The Forgotten Beatles Box Set & Why You Should Own It
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- Опубликовано: 5 авг 2023
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The original Beatles CDs have never been popular with audiophiles but in 1992, before the curse of noise reduction took hold, EMI produced the best and most authentic sounding set of Beatles music on CD to date - the CD EP Collection. In this video we look at why this set sounds so good and even present some clips for you to judge for yourself. Let us know what you think in the comments.
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Great to hear you playing actual excerpts from the CDs. The 92 EPs definitely sound superior.
I think this is the first time I've heard Beatles music on this channel!
Wow, you're using the actual song samples!
Hearing the actual audio clips I don’t feel like the EPs necessarily beat the 2009 CDs every time. They’re very bassy but when they’re good they are VERY good.
Wow Andrew, those audio samples really convinced me that I need to pick up this set. The 87 and 2009 samples sounded very similar to me, but the CD EP samples were so much clearer and more vibrant. Thanks for putting something else on my plate that I need to buy haha
Go for it, Johnny!
My ears must suck because I hear zero difference between the samples.
@@jxchamb Haha, yes they do.
I received this as a Christmas gift in 1993. Having already owned all the albums on CD, I never really played this set. Almost sold it to my local CD store a few years back where they were gonna offer me $18 for it. I’m glad I kept it. After owning the 2009 sets for a number of years now, I decided to give this set a proper listen. Was I surprised! I absolutely agree with you and the community!
Really, $18? That’s GameStop level of lowballing right there.
Oh my GOODNESS those EP CDs sounded absolutely AMAZING! Those are true audiophile pressings. Can’t believe RUclips is allowing those samples and honestly, am really glad that they are. Thanks for all you do Andrew!
What a wonderfully noticeable difference in clarity and fullness from the EP discs. You have to wonder why the greatest catalog in pop/rock history has never been presented correctly. This also proves that CDs can sounds just as warm and dynamic as vinyl if the transfer and mastering is done right.
Blows the whole Giles Martin schtick right out of the water. Do the originals properly!
WOW! I'm so glad you can actually use samples to compare now in your videos, and the differences are VERY noticeable. When I was managing a CD store from 1992-2001, someone traded in the CD singles box set (3" version) and the CD EP set, so I grabbed them both. Nice to know these are in my collection. Now I want to rip them. Thank you!
Wow! Those samples really show off this set. After watching this earlier today, I jetted down to my local record shop, because I had seen this box in stock there a few weeks ago. Thankfully it hadn’t sold, is in top shape, and was priced reasonably. It’s now mine, woohoo!! Great video, Andrew. Thanks for always reporting to us on sound quality, I love it!!
I bought this EP set when it came out. I have loved it from that day on until this present day. The day I got it home and opened the shrink wrap felt like Christmas Day, even though it wasn't. I still have it and play it regularly. Thanks, Andrew. Once again. Loved the video. !
In my opinion, the mono 1987 CDs don’t sound as good as the 2009 mono remasters but the 1992 EP CDs are a totally different animal. There is a noticeable boost in the low end compared to the other two and it really does sparkle. However, I prefer the 1987 Magical Mystery Tour stereo CD because it is more dynamic than the 1992 CD.
The transfers of "She Loves You" and "I Want To Hold Your Hand" are still the best sounding versions. They are almost worth the price of the whole box. The transfers of the other tracks are also great. My EP box is currently enshrined in my china cabinet.
Andrew always has a quality presentation, but he really knocked it out of the park with this video.
Thank you, Vince!
This set is a great companion to the Mono box set. I especially like how we finally were able to have a CD version of the UK Magical Mystery Tour.
Mind blown. I purchased the EP set on your recommendation a year or two ago, it’s definitely superior and hearing the different releases side by side like this is proof - more clarity,more punch, more definition. Wonderful!
I've had this set for years, simply because I found it in a used record shop in the early '00s. I never really gave it a second thought until now. Listening to these samples is a revelation, particularly for the earlier tracks as you've noted. It makes sense to burn these onto one or two CD-Rs for the car...
Listened twice. First time through the TV, then thru Quad 33/303 and ESL57s. The sound was a lot brighter on the 87s. the 2009 CDs sound lifeless and bass sodden. The 1992 sounded astonishing! Dynamic with a true punchy bass. Thanks for the comparisons, great review! 👍
It is undeniable. Your comparisons put the nail in the coffin. Those 1992 CDs truly sound perfect.
Absolutely agree Andrew. I bought this set when it came out - principally because I wanted to hear some of the mono mixes on CD. But it soon became clear that these were superior transfers and compared well with the original vinyl E.P.s. The whole E.P. format appears to have been almost forgotten and neglected, but I would always advise picking them up if you see them. Thanks for a great video. 😃
Hearing the difference makes the difference. I can't believe how much life there is in the box set.
Another fascinating insight Andrew - a top quality Mono release with master tape sound hidden in plain sight for over 30 years!....🤩
Great video, Andrew! I grew up on the '87 CDs - the only '09 remasters I had were Yellow Submarine and Past Masters. It was only in 2019 that I finally decided I needed to get the Stereo and Mono boxes in order to both 'feel complete' and have the best listening experience. Somehow, I got genuine copies of both for around $110 combined! It was a joy, but felt a bit sad that in two purchases I was already complete - I was in a total Beatles collecting mood and wanted to find more CD sets to enjoy! I decided the EP set would be a great addition, and at the time it was readily available for around $40 USD. I found a seller who had just listed a mint copy for $30, and I had the audacity to offer them $23, which was accepted almost immediately! So, only a few years later, it's shocking to hear $70 US being a 'good value' on it!! Definitely an increase in demand, and I am sure this video will only further that. Think I'll get the box out and enjoy it all over again!
It's interesting how the "remastered" editions of 2009 are, in general, levels behind both the 1987 and mainly the 1992 edition of this box. The different is clear. Thanks so much for this demonstration.
I found this in the sound comparisons: the 1987s were thick and details were lost in the phasing, the EP tracks were a little more thin and bright than the 2009s, and I found that they lacked the fullness that they got with the remasters. my pick for favourite is the 2009s, which is good because I've got the box set.
After seeing this video i've found digital lossless transfers of this box and i've listened to them. It's true! They are the best sounding mono mixes i've ever heard of this songs! It's all seems more brilliant, alive and exciting!
Wow! Truly a difference on Ringo’s snare, ride and crash cymbals on a couple of the tunes. The EP set I have and probably will take to my grave…always loved the Ep format on vinyl as well. It was great to see the wav spectrum as well. At least a thumbs up for the cd format right?
Great episode Andrew. Thanks.
Thanks Brian. It's a well mastered set.
My wife had given me this box set as a birthday present in '92. We were stationed in Germany at the time. Many of the CD's we purchased were German releases; however, I just retrieved the set, taking a closer look and as it turns out, my set is a US release. It actually has the Capitol logo on the side of the box, just above the Parlophone logo, plus it has a large sticker covering most of the back of the box. It lists each disc and their tracks and reads: "First time on CD! First time in the U.S.!"
This was the question I've had for years, I mean, why my box set didn't have that list? I think this was the only detail that Andrew missed. Thanks for clearing it up.
Received this box set as a gift back then and will often listen straight through.💿
Yes i love this collection and it does sound great ,especially the rubber soul ep ive always loved how Ringo sounds on " You wont see me".
Shouldn’t the opening narration be, “… it had been 30 years since the release of the Beatles first single”, not 20?
Regardless, excellent video once again! Makes me even happier that I picked this up in 1992 as a teenager.
Yep...ooops 😉
Funnily enough, I had my copy of this out to play last week.
I remember wandering into HMV in Hanley one day and there it was. I don't think I knew it was going to be released. I think it cost me £80 or so and I did have to convince myself to buy it! £80 was a lot to me then (still is really!).
The highlight for me was the mono MMT disc and listening out for the differences to the stereo version!
Very pleased I have this in my collection.
Even over RUclips, the differences appear remarkably vivid! I've listened to these samples quite a number of times. The central body of my personal collection consists of the 1987 CDs and the 1981 blue box Beatles Collection. Naturally, I have the "Live at the BBC" and the various anthologies and a smattering of vinyl EPs and LP collections. I need to listen to your samples a few hundred times more to decide what sound I like best, lol! Stop making me revisit my collection, lol! Cheers!
Generally I agree, the 1992 CD EP versions sounded the best. By the way, this EP box set was released in the US, too. The covers are generally the same but they add a US catalog # to each EP (which seems superfluous since, as far as I know, they were never offered for sale as individual CD EPs), and the catalog # C2-15852 on the spine of the box. (There is also a Capitol logo, again superfluous, since these weren't Capitol EPs. So the box spine shows Capitol, Parlophone and Apple logos!)
Thanks so much, Andrew. I primarily collect vinyl and very seldom buy CD’s, but this set seems like something I’d try and hunt down. Those ‘92 issued CD’s just have an almost bouncy and more energetic feel than the others, and you can see on the waveforms that they haven’t been basically ruined with noise reduction. They line up with exactly the feeling you get from that 1992 set. Again, thank you, Andrew. Even if I don’t end up grabbing it, it’s just some more great musical knowledge to have. ✌️🔊😊🎶
I bought this yesterday for $150au (prob about 75uk). Mint condition. I am glad you mentioned the quality of the covers. When I looked at them, I thought I had bought a bootleg.
Incredibly bright, the clarity is just a true joy
I am listening on my iPhone speaker and did not think I would be able to hear a difference, but I definitely did. '92 all the way. I was born in '92. It was clearly a fine year.
I bought this and the singles box 10 years ago and I love the presentation and the sound❤
Always good stuff here! Thanks Andrew.
I remember when this box was released.
I was only 10 years old at the time.
I followed your recommendation and bought it. It is like listening the Beatles for the first time. The sound is incredible. The bass and mids are completely different.
Yesterday it feels like Paul is singing in front of me. Amazing! Thank you!!!!
You're welcome & enjoy!
thanks for another fascinating video!
I prefer the 1987 & 92 versions, glad they allowed those snippits.
The difference between the 1992 and the other samples are worlds apart. Well worth getting. Great and ear opening review.
Nice comparisons! The 92 EP's definitely sounds more open. I will have to find a set for myself now.
The CD EP mixes sound so much brighter and natural. The others had a muddled sound. Time to get my hands on the EP set.
The 92 EP mixes have space in abundance, good clarity and separation. I shall be revisiting my collection now.
So the common held belief that vinyl pressings all sound slightly different and digital formats all sound the same has been well and truly exploded. Even I can hear difference in clarity. I bought these boxsets when they came out but haven't played them since. Your videos make me dig out and blow the cobwebs off all these items.
Glad to be of service, Steve!
thank you yet again andrew for an amazing video! always a good day when you post
The snippets you played from the 1992 EPs had great presence! Another fascinating video, Andrew!
The excerpts made this one of the best videos lately! The EP Box Set is super! Thanks!
GREAT VIDEO!!! The comparisons were fantastic. I'm glad I have that EP box!
The comparisons are amazing! Convinced me that the EP set is indeed a must buy.
Love the sound of CD EP Collection so much. Absolutely superior, clearer and more vibrant, than 1987 and 2009
I loved watching a program about a rarity I actually have! Continual smiles😊
Thanks again Andrew for another great and informative video!
Here's the report from a pair of nearly 60 year old ears with bad tinnitus:
To me, the 1987 versions seem to have a "brightness" about them. It would be wrong to say "thin/tinny" but lets just call it a brightness. I own the original 10987 CD's and have never replaced/upgraded them. I still listen to them today, so it's the versions of these songs that I'm most familiar (comfortable?) with.
The 2009 versions: again, taking into account my bad hearing, the 2009 versions seemed sort of muffled as opposed to the 1987 versions. The brightness and snap of Ringo's cymbals and "snap" of George's guitar licks are greatly reduced to my ears in the 2009 versions. But the bass (Paul) seems to have been boosted, which is great. Kind of nice to hear deeper bass.
1992 EP's set: to me, it sounds like a "compromise" between 1987 and 2009. The EP's are not quite as bright as 1987, and not as deep/bassy as 2009. It's a nice sound. Again, just what my old bad ears are hearing.
I've stuck with my 1987 CDs far longer than I probably should have (!!) but to me, that's the sound I expect from The Beatles. And overall, the differences between different masterings isn't enough to get me to buy all new CDs. I just can't hear real significant differences...not enough to where it sounds like a whole new song.
P.S. : THANK YOU for including a snippet of "Tell Me Why". To me, "Tell Me Why" is the greatest "hidden gem" of all The Beatles songs. EASILY in my top 10 favorite Beatles songs, yet apart from big Beatles fans, nobody knows or even talks about "Tell Me Why". I guess that means you and I are in a secret, exclusive club that appreciates that song, Andrew! :)
Wow! The difference is pretty astonishing! The ‘92 set definitely sounds significantly better. Now I need to find this set!
Being born in 1983 and first visiting record stores here in the New York suburbs in 1995; I’m glad to see some praise for Beatles CDs that were new at that time! Excellent video as always Andrew.😮
Thanks for the update on the EP / CD’s .
Another outstanding and informative video, my Beatle friend! The superior sound of the CD eps was so obvious on my modest computer speakers, I can only imagine how much better they would sound on a decent sound system. Thank you again for your thorough analysis and entertaining videos!
Man, I have to really thank you for comparing the different sounding excerpts of the sets. I have always thought that the '87 Beatles' Mono CDs sounded a bit flat. Then, I assumed that the 2009 sets were the better versions. Now, my opinion has changed. I have owned the '92 box set since the late 90's (when I purchased the set in a used record store for $60.) and only listened to it once. Soon afterwards, I transferred all my CD discs onto my "IPod", which I still listen to. I suppose I spent my Beatles' listening time, going through my 2009 set. Now, however, I am going to spend tomorrow listening to the '92 set, once more. Can't believe how smooth & clear the music sounded. Thanks a million, pal. You've come through again.
Thanks Rick. Glad you enjoyed it!
Agree with you completely on this, when I bought it I was amazed how crystal clear it was and in particular the bonus EP
I love listening to the earlier Beatles tracks from this, especially the songs from Please Please Me. If only there were more EPs, then I could take the rips and build the albums from these EP tracks. Mono Box Set reissue, Apple? My only gripe is the tremendous grip the CD jackets hold on the discs.
Another great video, Andrew! And I agree, this set sounds amazing!
Thanks Andrew! Fascinating as always. I’ll have to dig mine out and actually listen to it! 😊All the best, Rob
I recently picked up the Japanese version of this box set and it came with two booklets. The booklets are mostly in Japanese and don't have any pictures. I really like this box set. The Japanese sleeves have the washed out look, too and the box top comes off instead of folding back and down.
Do these booklets contain at least some data in English about the edition?
@@bombardier2011 the WHITE book has more English than the BLACK book. The White Book (60pages) has Each EP listed with author and publishing and year and the lyrics in both English an Japanese. The Black book (52pages) is all in Japanese. Oddly enough the Black book title page is in English "The Beatles Official Numbers". Each CD is housed in a soft sleeve that slips into the paperboard sleeves.
Great music. I still have the original boxed sets of the 45 RPM singles and the 45 RPM EP's complete with picture sleeves. It's always a joy to spin the discs like back in the day. Wonderful memories
This is an expert work. Love it. Thank you!
The sound is incredible more rich details better separation of instruments
EXCELLENT subject and EXCELLENT video, Andrew! I have long-loved this collection and the pure mono sound is beautiful. Clean and true. Great job!
Glad you enjoyed it, Anthony!
the 1992 cd EP Box and the 2009 Mono Box both sound great. I forgot about the EP Box and I still kick myself for not buying the Mono Box. thanks, Andrew, for playing us portions of the music.
Great research and presentation, Andrew!
Thanks Patrick. Glad you liked it!
My wife got me this for my birthday at that point didn't even know it existed. She really surprised me with this.
I remember years ago wondering whether to invest in the EP collection or not but being a serious Beatles fan (and quite obsessive about sound quality) I couldn't resist and ended up buying it regardless. So glad I did as it was apparent from listening to one disc that the sound easily surpassed the 1987 masters. Even after the 2009 remastering there's something about the sound in this box that makes it a keeper. Great channel btw.
Thanks again. Great story. So glad to have this box set!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Such a great episode and kudos to you for being allowed by RUclips the comparison samples - it was my favorite part of the episode - obviously the EP Mixes being "new" mixes to begin with having sonic choices in 1992 that were not available to George Martin in the 60s are superior to the earlier releases - I was lucky to purchase the box for $40 at release - Good work Andrew!🇬🇧
Thanks Louis. Glad you enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed this video as always Andrew. Your videos go from strength to strength and are a valuable resource to all music fans. Absolutely brilliant work.
Thanks!
Nice video Andrew, very good quality content, like always
Excellent advice and analysis!! You are the best thanks Andrew!!
My pleasure, Cleve!
GREAT REVIEW! Yes, this EP box is a treasure and was a no brainer buy for me back in 1992. "Long Tall Sally" and "Magical Mystery Tour" remain treasured pieces of my music collection.
Wow, great video, Andrew!! 👏👏 I’m happy I’ve bought this box set a year ago. Here in Brazil we don’t have easy access to these special releases even today, let alone in 1992. It was almost impossible to find them in the shops here, we had to travel to Europe or the US to get them. Through this video I can clearly hear the difference in the sound quality of all those releases and now I’m sure I’ve made the right decision to buy the EP box set to my collection. Thank you!! 👏👏
Glad you enjoyed it!
After seeing your video I ordered this through Discogs and I am so pleased I did. It arrived today and I can confirm the sound quality is excellent. In fact it is the best reproduction of these recordings I have ever heard. I am actually noticing things I hadn’t heard before. After 60 years! The best thing about it for me is that you can follow the harmony vocal lines so easily. Thank you so much for your recommendation.
You're very welcome!
That's a nice revelation! Thanks!
Thanks Andrew for another great video. I just fished out my copy of the EP box set and ripping them off as I type this. I've totally forgotten about this since I started collecting vinyl again but they sound great. I also found my copy of the CD Singles collection box set as well and will listen to that as well. Keep up the good work!
To my untrained ear, I think the 1992 CD’s sound crisper. The 2009 sounds kinda muddy!
Thanks for sharing your Beatles knowledge, Andrew!
It's been 3 long weeks...Sure was looking forward to this new episode!
My own personal history with this EP set. Where I am, it wasn't around in shops much. Since the internet, I could have located one. But, I made CD-R copies of a borrowed set, and that was ok. But, about a year ago, I was in an antique mall, and there I found all the discs from this set, in their slightly water-damaged sleeves, but no outer box. All the CDs, $10 total. I felt very happy about my little bargain, and when I played the discs, I found myself performing the same comparisons done here. I agree- these are the best sounding Beatles CDs.
It was amazing, to see that record club ad!!! We never had that deal in the US.
So many things from your videos stay in my thoughts. I particularly find myself wanting the Beatles vinyl boxed set, that you mentioned as being the best value, and somewhat easy to find. I have so many Beatles CDs, but, not much vinyl. I wish one of those boxes would come towards me.
Thanks again for your video series. You are doing it just right.
Many many thanks.
I immediately do likewise and compare.
Very interesting. Glad to have the EP set!
Barty
I have never heard of this and now I want it. A reissue of the EPs sounds like a really cool idea.
Great job, as always, Andrew! I have this set and its companion box set. You are correct. The sound of these mixes is more full and is superior to the earlier CDs.
Keep up the great work!!!
The first thing that I noticed on the comparisons , was the superior sound of the drums on the EP versions ..
They were much clearer than on the other sources .
Thanks for the video . Cheers !
GREAT VIDEO IDEA!: Exploring all the Beatles coloured vinyl ive just started collecting all the coloured vinyl from 1978 and theres so many cool variations
Wow, even on my basic buds the '92 set is such a difference.... Amazing!
Wow! First of all I need to thank you Andrew. I didn't know about this Beatles EP CD Collection. When I heard the samples you provided in this video, I immediately knew this was something very special. I managed to find a store
an original copy with only Parlophone and Apple labels.
I believe it is not a box for those who prefer a digitally “polished” sound. Here we can hear some bearly analog distortion of the tapes in many musical passages. Now just find a sweet spot, sit down and listen to the Beatles like I never imagined existed on CD.
Outstanding episode, Andrew! I need to get my set out and listen to them again. Great hearing actual samples in your analysis. - Roger
Go for it, Roger!
I just recently acquired this box set and it really does sound much more full, especially the bass. Thanks for the heads-up and keep these awesome videos coming. I just subscribed! ✌🏻
Enjoy & welcome aboard!
In ‘93, I worked in a record shop that had one of these EP sets. I wrote it off, thinking “I already have the other (‘87) CDs… why would I need this?” Now, 30 years later, your video inspired me to pick one up, and I’m delighted. Thanks again for your great Beatles content - the best on RUclips.
Thanks Bryan. Much appreciated!
The EP CD sounds fantastic! I'm going to look for that set, thanks.
Hi again Andrew, I’ve had that set along with the 81 (?) vinyl issue and I’ve always gravitated to the cd set for its shimmering sound ! And you hit the bullseye with the million sellers disc-When I first heard I Want To Hold Your Hand and I Feel Fine they immediately became my favorite versions along with the Long Tall Sally disc and the Twist And Shout. Doesn’t have the original single mix of Please Please Me as the original ep didn’t feature it anyway, but it’s still an incredible sounding box ! Great video as always !!👍👍👍
Thank you! I have this set in mint shape. I never knew it was so great sounding. I truly appreciate your work. Cheers 😊
You're very welcome!
Looking at the 87 versions, you can see they're not quite in mono (the left and right channels aren't quite in sync, I suppose that's the phasing issue you mentioned), whereas the 92 and 09 versions look properly mono. The 92 versions sound the best to my ears, they're much more crisp. It's especially noticeable on I Want To Hold Your Hand; the 09 version sounds like it's coming from underneath a blanket.
Thanks once again Andrew for another great and informative video.
Last year I was lucky enough to purchase a near mint copy of the EP box set from eBay for around $145 Australian and throughly agree with you with the sound quality which is 100% better than the 1987 CD album issue and I’ll go so far as to say that to my ear was better than the 2009 mono albums (which I also have).
I hadn’t really studied the quality of the EP box set and mainly bought it to have in my collection but thanks to you I can readily see how right you are about their quality and how glad I am that I bought it. Thanks again 😊
I’m looking forward to your next Video on the 60th anniversary of She Loves You as it is a special song for me being the first Beatles record I recall hearing as a 10 year old on Australian radio in August 1963 and distinctly remember turning to my older brother who had it playing on his transistor radio and just saying “ who is singing that?” My appreciation to Top40 music was forever changed and my love of the Beatles was born.