Multiple Copies Of LP s Same Title

Khawk, Sugarbrie, I also try to purchase on CD, everything I like on LP. Sometimes it works(with decent sound), and sometimes it does'nt. But sometimes it surpasses the LP, as in the case of the incredible(musically) Deutch Grammophone DG catalog. I consistently hear better sound on the CDs than even the original pressings.
Don, the MOFI "Abbey Road" was done pretty well. It does have value but not big money.
RCprince, I just knew someone would bring up the "compression" issue on RCA, and ,of course, you are right about the bass dynamics being better on Classic. My issue is with the top stridency on strings compared with the original. I am sure this was a function of Bernie Grundman's Studer mastering deck, even though the electronics (preamp), I know were completely custom and were not Studer. The original all tube mastering at TML, would have given us a miracle of sound I am sure........Frank

Sometimes it also takes multiple attempts to find a really good pressing, even if it is the most desired pressing.

Frank, you're definitely right about the sweeter highs on the originals vs. the Classics. Part of this is offset by the better bass, dynamics, transparency and getting closer to the master tape, but yeah, I would not have minded tube mastering either, we could have had the best of both worlds. In the end, as I believe you said, we should be happy that they have made these reissues, they bring a new and bit different view to a great series of recordings.

There is a sticker on Bernie Grundman's mastering deck (I am not kidding here, it really exists) that says: "Use a transistor--go to jail. It's the law." It is meant in jest. Otherwise Classic Records would have to bail him out from serving time. How long a sentence would Frap and Rcprince give him?

None, really, Slawney--I'm thankful for the excellent job he did. And I can sweeten the strings a little with a choice of tubes in the MC stage of my preamp. So I guess I'm more than happy with the way things are; the greatness of the performances and recordings shines through, tubes or transistors. For those who wonder what the difference might have been, though, two interesting possibilities: 1. My recollection is that Analog Productions a few years ago did a reissue of a jazz album (don't recall which) which Bernie had originally mastered, but for which they had Doug Sax do the mastering. In response to protests, they did an alternate version of the same record, same tapes, with Bernie doing the remastering. I have not listened to either, but it might be interesting to compare. 2. Classic did a DAD of the old Ravel Vox Box with the Minnesota Orchestra (I assume Bernie was involved in the remastering, but am not sure), which I have, and which Analog Productions released both as a CD and vinyl record mastered by Mr. Sax. There is a definite bloom and ripeness in the Sax-mastered discs you don't get on the Classic, although in many respects I prefer the Classic version for its neutrality and better transparency, particularly in the lower frequencies (except for the damned reversed channels from track to track--maddening!). Apples and oranges, I know, due to the formats, but in terms of tonal balance the AP versions sound a little colored to me. Wouldn't want to live without either, though!