Led Zep Reissue on vinyl

Without being negative and just bitching, doesn't it seem a shame that the great analog pressings, UK, Classic etc. of all these albums seem to be universally considered to sound better? Why even bother with digital in the analog mix at all. Fine to do a hi res file if you want to offer options, but why add a digital mix when obviously the all analog sounds better when done right? It's just lame to me. I guess we live in a world where mp3's on Beats headphones, McDonalds, selfies and Facebook is as good as most people want. Sorry, I couldn't help being negative and just bitching :)

it's very simple.

the rights owners of these recordings make archival digital copies for remastering. they won't allow the original masters out of their control with rare exception. and then it's with heavy guard and at considerable expense.

this perspective is many times combined with a lack of understanding of the limitations of the digital archived file.

here is more info on the issue of analog masters and thier restrictions.

If the new Zeppelin CD releases sound better than Mothership I'll eat a bug. Scout's honor.

Moryoga: to your point, and as more grist for bitchin,' after all the controversy over the Beatles vinyl set released a couple years ago derived from a digital master, they are now being released as mono pressings, purportedly straight analog, no digital in the chain. http://www.thebeatles.com/news/beatles-get-back-mono

Maybe there is hope after all. I agree with Mike that tapes are supposed to be treated as the Crown Jewels.
My copy of LZIII Deluxe finally arrived today.

Mikelavigne has explained a major reason why analogue tapes are not used in the digital remastering or reissue process. Also, you would not want to risk damaging these tapes rewinding and fast-forwarding on the various tape machines during a remix/remaster session.

Many original tapes were stored in less than optimal conditions (improper temp, humidity, dirty rooms) and may have creases or oxide peeling from the tape. In that case, the studio will have to try and have them restored before archiving them to digital.

It's the same deal with original film and videotape storage. The Library of Congress has a large department devoted to the restoration and archiving of all formats to digital.