09/09/09 The Beatles
Comments
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Michael
In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
NORTH of 60° -
Any comparisons [A/B] to what we already have?~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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It's killing me that mine won't be here for a few days!
One thing that I was blown away by with the Mfsl version was the bass line in Mr. Mustard on Abbey Road. Can anyone give a listen to that and comment?
Also, the separation of the vocals in Sun King is awesome on the Mfsl's. Lots of ooh'ing and ahh'ing harmony in that tune. In the standard version it sounds like the voices doing the harmony are all coming from dead center. In the Mfsl, it sounds like all four Beatles are standing in line across the soundstage, and you can pinpoint the location of each of the four voices. Magic. Anyone care to comment on this same characteristic of the remasters?Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance. -
Any comparisons [A/B] to what we already have?
I'm assuming you mean between the new sets vs old (rather than mono vs. stereo). I just did a back to back between my old copy of Revolver (1987) and the new one. Night and day in a way I've never experienced before. Even my wife, who is unfamiliar with the lingo used in audio, commented that it seemed as if a thick cloth was veiling the speakers when listening to the old version (after having heard the new one).
In a nutshell: stark, stark contrast.2 Ch.
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Any comparisons [A/B] to what we already have?
I just compared my Japanese copy of Sgt. Pepper's to the new one. There is no comparision, the new one is amazing.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Duly noted. Thanks.~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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It's killing me that mine won't be here for a few days!
One thing that I was blown away by with the Mfsl version was the bass line in Mr. Mustard on Abbey Road. Can anyone give a listen to that and comment?
Also, the separation of the vocals in Sun King is awesome on the Mfsl's. Lots of ooh'ing and ahh'ing harmony in that tune. In the standard version it sounds like the voices doing the harmony are all coming from dead center. In the Mfsl, it sounds like all four Beatles are standing in line across the soundstage, and you can pinpoint the location of each of the four voices. Magic. Anyone care to comment on this same characteristic of the remasters?
I already stated that the bass growels.
Just listened to Sun King again, I'd have to say the vocals are mostly in the center.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
So, I've been having a bit of a Beatles fest here tonight and I'm still in amazement over the sound quality of these discs. It's truly jaw dropping.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Can't............ wait.............Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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So, I've been having a bit of a Beatles fest here tonight and I'm still in amazement over the sound quality of these discs. It's truly jaw dropping.
What are you playing them on?(Whole food chain please)
I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE! -
Ok; couldn't wait and ordered 5 stereo CD's. At $12.99 each it's a no brainer after reading all the comments/reviews._________________________________________________
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SOPAThank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman -
I should've preordered the mono set and put it on fleabay to make a quick hundred. Can't believe how badly folks want the set. It's still crap quality, but someone posted some of both the stereo and mono on youtube. I can tell, even from that, that the stereo mix would sound alot better on SDAs.
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What are you playing them on?(Whole food chain please)
The man does not talk about his gear, rest assured though no Emo.
RT1 -
I was able to score the mono and stereo set at Borders yesterday (yay!!!)... Was surprised as the online inventory showed zero. When I spoke to a salesperson on Sunday, they said none were coming in according to their orders. When I dropped by, they had one each left (the sales clerk said that half-dozen of each showed up that morning, the rest were sold out) so I picked up both (ouch!!)...BTW, the stereo box set retails at $250 and the mono box set is $300. I was lucky enough to be able to use their Borders card to score 30% off the mono set, saving $90.
After listening and comparing the first three albums, it was pretty obvious that the mono set was superior to the stereo set. The problem with the early albums in stereo is everything was either coming from the left speaker or the right speaker (it really irks me to listen to the vocals coming out of the right speaker and the instruments come out of the left speaker)... there was no center image. The reason why is that the original stereo recordings was recorded in two-channel only. They did not have modern multi-track recorders back then in order to multiplex the sound across the front.
Regarding the later stereo releases (Abbey Road and Let It Be), it was clearly an immense improvement as well. The remasters sound clean where the older CDs sounded rather thin and flat.
My suggestion would be to buy the mono box set, and buy the stereo single CDs for the later stereo releases. Note that a couple of the mono CDs include the stereo mixes on the same CD (Help! is one, can't remember the other...). -
just ordered, can't wait for it to get here
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Picked up a few at Target yesterday. They were just about sold out in the evening. Prices were $11.99 with a $5 gift card for buying two CD's. Good deal. I'd only be interested in the mono versions if and when they decide to sell the individual CD's.
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Picked up a few at Target yesterday. They were just about sold out in the evening. Prices were $11.99 with a $5 gift card for buying two CD's.
OK then, driving to Target at lunchtime. Thanks for the heads-up!! -
After listening and comparing the first three albums, it was pretty obvious that the mono set was superior to the stereo set. The problem with the early albums in stereo is everything was either coming from the left speaker or the right speaker (it really irks me to listen to the vocals coming out of the right speaker and the instruments come out of the left speaker)... there was no center image. The reason why is that the original stereo recordings was recorded in two-channel only. They did not have modern multi-track recorders back then in order to multiplex the sound across the front.
My suggestion would be to buy the mono box set, and buy the stereo single CDs for the later stereo releases. Note that a couple of the mono CDs include the stereo mixes on the same CD (Help! is one, can't remember the other...).
My interest in the Beatles in catalog really picks up with Rubber Soul. Some of the earlier stuff is quite good, but its from Rubber Soul onward that I'm in deep.
Thus I'm not sure I'm going to spring for the mono set. I'm hoping that eventually a "used market" for individual monos will appear (i.e. among Amazon's Marketplace) so that I could pick up used copies of Beatles for Sale, With the Beatles etc. But I wanted to ask you specifically about one track off of Rubber Soul, "Norwegian Wood." I've been listening to the stereo remaster and still like the way the guitar comes primarily from the left speaker and sitar from the right...not sure if this is called "imaging" but to me it sounds right and natural.
I'm wondering if you've had a chance to compare the middle period (Rubber Soul and Revolver) and in particular "Norwegian Wood."2 Ch.
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I can tell, even from that, that the stereo mix would sound alot better on SDAs.
Yes; once you get a good set of speakers, you will be able to enjoy the music as it should be.
Running to the door...._________________________________________________
***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***
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SOPAThank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman -
I am insi's for the stero set. Just like the long-legged Kryzwicki twin sisters, two sets are better than one.
see me, touch me, feel me, bite me.
that said its all good.
RT1--yowsa -
Since there hasn't been to much extensive comparison of the two sets in this thread, I thought I would copy and paste the comments of a participant of another forum to which I belong. While I can't confirm the accuracy of the following statements, it might give some perspective on the two different formats for those who are considering either/both:
"I listened last night to the newly remastered Sgt. Pepper's in both mono and stereo. Boy am I glad I bought both boxes! In regards to the sound quality, they were both SO good and lots of fun, but in quite different ways.
The mono mix of Peppers is really incredible. A common misconception that I've been reading online is that folks think mono automatically equals a wash of noise and lack of quality. This couldn't be further from the truth. You can tell right way that The Beatles and George Martin put a lot of time and effort into the mono mix. It is very detailed and nuanced, but it just doesn't have all the separation like a stereo mix, it is coming at you head on. I agree with a previous post, which says that the mono mixes are more "ballsy", cause they definitely are! This is the biggest thing with mono. It is true - the band just rocks way harder! One listen to "Sgt. Pepper's Reprise" in mono and you will understand. It has a driving force like I've NEVER heard before and was a revelation after listening to this album a million times. At the end, you can also hear Paul's "scatting" or whatnot a lot more clear, which again would surprise folks that think mono=worse sound quality.
Other mono notes: "She's Leaving Home" is actually in a higher key, which changes the song quite a bit. "Lucy" has some phasing or flange on Lennon's voice that is really interesting (and sounds beautiful), and there's lots more "new" sounds and things in other songs that will make any Beatle fan have to listen to each song a few times to pick out all the cool stuff in there.
Regarding the Stereo mix: All I really need to say about the stereo mix is that it is like listening to the Beatles in Hi-Def. The veil has been lifted and everything is super bright, clear, dynamic, etc. You can really hear guitar strings being plucked as if you are in the room with them. The little details come to life. It's loud without being abrasive and just sounds incredible. This will be how most fans will want their Beatles.
I enjoyed both listening experiences very much. When I want to hear raw, rockin' Beatles (especially on the early albums, which I also sampled), I'm going with mono. Listen to "She Loves You" in mono...you won't believe how hard this band kicks ****. But, if I want to be swept away by glorious sound and swirling psychedelia in my headphones...that's what the stereo mix is for.
Get both sets if you can, you really won't be disappointed by either. And it's fun to compare the two and see what sticks out. They are both so enjoyable and sound so great that there really is no way to lose!
But mostly - just enjoy the music. That is what it is really all about. "2 Ch.
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I have the stereo box on the way, but if I know me, I'll end up owning both soon enough!Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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I have the stereo box on the way, but if I know me, I'll end up owning both soon enough!
No ****. I've got a number of single stereo CD remasters here and on the way and though I thought I wouldn't do it, I just pulled the trigger on the Mono box set from Amazon. Been waiting 15 years so whats another 3-6 weeks. Completely 180 degrees from my thinking yesterday.
I wouldn't do this with any other band. But its the bloody Beatles for Christsakes.2 Ch.
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MIT Shotgun S-3 Interconnects (3)
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HT
Denon 2808ci AVR
polkaudio RTi A5s (fronts)
polkaudio RTi A1s (rears)
polkaudio Csi A6 (center)
Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cables
Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects -
Think I'm going to wait until the "used, played once" copies start showing up before I buy the mono set, and save a few bucks. Nooooooo idea why so many "played once" cd's get sold Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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Think I'm going to wait until the "used, played once" copies start showing up
What he said _________________________________________________
***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***
2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
SOPAThank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman -
Jesse is the left to right stereo mix better on this set? George Martin sometimes would pan music to the extreme left or right. giving things are really bad soundstage.PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin: -
Yes; once you get a good set of speakers, you will be able to enjoy the music as it should be.
Running to the door....
Oh, come on, the 1.2tls ain't THAT bad.
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Just got word from a friend of mine on head-fi who also has the mofi bootlegs (wonder where he got those....) that these remasters blow the mofi's away. Oh man, I am psyched!Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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Agreed, mono recording is made to be listened in mono but not stereo. I wish they discounted the mono sets but I don't thik so since the sets are made for people that want to listen to the original recording and should be selling easily (any real Beatle fans will more likely buy the real thing).I don't think you would get what a good mono recording can give you by listening to a stereo recording in mono. Two completely different things (Different recordings).
Anyway, I hope many people think like that, so that the mono set starts selling at 75% off
Cheers!
TKDARE TO SOAR:
Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life -
You can possibly give them to a charity organisation in your areaWell I just ordered the set. Now, what to do with all those old, terrible sounding CD's that I have.:cool: DARE TO SOAR:
Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life
