The Ultimate Guide to Collecting Command Records (25 Classics Reviewed!)

The Guide to Collecting Command Records — a deep dive into one of the most innovative and underrated audiophile labels of the 1960s. In this long-form video, we explore the origins of Command Records, the vision of Enoch Light, and the groundbreaking engineering work of Robert Fine (of Mercury Living Presence) and George Piros, whose mastering helped shape the label’s signature sound. Command Records wasn’t just about audio excellence — it was a design revolution. We look at how the label transformed album artwork through bold, modernist graphics and unusually high-quality glossy gatefold jackets, something rare for the era. I also walk through 25 Command Records LPs from my own collection, showing high-resolution jacket scans, talking about the musicians behind them, identifying pressing variations, label styles, and pressing plant differences, and recommending the standout titles you should seek out first. If you’re into audiophile vinyl, mid-century design, hi-fi history, or exploring affordable high-quality records, this guide is for you. #CommandRecords #EnochLight #VinylCommunity #VinylCollectors #AudiophileVinyl #RecordCollecting #MidCenturyDesign #HighFidelity #VintageVinyl #JazzVinyl #StereoDemoRecords #GatefoldArt 00:00 Introduction 02:55 History 11:34 The Jackets 13:44 The Artists 15:17 The Records (Part One) 38:02 Conclusion Reference System -VPI Scout with Classic Platter Upgrade -JMW Memorial Tonearm -VPI Analog Drive System -Phasemation PP-500 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.