Digitally remastered vinyl record? Seriously?

Hey, don't feel bad. I just noticed the same thing last week on some cassettes I picked up. Would you believe they were from the 80s?

I don't buy such records

These days, after 50 years of listening to records, CDs, tapes, you name it, my gut tells me the records with unique sonic merit over the alternatives worth investing in are mostly those from the days when analog gear was used solely in their creation, which was often the case through the sixties and somewhat into the seventies after which digital took over.

Having said that there are many recordings from that era even that benefit these days from a good digital remastering. At that point, I'd just go with the digital source material but I could see where newer vinyl renditions might have something unique to offer. But even then, modern vinyl is not a slam dunk soundwise. Its more expensive than ever and quality control became more hit or miss over the years since the early "golden age" of vinyl/analog.

Regarding recordings from the 80's, like "Joshua Tree", I think there is still merit in some records made during that time period, however mastered, over many CDs made then when the technology was still new. CD sound quality overall did not mature really until perhaps the early mid 90's. Modern DACs used in a lot of home gear has come a long way in the last 5-10 years or so to finally complete the puzzle, "loudness wars" related issues aside.

For a recording from teh 80s like "Joshua Tree", these days, I would probably look first to a good modern digital remaster on CD or higher res if available and desired. The vinyl version might still be top notch as well. Digital remastering done well is usually a boon, not a curse.

MBLfan,

I would assume you are an "MBL fan"? Me too.

I have heard a top notch mbl setup expose weaknesses in format and/or recording quality in a/b comparisons. With a good mbl setup, one is likely to be able to hear any limitations in detail or dynamics incurred anywhere in the recording and manufacturing process, be they a result of analog or digital technologies.