2. music
  3. 1164589260

Beatles on vinyl -- what to look for ...

... and what to avoid.

I'm hoping to buy some Beatles LPs, but I'm confused by all the choices out there. I'm no kind of collector. Nor am I llooking for the absolute best, with cost no object. But I've really been enjoying vinyl again, and it's long past time to get me a bunch of Beatles LPs. Are there certain labels -- or countries -- that are considered as usually good quality? Are there others that ought to be generally avoided? (I understand that the British releases in the earlier years were not the same as the ones that folks my age grew up with in the 1960s in the US, with different songs, different mixes and all.) What I want is to be able to spin some LPs and hear the Fab Four doing their thing. But all in all, I'm overwhelmed. And a look at the archives hasn't made things a whole lot clearer. Do I search for specific stuff on eBay? Are there new pressings that are worth anything? Any direction would be much appreciated. Thanks.
hodu
tmhaudio
122 posts
 
For the best info on the Beatles LP versions, visit www.stevehoffman.tv. The "Forums" have lots of info.

Generally, the early UK pressings are the most musical. The "Blue Box" is also good albeit not of the same sonic quality as the earlier pressings.

Here's a website with in depth information re: each album and how to identify the different pressings.

http://www.jpgr.co.uk/i_beatleslp_date.html

The MFSL has a "smile" EQ. The US Capitol are the absolute worst sounding versions in part due to not using the master tapes. The early Japanese are quite good when analog tapes were used but avoid the latter versions especially the "new" digital" sourced re-pressings. Some German versions are very good esp for the MMT album.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>The US Capitol are the absolute worst sounding versions in part due to not using the master tapes.<<

As a blanket statement that is totally untrue.

I have multiple copies of Beatles albums from the US, UK, Germany, and a few other countries. First pressings of the US Revolver, Abbey Road and the White Album (an issue with a low number) are very nice thank you.

Maybe you haven't heard them.
nrostov
199 posts
 
You can get brand new copies from acoustic sounds or musicdirect. These are the Japanese pressings. I have most of them and they are quite good.
tmhaudio
122 posts
 
Audiofeil,
I have original US pressings of the entire Beatles catalog. The UK pressings (esp the early versions) are far, far superior.

It is widely accepted the UK versions are the best sounding and certainly musically more relevant vs. the US versions. The US/Capitol mastering used tape copies as well as vinyl drops in the early LPs.

As I mentioned, the German "Odeon" MMT, is extremely good and the MFSL is superb...IF you like the "smile" EQ.

The "NEW" Japanese pressings use digital masterings - bright sound.
kichoi's avatar
kichoi
79 posts
 
How much are they on average to get new Japanese pressings?
More to discover