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Beatles Remasters: Mono vs. Stereo Debate Thread

On September 9th, the entire Beatles catalog will be released in both mono and stereo remastered versions.

The issue of this thread is simply mono or stereo, and why? I only have the stereo CD versions that were available in the mid to late 1990s. I am too young to remember the original releases.

Until the albums are released, I'd like to get your take on the issue based on what has been on the market up to this point. After they are released, I'd like to hear from people who purchase either the stereo, mono, or both of the new reissues.

What are the pros and cons of the different mixes? Which do you plan on purchasing, if any? Discuss.
blackstonejd
jax2
3,031 posts
 
So much for the limited edition...money talks
rickmac
43 posts
 
I ordered a Mono set online at the Official Beatles web store for delivery in October a couple of days ago. I cancelled it today because I found the set at our local bookstore today and I bought it. $269 Best Buy advertised it today $199 for stereo box and $229 for mono in store only limited distribution.
Haven't had a chance to listen yet.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Here's one review with some interesting input recently online.
rickmac
43 posts
 
Thanks Jax2 that was an interesting read. I listened to some of the mono set yesterday and I was all smiles. The packaging is super, each disc comes in a mini album with a mini record sleeve, a special sleeve for the disc, including the original inserts and artwork that came in the album. Even the pictures and the poster come with the "White Album"!! I have a MFSL Beatle Box which I cherish but I may get the new stereo box or at least a few of the individul discs. I never cared for the original CD's issued in the 80's because duplicating what I already owned didn't make sense, and because I didn't have a decent CD player until 1994 (if you want to call a NAD 502 decent) (I still don't have a great player).
nikturner920
144 posts
 
Damn, I'm waiting for my monos in the mail.

I have listened to Mono versions from LP (Purple Chick) and the differences with the stereo versions are significant. The bass is really special on the monos and a general more rocking feel. There are various web sites that talk about the the mixing differences but I think Bongofury nails one of the big things. The original Monos were mixed on high quality boards while the stereo versions were done on early stereo mixing boards.
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