Michael Fremer from Analog Planet Verifies My Claims On $450 Acetates + Lets Talk ERC Records Again 

My final comment: every label that Mike sells and advocates and every pressing plant that manufactures them, whether QRP, RTI, Record Industry, Optimal or Pallas distributes or manufactures defective records. Many arrive at my home with split seams or other defects in manufacturing or packing and that includes Mo-Fi One Steps. No pressing plant or record manufacturer achieves perfection. Mike could make that same nasty video he made about ERC about Mo-Fi, Analogue Productions, Sam Records, Chasing The Dragon, Music Matters, Blue Note Tone Poet etc. or any specialty label that he sells but he chose to single out ERC. Why? If you, his acolytes think it’s ok to trash a company trying to do good work and mostly succeeding, that’s your call. And if you wish to call me names and impugn my integrity for pointing it out to your little circle of friends, be my guest. I did my job.

A $50 record should be damn near perfect. A $575 record should be absolutely perfect in every single way. Anything less is unacceptable.

This man has integrity.

I’ve been casually following Michael Fremer for 30 years. I’ve read his articles and watched many of his videos. I’ve been watching Mike In Groove’s videos for one year. I’ve now purchased several hundred dollars worth of records from his website. And guess what- I trust Mike more than Michael. Mike tells it like it is. He’s got no axe to grind. He’s going to sell records with me or without me. Fremer gives off the sense that he survives and thrives off of free “review merch.” Plus he has an attitude. Listen, I’m grateful that Fremer has kept up the fight for decades. I really am. But when it comes to spending my hard-earned $$$, I’m going to trust Mike In Groove every time.

During your live stream yesterday, a customer asked about a record on your back wall. You told him, "you don't want that" then you explained that a newer / better pressing was coming soon. Then you instructed an employee to take it off the wall. I'm too lazy to go back through that video and find it but I witnessed it live. That's Integrity man! Keep on doing what you do Mike. There's really no need to explain your position to trolls since you already make it clear in most every video. 👍

I'm a local in Phoenix and love seeing Mike and the gang. I even take my 9 year old son and am getting him into vinyl now. I always try and ask Mike about one copy versus another and he always gives a great and informative response. Recently I saw an album from my youth (the Cars Heartbeat City). They had a version for $10 and another for $40. I asked him what the difference was and he said the $40 was unopened and if I planned on listening to it I should get the $10 version. Knowing how Mike cleans all his used records (some of the best items I have purchased from him were used $5 classical albums!), I knew it would sound great. And it does. No BS from him. Keep up the amazing work Mike! And yes, if I ever buy a $500+ NEW record, that sucker better be pristine!

Mike, in my opinion, you are a honest and genuine good guy. That is why I buy my new records from your online site. Keep on spinning.

I’ve been reading Michael Fremer since he wrote for The Absolute Sound. You know, those days when audiophile mags were Readers Digest sized? But I’m in your corner on this. Honesty and candour. Good on you Mike.

Again, thank you Mike for looking out for US, the CONSUMER! It's very much appreciated buddy, and I'll continue to shop online with your store! Very satisfied with your business!

I am a recording artist and get acetates all the time of my own records. Everything you say about acetates is 100% correct. They are for authorising the sound only, they are not durable, or proposed for long term play. Unbelievable that you are being challenged on that.

What a wonderfully even-tempered, methodically laid-out response. As a RU-vidr myself, who sometimes gets erroneous and occasionally nasty comments, this was a clinic on how to defend yourself without resorting to vitriol. Keep up the good work, Mike. You’re a trusted voice in the vinyl community.

Mike is clearly a no-bullshit, straight to the point, kind of guy and I love it. He tells it like it is and I trust what he says more than anyone else on RU-vid when it comes to jazz records. Gonna go happily buy some records from him right now.

We're with you, Mike. Fremer is being crude and senile. You make phenomenal content that doesn't make me feel alienated the way Fremer's videos do.

Great response Mike, I was once in the audio industry (importer and distributor) and there are many bully boy characters in the industry so it certainly comes as no surprise we see it in the record industry too. It can be like something out of a mafia/gang war movie sometimes. Keep up the great work and attitude

I can only speak to my experience with my first (and sadly last) purchase from ERC. I bought the stereo pressing of Everybody Digs Bill Evans. The packaging, jacket, and inner were all very well done; beautiful in fact. Unfortunately, the LP was extremely noisy, even after 2 cleanings. After I contacted them, they quickly responded and replaced the record and apologised, but the replacement, while better, was still noisy. Not what I would expect from a £350 record. I haven’t tried my luck with ERC again, which is a shame because I really like the concept of a small bespoke audiophile label hand printing their jackets and using an all valve system.

Bravo! Now THIS is the type of video I truly appreciate seeing. An obviously knowledgeable person with integrity thoughtfully responding to another knowledgeable person's commentary severely lacking in integrity. No repeating the words of the other in a "you're wrong" chant motif or other repulsive mannerisms which make light of the other's words. I respect the wisdom of both presenters, but the visibly thoughtfulness of Mike's response is stellar in comparison to Mr. Fremer's. Thank you for making this video, even though you weren't going to. I believe you have shown the qualities we all wish we could see in every respectable source of information on the vinyl domain. Thank you Mike.

Great video Mike! Thanks for the additional information. Keep up the awesome content

Always enjoy watching your videos and this is a great response - thanks a lot Mike!

Mike, thanks for your leveled response. You're spot on! Your videos are highly appreciated.

Hi Mike, I just would like to express my appreciation of your channel. Your opinions and reviews are of great value for us record buyers. Keep up the good work!

Defending erc for their defects is LAUGHABLE

Mike. Listen. I know I'm not alone when I say I appreciate unbiased reviews of any product. I know you are doing your job honestly and trying to guide to make good choices with our money. Keep up the good work buddy.

Pride and ego can be a two-sided coin. The tough parts are admitting our faults and forgiving others theirs. I enjoy both your RU-vid presentations because I learn from both of you. My favorite part of yours Mike is your interaction with your wife and how loving you are to her. All the best.

You are the standard that everyone should go by! Your word is gold. I have bought from you and have an immense respect for you. I don't miss your videos ever and you are honest and up front.

Your integrity and credibility is in tack, and thank you for always looking out for us, the consumer. Your always honest, regarding getting the best value for our hard earned money. You will continue to remain a trusted source. That other fella played himself, and what little left he had of any integrity. Without integrity, one has no credibility

Mike, I always appreciate your honestly and amazing takes. Stay in your lane, and with your convictions. A big fan - Evan

YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL RU-vid CHANNEL!!!! Thank you, Mike, for sharing your knowledge and passion for vinyl. I hope to visit your store one day!!!!

Nobody who is balanced can question your integrity.. Your passion and love for vinyl is clear. I will continue to follow your channel and watch your excellent uploads. With very best wishes from London England. Peter

Mike, I’ve only gotten back into vinyl in the last few years and a couple years ago came across your videos. After the first video I watched of yours, I appreciated the honesty and sincerely you put forth. And because of that, I have continued to watch your videos and have purchased a fair amount of titles from you as well. Keep doing what you do. Thank you.

Good on you for sticking to what you believe ,you and your channel are the reason I got into audiophile records ,listening to you has never let me down when buying a record ,big respect from the uk,

Love your store, and all the fair and informative videos you make.

Honest….. That’s why I follow you and buy records from your store online. I support the audio people who provide their honest opinion uncut.

Mike, a huge thank you for all your fantastic work you've been doing for the vinyl community! Honestly, your passion, knowledge, the straightforwardnesses, this is what makes you and your work so unique and extremely valuable!! Thank you for sharing this story! Cheers from Berlin!

Mike, well formatted response. I’ve been a loyal supporter of your channel for years. Every time I travel to Phoenix (10 times a year), I stop by your store and pick up a record or two. I’ve never been steered wrong by your comments and reviews. You are honest and loyal to the record industry. I’ll take your opinion over others any day. Keep up the great work. 👍🏻👍🏻

I for one, feel that you would never lead me astray when it comes to the search for the best sound

1000% on your side. I love your channel and can't wait to be in Arizona later this year to stop by your shop.

We have your back, Mike. You have always looked out for us, real consumers; and in this day and age, that is a gem. Don’t stop what you’re doing. We appreciate all the help that you’ve been giving us. Thanks a lot and cheers!

Love your candid opinions Mike. Never stop! Always watching

more power to mike and the in-groove. thanks for being a great source of vinyl reviews.

Hi Mike, just wanted to say that was an excellent response. Sadly not a customer as I live in England, but I find your videos informative and what I like most is your knowledge & passion you have for vinyl. Please just keep calling it as you see it, and us vinyl junkies can decide what we buy. 👍

I'm ready to try this experiment. You can pick out the $50-$100K worth of merchandise and I'll write the review. No one who sells snake oil wants the truth told so they're going after you personally. This is an exceptionally well researched takedown. Keep at it, Mike!

Always really liked your shoot-outs and opinions. Thanks for doing what you do. I’ve learned a lot.

There's more people out there, like me, who truly appreciate your advice Mike, please don't stop doing this because of some haters, for usual customers who have to think 2 or 3 times before purchasing, specially when records are getting more expensive, you're the best source for advice. Thank you!!

I love Mike and Michael’s videos. Both of them have the best interests for us vinyl collectors. I hope this is the end of this little feud. Passionate guys, both of them.

Great video. I really appreciate the way you explain and inform new audiophile

It's unfortunate that Michael chose to respond in the fashion he did. This could have been such a great conversation about something that is on the surface super interesting for both his and your viewers. While i don't agree with his method, I imagine when he gets intimate entry into these companies, personal visits, interviews, and the free records on top, that they all add to create a level of allegiance.. so when you comment in a way that has the potential of impacting the livelihood of someone he may have a close relationship with, he naturally is in defensive mode.. in the same way his comments must haves felt as an attack on your livelihood. Its clearly time for detante. No need to split you two into good and bad camp. You are both valuable in my book.

Great response. I wish I was local to your store. I love your videos because I learn something every time. I get insight on new releases and what too look for. I also appreciate that you respect the fact that people work hard for their money. MF has lost perspective of people who actually pay for they hear and records. Thank you for the work you do !!

I watch both of you guys but you sir are THE go to source for vinyl for me. I don't enjoy his content nearly as much as yours. I appreciate you man. Your store is a bucket list destination.

A beef of this magnitude hasn't happened since Biggie and Tupac

This is so much fun. VC Beef. Thanks for being you. Cant wait to shop your store some day

I watch both of your and Michael's videos so I'm glad you did a response.

Keep being you Mike. I truly trust you and your recommendations. You were so kind to help me make a purchase that was in my best interest and you were not even making a dime as I was purchasing this album from someone else, but you were still a true gentlemen and gave me great info that helped me out. For that, you got my business from here on out….. great work keep it up and stay the course. We all appreciate you. Have a great holiday season

Well done Mike. All of the few interactions we've had (inclusion running thru a record - dealt with it immediately to my satisfaction, others as well where it ended in a win/win).

Preach it Brother! Thanks for the honest information.

Mike,. Keep doing what you're doing. It is appreciated.

Mike please keep up the great work. I think you are open and honest with your opinions and I find it refreshing. It is also the reason I trust you with my record purchases. Anyone who thinks you have an axe to grind against a specific company obviously did not watch these two videos or any videos on your channel. You call out what is wrong and give praise where it is earned which is a responsibility I wish more people would take when sharing their opinions with the public. Thanks for all you do to educate and protect your viewers and customers.

I enjoy your channel, Mike, as well as Michael Fremer's. I do purchase online now and then from you as well. I enjoyed your rebuttal and the way you tackled things head-on. Well done. Having watched and read Fremer over the years, I suspect (I don't KNOW, but I SUSPECT) that he's pretty forthcoming about when things are good or not. I think the difference may be that when he gets a record sent to him from ERC, it's a record that has been carefully inspected before shipping because ERC knows that if Fremer gets a bad one, the negative publicity could be devastating. In contrast, when you or I make an actual purchase, we are just randomly receiving one of their products. Personally, I'll always give more weight to the opinion of the person who paid their own money for a product rather than a person who is reviewing something that was sent to them for free. I like you both. Just keep on doing what you're doing. Cheers, Tom

To preface I am entertained and informed by your channel as well as Mr. Fremer’s. For what it’s worth my impression is that your video was informative and educational and Mr. Fremer’s video seemed to be essentially a marketing video.

Nice work Michael We appreciate your honesty thanks for looking out for us consumers

Honestly, I find the whole thing pretty entertaining. Music, the recorded sound, vinyl records, analog tape, audiophile gear, etc. should be a topic of spirited debate at all times. It’s the fiery passion for this addictive hobby that kept it alive in the dark ages of CD.

Mike, your honesty is the reason I shop with you.

hey Mike owner of the in groove in Phoenix Arizona, you're the only go to go guy for vinyl. never steered me wrong. I was watching you when you were a beard less mike and your passion remains the same. angels a lucky woman, don't change!

Hi Mike I really appreciated your video about the lacquers. I didn’t know that they deteriorated over time, so I found it very helpful and informative. I also appreciated your video about ERC Way out west too. Despite that I bought the ERC Coltrane and Miles and have to say that both are amazing. There was a small issue with the Coltrane cover which they solved immediately, but as I’m in the UK it’s easier. You have great integrity and also talk straight. Keep on doing it ......oh yeah and please ship to the UK ASAP 😀

I am from the Philippines and I buy records from Amazon - I brought a couple from your store and sent them to my friend who ships them to me. I always pray these records are in good condition and expect quality checked at least. If there is a bubble or a split on the seams - I'm gonna have to live with that - there is no way we can get a refund - there goes my hard earned money. I always watch your videos - we support you and thank you for educating us.

Thanks Mike, I appreciate your information. I will stick with my $35 Acoustic Sounds version.

A very thoughtful and thorough response. I will say that ERC has always been very generous and timely about any issues regarding their releases. As they should, given what they’re selling. A lacquer, on the other hand, seems like a pure collectible rather than a quality pressing you’d actually play.

I watched one video of Fremer's where he was bragging about the fact his neighbor had a stroke and his wife sold off his record collection and didn't know what it was worth, and Michael was ecstatic to buy it so cheap. He then proceeded to impersonate the stroke victim... That's all I needed to see.

Love it, hope nobody’s loosing sleep over this discussion. 😎

I'm there with you Mike. Takes a lot of integrity to speak up about the hype that in the long run does harm to the vinyl community! I've seen Fremer's video, and although I have a lot of respect for the guy, this was a low blow.

Mike-Thank you for standing up to Fremer. While I’ve learned a lot from Fremer’s videos, he can be a bully. He’s trying to bully you. You’re not having it. I find you to be totally trustworthy. Keep on truckin’. Peter

Nice to hear the straight truth from somebody who isn't a shill. Always enjoy your videos and you must be doing something right if the people who directly benefit from the uneducated consumer are coming after you.

"Im one guy on youtube", who tells it as he sees (or hears) it. Total respect!

Mike, you have no worries, you did the right thing. You’re just providing information for your viewers.

Awesome video. Thanks for telling it like it is.

Hey, very interesting, I love Mike’s videos and Micheal’s too. This disagreement give us the chance, the buyers, to get more information about the product and of how things works in this industry. I would love that you guys would make a video together debating that issue. Again I love both these guys, two passionate but please stay focus on the products and the process of making records. Stay away from the “I have ethic and the other guys don’t, “ it’s useless to me, let people make their own idea on that. Thanks for your videos Mike 😃

Mike, I appreciate your honesty and straightforward views on things. I also appreciate the way you guys pack your records for shipping! Fremer deserves respect for helping to keep the vinyl torch going during the dark years, but he’s a know-it-all who acts like a big f’n baby if anyone challenges his “expertise”. I remember him insulting the entirety of the Steve Hoffman forum because of conversations about pitch problems on some of the earlier Blue Note re-issues…simply because HE couldn’t hear the issues. In his mind, it’s not really an issues unless he’s the one who finds it and brings it up. Everyone else’s are dismissed.

I always watch your videos Mike, and appreciate your insight into this industry. You hit it right on the head when you said if someone mailed me $50,000 worth of merchandise, who would I side with? It’s sad that he goes after you knowing full well he is bed with ERC. I can not afford to spend $500 on an album, and even if I did I would not. Give me a good blue note or tone poet for a fraction any day. Keep making great and informative videos! Your knowledge is much appreciated.

LOL. Fremer described you as "angry". You seem pretty chill and reasonable. Always thought he was a nut job. I might have been one of those people you saved from buying the Coltrane on acetates. Thanks!

O shit, here we go…

Wow Mike, I had no idea this was going on. I appreciate your commentary and positivity

I always believed he got a cut from these labels for "hyping up" releases, and various products. If you were to criticize a record essentially disrupting hundreds of people from buying it, then he doesn't make any money. Womp, womp, you have every right to, and we appreciate it man.

Well Said Mike. Watched all your Videos from France. Thx

Thank you Mike thank goodness you are free to tell it is like it is and are not obligated to supply unwarranted praise where it does not belong I am no expert in the field of vinyl but have known for years that acetate or lacquer looses a lot of quality if played many times like regular vinyl and the guy from Analogue Planet did not say how many times he had played those two acetates over the years keep up the great work Mike cheers from Australia Carl

Mike, we truly appreciate your opinion in the VC Community. Everything you have either discussed or recommended, has come to fruition, case in point, the Impex Numbered Limited Edition “Legrand Jazz.”Beautiful album! We also just ordered another LP from you yesterday,”Knebworth 1996” by Oasis. Our own local shop didn’t order any(WTF?!). They didn’t order and “Senjutsu” by Iron Maiden either.🎧

Perfect response, Mike. You backed your claims with clearly stated facts, not once appealing to your (evident) credibility as an expert on the subject. Your honesty is beyond question as you always criticize some releases even if it would hurt your business somehow (I remember your "less than enthusiastic" review of Neil Young's box set). Keep it up!

Great response Mike!!!

Hey Mike I love your reply to Michael Fremer. He was trying so hard to knock you out. I really like Fremer but I think you’re 100% right in this case. Love your videos by the way.

Great vid and explanation. Keep doing what u are doing Mike. Don’t pay it any mind.

Always appreciate your views on vinyl and music in general. People are passionate about these kinds of things but that’s no reason to be spreading misinformation about what you’ve said, which is out there for everyone to watch if they so desire.

Many records buyers, around the world, believe in you, Mike. We watch you as well as others. Your case is well made.

I used to collect acetates myself but it was at a time I was involved in the DJ/dance music community and I could get them real cheap. Great thing was that often you could find tracks and/or mixes that never got a commercial release. However, I would trade them as quickly as possible making it very clear these were not long term investments. Even during my time collecting I would often see the vinyl layer shrink and split apart.

I hear ya Mike and I Appreciate you for the honesty on what to buy and what to avoid. But yes some lacquers sound great but their integrity is limited!

Great video, you had every right to reply. Changing the subject have you seen the Get Back Documentaries yet?

Well said Mike, keep sharing honest and balanced information.

You're right man. You did good. A good opportunity for you to take a deep breath and re-center. Then send that guy some love.

Really an unfortunate development between two guys fighting for the right thing generally. I love your channel, especially the shootouts and agree with all of your findings there as well as I believe in your honesty, also in case of ERC and lacquers. Keep on with this,! Although Michael Fremer also tells what he thinks generally, he partly seems less questioning towards the record industry for more or less good reasons, yes. But you’re both not as far apart as it seems right now. Just bury this as soon as you both can, we need both of you with your points of view. You both are the most reliable and professional vinyl and mastering reviewers and observers of the scene out there. Don’t stop with what both of you are doing. I trust both of you while I consider Fremer”s stronger industry promoter role and your straight talk without caring more than needed for diplomacy towards the record industry, which I really appreciate very much. I think finally your different points of view are rather depending on different personal experiences with those products and character of your publications than with your even higher independence of the record industry (which in paired with you experience is very valuable for us watchers).

Mike your videos are incredibly informational. As for ERC, while I do not own any, the fact that it cost $450 new and only 300 copies are made it should definitely be close to perfect when you receive it. Heck, they only need to inspect 10 records per day at that rate...can't be that hard to do. Most I spend on new audiophile vinyl will be for One Steps and UHQR from Acoustic Sounds and so far they have been excellent.

Esposito is a straight up BEAST! Thank you for your honesty and valued opinion!!

I now read read the comments and must say, I understand both and considering their personal experiences with these products and the thoughts and personal philosophies to act, both points of view are ok for me with no need of pulling back or correcting anything. You both are correct somehow considering where each is conceptually coming from, just live and let live.

And another comment - if a company only issues 300 copies of an album it should be SPECTACULAR. Anything from packaging to shipping to the sound quality. If you buy a Rolls Royce it should be better manufactured and quality controlled than a Ford. I do not have a ton of audiophile albums but from the ones I do have I expect the highest quality.