For those with both the remastered mono and stereo Beatles albums

pmckeealaska

Which do you prefer? Which sound better to you in terms of audio quality? I've spent a lot of time listening to both versions of all their albums and I can say that from a sound quality standpoint, the stereo remasters sound better, while, for some albums, the monos are more enjoyable to listen to. I grew up with hearing the Beatles on stereo vinyl in the 70's and 80's and so, for me, the mono verions had some suprising differences in the mixes and for some albums (especially for Pepper) they are almost totally different listening experiences. I'd have to say that I might never listen to Pepper in stereo again after hearing the mono version...it's just a far superior mix in my opinion and I can see why Lennon said "you havent really heard Pepper until you've heard it in mono". Also, the mono versions just seem to have more umph, more balls to them, though they sometimes seem to be coming through a cheesecloth! Abbey Road remastered is simply a revelation and easily the best of the stereo remasters, though this is easy to understand as it was the first album to be released without a mono version. At any rate, it has been a real treat to listen to these classics the way the Beatles intended. Thoughts?

carvcom

Hey Alaska, thanks for that mini review!!
Honestly, I have been waiting for a deal on the stereo box set, never even considered the mono version.
Now, I will keep an eye out for either, & eventually, I'm sure, both.

eeagle

I like the ST version best.

For the real collector don't forget the USB Apple (limited edition).

[Deleted User]

Hello,
Very interesting! In order to play the Beatles USB through their audio system a person would need an outboard D/A converter, correct? Or, into a computer and then use line level outputs from the computer?
Regards, Ken

eeagle

Kenneth Swauger wrote: »

Hello,
Very interesting! In order to play the Beatles USB through their audio system a person would need an outboard D/A converter, correct? Or, into a computer and then use line level outputs from the computer?
Regards, Ken

Or just plug it into a SqueezeBox Touch which could take full advantage of the 24bit flac files. One could benefit further from the many external DAC's available, but most feel the Touch DAC, a AKM4420, 44.1k, 48k & 96k, performs quite well.

[Deleted User]

Thanks Eeagle,
I don't mean to be too dense, but is the Beatles thing a limited deal? In other words, can the same sound quality be downloaded via another source? Or, do I need to get on the stick if I want to get it?
Thanks, Ken

eeagle

I picked up the apple more as a collectors item; and that is what is limited. Interestingly the Beatles originally recorded on that label, which used the Apple logo long before Steve Jobs picked it up.

The 24bit tracks are noticeably better than the 16 bit found on the Mono and Stereo CD album sets, and I would suspect the tracks will become available from some download sites like HDtracks at some point; or as 24 bit individual albums; currently though the USB apple seems to be the only marketed source.

pmckeealaska

Interesting to hear about the USB collection being at 24bit. I'd imagine it would sound better. I pretty much got both box sets as a first day buy since I'm a fanatic. I'm pleased with the sound quality of the remastered stereo albums compared to my original 80's era CD's. For me the mono box set was bought as a collectors item and to hear mixes of albums and songs I had never heard before now. For me, the mono Pepper and Revolver make it worth the purchase, even though I think the remastered stereo version are better in terms of sound quality. I suppose if their albums are ever released in SACD or DVD-A I might feel like I wasted my $$$, but to this point I'm very happy with my purchases. It would be nice to hear the USB collection though. I wonder why they didnt release the mono albums that way as well? There are many would have paid $500 or more to have both!

Norm Apter

I've got the Mono Box and each individual stereo CD from Rubber Soul onward, plus A Hard Day's Night and Beatles for Sale.

My favorite stereo CD is Beatles for Sale for sound quality. The stereo version of that one just sounds phenomenal.

I tend to prefer Rubber Soul and Revolver in mono. Peppers and The White Album are much closer (in terms of mono vs. stereo) but I'd probably go with the stereo on those if push came to shove (but I'm glad I have both).

headrott

Norm Apter wrote: »

I've got the Mono Box and each individual stereo CD from Rubber Soul onward, plus A Hard Day's Night and Beatles for Sale.

My favorite stereo CD is Beatles for Sale for sound quality. The stereo version of that one just sounds phenomenal.

I tend to prefer Rubber Soul and Revolver in mono. Peppers and The White Album are much closer (in terms of mono vs. stereo) but I'd probably go with the stereo on those if push came to shove (but I'm glad I have both).

Did you listen to the Stereo mix of Rubber Soul on the mono CD? It blows away the re-mixed stereo version on the stereo CD (IMO). The tones are so much better on the original stereo Rubber Soul on the mono Rubber Soul CD. If you have not heard it, listen to it and let us know what you think.

Greg

TomWhite

eeagle wrote: »

I picked up the apple more as a collectors item; and that is what is limited. Interestingly the Beatles originally recorded on that label, which used the Apple logo long before Steve Jobs picked it up.

The 24bit tracks are noticeably better than the 16 bit found on the Mono and Stereo CD album sets, and I would suspect the tracks will become available from some download sites like HDtracks at some point; or as 24 bit individual albums; currently though the USB apple seems to be the only marketed source.

I know I'm late to the party, but I just found this thread. To correct the above, Apple Corp. was not even around when The Beatles fist recorded. It was (is) a level created by them, for their own use, and for selected other artists. As examples, James Taylor had his first record on Apple, as did Mary Hopkins.

In the US, prior to signing a deal with Capitol Records, The Beatles had a couple singles released on some minor labels. Love Me Do/P. S. I Love You was released on Tollie Records, while Please, Please Me/From Me To You was released on VeeJay Records.