Paging digda_beat re: half speed remaster Disraeli Gears

Posted by PAR on September 23, 2016 at 09:35:47

Further to your earlier posting asking for opinions on this reissue I said I would post about it when I received it (earlier today).

I have a stereo first pressing in very good condition ( basically n/m).It's been in my collection since 1967.

Both copies were cleaned before auditioning. As one is stereo and one mono a direct comparison is impossible so , in that respect, it is more of a contrast than being able to point the finger at this or that improvement or loss.

The first thing to strike you is the quality of the packaging. My 67 copy has the customary UK laminated cover and the psychedelic colours are printed in fluorescent ink ( da-glo or similar). The remaster uses pretty standard inks and is thus rather dull in comparison. But nevertheless it is a good effort. It comes with a "boast" obi displaying the merits of half speed mastering. Inside the cover there is a certificate with gold foil seal (!) confirming its provenance as a half speed mastering from Abbey Road. The label is a fair attempt at a Reaction one of the time although instead of silver print on blue it only manages white on blue.

The LP is in a white paper inner sleeve which I don't like although it is of a higher quality than normal. As normal with paper inners, though, there were a small number of tiny paper shreds clinging to the record surface.

Playing both with a stereo cartridge, the original is quieter ( stereo of course) and less impactful. The remastering is very, very punchy. Huge bass compared to the old one.

Playing the remaster with a mono cartridge was ( is, I am listening as I type) superior enough to be the preferable combination and this is the version I will play in the future.

So, yes buy it. I expected to be disappointed as I have been on more than a few occasions with remasters of old favourites but not this time.

And what a great album, having just listened to it 3 times on the trot :-)

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Topic - Paging digda_beat re: half speed remaster Disraeli Gears - PAR 09:35:47 09/23/16 (2)

RE: thanks! - digda_beat 23:25:49 09/24/16 (0)

RE: Paging digda_beat re: half speed remaster Disraeli Gears - rrob 09:46:31 09/23/16 (0)

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