News

A Visit to the High Fidelity Record Store

Michael Fremer  |  Mar 17, 2016

Mike Hobson, one of the pioneers of the "vinyl resurgence" exited the reissue business a few years ago, selling Classic Records to Analogue Productions/Acoustic Sounds, Quality Record Pressings mogul Chad Kassem.

Those wondering whatever happened to Mike Hobson need look no further! He's opened High Fidelity, a record store slash used audio gear slash musical performance space in the trendy Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. Hobson also owns Elite A/V Distribution, which imports and distributes audio gear including the Kuzma line of turntables, tone arms and phono cartridges.

COMMENTS
RinziRadio's picture
Submitted by RinziRadio on Thu, 2016-03-17 18:22

Had no idea this place was Mike Hobson's new venture. Have passed it many times on way to excellent ice cream store next door, Jeni's (out of Ohio). But it was late at night, so it was closed and have yet to venture in. This is a great LA neighborhood, with some marvelous eateries (including the classic diner, Fred 62, on Vermont, and Farfalla, just up Hillhurst from Mike's store). Excellent bookstore, Skylight, also on Vermont. And Griffith Park and the Greek Theatre within a couple of miles. A must-visit. Thanks for posting.

VirginVinyl's picture
Submitted by VirginVinyl on Thu, 2016-03-17 22:38

Mikey, I was hoping you would have interview Mike Hobson's, much like RKS @ Sterling. BTW, that was awesome interview with RKS. I want to know about Classic Records, how they obtain those masters, Who did the printed. The artist thoughts on the end products. Why did Mike sell and get out of the business. The highs and lows during turbulent times of records slumps. The drugs,sex and rock & roll in the excutives board meetings . I'm sure there's a story.
Please go back and let Mike's voice be heard..

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Sat, 2016-03-19 02:00
I tried but he did not want to go on camera or talk about the past.
Bigrasshopper's picture
Submitted by Bigrasshopper on Fri, 2016-03-18 00:26

if he's willing or able an interview could be fascinating, why it worked then, why it stopped working and his take on what happened since. I've found bits and pieces spread out here and there but no real summation. Was he happy, unhappy ? I'm happy to have the Classic records I have , wish I had more.

Zardoz's picture
Submitted by Zardoz on Fri, 2016-03-18 05:50

in the case, but couldn't tell from the video what kind of price he had on it. Any chance you remember?
Wish I was out there instead of here on the east coast. Looks like a great shop.

Dual's picture
Submitted by Dual on Fri, 2016-03-18 10:31

The graphic within the logotype, with the six discs, looks awfully familiar. Where do I remember that from?

Bob Levin's picture
Submitted by Bob Levin on Sun, 2016-03-20 12:17

It looks like the CBC logo, to me.

Dual's picture
Submitted by Dual on Sun, 2016-03-20 12:44

It certainly does. Maybe that's what I'm thinking of. Thanks!

Bob Levin's picture
Submitted by Bob Levin on Mon, 2016-03-21 00:19

Eh? :-)

Too Loud A Solitude's picture
Submitted by Too Loud A Solitude on Fri, 2016-03-18 12:54

I just wanted to chime in to also say that I'd love to read (or watch) an interview with Mike Hobson regarding the history, ups and downs, etc. of Classic Records.

It was my favorite audiophile reissue label and I really miss their releases.

Steelhead's picture
Submitted by Steelhead on Fri, 2016-03-18 13:16

Do a Paul Harvey Mister Fremer and give us the rest of the story.

Mr. Hobson was in early and still could be riding the wave so very interested in why he is not still Surfing in the vinyl tide.

GaryM's picture
Submitted by GaryM on Fri, 2016-03-18 23:36

Hi to Mike Hobson from New Zealand. Is Scot Markwell still with you at Elite? And yes, an interview on Mike's Classic experience would be great.

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Sat, 2016-03-19 02:01
Runs Elite day to day operations for Mike.
Muso's picture
Submitted by Muso on Sat, 2016-03-19 12:45

Los Feliz is local for me, I'll have to check the place out. BTW, I like the new camera setup!

vinylbuff's picture
Submitted by vinylbuff on Sat, 2016-03-19 16:10

I keep wondering where all the "mystery releases" on eBay are coming from??? Sealed Clarity Allman Brothers, Clarity Simon & Garfunkel "BOTW", sealed test pressings, lacquer sets, etc??? There must be a mystery stockpile out there. They all have Classic Records stickers on them, but unless you have really deep pockets the average Joe can't afford them....

mraudioguru's picture
Submitted by mraudioguru on Sun, 2016-03-20 20:19

...I actually bought several of these a year or two ago, when the prices weren't insane like they are now.

I was curious as to where they were coming from. Both of the E-Bay ID tags are associated with the old Classic Records or the themusic.com, which was Classic's online retail site.

Chad must not have gotten everything...

essmeier's picture
Submitted by essmeier on Tue, 2016-03-22 08:35

That's what I'm wondering. It appears, from the sales on eBay, that he didn't get product. We also know from various articles here that he didn't acquire existing pressing contracts.

So if he didn't get records and he didn't get the right to press the titles Classic was pressing, then what, exactly, did Chad buy?

The name "Classic Records?"

Charlie

econalan's picture
Submitted by econalan on Wed, 2016-03-23 09:36

Total speculation: but maybe just one less competitor?

rl1856's picture
Submitted by rl1856 on Tue, 2016-03-22 19:53

Why did MH sell Classic Records ? Got tired of returns due to poor QC. Selling oop stock from inventory gets him top dollar without any customer service responsibilities other than delivering a product.

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