WTF with Marc Maron Podcast Episode 1657 - Chad Kassem
Jul 3, 2025
Chad Kassem, the founder of Acoustic Sounds, shares his journey from a troubled youth to a vinyl aficionado obsessed with preserving high-quality audio. He discusses the importance of sound mastery and his quest to improve record quality, highlighting the emotional connection people have with vinyl. Chad reflects on the nostalgia tied to music and concerts, shares his insights on the technical challenges of audio preservation, and humorously warns about the pitfalls of record collecting. His passion for the analog sound experience is palpable and inspiring.
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Chad's Journey to Sobriety
- Chad Kassem's substance abuse in Louisiana led to legal trouble and multiple treatments before he found sobriety in a Kansas halfway house.
- Staying sober was essential to avoiding jail, leading to a transformative change and clarity aiding his future ventures.
Hearing Vinyl's Subtle Differences
- Chad learned to hear subtle differences in high-quality vinyl through guidance and critical listening.
- This experience ignited his passion to collect and improve record sound quality.
Use Original Master Tapes
- Always insist on getting original master tapes when licensing records for reissues.
- Using original analog masters, even three-track tapes, ensures the best sound quality for reissues.
