Dave, I’m so thankful you got the UHQR and did this review. You’re in a truly unique position to offer your impressions. I’m glad to hear the UHQR is 90% of the tape. Thanks for your take and the shoutout! We’re blessed to have access to this magnificent music quality at this moment in time. Thanks again and cheers!
Dave Excellent analysis of A Love Supreme. Since watching your glowing video on just the Ultra Tape ALS I was hoping you would get your hands (and ears) on the UHQR and be kind enough to give us your insights, thank you. I have the mono and it is a fold down. Have you heard either the Speaker’s Corner 45 rpm or AP 33 1/3 or 45 rpm? Probably a mute point but I thought of all the vinyl I have the UHQR was just so much more present on an already great recording. Elvin Jones drums come alive as an integral part of the music like never before. Can’t even imagine this on reel to reel on your Studor and MBLs setup. Excellent, thank you
Thanks for the feedback @audiotomb. To be honest I've not heard either the Speaker's Corner, nor the earlier AP releases. FYI. The MBL's were only on loan. I'm now back to my Kerr Acoustic K100s. Thanks again.
Im so happy to have your reviews to refer to, for when there is something I really want to own. We get a very clear sense of the objective differences, which is very rare. Thank you for your efforts!
Dave - I thoroughly enjoy your reviews, especially when a comparison is involved. Your presentation is smart and consistent. Please know the time and effort you put into your videos is appreciated.
Hi Dave, great video, by the way. I noticed, your UHQR version comes with the stamp reading (from the original analog tapes) on it. This is interesting because this copy is actually NOT from the original tapes. I wonder if Analogue Productions just attaches the stamp to all their productions regardless. What are your thoughts about that?
Good question: I recall Chad explaining that the original master was damaged and that the UK copy / safety / production master was the best they could get. This honestly doesn't bother me in the slightest. I appreciate the desire to have everything made from the "ORIGINAL MASTER" but so often this wasn't how it worked. Here in the UK we got our vinyl cut from this 'UK master' and so for us that is the source, of course that being a copy of the original master, it is not the 'ultimate' source, but any decent studio can make a copy virtually indistinguishable from the original. So, whilst it isn't a direct copy of the "original" master it is a copy of the tape that made my original HMV vinyl release. Add to that AP actually make a 'working copy' (or production copy, whatever you want to call it) and make the Ultra Tapes direct from that -we're again adding a generation, but honestly, in my opinion, and experience, done well, this really isn't an issue at all.
Nice one Dave one of my favourite lps. The tape is always going to be better. Do you have the analogue productions 33 copy. Would have liked your thoughts between. The 33 v Uhqr.
I need to give this album another listen. I didn’t care too much for it when I first listened but that was pretty early in my jazz journey. Maybe it will hit me different now
This is just wonderfully informative! Thanks so much. Given the prices, one can find single layer sacds for the pennies that fall between sofa cushions. Any judgement on relative.merits?
Hi David, I'd really prefer not to have the A to D conversion and subsequent D to A conversion at all, even if it's DSD. To my ears the tape sounds way way better. However on a value for money basis it is hard to judge because the price difference is so huge. I'm glad you found the video informative. Thanks for commenting.
@@DaveDenyer Fair enough! I myself lament the passing of direct to disk recording! When I found out that the Miles Davis quintet did FOUR records in one take (did I get that right?) I whimpered about the direct to disk records that might have been! It is just grand to have guidance unconstrained by the pesky detail of cost!
I only played my UHQR • ALS last night. Agree 100% on your take of its qualities. Of course I don’t have any reel 2 reel capability, so never approached your level on hifi Mt. Olympus. But I did comment on a stream later that evening that I felt the ALS • UHQR was the closest I was going to get to R2R. And lo and behold here you are the very next day confirming exactly that. By the way, when you say you hear John on the “left channel”, does that mean when you’re facing the speakers it is coming from the right speaker? (I doubt this - but just interested to check). Elvin’s latin rhythms are based in Cuban-mambo origins - not Brazilian or samba. No shuffles on this recording (he rarely plays shuffles). But yeah he gets into more straight ahead / triplet swing on Side 2 (or three of the UHQR). Certainly Elvin’s brilliance is his quintessential sound on any rhythm. And he is the master of all things triplet in form (which in some cases shuffles will take). But thank you so very much for this excellent and awaited review. May it sit alongside the best of them.
Hi, just to confirm the sax is coming out of the left speaker, the drums from the right. As I’m facing them. Forgive my amateur ramblings on rhythm, and thanks for your excellent, very informative feedback.
I truly enjoyed this video despite not really liking jazz too much, unless it has vocals. I don't have an R2R machine either but it has answered my questions over how good vinyl can be compared to a master tape copy and the fact both LP and tape came from the same source makes your comparison absolute. Thanks.
That will be splendid and I look forward to it. I remember you did the OG versus the 20th Anniversary LPs a short while back and that almost made me buy the Anniversary version but I ended up going for Sly and the Family Stone's Anthology instead!!!@@DaveDenyer
I have a Revox tape machine, its EQed to NAB, am I still able to play and hear these tapes that are EQed to CCIR? What are the differences with the sound? Thanks!!
Hi, you will be able to play them (assuming it's a 2-track machine). To be honest that's how I started:with my NAB-only Technics RS-1500. My first few 15ips 2-track tapes were the 'wrong' EQ which led to me quite quickly getting a switchable-EQ machine. Even on the wrong EQ, those first few tapes still sounded amazing though. Playing a CCIR tape back on a NAB machine will typically sound a bit bright and lack some bass weight.
Agree 100% re the double disc 45s. Both ALS and KOB looks like they could’ve been put on one disc. I don’t mind 45s but I much prefer 33 1/3 when I want to just sit and enjoy the music. However, 45s do shine noticeably with jazz vocals.
intriguing review sir, although I will personally never be in a position to have reel to reel releases, but still most interesting and informative, thank you! Not really germaine to what you were discussing today, but I have the Acoustic Sounds A Love Supreme at about 1/7 the cost of the UHQR and of course on my humble system I feel it sounds very good. IDK, but I would GUESS it was from the same source, wouldn't it be? And yes, FWIW, even on my system, I too feel the sax is just a tad 'Shouty' 😊 Any thoughts on what you might think about the Acoustic Sounds pressing which would have probably been sourced from the same thing and pressed at the same place? I'm thinking that maybe for us commoners who don't have systems that dwell in the vast realms of Zeus and Adonis, I wonder how the AS pressing would compare? Thanks kindly for your usual most fascinating insights!
Glad you enjoyed the review @latheofheaven. I've not heard the previous AP cuts of this so I'm not sure about the source. Chad made a video about the sourcing of the tapes when the Ultra Tape was first announced. Do you know who cut your version? I'm going to have to do some research...
Great Comparison Dave. I bought ALS and Ballads ultra Tape when they were announced. The sound really speaks for itself. The UHQR is a very close second. Regardless, ALS alone can justify getting into R2R! I’m expecting the UHQR and Tape of Elephant any day!
Jefferson (and Dave for that matter) What kind of outlay are we talking about? The prices in the audio magazines are off the charts I know you can find used serviced machines from 40 years ago. if I were an audiophile company selling speakers or electronics at a major show I’d pick up a r2r or join in with a manufacturer and collect a few stellar mind blowing tapes to demonstrate music on. For a lot of us heavily into vinyl - going to a more refined cartridge, tonearm, etc would impact our musical enjoyment over a broader level.
@@audiotomb hi I don’t disagree in terms of wide availability of LP vs. Tape, but more tape is being made available. I just did a brief primer on getting into audiophile tape, and of course Daves site has amazing info on it: ruclips.net/video/P1TnGYQUyxQ/видео.htmlsi=-tfl3medWhsMw78z
For about 35 years or so I did pretty much what you describe: collected records and upgraded my system as much as I could afford in order to enjoy them more. Then I heard tape sounding very good and for a couple of grand bought my Technics and some very nice 7.5ips 4-track tapes. I had cables in the system that cost more than the Technics… Then I upgraded to Studers. Jefferson mentions the Otari in his recent video. I’ve got friends with that machine. I agree it is probably the most affordable way in. You should be able to get one for £2000 or so. You do want to find a service guy who knows what he’s doing
LOL yes I think I did: I was just trying to put things in perspective: this UHQR is not bad in any way; it's a phenomenal sounding record and would sound stunning on any half-decent well set-up turntable (you could certainly find such a turntable for around £1k). What I meant was even if you have something like a £100k turntable / arm / cartridge / phono stage combo (mine is in that kind of region), put this Ultra Tape on a properly set-up studio tape recorder and it's quite simply unbeatable. Although having said all that, I'm not sure I'd recommend buying £200 records to play on a £1000 turntable: the difference in sound quality between a regular LP and a very good audiophile one is perhaps equivalent to the difference from a £1k turntable to a £3k one... So, if you had, say, 100 LPs, by spending the price of ten One-Steps on your front end you'd have a similar improvement on all your records.
I agree with you on the 45rpms; there is a benefit and it is worth it when they get a decent length on the side but 7 minutes? It becomes a real pain. I have the Classic releases of Genesis, for example, at 33rpm mastered by Bernie Grundman, and they are absolutely fantastic - no need to replace those. However, there are a few albums on the list I may be enticed to buy...let's see.
The Classics Foxtrot, SEBTP and Lamb are wonderful open pressings - I like the mint original UK releases just a tad more. Michael Hobson of Classic Records made 45 rpm plates of the Genesis albums but never released them in his Clarity box 45 series. Trick of the Tail was done by MoFi. Thank God they are going back to the originals and not Nick Davis’ terrible remixes. If you like Peter Gabriel’s first 5 albums - the Clarity 1 side per lp 45 rpm boxes are so stellar. They really bring out the emotion in the music and depth of layers. The Atlantic 75 45 rpm will be relegating the 2 sides to 1 lp, which I think is just fine
@@audiotomb I'll have to give those (Foxtrot, SEBTP and The Lamb) a listen. I searched for many years to find my UK originals of Trespass through to The Lamb... They are still my references. I do have the MOFI Trick of the Tail which I like a lot. Sadly my Trespass is not mint, but the original pink scroll (of which I've had a couple) sounds far better than anything that came after it. I'm still on the hunt for a better copy. As for Peter Gabriel: I absolutely love his first 5 albums. I'm sure I'll give some (or all) of those a go...
Agree the issue of 33 vs 45. This is why i decided to stick with my 33 uhqr of kind of blue and didnt go for the 45. I know the 45 will be better but it is a tradeoff of a little better sound vs a better listening overall experience at 33.
Yep, I agree, I actually want to lose myself in the music, not be in a 'hifi' space, so to speak. It has to be a lot better sounding, and fit the program material to be worthwhile (A Love Supreme actually isn't so bad being four 'movements' each kinda meditative).
Dave, I’m so thankful you got the UHQR and did this review. You’re in a truly unique position to offer your impressions. I’m glad to hear the UHQR is 90% of the tape. Thanks for your take and the shoutout! We’re blessed to have access to this magnificent music quality at this moment in time. Thanks again and cheers!
Thanks for the inspiration to do this review Austin. The UHQR is, unsurprisingly, stunning!
We’re all taking these amazing reissues a bit for granted.
@@danijelsan81 I agree and really feel like we'll look back at this period as a true golden age.
Dave
Excellent analysis of A Love Supreme. Since watching your glowing video on just the Ultra Tape ALS I was hoping you would get your hands (and ears) on the UHQR and be kind enough to give us your insights, thank you. I have the mono and it is a fold down. Have you heard either the Speaker’s Corner 45 rpm or AP 33 1/3 or 45 rpm? Probably a mute point but I thought of all the vinyl I have the UHQR was just so much more present on an already great recording. Elvin Jones drums come alive as an integral part of the music like never before. Can’t even imagine this on reel to reel on your Studor and MBLs setup. Excellent, thank you
Thanks for the feedback @audiotomb. To be honest I've not heard either the Speaker's Corner, nor the earlier AP releases.
FYI. The MBL's were only on loan. I'm now back to my Kerr Acoustic K100s. Thanks again.
Im so happy to have your reviews to refer to, for when there is something I really want to own. We get a very clear sense of the objective differences, which is very rare. Thank you for your efforts!
This is so good to read, I'm really pleased you find them useful. Thanks for the feedback Thomas.
Dave - I thoroughly enjoy your reviews, especially when a comparison is involved. Your presentation is smart and consistent. Please know the time and effort you put into your videos is appreciated.
Thank you so much for your feedback. Much appreciated.
Spittin image of my brother! I can't help but watch!
LOL wait til I tell mum! 😅
The way he caress the ultra tape box while complimenting it 😁
LOL thanks for pointing that out! ;-)
Hi Dave, great video, by the way. I noticed, your UHQR version comes with the stamp reading (from the original analog tapes) on it. This is interesting because this copy is actually NOT from the original tapes. I wonder if Analogue Productions just attaches the stamp to all their productions regardless. What are your thoughts about that?
Good question: I recall Chad explaining that the original master was damaged and that the UK copy / safety / production master was the best they could get. This honestly doesn't bother me in the slightest. I appreciate the desire to have everything made from the "ORIGINAL MASTER" but so often this wasn't how it worked. Here in the UK we got our vinyl cut from this 'UK master' and so for us that is the source, of course that being a copy of the original master, it is not the 'ultimate' source, but any decent studio can make a copy virtually indistinguishable from the original.
So, whilst it isn't a direct copy of the "original" master it is a copy of the tape that made my original HMV vinyl release.
Add to that AP actually make a 'working copy' (or production copy, whatever you want to call it) and make the Ultra Tapes direct from that -we're again adding a generation, but honestly, in my opinion, and experience, done well, this really isn't an issue at all.
Nice one Dave one of my favourite lps. The tape is always going to be better. Do you have the analogue productions 33 copy. Would have liked your thoughts between. The 33 v Uhqr.
Thanks George. No, sorry, I’ve not heard the AP 33.
Great video - fantastic record
Thanks for the feedback Espen.
I need to give this album another listen. I didn’t care too much for it when I first listened but that was pretty early in my jazz journey. Maybe it will hit me different now
To be honest I felt the same when I first listened to it (maybe 30 years ago).
This is just wonderfully informative! Thanks so much.
Given the prices, one can find single layer sacds for the pennies that fall between sofa cushions. Any judgement on relative.merits?
Hi David, I'd really prefer not to have the A to D conversion and subsequent D to A conversion at all, even if it's DSD. To my ears the tape sounds way way better. However on a value for money basis it is hard to judge because the price difference is so huge.
I'm glad you found the video informative. Thanks for commenting.
@@DaveDenyer Fair enough! I myself lament the passing of direct to disk recording! When I found out that the Miles Davis quintet did FOUR records in one take (did I get that right?) I whimpered about the direct to disk records that might have been! It is just grand to have guidance unconstrained by the pesky detail of cost!
I only played my UHQR • ALS last night. Agree 100% on your take of its qualities. Of course I don’t have any reel 2 reel capability, so never approached your level on hifi Mt. Olympus. But I did comment on a stream later that evening that I felt the ALS • UHQR was the closest I was going to get to R2R. And lo and behold here you are the very next day confirming exactly that.
By the way, when you say you hear John on the “left channel”, does that mean when you’re facing the speakers it is coming from the right speaker? (I doubt this - but just interested to check).
Elvin’s latin rhythms are based in Cuban-mambo origins - not Brazilian or samba. No shuffles on this recording (he rarely plays shuffles). But yeah he gets into more straight ahead / triplet swing on Side 2 (or three of the UHQR). Certainly Elvin’s brilliance is his quintessential sound on any rhythm. And he is the master of all things triplet in form (which in some cases shuffles will take).
But thank you so very much for this excellent and awaited review. May it sit alongside the best of them.
Hi, just to confirm the sax is coming out of the left speaker, the drums from the right. As I’m facing them.
Forgive my amateur ramblings on rhythm, and thanks for your excellent, very informative feedback.
@@DaveDenyer • The sax is coming out of my right channel then. I may need to examine my set up. Thanks again !
I truly enjoyed this video despite not really liking jazz too much, unless it has vocals. I don't have an R2R machine either but it has answered my questions over how good vinyl can be compared to a master tape copy and the fact both LP and tape came from the same source makes your comparison absolute. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it Ian. Expect round two soon: The White Stripes - Elephant UHQR and Ultra Tape just arrived on my doorstep!
That will be splendid and I look forward to it. I remember you did the OG versus the 20th Anniversary LPs a short while back and that almost made me buy the Anniversary version but I ended up going for Sly and the Family Stone's Anthology instead!!!@@DaveDenyer
I have a Revox tape machine, its EQed to NAB, am I still able to play and hear these tapes that are EQed to CCIR? What are the differences with the sound? Thanks!!
Hi, you will be able to play them (assuming it's a 2-track machine). To be honest that's how I started:with my NAB-only Technics RS-1500. My first few 15ips 2-track tapes were the 'wrong' EQ which led to me quite quickly getting a switchable-EQ machine.
Even on the wrong EQ, those first few tapes still sounded amazing though. Playing a CCIR tape back on a NAB machine will typically sound a bit bright and lack some bass weight.
Agree 100% re the double disc 45s. Both ALS and KOB looks like they could’ve been put on one disc. I don’t mind 45s but I much prefer 33 1/3 when I want to just sit and enjoy the music. However, 45s do shine noticeably with jazz vocals.
Thanks for your feedback Luke.
intriguing review sir, although I will personally never be in a position to have reel to reel releases, but still most interesting and informative, thank you! Not really germaine to what you were discussing today, but I have the Acoustic Sounds A Love Supreme at about 1/7 the cost of the UHQR and of course on my humble system I feel it sounds very good. IDK, but I would GUESS it was from the same source, wouldn't it be? And yes, FWIW, even on my system, I too feel the sax is just a tad 'Shouty' 😊
Any thoughts on what you might think about the Acoustic Sounds pressing which would have probably been sourced from the same thing and pressed at the same place? I'm thinking that maybe for us commoners who don't have systems that dwell in the vast realms of Zeus and Adonis, I wonder how the AS pressing would compare? Thanks kindly for your usual most fascinating insights!
Glad you enjoyed the review @latheofheaven. I've not heard the previous AP cuts of this so I'm not sure about the source. Chad made a video about the sourcing of the tapes when the Ultra Tape was first announced. Do you know who cut your version? I'm going to have to do some research...
@@DaveDenyer Hey, I thought you knew all this stuff! 😁 Okay... I will now have to do some research too, thanks for the nice reply mate!
Hello, can you tell us what table, arm, cartridge & phono stage for reference?
Hi 512BB, good question:
Clearaudio Master Reference,
Glanz MH-124S,
Miyajima Kansui,
Aesthetix Io Eclipse.
Elvin Jones is a miracle on the UHQR.
I never appreciated him quite as much as he deserves until I heard this.
Great Comparison Dave. I bought ALS and Ballads ultra Tape when they were announced. The sound really speaks for itself. The UHQR is a very close second. Regardless, ALS alone can justify getting into R2R!
I’m expecting the UHQR and Tape of Elephant any day!
Hi Jefferson, I’ve just had to pay my FedX import costs (duty and taxes) invoice, so should be receiving my Elephants next Wednesday.
@@DaveDenyer I’m cautiously optimistic!
Jefferson (and Dave for that matter)
What kind of outlay are we talking about? The prices in the audio magazines are off the charts
I know you can find used serviced machines from 40 years ago.
if I were an audiophile company selling speakers or electronics at a major show I’d pick up a r2r or join in with a manufacturer and collect a few stellar mind blowing tapes to demonstrate music on.
For a lot of us heavily into vinyl - going to a more refined cartridge, tonearm, etc would impact our musical enjoyment over a broader level.
@@audiotomb hi I don’t disagree in terms of wide availability of LP vs. Tape, but more tape is being made available. I just did a brief primer on getting into audiophile tape, and of course Daves site has amazing info on it: ruclips.net/video/P1TnGYQUyxQ/видео.htmlsi=-tfl3medWhsMw78z
For about 35 years or so I did pretty much what you describe: collected records and upgraded my system as much as I could afford in order to enjoy them more.
Then I heard tape sounding very good and for a couple of grand bought my Technics and some very nice 7.5ips 4-track tapes. I had cables in the system that cost more than the Technics…
Then I upgraded to Studers. Jefferson mentions the Otari in his recent video. I’ve got friends with that machine. I agree it is probably the most affordable way in. You should be able to get one for £2000 or so. You do want to find a service guy who knows what he’s doing
Nice topic
Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.
Did you say “if you have a decent £100,000 front end”? 😮
LOL yes I think I did: I was just trying to put things in perspective: this UHQR is not bad in any way; it's a phenomenal sounding record and would sound stunning on any half-decent well set-up turntable (you could certainly find such a turntable for around £1k). What I meant was even if you have something like a £100k turntable / arm / cartridge / phono stage combo (mine is in that kind of region), put this Ultra Tape on a properly set-up studio tape recorder and it's quite simply unbeatable.
Although having said all that, I'm not sure I'd recommend buying £200 records to play on a £1000 turntable: the difference in sound quality between a regular LP and a very good audiophile one is perhaps equivalent to the difference from a £1k turntable to a £3k one... So, if you had, say, 100 LPs, by spending the price of ten One-Steps on your front end you'd have a similar improvement on all your records.
I agree with you on the 45rpms; there is a benefit and it is worth it when they get a decent length on the side but 7 minutes? It becomes a real pain.
I have the Classic releases of Genesis, for example, at 33rpm mastered by Bernie Grundman, and they are absolutely fantastic - no need to replace those.
However, there are a few albums on the list I may be enticed to buy...let's see.
Nice! I've never tried any of the Classic Records Genesis releases. Something I must do...
The Classics Foxtrot, SEBTP and Lamb are wonderful open pressings - I like the mint original UK releases just a tad more. Michael Hobson of Classic Records made 45 rpm plates of the Genesis albums but never released them in his Clarity box 45 series. Trick of the Tail was done by MoFi. Thank God they are going back to the originals and not Nick Davis’ terrible remixes.
If you like Peter Gabriel’s first 5 albums - the Clarity 1 side per lp 45 rpm boxes are so stellar. They really bring out the emotion in the music and depth of layers. The Atlantic 75 45 rpm will be relegating the 2 sides to 1 lp, which I think is just fine
@@audiotomb I'll have to give those (Foxtrot, SEBTP and The Lamb) a listen. I searched for many years to find my UK originals of Trespass through to The Lamb... They are still my references. I do have the MOFI Trick of the Tail which I like a lot. Sadly my Trespass is not mint, but the original pink scroll (of which I've had a couple) sounds far better than anything that came after it. I'm still on the hunt for a better copy.
As for Peter Gabriel: I absolutely love his first 5 albums. I'm sure I'll give some (or all) of those a go...
Agree the issue of 33 vs 45. This is why i decided to stick with my 33 uhqr of kind of blue and didnt go for the 45. I know the 45 will be better but it is a tradeoff of a little better sound vs a better listening overall experience at 33.
Yep, I agree, I actually want to lose myself in the music, not be in a 'hifi' space, so to speak. It has to be a lot better sounding, and fit the program material to be worthwhile (A Love Supreme actually isn't so bad being four 'movements' each kinda meditative).