Doug MacLeod | There's a Time

As Technical Director at Reference Recordings, Keith Johnson has spent more than 50 years inventing and refining recording and mastering techniques. He was among the first to use half‑speed mastering for even greater precision. But what really sets him apart is his philosophy: taking great care at every stage, starting with the recording, to create records so immersive you forget you’re at home.

QRP reflects the vision of founder Chad Kassem, a true vinyl and hi‑fi enthusiast. Believing that sound quality should always come first, he rebuilt and optimized the plant’s machines to achieve unmatched precision. His philosophy is simple: every record must be the best it can possibly be, even if it takes more time and effort. This obsession with quality has made QRP a global reference for audiophile pressings.

A record spinning at 45 revolutions per minute allows for wider grooves and more sonic information. The result: less distortion and greater clarity.

The lacquer is cut at half speed, making it easier to capture extreme frequencies with incredible accuracy.