Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Today, I am weighing in on the new Rhino Tracy Chapman reissue, and how it compares sonically to earlier pressings including the Direct Metal Mastered OG, done at Masterdisk.
This was done on my own system, which is listed below, and at a special listening session on a much different system. The listening session was arranged by Harry Weisfeld of VPI Industries, with two of his friends, the host, Rich, and Leslie Brooks, who provided some fantastic tapes to listen to.
I want to thank all three gentleman, and of course Oswaldo for inviting me to this special meeting. It was so much fun!
Watch until the end to see what the results were!
The Rhino reissue of Tracy Chapman's debut album is mastered from an analog tape that was done at the time by Robert Ludwig. The new cut was done by Bernie Grundman. This does not mean that is is an AAA reissue however. The original recording of Tracy Chapman was recorded and mixed digitally. The pressing and packaging are beautifully done and the reissue comes in at $24.95.
The reissue is available worldwide.
Thank you To John Deuble who provided the original pressing of Tracy Chapman for me to use in my review
Update: It has come to my attention than the early pressing described in the video is actually a Columbia Record Club pressing from 1988.
Reference System
-VPI Scout with Classic Platter Upgrade
-JMW Memorial Tonearm
-VPI Analog Drive System
-Hana ML MC Cartridge
-Phasemation PP-500 MC Cartridge
-Perpetuum Ebner PE 6060 Turntable
-Ortofon Quintet Black MC Cartridge
-Miyajima Labs Infinity Mono MC Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Preamplifier
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-System Audio Pandion 30 Loudspeakers
-Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
-VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner
-Sweetvinyl Sugarcube SC-1 Mini
-Pioneer RT-707 Reel To Reel Tape Deck
-Ramar Record Brush
The reference system is wired exclusively with Audio Art cables.
00:00 Introduction
01:15 Memories
02:12 About The Rhino Reissue
02:54 The Early Pressing
04:12 Sound Impressions of the Original
06:33 Sound Impressions of the Rhino
09:03 A Call To Oswaldo
09:47 The Listening Session
12:31 Conclusion
Today, I am weighing in on the new Rhino Tracy Chapman reissue, and how it compares sonically to earlier pressings including the Direct Metal Mastered OG, done at Masterdisk.
This was done on my own system, which is listed below, and at a special listening session on a much different system. The listening session was arranged by Harry Weisfeld of VPI Industries, with two of his friends, the host, Rich, and Leslie Brooks, who provided some fantastic tapes to listen to.
I want to thank all three gentleman, and of course Oswaldo for inviting me to this special meeting. It was so much fun!
Watch until the end to see what the results were!
The Rhino reissue of Tracy Chapman's debut album is mastered from an analog tape that was done at the time by Robert Ludwig. The new cut was done by Bernie Grundman. This does not mean that is is an AAA reissue however. The original recording of Tracy Chapman was recorded and mixed digitally. The pressing and packaging are beautifully done and the reissue comes in at $24.95.
The reissue is available worldwide.
Thank you To John Deuble who provided the original pressing of Tracy Chapman for me to use in my review
Update: It has come to my attention than the early pressing described in the video is actually a Columbia Record Club pressing from 1988.
Reference System
-VPI Scout with Classic Platter Upgrade
-JMW Memorial Tonearm
-VPI Analog Drive System
-Hana ML MC Cartridge
-Phasemation PP-500 MC Cartridge
-Perpetuum Ebner PE 6060 Turntable
-Ortofon Quintet Black MC Cartridge
-Miyajima Labs Infinity Mono MC Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Preamplifier
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-System Audio Pandion 30 Loudspeakers
-Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
-VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner
-Sweetvinyl Sugarcube SC-1 Mini
-Pioneer RT-707 Reel To Reel Tape Deck
-Ramar Record Brush
The reference system is wired exclusively with Audio Art cables.
00:00 Introduction
01:15 Memories
02:12 About The Rhino Reissue
02:54 The Early Pressing
04:12 Sound Impressions of the Original
06:33 Sound Impressions of the Rhino
09:03 A Call To Oswaldo
09:47 The Listening Session
12:31 Conclusion
