May SP- Interesting Article on Reissue vs Original Pressings
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| Posted on April 12, 2023 at 08:51:41 | ||
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Posts: 1814
Joined: January 24, 2000 |
The author poses the question, and reaches an objectively inconclusive result, but subjectively believes that original pressings sound better. The issue not addressed is what do listeners really want ? Do they want better versions of what they are familiar with, or the best possible transfer from the master tape ? Anyone with basic understanding of LP reissues knows that the 2 paths are often mutually exclusive. RCA Living Stereo Classical, Blue Note Jazz, The Beatles/Stones/Who etc original pressings were mastered to be playable on average home equipment. C 1955-65 this often meant a crude record changer tracking at 5-10g with a stylus that looked like a small thumb tack. An LP that was a faithful reproduction of the master tape would be unplayable on this equipment. Mastering engineers used EQ to make the LPs playable. Deep bass and extreme treble were cut, upper bass and mids were boosted, gain was pushed to just before saturation. The result was a punchy visceral sound that was appealing to listeners. And crucially what audiophile listeners grew up hearing because better alternatives were not available. Simply stated, current listeners are used to the sound of EQ modified pressings ! Now we have reissues that are much closer to the the master tape. And guess what ? New reissues sound different than first pressings ! Some listeners say they sound better and some say that reissues are worse. My opinion is that reissues often sound different. Some are better, and some do not sound as good *to me* as an original first pressing. Using BN Tone Poets as an example- they sound completely different than a first pressing. The TP is cut with lower gain, and a wider soundstage spread. There is much more deep bass and HF extension. The perspective sounds mid hall, or a few tables back from the stage. A first pressing sounds like you are right up front and there is a real edge of the seat feeling to listening to the LP- there is visceral impact. The TP may be technically better, but the first pressing is emotionally better. OTOH I have heard reissues that sound better than originals- some punk and new wave titles, 60's-70's soul come to mind here. Make up your own mind, but know what you want before you form an opinion.
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| RE: May SP- Interesting Article on Reissue vs Original Pressings, posted on May 3, 2023 at 09:02:13 | |
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Posts: 782
Location: Detroit Joined: September 16, 2002 |
Thanks.
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