Hi everyone,

I would love to build up the best quality collection of Prince music that I can, being mindful that in a few years some of his albums will only become rarer and rarer. How might someone go about this considering:

- Aren't Vynal "remasters" being released in the coming months/years, compared to previous "reissues"? Should I wait for his entire catalogue to be re-released with a genuine remaster?

- To what extent does a high quality record player matter? Paired with studio headphones, is that all I'd need?

- The best way to listen to his music when on the move? E.g. would you recommend converting the records into FLAC files? Or considering the quality is less noticeable on the move, would you just use mp3?

I assume there are thousands of people like me who are interested in building a high-quality physical collection of his music, so thanks!

Whatever you come across get it. Don't buy stuff right now off of eBay and other sites, too many vultures trying to make a profit off his passing.

Whether it is vinyl, cd, dvd, picture discs, posters, etc.

Over time your 'collection' will build up.

GoldStandard said:

Hi everyone,

I would love to build up the best quality collection of Prince music that I can, being mindful that in a few years some of his albums will only become rarer and rarer. How might someone go about this considering:

1. Aren't vinyl "remasters" being released in the coming months/years, compared to previous "reissues"? Should I wait for his entire catalogue to be re-released with a genuine remaster?

2. To what extent does a high quality record player matter? Paired with studio headphones, is that all I'd need?

3. The best way to listen to his music when on the move? E.g. would you recommend converting the records into FLAC files? Or considering the quality is less noticeable on the move, would you just use mp3?

I assume there are thousands of people like me who are interested in building a high-quality physical collection of his music, so thanks!

1. Yes, you should wait. Or at least, that's my advice. Fans around since the 80s have bought some records at least ten times. In all that time, none of them have been remastered from the original tapes. But with no will, it could be years/never before you get better versions then what's available today. And there are plenty of records that you can't buy anywhere. Not on CD, vinyl or digitally. But no worries there because you're no longer supporting the artist when you buy his music. (Unless there's a will and he left most of his future royalties to charities.) I fear it is going to end up like the Hendrix estate. Just a huge fucking mess.

2. Depends on how you listen to your music the most. I have a high end record player and top of the line headphones but rarely listen to music that way. Bought a great pair of studio earbuds for my iPhone and I'm set. It helps to have an epic car stereo system installed by a professional (NOT Car Toys/Best Buy).

3. That depends on the person. Some people say they hear the difference between vinyl and cd. Everyone's different. Go to a high end electronics store (NOT Best Buy) and ask them to show you the difference. P.S. Don't be like me. Go in there without your wallet.

Or you could buy this ready made collection

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-Collection-of-80-Prince-CDs-2-Box-Sets-Rare-Singles-Live-Fan-Club-Import-/182148686992?hash=item2a68e86490:g:9pEAAOSwQaJXR1MG

I would wait. In a few months these prices will begin to go down. Your collection will grow in time and collecting is a lot fun and the hunt can be enjoyable. Don't forget to haunt your favorite wreckstow

bookwomen said:

Or you could buy this ready made collection

http://www.ebay.com/itm/182148686992

I would wait. In a few months these prices will begin to go down. Your collection will grow in time and collecting is a lot fun and the hunt can be enjoyable. Don't forget to haunt your favorite wreckstow

I recommend not buying this collection. First of all, it is overpriced. Secondly, it is mostly bootlegs -- and nobody should be buying bootlegs on ebay. Bootlegs should be shared between fans. You will be able to do better once the insanity has died down.

I was not recommending buying this collection. I am a collector at heart so part of the joy of a collection in the Collecting. When looking on ebay at the collections that are selling one of the saddest items I saw was an unused concert ticket. Someone was also selling the screen shot of their e ticket. My ticket stubs only have value to me.

I would avoid auctions at all costs, for his out of print items I would say WAIT a bit and get them used off of Amazon, but be patient because Prices come down. I mean the Box "one nite alone" was selling for close to 700 dollars used and now is down to 250, so prices are dropping. Also avoid USED cd shops right now, there is one here in NYC that sells books dvds and cds which is great if you are looking for stuff, which I go to alot and find some stuff i used to have and lost or didnt buy, stuff is price from 1 dollar to about 8 for newer releases sometimes more for things like the Beatles, basically this place is a quick stop for tourists to get money off them. BUT when someone dies, forget it, Bowie stuff is still about 12-25 for a used cd? when i can go a block away to Barnes and Noble for a new one a little cheaper. For PRINCE prior to his death stuff was sitting there and basically about $5 a cd even the ones out of print, well obviously that stuff vanished the day he died, but now when they get a cd used they put that price up all the way, Emancipation right now is $30 6 weeks ago it was $5. SO be very cautious, and patient. Get new cds in places like Barnes and Noble and go from there.

I agree with the above, be patient. What you want with a few exceptions always turns up at a reasonable cost. I found Rave for 0.79 cent from a site in germany as I had lost mine. I found the Symbol vinyl for €20 also in great condition. Don't get ripped off and also pick up anything you find in bargain bins in record shops. You never know when u need a back up copy. Could have picked up Emancipation about 1 year ago for €5 but figured I had already 2 copies.

Best of Luck in your adventure.

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