulations on the awesome speakers! If you like them, I hope you are able to purchase them.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Ok you really made me laugh out loud with that story of Ear a Peach! Thank you I needed that! I'm going to check the LP deadwax now ....yes exactly the same STERLING stamp and RTB. I agree that this album was a step down in fidelity over the debut.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for your positive feedback on this video. It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed doing it. Some things really require this kind of video, especially when the new release had me a bit perplexed. Since I initially had no other copy and hadn't heard it in years, I was wondering "did it always sound like this?" I thought just what we had mentioned earlier, that it just must have been recorded that way and this was the best Kevin could do with it. It wasn't until I heard the others that I realized I preferred the earlier pressings. I'm a bit baffled because I enjoy Kevin's work greatly, in his jazz reissues particularly, but something is going on here and in a couple of the others that suggests they may be going for a super detailed sound. I noticed it too on The Doobie Brothers release, on this, and my few minutes with American Beauty. I'll say no more on that one until I get the other copies I want to compare to it, but it does seem an intentional decision from someone. I think the Television album from what I read, was the exception because perhaps the original was so bright to begin with. I guess there's an audience that loves it, but like many of Mofi's One Steps it's not for me I can say that Rhino is knocking it out of the park with the jackets though! Candy O has never looked better!

@preservedmoose 4 ай бұрын

‘Speakers - listen to Tannoy dual concentric (DC) - they are fantastic. Stirlings, for example, are 91db and will work well with your system. They excel in midrange though they are full range. I have an older model with larger drive units but the DCs have a specific sound and you should at least hear these as they are quite different. The tweeter is in the middle of the drive unit, hence point source, and the sound is detailed but relaxed. Worth putting on your list.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for your suggestions. I'll read up on them.

@quikspecv4d 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for saving me money Scott. I almost ordered the Rhino but I already have the MOFI. I was still considering but now I think I’ll just stick with what I have. Those speakers look great. I hope you do a video on whatever speakers you end up purchasing.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

I think that's a good idea. You've already got what we felt to be the best. I will do a feature on the speaker if I buy it.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

By the way try and listen to the files. I think you'll hear what I did.

@johndeuble64 4 ай бұрын

Yo yo Mr Wilson…. ‘John’ reporting in. As mentioned, I concur in general. I wish the Rhino retained all of the detail it gave us but better balanced the seemingly wall of high frequency over the 2-5kHz mark. It was more noticeable and aggressive on certain songs and when turned up high. Too bad, because also as discussed, I felt the small details were less disembodied from the instruments on the MoFi and even less on the Rhino, the voice was slightly better, but the lack of sharp relief in the highs created a more fatiguing listen. ttyl.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Great comment from John, who was there at both sessions. Thank you for your detailed observations, John

@FleagleSangria 4 ай бұрын

“Disembodied Detail”…Im using that descriptor!

@kurjan1 4 ай бұрын

Glad now I chose the MoFi when adding this album to the library.

@robbiedetroitstigermanviny8883 4 ай бұрын

Looking Good Scott! Thank you for your thoughts and Review of this Classic Album. My Original, you really had to turn the volume way up to hear it. I'll try the Mofi Version per your reccomendation. Thanks Scott!!!

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Thanks my friend! They all have to be turned up a bit higher to come to life, it's just that when you do that with the Rhino, it's a high frequency assault. I can easily recommend the MOFI in this case.

@robbiedetroitstigermanviny8883 4 ай бұрын

@@ThePressingMatters Thanks a Million Scott!

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

It's still pretty reasonable too. I might pick up the MOFI after all. I played both again last night and I don't really think I care to hear the Rhino again. If I must have a copy I'll source a mint MOFI.

@audiophileman7047 4 ай бұрын

What sounds best depends on many variables specific to the listener. I always prefer well made all analogue albums over digital albums or an album with a digital step. I also prefer flat response and presence. A really great example of this is the recently released AAA Craft recording of the Bill Evans Trio's Sunday At The Village Vanguard album. Now that's the cat's meow in my audio world. 😻

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

You are right in the money and why I really don't like shootouts per se. A comparison is necessary to have more info though and why I rather point out differences one could expect, and my personal preference. Declaring something the best is something each listener can do themselves if the are inclined to. It's more fun to talk about the music! And speaking of music, I love your choice to mention SATVV. The Craft is a beauty,

@audiophileman7047 4 ай бұрын

If you celebrate it, Happy Easter, my friend. You're approaching qualitative sound comparisons from the proper perspective. 👍👍👍 Speaking of great sounding records, I'm looking to round out my Van Halen albums. I notice your Amazon affiliate lists the Chris Bellman remasters. Did you do a review on them? I couldn't find any videos specifically in your collection of YT videos on these VH albums. @@ThePressingMatters

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Thank you, Happy Easter to you too. I did not yet do a review on the Bellman remasters of Van Halen but I have a couple and feel they are recommendable as a solid choice to get a new mastering. I will do one where I have access to other pressings soon.

@audiophileman7047 4 ай бұрын

Sure, you bet. I've heard a lot of positive things about the Chris Bellman remasters. Some hardcore Van Halen fans have said that they prefer them over the original releases. They're AAA pressings, so that always gets my attention. I'm not a fan of new MoFi, so I won't consider any of their new albums that have a digital step(s). I look forward to your review of the VH Bellman remasters you choose. I have an original issue of 1984 that I acquired new when the album was first released. It has the original shrink with labels and is in NM condition. It would be interesting to compare my original to the Bellman remaster of 1984.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

@@audiophileman7047 I'll definitely take up the VH1 challenge. I think I can pull together the DCC, Japanese first, Chris Bellman and One Step

@michaelmerinar8355 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the review-I have a first mint- pressing, and like that the swell cover doesn’t have the title- in fact, the title is only on the edge of the jacket- aside from the stamped “sterling”, in the silent wax, it also has a large “RTB” etched, which I assume stands for Roy Thomas Baker-I wonder how much he participated in the mastering?

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Thanks Michael, We all liked the original, and how I wish it was close to mint, but it had a really nice balance. The question of Roy Thomas Baker's involvement is a good one, I'm not really sure. Perhaps someone else can answer if they read this. I'd say you are good with the original - the Rhino seems a bit divisive. Do check out the files and see if you recognize the sound of your pressing, and listen for the qualities I describe for the others. I'm wondering if you'll think the added detail of the Rhino really adds anything in overall musical enjoyment.

@michaelmerinar8355 4 ай бұрын

@@ThePressingMatters Thanks, Scott, for your reply. Like you, I like this album, but it’s not one of my favorites, so I think my copy will be fine, especially after you nicely pointed out the MF top end. I did notice that the More Fi, mint-, is selling for only about 30 dollars on Discogs. I also have it on Dolby cassette, and when played on my Advent 201, it sounds surprisingly close to my LP, and a little smoother. I do like detail, but not at the expense of musicality.

@FleagleSangria 4 ай бұрын

A couple of other thoughts after reading through the comments… One thing to consider with Mofi’s is they have always required volume increase for the most part to “bring them alive” so to speak. So for those Mofi’s that are mastered well (nothing will help the Mofis that are inferior in mastering of course) volume can make a difference. Secondly, some who have tubes in the chain may tolerate or even not hear the harshness of the Rhino as much. Just something to consider and am curious as to what type systems (solid state or tubes) that those who enjoy the Rhino are listening on?

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Good points for sure. The MOFI of Candy O, like most of them, need to be turned up higher to come alive. I do this as a matter of course. I find where each recording 'locks In' and listen there. When that's done the best ones open up and can be appreciated. The magic doesn't quite happen at a lower volume. I learned to do this with any recording. No two do this at the same level. When doing comparisons it's important to level match, preferably with a meter. Louder might sound initially "better" so you have to match. When matching with the MOFI, I found the Rhino got too aggressive. I wanted to turn it down, but if you did that you lost dynamic impact.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

I do have all tubes as does Oswaldo so I would think that the forward presentation of the Rhino would be more listenable on either system. It surprised me but it didn't 'warm it up' enough. Which makes me wonder how it could be tolerated on a system without them. Also in addition to the Hana ML, I'm currently using an Audio Techinca AT 33EV, a cartridge that is known to be forgiving on top, slightly rolled off. Between tubes, the AT, and the new System Audio with have a somewhat romantic sound, brighter sounding masterings would have the best chance to shine. It's puzzling to me what fans of it are listening on. No one has really revealed their systems so far, and I think that would be helpful to understand where they are coming from.

@AudiophiliaChannel 4 ай бұрын

Great video, Scott. Such a genial, professional presentation. And best of luck in your speaker search. Sounds like you’re off to a great start. All the best, a

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Thanks Anthony, I'm glad I updated my original video. I think this has everything one would want to make their decision on this album, even if it differs from mine. If anything I strive to be diplomatic! Yes, big jump in sound quality with these speakers. I will still investigate a few others I want to hear. Thanks for watching! Take care s

@AndrewBell 4 ай бұрын

Have you tried the KEF R3 Meta speakers and an SVS sub? That might be good for your size of room and a fraction of the cost of course. Apparently they punch well above their weight for their size and image beautifully.

@markhagestad332 4 ай бұрын

Turn the treble down... WOW, a miracle...

@LetThereBeSound1 4 ай бұрын

🤣😂😜

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

iIf they would dial it back a bit at Rhino's end I wouldn't complain! 🙏🏻

@cave70 4 ай бұрын

Hi Scott, it's been a while since I checked in. I was wondering if you've heard the new LP by Anthony Wilson, called Hackensack West. Recorded/Mastered by Kevin Gray (does he ever sleep?). and produced by Joe Harley. I know you're on the ball with new releases, but in case you hadn't, I wanted to tell you about it. I'd love to hear your review. The album is to die for. Anywho, keep the great vids coming. Best, Johnny K.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Hi Johnny, Great to hear from you! I have not yet heard it, but I was thinking of getting it. I didn't get his first release. I've heard some good things about it, and your recommendation has me thinking I'd better act on it! I promise to get it and do a review of it. On another note, the drawing for the Tone Poet is coming up tomorrow! Stay tuned ;-)

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

I think you better watch the new Tone Poet drawing video my friend! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i9iohZOi3cCwqGg.htmlsi=1RxfX4--LgpYdlJQ

@mikepahlow5009 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for this video! I’ve got the MoFi and was wondering if it was worth it to get the Rhino High Fidelity version. I think I’ll hold off now…

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Best thing to to is take advantage of the files in the description. That will be the best answer.

@michaelrogers8126 2 ай бұрын

It would have been nice you would have consider the 2017 expanded version too

@ThePressingMatters 2 ай бұрын

I agree, but these shootouts sometimes have to be conducted with what we can easily access. No one involved had that version.

@michaelrogers8126 2 ай бұрын

@@ThePressingMatters I understand but it would be nice if more often the budget mid prices ones were reviewed more often. I have a very modest system Sony STRDH 190 receiver, Sony PS - LX310BT Turntable and Sony Core SS5 speakers it’s what I can afford at the moment so I doubt I could hear the difference of the MoFi One Steps and UHQR to be honest.

@ThePressingMatters 2 ай бұрын

@@michaelrogers8126 I will try to include them where possible

@tomwebb7091 11 күн бұрын

The new Rhino Hifi is too hot. There is distortion at some parts mainly end of side 2. The Mofi is cut lower but is smoother, deeper sounding and more crankable. The vinyl is better quality too. Even the Rhino 2016 Okasek remaster doesnt have thr distorted keys at the end of Dangerous Type. The new cut tries too hard but comes across bright and hot imho

@ThePressingMatters 11 күн бұрын

Exactly right, and it's been on the shelf ever since this video was done. I find quite a few of the Rhinos to be cut too hot and in your face. I agree the MOFI was much better.

@SmallPersonRoo 4 ай бұрын

I have an original and bought the Rhino HiFi expecting greatness. I liked the EQ more on the Rhino but I was very disappointed by the way the cymbal crashes and hi hats sound on some tracks like Let’s Go. I thought my system had an issue but your samples have the same problem. It almost sounds like the whole signal turns to mush for a brief second when the crashes come in

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for your comment. This issue is throughout this Rhino, an odd sound to the top (cymbals, tambourine, etc) that push too hard. When turned up, it's just fatiguing to listen to. I think the original sounds better and the mofi the most pleasant. I can get into the production on the mofi and the original, but the Rhino just pushes me away. I'm not sure how people are claiming it is the best sounding edition. It's a mystery to me. And it surprises me too because I've always been a fan of Kevin's work. Why this particular series exhibits this kind of sonic signature seems like it might not be under his control but his client's wishes. It wouldn't be the first time a mastering engineer had to bow to the client.

@SmallPersonRoo 4 ай бұрын

@@ThePressingMatters I agree with you 100% however the system you used to make the vinyl recording definitely isn't helping. The cartridge used boosts the high-end a lot.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

I hope to be making my own recordings soon, so that the files will hopefully mirror the sound from my set up, which is I suppose more of a 'real world' system. I'm not overly familiar with the cartridge Oswaldo selected so I can't really comment on that specifically. I know the sound of my two cartridges intimately, so I think it makes sense to do the files here with the Hana ML, a cartridge that many more people might own, compared to what I think was a $7,000 cartridge.

@vinylrules4838 4 ай бұрын

Anyone compare to the Nautilus version?

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

No one yet, but I want to have a look on Discogs to see how much it is and any reviews

@LetThereBeSound1 4 ай бұрын

I thought I had it but I could not locate it on time for this shootout. I would not be surprised if I indeed own it but it was misfiled at my storage unit. Ugh! In any event I have a feeling the Nautilus will be very very good judging by the fact I also preferred it over The Cars' self titled Rhino HiFi in that comparison! Now, whether it also beats the incredible MOFI remains to be seen!

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

I definitely would like to hear it if it turns up.

@preservedmoose 4 ай бұрын

Wow, that is incredibly deranged to do that to the album cover. Sometime we forget how much we have progressed, despite the constant effort by certain groups to undermine the progress. Some would have us go back to that and we just need to fight that nonsense 🙂

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Well, it is odd, for the era it was done in. But John got over it. Still a fascinating momento!

@joseluisherreralepron9987 4 ай бұрын

this is another that i had on CD for years and then found an original LP. I ripped and burned it and was quite pleasantly surprised at how much better the vinyl sounded. The CD sounds flat and kind of glassy in comparison...and the LP is a bit tizzy to begin with.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

It is a bit on the brash, tizzy side, so a mastering that exaggerated that aspect doesn't work for me. I never heard the CD but and original, MOFI or even the Nautilus don't go overboard with the detail. The Rhino does in my opinion.

@ergloo6660 4 ай бұрын

Why did you change from your maggies?

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

I love the big Maggie's but I had no room to do them justice, I switched to MMG and it was too small and needed a sub. It just wasn't working well unfortunately. So I'm on a search.

@Raypirri 4 ай бұрын

Great Scott! I don’t get it. Only a week or so ago you were saying that this latest Rhino version was the best and that it was the one to buy. Now it’s MoFi’s?! What’s changed

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Hi, Well actually, my initial impression was favorable, but it was in isolation. I had nothing to compare. I did not declare it the best (how could I, without comparisons. I did say if you were interested in it, it would likely sell out quickly.) Now you can see why I took it down because a first impression without comparison is unreliable. I thought better of it. I knew people might be unduly influenced and that a comparison was in order. It turned out it wasn't my top choice. It's not bad by any means. I hope you understand why I updated the video. Have you heard this Rhino?

@Raypirri 4 ай бұрын

@@ThePressingMatters Thanks for the reply Scott. No I haven’t received my copy yet, but I must say that I probably would not have bought it if I had seen this video first…😟

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

@Raypirri Well, you may in fact like it. Who knows really. Opinions are all over the place, many favoring the Rhino. I seem to be one of the few that prefers the MOFI. I stand by my conclusion absolutely. But that's for my preference in my system. I wouldn't be too concerned yet. Keep me informed and perhaps listen to the files. You may not be as sensitive to the high frequencies as I was.

@Raypirri 4 ай бұрын

@@ThePressingMatters Cool as! Thanks Scott. I really appreciate you spending the time and energy discussing this with me. Like sitting with mates and having a yarn about records. Thanks heaps and Cheers from Oz.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

@@Raypirri You're welcome. It's my pleasure to discuss anything with you.

@ratpinscher 4 ай бұрын

Everybody's preferences ARE different, that's true, but if you can honestly put out there that Rhino's American Beauty is a "travesty", then I can confidently dismiss your opinions on these audiophile pressings going forward.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

That was not my statement. I did relate the opinion of another listener. Just to be clear I would not use that term for anything really. I personally haven't heard any other but the Rhino, and although it wasn't my cup of tea, I would reserve any opinion until I do listen to the original and mofi, or any other contender. I also edited the comment so if Oswaldo wants to elaborate he can specifically.

@LetThereBeSound1 4 ай бұрын

@ratpinscher It is I who found the new Rhino "American Beauty" a bit of a hot mess. It sounds too analytical, bright, thin to these ears. I don't know what other versions you've compared the Rhino HiFi against, or have you? I highly recommend the original Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab MFSL 1-014 or of course a mint original. Those two are *FAR* more natural and relaxed sounding. The Rhino sounds too "balls to the wall" and completely devoid of that organic/relaxed feel and lush soundscape this recording is known for.

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for replying Oz.

@ratpinscher 4 ай бұрын

Preference I suppose, but then again I don’t have $10k speakers to run it through lol

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

@@ratpinscher Hi, welcome back. They certainly made a difference but I did do a quick switch back to the $400 Elac Debut 2.0, and the basic sonic signature was still in evidence for each pressing. I'm using tube amp, a very forgiving cartridge that actually rolls off the top a bit and the new speakers which warm up things over the Elac, so really on the warm side of neutral and al the Rhinos should sound better, but there's still something going on in the high frequencies that doesn't sound natural to me.

@danielreynosa1804 4 ай бұрын

Jeez its a freakin lp either your ears like it or not.lol!! why all the scrutiny and hoopla? I think all these shootouts are getting silly

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

You know, sometimes I feel the same way. Can't we just listen to a damn record and enjoy it? But people expect this kind of thing these days. They are looking for a consensus on what people feel sounds best, even though no one really can say that objectively. If you don't do a shootout they ask why you didn't, and then when you do, they don't like the answer! Lol

@danielreynosa1804 4 ай бұрын

@@ThePressingMatters i get it and your right about that but too me i like some things about the rhino and the mofi .so ill be cool with listening too both of them and it will be okay there just different which is fine with me lol. great work btw

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

@@danielreynosa1804 Best comment! I like your solution. There are things to enjoy with each. It doesn't have to be a fight. One might have a preference, but why not enjoy both. I always laugh when someone says this one or that one "wipes the floor with" or "destroys" another pressing. I don't take it to extremes - "this one does this well" and "that one does that well" or " this one will appeal to listeners with this priority" or "this one might appeal to someone with this a system that tends toward ....." No one gets to be king. Too many variables.

@anthonyburke223 4 ай бұрын

Thank you , I have the mofi and I’ve always thought it sounded awesome.. Let’s go is such a great opening track ! I recently bought the rhino hifi Television. I was quite disappointed because my Japanese pressing of Television blows the Rhino away

@ThePressingMatters 4 ай бұрын

I think there's some Rhino-Mania going on right now with record buyers. It is an exciting opportunity to get great titles but I think a lot of people are not really comparing carefully. I do not think they are definitive, if such a thing even exists. But I remain optimistic. When they get to one of my personal favorite titles, I hope they are on a winning streak.