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Hi Paul, I think that's exactly right. The first issues might ‘equalize’ the differences a bit, giving a more consistent listen. Paganini is the best side of any of them I think. I recently came across the mono of Nights, I think it has the same performance but a different cover, and only features that work. I'll show it one day soon. Thanks for your comment!

Hi Steve! Oh you will love the Classic! One of the best Decca RCA recordings. Looking forward to your thoughts on the instrumental version.

Thanks for your comments! No, unfortunately I have no disc player at this time.

Hi Jason, Hope you find it an upgrade from the OG!

Thanks for watching!

I agree completely. The Holland pressing is really great. Very vivid and clean yet has all the character of the original. As to modern music, I'm with you on that too. I hear a lot of modern pop music at work and its torture!

Yes, I agree, after hearing it in this evaluation, I have a new appreciation for it. It’s very good.

Thanks for your comments! Good to hear some feedback on the unit. This video is being watched continuously, and it's great to have user reviews in the comments. I also use Apple, and this situation has not changed to my knowledge. As you know, it still sounds great, but it's puzzling why Apple has not addressed it. If I have a minute, I'll do some research on that to see if anything has changed. Thanks for taking a moment to share your experience!

Thank you, Jim, for your insight and experience with this record and performance. Revisiting it, and recognizing it's few flaws, it is very apparent to me why it's so popular. For audio buffs, the powerful climaxes, huge bass drum and glittering castanets, tambourine and triangle is thrilling enough! When you start comparing performances, as you have done, one can hear exactly what you mean. We have to get you the 45 on this one. You'll be grinning from ear to ear!

@ I have to mention the favorite part of this piece for me was the castanets. I only have the AP, so not sure how they come of the OG Indy or 45, but whatever Ryan K Smith did with this and other titles is just amazing. The imaging on those castanets is so pin point sharp, that I can place the castanets player on stage as well as the height of that player. Great work, Ryan K Smith!!!

In speaking about, and hearing the Argenta version of The Three-Cornered Hat, I agree that his version of this is in another world stylistically. It carries you away with its authentic Spanish feeling. The sound was much better than I remembered on the Alto reissue of it. I'm sure your OG is a stunner!

Thank you! Glad you got one before it disappears. Such a fun record!

Thank you for watching! Regarding the SL, I honestly felt it never really was the right fit for my system or listening tastes. To me, it was just too bright and forward on top. Everything else was great, but I couldn't live with it peacefully. After three expert setups and my tweaking, I sent it back and upgraded to the ML. I was much happier with the ML. Much smoother, quieter, and more refined sound. The SL was always frustrating. I’m not sure why my experience was different than the many satisfied listeners. I even changed components hoping for a better sound. I would try to hear both, and make up your mind, but if you can swing it, go for the ML. Is there a sale on the ML too?

@@ThePressingMatters Ty for sharing! It looks like only the SL line is discontinued at this time. I need to upgrade to a balanced phono pre-amp still (thinking project ds3b) or would consider the ML...in the meantime I will enjoy your vids enjoying the ML!

I'll be doing one last video on the ML. I have some new cartridges ill be trying over the next 6 months.

I know! I just got the news today. I almost picked it up last week and got a different title instead!

@ I just received that one on Saturday. I’ve been on a mad rush to get as many as I can. Maybe just a couple more and I’m done. I missed on a couple of titles, but I got most of the titles I wanted. Buy now or cry later.

@ Smart move. People are really paying attention now. I've got about 8 titles coming up for comparisons, but I'm grabbing as many as I can of the rest. The price jumps almost immediately once they are gone.

@ yep yep

I think I snagged the Bizet. It came back for a few hours! It was definitely out of stock, and I checked it the next day and it was in stock! I ordered it and it is confirmed so far, then it went out of stock later that day, and took 1812 with it! My fingers crossed that I get it!

Sure, I have a Sweet Vinyl Sugar Cube here. Its a great device that removes tics and pops on the fly transparently. Although it isn't necessary 90% of the time, there are records that are not perfect, like the original of Spain, where I can use it to hear the performance as if it were a new record. I've spoken about it in the channel here: ruclips.net/video/pDBT1lJy2t0/видео.htmlsi=_mHd_v7xqOgq5N04 I’ve also reviewed it for Audiophilia here: www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2024/11/11/the-sweetvinyl-sugarcube-sc-1-mini

Here you go! ruclips.net/video/BdlWVY3NjKw/видео.htmlsi=1DjzafqkuHdUdut-

Oh no! I need Bizet too!

Oh no! I need Bizet too!

I’ll keep my eyes open and let you know if I see one.

Jeff, the strangest thing happened. I confirmed your information about the out-of-stock status. For some reason, I checked the next day and it was back. I quickly threw together an order and got a confirmation. I checked a few hours later and it was back out of stock, and took 1812 with it! I haven't got a shipping g notice yet, but I was charged for everything. I hope I get it!

No shame in a great CD! And I have heard that one of the best. Same recording series.

I will see if I can hear it somewhere. No SACD player (yet!)

Hi Trevor! You know I collected those soundmirror sacds when they were around and have nothing to play them on! Isn't that crazy? Lol. Someday I want t ok add a disc player. I have t ok refresh my memory in El Amor Brujo. Isn't that a dark cover and features Leontyne Price with Reiner?

Yes, Leontyne Price with Reiner. If you have an excellent LP I'd be interested in your sound comparison with Spain.

@trevorbartram5473 yes, my Amor Brujo is nm, played twice!

I imagine there are some.

Great question, and I just got a copy of that record too! Some of the very popular titles were pressed right up until then late 1970s. A pop title like that may have h pl necthrough 5 different labels! I can imagine the high stamper numbers!

I agree, and I'm starting to reassess what Bernie did with Classic for the RCA classical series. I think they are better than we may have previously thought. He is a treasure!

@@ThePressingMatters The late '70s. Wow. I don't know whether I've already said this, but I have Cliburn Tchaikovsky's First. Dynaflex. Sounds absolutely horrible.

@ Oh my, that one was the titIe I was thinking of! It was a runaway bestseller and kept in print continuously. It is probably the one title with the highest stamper numbers I've ever seen. At least high 20’s and maybe higher Not the greatest sounding recording to begin with, and I'm sure it was often pressed with worn-out stampers.

They even put it in the half-speed .5 series! I'll have to see how that one sounds someday. It might be better than a lot of the worn-out stamper that proceeded it.

I've never bought from him, but he does the work of finding great originals. His stance on reissues is naturally pretty over the top, but there's some good information on his site. For someone who doesn't have the time or inclination to search and listen to multiple original label pressings, and is willing to pay for a hot stamper, I guess its ok. I personally would rather do the work myself.

That's my feeling as well. Please do so more of the RCA Classic Film Score series, and maybe the Phase 4 London's too!

I have been listening to some Phase 4. So far its pretty bad! But I'll put something together soon. I also heard a few gems too 😁

@@ThePressingMatters Right . A lot of shrill sounding stuff at times, but the "good ones" are fantastic! The two related Bernard Herrmann offerings come to mind.

Yes, but you know I'll find the good stuff!

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

It's mainly the first 10 minutes or so, with slightly veiled sound in the quiet section, some rough string sound, and a brass moment that is not too clear. Not terrible, and things get on track after that. The SACD is sure to be better than my original or possibly the Chesky.

Yes, I meant to get back to you on that blues recommendation. It is great! Thank you! Spain is pretty wonderful in many ways. Maybe you could try streaming it first. It's one of those records that you can't believe what you're hearing. How can a recording made in 1958 have such a huge, impactful sound? That's what the best versions of the best Living Stereo titles can do.

@@ThePressingMatters Glad you enjoyed Blind Willie J's song. 👍👍👍 He was an extraordinary blues pioneer. Beginning as a child, his life was just as tragic as his music. How he died just makes me weep. I encourage you to explore more of his music and story. I'm listening to Spain as I type this. It's the AP SACD version on YT. I like the allegro in this music. It will be a contender for my limited shelf space. I just keep thinking that I need to move out records I don't listen to or don't want to keep to get music like Reiner's Spain.

You might want to also try and hear Argenta’s version of The Three Cornered Hat. Very nice!

@@ThePressingMatters I'm keeping my eye out for The Three Cornered Hat. I think that I can find it in the wild. I received some vinyl records for my birthday recently. I received Shelly Manne's Sounds Unheard Of; you nailed that one. It's excellent. I also received Nathan Milstein's Recital album pressed in Germany. That one sounds good, but it has an abrasion on Side 2, so I need to get it replaced. I received a Takeo Moriyama jazz album made in Japan; it was perfectly manufactured. I wish all the vinyl records I buy were made in Japan.

Great, Let me know the label and stampers you have for reference. I'm trying to determine if my stampers are at fault, if there are better originals, or if my copies are just compromised by being played on a sub-optimal record player of the period.

@@ThePressingMatters I got the two discs out. "Spain" is a shaded dog 1S/5S. "La Mer" is a 5s/6s shaded dog. I'll be listening soon and let you know.

@@joseluisherreralepron9987 I think my Spain is 5S/1S

@@ThePressingMatters Report from the front. I listened the Debussy/Ibert disc. Side B, the Ibert, sounds solid: good Living Stereo sound, 6s stamper. The Debussy is another matter. First, I had to turn up the volume considerably higher than usual. The first band is very gauzy and almost sounds like it's out of phase, with a very wide soundstage but no center fill. Then, right in the middle, it suddenly collapses to mono for 3 or 4 seconds and then, poof! Back to stereo. Bands 2 and 3 sound much better and not nearly as phasey and there is a bit of actual detail. I'm wondering if there was something that went wrong with that 5s stamper. I'll be spinning the "Spain" disc soon; it's a bit beaten up so it'll need a good cleaning. I have a Planar 2 with an Ortofon Bronze for reference with Rotel amplification.

@ I listened to the Debussy/Ibert disc. 5s/6s. Side B is solid Living Stereo sound. Side A is much different. First, it required a considerably higher volume setting than I'm used to. Band 1 sounds gauzy and recessed with a very wide soundstage and no center fill...very much like a phase issue. About halfway through the band it suddenly collapses to mono for 3 or 4 seconds before popping back. Bands 2 and 3 sound noticeably better but its problematic. I have a Rega P2 with an Ortofon Bronze cartridge and Rotel amplification for reference. I'll listen to "Spain" shortly; it's in rougher shape and needs a good cleaning first.

It certainly is! It rivals Avalon, and still may be my favorite! This pressing is a winner too.

You're welcome, Steven! Thank you for watching!I imagine the White Dod might be similar to my copy. This veil is most noticeable on side one, throughout the first 5 minutes or so. I would always take it off before the magic began! You'll definitely want to try the AP or Classic. Much more engaging. I am trying to source a 1S/1S. I don't think the 5S is anything special.

Awesome! I am glad you enjoyed the review, and would love to have you return with your thoughts on the AP75!

Oh! You have a Sugarcube? I'd love to know what you think about it. I'm a big fan of it!

Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I love your recollections of hearing this for the first time. I will be having a new episode featuring Bookends soon. I have the reel to reel tape and will compare the fidelity and emotional impact between them!

Even with the plates, it would seem a big undertaking. Lets hope! Some of these 45s are awesome and this one’s a corker!

I will! I'm going to go through all of them, and if I've done a shootout a couple of years ago, will have to revisit on the new system. I'll be busy on this for a while it seems!

@@ThePressingMatters It just dawned on me that your Classic s/sided 45 cut is 4 discs in 2 full art jackets. Mine is 4 discs - the first two discs are in a gatefold full art jacket, with disc 3 and disc 4 in their own respective generic, white sleeves. So curious. And now that I think about it - of the 8 or 9 titles I have in the s/sided 45s from Classic, no two are the same in terms of number of full art vs. generic sleeves and dispersion of discs.

A selection of those 45s in my collection are featured here ruclips.net/video/g0MhWBMgBkw/видео.html

Yes, there is an inconsistent approach in packaging of these 45’s. I remember being pleased that this came this way, for most of the others had one color jacket and the rest generic. I think there may be a couple that had all four in color jackets. Looking now… the Mercury Ravel, Daphnis, Concerto for Orchestra, Til Eulenspigel, Lt Kije, Reiner Sound, Pictures, Prokofiev #7, Pines, Scheherazade and Milhaud all have color jackets across all records! More than I recall!

I watched it just now! Very nice to see these and great voiceover!

Wouldn't that be a scandal! 😂

Thank you!! Great to hear from you!

It sure is! Any pressing will give you the music, and the AP is new and 33, which is nice. It you want the astonishing wallop of those bass drum hits, the 45 does this best.

I'll be getting my original pressing restored by a friend who has an extensive and exhaustive cleaning regimen. He may also have a 1S. I don't think any form of loudness compensation process like Dynagroove had been used yet, just the normal compression techniques. My RCA Bible is in a box in the vault and I need a few hours to dig for it!

I'll be experimenting with some different cartridges in the coming months, and I think one is a conical MM. Wouldn't it be something if I liked the sound better? A friend if the channel has suggested it might be more to my liking! Can't wait to find out!

You have a great pressing! Bigger scale than the 33s can manage. The AP gets close and is my preferred 33 at this point. That might change when I hear a preferred original stamper in restored condition. Looks like that may happen!

Yes! The Readers Digest titles from Chesky are all superb!

@@ThePressingMatters It's amazing and looking back in time (early to mid-1980's) these RCA and Mercury classics from the late 1950's through the early 1960's were pretty much consigned to the "used" bins as it wasn't until the early to mid-1980's that anything say for a few reissues were available on vinyl (Chesky). And after that, it wasn't until the late 90's/early 2000's that Polygram had a high profile reissue series overseen by the original female engineer (Fine??) that these titles were made available again and on CD!!! The same type of reissue campaign/series happened around the same time for the Rudy Van Gelder recorded titles as those were newly remastered and made available on CD too! The Absolute Sound, Stereophile and ICE all did "front cover" articles on these (that's how I learned of them and their historical significance). Unfortunately for Chesky, they didn't or couldn't adapt with the CD marketplace and their relevance as an audiophile "reissue" label significantly declined. Sad because they single handedly brought "back from the dead" many (or parts of) the RCA/Mercury titles that you have been reviewing lately.

Yes, the loss of Chesky doing classical LPs was a great one. They did a superb job on the Readers Digest material. Some of the best sounding records from anyone. Those titles are the true collectables in the catalog. The CDs were great too, maybe even better.

@@ThePressingMatters Chesky did try getting into recording and releasing new material in the jazz repertoire on CD, but the Berlioz "Symphonie Fantastique" on Chesky Records that I first purchased in the mid -1980's did not see a CD reissue. I just recently found a NM/still in the cellophane copy on eBay for $30 bucks and gave that to my best friend to play on his newly acquired Thorenz and it sounds and plays just like I remembered... beautifully and DEAD quiet.

Yes, there are many times when the loudest part of the music is crammed into the worst position on a 33.

@@ThePressingMatters But I still prefer 33 ⅓ for the convenience, and I normally don't really notice a problem.

I do too all things be in ng equal. But its not always equal, unfortunately!

Thank you! I'm sorry I did not have the Classic 33 - based on the 45 results, its probably up there with the best.

Its a big jump honestly. It made me so glad that I didn't make a rash decision and sell these just yet!

@@ThePressingMatters if you ever want to try the 1S pressing let me know and I’ll send it to you. But my guess is the 45 still rules, if only for the dynamics alone.

@kellyl9198 I will let you know, thank you!

Oh! You found the 45rpm single? YES!!

@ Yes! And still sealed! If you came to my house and went through my collection you would smile when you discovered that I have tracked down virtually every classical pressing you ever recommended. You have become my Trusted Advisor in the vinyl record community. 😉

Thanks Jack!

The OJCs are great in general, but this may be a better physical pressing. If yours is quiet and you love it, no need to chase another.

It's a grower, though I must admit, I thought it was fabulously inventive when I first heard it. Though later Pink Floyd records hardly get played here due to overexposure, this one gets played often and still sounds fresh!

​@@ThePressingMattersAbsolutely agree. Very inventive indeed.

None of my friends at the time really understood Piper. It wasn't Dark Side, so it was like it was another group. Actually, in a way it was! Without Syd, that while feeling was gone. Do try to find the comp of the singles from this period. Mine is called Masters of Rock and its top notch Syd era Floyd. Like Piper part two.

@@ThePressingMatters I have it all. Even the Madcap laughs & Barrett

Thank you for your comments! I did get a new pulley that is the correct one for the Classic platter and the 600rpm motor. You'll want to contact VPI as to which one it is. Now, I added the ADS to the system after that, and I think there's a pulley that's made for that too. But I have perfect speed with this replacement pulley anyway. Are you using an ADS? If so you might want to jump to that pulley, though its not necessary unless you want to use two belts. I hope that helps a bit.

@ - no ADS at this time. I’ll give VPI a call and thanks for your guidance!

My pleasure! Elusive Disc may be able to advise you as well.

David, Let me tell you it will revolutionize your listening enjoyment. I bought one a year after I made this video. I did it on a payment plan. I'm more in love with it than ever. I did do a written review for Audiophilia you can read here: www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2024/11/11/the-sweetvinyl-sugarcube-sc-1-mini It's such a pleasure, the best money I've spent on an “accessory” I consider it mandatory. I can't wait to hear all about your experience with it. Don't be surprised if people scoff. Pay them no mind. Your system will be on another level and you'll rediscover your love for playing records.

@@ThePressingMatters Scott, Lovely, yeah it was your review in Audiophila that brought me to your page here: I left thanks and a review there too. I was ready to buy after reading the review but after seeing this video, I bought! Like I said, this is a dream come true!! All I ever needed was a bit of a "shine up" on some rougher situations and the odd bits. I know this is a tonic for my soul and what I've worked so hard on preserving my LP for. Thank you Very much!! I look forward to sending you some rave reviews when she arrives. Peace! P.S. I thought I wanted one of those sexy Female A.I. Robots but I would rather have the SC technology for my records any day!!!😂

David, when is it arriving? I'm so excited for you!

@@ThePressingMatters Hey Scott, I ordered it yesterday. I got a thanks from Dan and he said " it should ship this week" ?? I hope he is just being cautious but I'm trying to be patient😇 I just keep pinching myself to remember what I have dreamed of has come true and to be patient :especially after the last few nights when the LP rotation brought up less than desirable pressings and I kept remembering that I may never have to go through this bummer/nightnare again! Thanks for checking in on me, you'll be the first to know when she is on line!

@davidstanton1261 Remember, it works beautifully right out of the box. All the other features are secondary. You can connect to wifi and implement the app at a later date (I never have, and feel no need to!)

Great comment, and I agree. The mastering is the determining factor, however it is transferred to us. The MOFI could have been the top of not for the heavy-handed bass extension. I also agree with your thoughts on 45. I'm not on board with adding more and more in this format. I liked it when it was a once-in-a-while thing, something special for albums that could benefit from it. The space, the extra cost, and frequent flipping are pushing me away from the format. Again, the mastering is what makes all the difference, and great work can be done on 33rpm. I don't see 45 as the future honestly. I see it as a relic of the age of excess. I look at my Classic 45 sets, some four or five records for one album! I have a feeling a lot of these will be making their way back to the market.

Hi Jeff. Yes, as it you can see in both videos, I have a lot of praise for the MOFI and even the AP 2006. They are both great. If you thought the 2016 was bright, which I could see might be the case for some tastes, do NOT go for the new 45. I think I've learned a bit about your preferences, and they often mirror mine, but I think you would prefer the sound of the One Step. I go back and forth between all four. And my perception of them changed a bit with system changes. If a system is now giving you more resolution, the original AP might be perfect for a smooth listen. And so on. With this recording, which I don't think is as good as The Yes Album, there's a little compromise in each mastering. Although I think for many, the new AP will be very revealing, it could be perceived as brighter and too detailed by some.

​@@ThePressingMatters The OneStep can get a little thick down below, but I'm wondering whether I need to spend another $60 and find out. I haven't listened to the OneStep in a while. I'll pull it out soon and give it a fresh listen.

I would do that before jumping into anything. If you still have the 2016 spin that too. The AP is closest to the 2016 and may go further in that direction by a hair.

@@ThePressingMatters I don't have the 2016. I actually returned it.

Oh right. If you didn't like the 2016, then I'd say stay where you are on this one. If its a top album for you, try it out or try and hear it somehow. You'll know immediately if its for you.