Was Vinyl Summit 2026 everything it was cracked up to be? And what does the future hold for Chad Kassem and Acoustic Sounds?
In this special, podcast-exclusive episode on Vinyl Community Podcasts, Concert Buddie returns from Salina, Kansas, with an unfiltered, firsthand recap of Vinyl Summit 2026 (aka ChadFest), celebrating 40 years of Acoustic Sounds and the unique legacy of founder Chad Kassem.
From behind-the-scenes tours of Quality Record Pressings (QRP) and the Acoustic Sounds operation to rare vinyl records, audiophile encounters, live music, and fellowship with fellow record collectors, this was a weekend unlike any other. But was everything a home run?
Going beyond the typical event recap, Concert Buddie shares his personal observations on the people, the passion, and the business behind one of the most influential companies in the vinyl record industry. He also explores the opportunities for growth, the challenges of the Vinyl Summit record show, and whether this ambitious gathering should/could/would become a recurring destination for vinyl enthusiasts.
Among the topics discussed:
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Chad Kassem's remarkable 40-year journey and the legacy of Acoustic Sounds
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An exclusive look inside Quality Record Pressings and the people manufacturing audiophile vinyl
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The Vinyl Summit record show: rare records, high prices, and missed opportunities
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Why Acoustic Sounds might have even greater potential beyond its traditional jazz and blues offerings
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The Vinyl Community coming together, from YouTube creators to industry veterans
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What worked, what could improve, and whether Vinyl Summit should return
Part celebration, part observational analysis, and entirely from the perspective of a passionate record collector, this episode asks a bigger question: After 40 remarkable years, has Acoustic Sounds reached it's own "summit", or is the best still yet to come?
If you attended Vinyl Summit 2026 (or not), collect Analogue Productions UHQR releases, appreciate audiophile vinyl, or simply love the culture surrounding record collecting, this is a conversation worth hearing.
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For more on Concert Buddie:
https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie
https://concertbuddie.com
IG: @concertbuddie
To vote in the "Top Host" competition, please click here: https://tophost.org/2026/chance-hollingsworth
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