Great video! I think you coined a new term, “mid-end”. I’m not enough of a Steely Dan fan to pay the price for a UHQR, but feel that the Universal release will be sufficient for my collection.
I thought it sounded very warm, and smooth, but lacks clarity, even streaming gives you that clarity sound, can’t wait for the 45 RPM to hit, I’m sure it will be perfect😎👌
Maybe Bernie only created the digital transfer for the 33rpm (possibly a flat transfer) of the master tape? Discogs also lists it as mastered at GZ Media, and lacquer cut by Alex Abash. We know Bernie would never abandon the mids. Thanks as always for these valuable comparisons, Michael!
The difference in price here in Australia is AU$60 for the 33 1/3 & AU$280 for the UHQR. Unless you have a system that can bring out the difference, Most would be happy with the 33 I watched the video Chad & Bernie done discussing this release. But I didn't hear any mention of the differences between the two. Which would be something really interesting to know. My order for the 33 1/3 has been delayed until late Nov. So won't get it until early December. Thanks for doing the extra comparison of the album. Many ppl are appreciative
Nice to see an objective review and comparison. There was another reviewer that spent over 2 hours, dissing the new Universal cut and had not even heard the new AP release. His has been really the only negative i've heard, and as someone that owns this new release, i like others am very pleased with overall sound quality. Not everyone can justify $150 for a release like this, and at the same time i'm sure it is worth every penny.
Thank for the update. Here is my mini comparison: First I am a HUGE SD fan but this is probably my less favorite album of the bunch. I own both an original US pressing and just got my AP UHQR copy yesterday. The difference between the two is striking!. While the original pressing is rather good sonically, the AP's version sound stage just opened up in my listening room. Not even close. The acoustic piano tracks came across much more rhythmic and the vocals were no longer just in the center but stepped out and "spread out" further out front in the room. If this is the quality of these new AP SD records, I can't wait to hear what Aja is going to sound like.
Thanks for doing this comparison Michael. The digital cut is a great affordable option. Like you cannot understand why they didn’t produce a 33 AAA to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of this album,a missed opportunity for sure.. Even just for a limited run then go to the digital. The Beatles,Floyd have had all their discography remastered digitally.This keeps the albums always in print ,perhaps this is how Steely Dan approached it. Personally I’ll stick to my Uk original of which I would be very confident it matches the US sonically.The Uk were sent copies of the tapes meaning they got a decent crack at producing great sounding versions. I will definitely go for the 45 rpms after the UHQR run has finished. Michael all the best to you & Stunty on your forthcoming coming record shows. Enjoy yourselves,have fun 🙌🙌🔥
Thanks Michael. When the source material is so well recorded it makes it easy for me to buy the least expensive model. It helps that I have no interest in turning the album over every ten minutes.
Oh my God if this isn't my exact philosophy haha. I'm glad there's options for hardcore audiophiles but Donald and Roger Nichols as a whole pretty much did all the work up front to the benefit of all listeners regardless of format or price point.
I can agree the top and bottom overtook my hearing to where is the mid-end was there and normal, it wasn’t evident due to the other over saturation. This “hotter” sound had it jump out whereas the AP UHQR kept everything settled and distinguishable. I think the 33RPM version tracks more with the way the younger crowds like their sound having grown in the digital age….so maybe some demographic alignment to sound and wallets!
Thanks for this comparison. The irony here is that all who purchased the MoFi One Step releases since 2011(at the inflated purchase pricing) received the equivalent of a One Step Digital Transfer when compared to the Universal Music of the SD release at $29 or less!
Michael, I appreciate you doing this Comparision / I just cannot afford the UHQR / I didn't expect it to be up to that standard, but it is nice to hear that it is a nice release.
The original was mastered 50 years ago.. So it was mastered using studio monitors with paper speaker cones, therefore the top and low end will be different unless replaying on period speakers. These newer cuts (budget & UHQR ) were mastered using modern monitors with composite speaker cones. Yes, still using a Neumann lathe and tube signal chain... but the main thing that has changed significantly between then and now, is speaker design... These new cuts match with modern speakers
@@marcellavankraaij it depend on the application. Paper cones are not good for in-car-entertainment or portable PA systems or in countries with high humidity levels. However, they are fine for theatre installs and home Hi-Fi because humidity and temperature levels are well maintained and regulated around the clock and throughout the year.. Studio monitor cones tend to be composite these days as studios are places of work. They may stand empty overnight, for holiday periods or for weekends. Abbey Road for example consists of three recording studios with a number of mixing, mastering, and cutting rooms. it has the capability to hold a full 100-piece symphony orchestra, Studio One is the largest room with over 5,300 square feet of space. It is a big useful space but sadly.... it is not booked 24/7... 365 Can you imagine the heating cost for the 100 year old brick building at Abbey Road in a damp city like London if they were to use paper speaker cones in their monitors and wanted to keep them dry? My bet is Bernie Grundman is using composite cones in his monitors. They are an industry standard these days.
😂50 years ago non paper cone speakers existed! Wtf? And do you mean both tweeters and woofers or just woofers as there are are high end paper cone woofers out there! For katy Lied they even had Magneplanar loudspeakers to mix the lp ( which they played too loud) but they’re a high end speaker system then and now! My epi speakers inverted dome ( like focal) tweeters when I first played the lp myself when it first came out.and i had friends with JBL studio monitors with jbl dome tweeters ..
@@therealbushboy6440 Of course. They even had electrostatic speakers way back. But here is the thing. They were not an industry standard as monitors in the late 60s early 70s. Those old mixes where mixed to sound good on most systems.... not just hi-end systems, because that is where the market was. They were making records for the masses and for radio play. And most systems used paper cones. More importantly, most systems didn't have tweeters. Today, the market is for people with hi end gear. You never hear the story of Bob Ludwig's hot cut of Led Zep II? Just imagine being a school kid and having a Dansette record player in your bedroom in 1969. You buy Led Zeppelin II and the stylus can't track the record. You would return the disc to the store and ask for your money back. Myself... i didn't even experience stereo until 1972 (Around the time of "Can't Buy A Thrill came out) let alone Hi-Fi.... as i was still at school and my folks didn't care for records... they only listened to the radio. And you expect those early mixes to sound the same as these later mixes. Lol.
Great comment. That's me, too. I did buy the UHQR of 'Aqualung' and it sounds great. But I know it would sound much better on a high end system. So I'll stick with more affordable 33 1/3 albums for now. If they ever release The Beatles on UHQR however...
If you still have a entry to mid hi/fi system, you could wait for the 45 RPM which usually runs for about $60 bucks, I have Everything Must Go and Two Against Nature and they sound fantastic, super quality package, that’s what I’m waiting for, but I did pre-order the Aja UHQR 😎👌
I can't say you made yourself clear at all. All I heard is that you don't like the midrange, and that the 33 is just not good compared to the UHQR. But why? Width? Depth? Clarity? What? I can't say this was helpful to me at all.
All in the game bro. They have to drop something in there like a mid flaw, to make you lean toward uhqr. Like looking at a real van gogh or a print. A nice 40.00 print is fine with me and the U33 is also..
Hi Michael I like the 30 dollar version of Can’t buy a thrill! It is a great pressing Bernie did a great job from DSD file sounds great the sound dynamics are wonderful and the high end are great and over all a nice sounding album. Plus I have my ABC records pressing too. Great video! Take care
On the original release U.S. pressings, they were pressed by multiple pressing plants, which can be like the difference between night and day. Just a few of the pressing plants who pressed the original release: RCA, Capitol CBS, True Sound, etc. Most of these different pressing companies had multiple pressing plants. Probably the best and premium pressings would have come from the Columbia Santa Maria pressing plant. This plant was known for using a premium virgin vinyl mix, before virgin vinyl was even considered an issue. So, there are multiple original pressings to choose from in the U.S. alone. Then, there are the quadraphonic versions on the ABC-Command record label to consider. On record, in the U.S., there were 2 Quadraphonic pressings in 1974. The 2nd, listed as being remastered, was pressed by Columbia Santa Maria. I have this version and it will be interesting to compare this to the UHQR and Universal versions when I receive them. The quadraphonic mix dates back to the original release on an 8-track tape cartridge in 1972. The quadraphonic mix is probably the closest to the original session tapes. ABC-Command used the QS(Sansui) quadraphonic format, which basically reversed the phasing on the 2 channels meant for the rear speakers. For normal listening in stereo, the different process might not be apparent but may have better clarity compared to the stereo mix.
As i reed, that the 33 Umin is taken by a stream from Bernie, I realized it‘s marketing for selling the UHQR. So i have ordert an old pressing, because it‘s AAA. And now I can wait until the UHQR will come in 33Umin version or on black vinyl. The UHQR price in germany is round about 300€ and that’s ….. Thank‘s for your video.😀
The UHQR sounds relaxed It just unveils it’s musicality effortlessly Such a great release The others pale in comparison More air, detail, instruments emerge out of the space Original very nice - more natural than 33 1/3 New 33 1/3 sounds engaging great for the price for those who don’t want to spend too much and want a clean dynamic copy - highly recommended Speaker’s Corner sounds too hifi I did a detailed review on Steve Hoffman
@@mozdieloz3826 “sounds effortless” “sounds too hifi” I was like what am I reading, it looked like a spoof of a hifi magazine I’m sorry but that shit was too ass to let go
@@Valleyplant He was merely showing is opinion, and most audiophile people take their talking about music in that overly serious and pompous way. It's all part of their World.
@@mozdieloz3826 I’m familiar with audiophile reviews, and maybe his full review is a bit better thought-out, my opinion is that his synopsis looked more like a spoof mocking audiophile reviews than an actually review.
Always love the music passion you bring out in your videos. Four options for the album is just great to have. We all have different needs and different budgets. For me a good midway choice would be to wait for the standard 45Rpm release.
The original is not quite as easy to find as it used to be here in the USA. The other challenge is finding one that wasn't played to death. Especially the hit tracks "Do it again" and Reelin. As someone below stated it was pressed at a bunch of different plants and ABC pressings vary in quality like most of the vinyl pressed here in the USA in the 70's. Still a great debut record. I'll stick with my Speakers Corner which is pretty damn good IMO.
Thank you for doing the comparison, it is greatly appreciated ❤ Good to know it’s more than decent so I’ve ordered it and I’m sure that I’ll be happy with it. If only the UHQR had come out a little later when I’d won the lottery 😉
I think the price comes in because this discography being given the royal treatment direct from the source material (that was rumored missing), was something most thought would never happen. People will pay 150 all day for a killer 1st press or limited issue remaster of an out of print album they want. I think this fits the same bill. It’s a top notch audiophile pressing on 200 gram specialty vinyl direct from the masters by Bernie. I think because it’s new the price seems extravagant. But all things considered, it’s a fair price for a product we didn’t even know we would ever get just a few months ago.
I haven't received my UHQR, but did listen to the 33 rpm version. Flat out this is a great album and it's my 1st time really listening to it from beginning to end -although I have listened to a lot of the songs on the radio. You really can't lose on this one. The continuity of album sequence is better on the 33 RPM and you lose this on the 45 RPM. However, I am sure the 45 RPM will sound phenomenal. So that' s the trade off. I think that the quality of the songs and compositions here governs over whether if its on 33 or 45 RPM, etc.
I have Kind of Blue in UHQR format. Amazing. Probably because Becker/Fagan were so meticulous about the recording process, Can’t Buy a Thrill surpasses it. I have Mobile Fidelity and Cisco Aja, as well as multiple original pressings. Cannot wait until I get the UHQR Aja! Thanks again Chad
Steely Dan was and still is an exciting Rockband for me. Whether as a tour or studio band. Whatever the vinyl it's a brilliant band. Just like your videos are Michael. Thanks. ❤️Heike
I own all first pressings issues of Steely Dan . Like I said before to you Michael ,a couple months ago. Steely Dan first releases sound like audiophile albums. Your comment was "that's because they're crazy". Well I have the UHQR of Can't buy a thrill. It's a whole new level. For sure
@Fletcher Fortune You have to remember, for those in the EU the price difference between the imported UHQR and the home grown GZ Media (Czech Republic) pressing is different by orders of magnitude when compared to the US... You really have to love Steely Dan to want to give all that money to a government as import duty (and VAT on the delivery cost). So for me, although i can afford it.... I would sooner buy locally.
@Fletcher Fortune I think the comment was not meant to be offensive against customers choice. If you can afford it get it and be happy soundwise. As I am not on the powerful economic side, I always have to make choice and would a 30 bucks pressing never call a budget pressing. And I as well can see clearly a tendency in overpricing which cannot be only explained by inflation, increased costs. Just my personal opinion.
@Fletcher Fortune You're calling someone idiotic for expressing an opinion about pricing being too high? Seems crazy to me that you'd take offense at a comment like this. Who's "pigeonholing" who? Can we keep it civil?
@Fletcher Fortune imagine if your first comment had emphasized the amount of time and energy put into the development of the record, paying people fair wages, etc., and what justified its cost instead making it about YOU and what YOU could afford and calling the op idiotic
This is a comparison video without any actual comparison. No objective thoughts offered, the UHQR was Michael's obvious favourite before it was even conceived lol.
I thought you were going to miss it but, yes, the 45rpm option from AP should be a great option. I think Chad hinted at 2024 though... I'll get the UHQRs though I may need to sell a kidney by the time I have all seven.
For some unexplainable reason, I get the feeling that the 33RPM version is not THAT far from the UHQR's, if at all! question is is it justifying the diference in price.. For sure to hold the UHQR in hand would give you a unique feel, but in term of sound results, looks like the UHQR price has gone too far.
Thank you very much for this great review Michael sounds like a good buy for the price and how lucky we are in this day and age that as you stated that in the near future we will have 4 great choices depending on our budget and patience the latter regarding finding a near mint original . It is also Michael very pleasing to know that the most expensive is also the very best as it should be in the audiophile world thanks once again and cheers Carl .
Well, I guess we all knew the answer to the “comparison “ question, which there isn’t one. LOL. But ppl like me who don’t necessarily need a “audiophile “ record , I was interested in hearing your opinion on the Universal release. Sometimes we just need a great sounding record that is budget friendly. Maybe I can hold out for the 33rpm from Chad. 45rpm’s as great as they sound, getting up to flip the vinyl every two songs is not enjoyable. Thanks as alway for you vids!
The budget version has the advantage of being a DSD transfer from the master tape, so it has a more accurate transfer process than the analogue AAA transfer and copy.
Result: For 200 Euros you get a near perfect Record. For 30 Euros you get a very good sounding Record. Now you can choose. I got the 30 Euro Version, because in my ears it sounds better than my US OG.
Thanks Michael …i bought thisrecord in october 1972…(the very fist vynil i bought in ly life was The Beatles Revolver one back in 1966…(i visited Abbey road 7 years ago and stayed a whole afternoon in studio 2 with sound engeeneers )…Fir the Steely dan,i think i must be in the firsts to bought it and discovered Steely Dan …my friends were always astonished of my dicovers in music by the time… and they loved this one… I love Uhqr of course but 235 euros with ship and taxes begin to get very expensive for just a vynil…i have all uhqr since the two Miles Davis and Jimmy hendrix…now i hesitate tothis price…think,i ll wait for the 45rpm …depending how long the uhqr will be sold out…
OK, I pulled a Michael and did a full listen through both my 1980 reissue and the UHQR. And the short of it is: the detail, sound-stage, extension is amazing on the UHQR, against the 1980's subpar US vinyl. But.on my mid-range AudioNoteUK system and commensurate turntable setup, the reissue has somewhat more energy, not as good extension, but more toe-tapping-ness in the rhythm section slightly more centered/lively chorus vocals. And grimy transitions between songs, and all the other noise from a VG+ reissue. Audiophile reissues are a treasure, well usually - and does the faithfulness/fidelity sometimes equate to somewhat less ensemble energy?
Just listened to my copy of the digital transfer. Was expecting the worse, but for the money... great audio value. Worth picking up if you don't want to spend the $150 on the UHQR. You will not be disappointed.
Surely done the budget version digitally as AP has signed onto all the SD albums so therefore probably in the contract, Chad gets the analogue versions.
Michael you described the 33 universal pressing perfectly! To me it sounded tilted in the top and bottom with a hole in the middle. I have a copy of the original Canadian pressing and although it sounds a bit compressed it is much more musical and grooves much better. I wish I could have gotten the ap uhqr but landed to Canada would have been $280 and unfortunately I can't justify that much! Thanks for your honest opinion!
After years and years of these tapes not being used for any remasterings or reissues, along with questions about whether they existed and what kind of shape they were in, and after the Universal fire that destroyed so many masters from other artists - I'm betting UMe made part of Chad's deal "we want brand new High-Rez digital archive copies made, and want Bernie to give us a new remaster file that we can use in perpetuity" - it would be the most cost effective move they could make and actually smart on their part. We can all agree that a 33 1/3 new all-analog remaster from Bernie would be preferable, but that's an extra step at extra cost for someone, and I'm betting Chad said "the analogs will be mine" as part of the deal. It's pretty clear based on all the interviews I've seen with Chad and Bernie, etc, that he only did 45's for Chad, and the digital for UMe. No 33 1/3 analogs have been discussed or even hinted at - so I don't think they are anywhere in the mix here, unfortunately. Not sure why, because I think folks might gladly pay $35 US for a clean new all-analog Bernie remastering of this great catalog, and sell 200,000 of those. But....who knows why these decisions are made? The future 45 two-disc, non-UHQR, hits a sweet spot for me, and I'll gladly pay $60-70 US for those, but for me Aja is a must-have UHQR, possibly Gaucho and Royal Scam. I have original NM first pressings of all of the whole catalog - so will be fun to compare. And I went ahead and got the $25 digital CBAT because it's cheap and I want to compare to my two first pressings for that. All in all - I think we're all winners here if you enjoy SD music!
I dug out the Speakers Corner analogue version and was quite disappointed with its rather flat sound - quite smooth but lacking detail. Fremer hates it of course. Also just listened to the new highres version and this gives greater clarity all round but especially in the louder parts where drums and guitars are prominent. I suspect your conclusion on the 33rpm Michael owes more to this transparency than to any eq changes. BG in discussion with Chad last week was adamant that he did as little as possible mastering both versions.
I too own a Speakers Corner copy along with a first pressing of this title (see my mini review above). The SC version for me is just meh. Maybe cut a little louder than the original but really nothing special about this pressing. For the money, the original US pressing IMO would be the way to go compared to the SC pressing. However, if you really want to treat yourself, get the UHQR (or perhaps wait for the AP 45 RPM non UHQR version). If you can't afford to buy all 7 UHQR SD releases, then perhaps pick your favorite one or two and get those.
I’m sure the UHQR version sounds amazing. In Canada the UHQR version will cost $220 & 12% tax ($CDN funds). I would love to have a copy however at those prices it’s just not in the budget. I did pick up the new universal pressing for under $35 plus tax and it sounds amazing. Clean quite vinyl with great dynamics. These hi-end releases are becoming unaffordable for most people. I do have a 70’s pressing that is in great shape however the new pressing is better in my opinion.
hello,love the show. i am on my third copy of the lower priced reissue. they were pressed in California.terrible vinyl.have you heard any about this?T.
No promotion for digital discs on this channel 😉. There is one more option: The SACD's. My choice here. No comparison to the UHQR's for sure. But affordable. I already own Japanese SACD's of Pretzel logic and Aja. I go for the others first.
Thanks Michael , well maybe part of the deal with Chad was to let him press the AAA versions as he's the one that really close the repress deal with Donald,
People need very high end (that said, very expensive gears) to hear the potential of UHQR. However, after all those efforts consumed on both money and energy to get high end gears ready, how many energy one still have to enjoy this amazing album? So, the way to enjoy music is to pick one and play it. Simple
Ah, if I'd known AP were doing a non UHQR edition I wouldn't have bothered getting the Universal one last week. When did AP announce this? I must have missed it.
I have a first U.K. press of this and have always found it underwhelming and a bit flat sounding. I am sure that the BG 33.3 rpm will be better. I just don’t want to throw £200 at the UHQR on this occasion.
Comparing a high end record to a standard lp is like comparing Jaguar to Ford. I can't see why record companies cannot just at least make a production tape for pressing standard lp's instead of using digital files. Money I guess.
i think you need to do these blinded. i don't think it's possible for you to do these comparisons KNOWING which one you are playing. This isn't scientific or accurate in any way. Ask someone, a friend, your wife, whatever to play it and you evaluate #1 and #2 and be BLINDED to which and then evaluate your own analysis.
@@polluxsynkey5516 haha naaaah! within reason! but knowing the branding and then biasing oneself with the price and pressing is just not a viable way to do these, IMO.
"american first pressing is not so hard to get" (in the USA) I'm not a huge Steely Dan fan, but I've never seen a copy of Can't Buy a Thrill in a used record store/record show in my entire life. So not really so easy...
I managed to get one from someone who sold their mint record collection to a local shop near me. It is an original but it doesn’t sound as good as the new digital version which I just bought from Amazon. Of course my original copy is a Canadian copy not a US copy. I’m still not decided on the UHQR, will be pricey because of the extra cost of bringing this in to Canada. I did preorder Aja on UHQR, that is a must have
First off Bernie Grundman is probably one of the best sound engineers out there. The UHQR version is what every SD fan has been waiting 50 yrs for regardless of cost. I disagree the original SD releases that have not been played to death are extremely hard to find in the US and your going to pay $50 bucks or more!!
Thank you Michael. I have struggled with the UME reissue, and am therefre at odds with a lot of the reviews I have read. After 3 heavy cycles on a Degritter it sounds quite a lot better, but for me something important is missing/wrong. I am however happy to have a copy of CBaT as I sold all my early UK Steely Dan records about 30 years ago, thinking they didn't sound great. Time to write to Santa 😀
the mids will be there but when you hype low and high frequencies you give the appearance of scooping the mids ... you can EQ for it on your amp ,.. it just means it isnt balanced well... IMO cbat is the worst sounding SD album
All these problems with different vynil pressings, and bunch of money, you can easily solve, buying a regular CD, you'll get a better sound, for much less money, all analog master tapes, to save the original audio track, have been converted to a digital record, and this digital record is now put in plastic, vynil LP, what is degradation of original analog sound, mechanical record it's always weaker than digital record, it doesn't exist anywhere anymore AAA, only ADD or DDD, the digital record in plastic is meaningless, we are in the 21st century, wake up dear people.....
PS, if you have the courage, compare sound from LP with sound from CD, parallel audio test, of course the same title...now is the moment to get rid of the misconception...my suggestion is Pink Floyd, Dark side of the Moon, 2016. remaster by James Guthrie, LP vs CD, truth is the most important thing...
Just a random comment but I definitely do not like the blurred background in the way you shoot this video - i find it very distracting on the eyes - has anyone else complained about having the background blurred? Much better imo to have everything in focus :) Northern New Jersey loves you :)
I'm not sure the Publishing Company would sell a "licence" for the Mechanical Reproduction Rights to an analogue master tape that would include the words "press as many copies as you want". Scarcity drives price as it controls the relationship between dynamic supply and demand. Remember: the music industry is a business. First the Publisher gets the main percentage of the fee returned by the licence, then the record company, then finally (and the smallest cut of them all) the composer and or lyricist. The mastering engineering and manufacturing process make a smaller cut still. If only intellectual rights and copyright did not exist... if only we were more like China... the pressing plant could press as many copies as they wanted and drive the price to pennies.
@@mazzysmusic But they won't get $30 a pop for them if they flood the market. Moreover, pressing is a limited resource. Ultra mass production would have to be done at the expense of supplying other titles from the catalogue. Plus, what do you do when everyone who want's one, has one? It's not as though you could promote the album with a tour. Although, it would make Donald Fagan and the Walter Becker's estate very happy with all of the royalties, i'm sure there would be many other artists signed to Universal complaining that the company were not for filling the contractual obligations to their access to market. Also, we have another 6 Steely Dan titles to go. I would prefer they flood the market with" Aja" or "Katie" Lied rather than "Can't Buy a Thrill" as it's clearly not their best work. If only every country had a pressing plant like back in the 80's then we could press every title ever recorded for a few dollars per disc and everyone would be happy. Also, Steely Dan were predominately, number 1 album sellers in the US so that is the bulk of the market. Now the whole world (not just the US) are fighting over access to a hand full of pressing plants. Titles like "Thriller" - "Micheal Jackson" that is currently being re-issued will sell world wide as it went to number 1 in over 35 countries. GZ Media would have a bigger market for that title on the run up to Christmas. I have a Bulgarian "Bulkaton" (Балкантон) pressing of "Thriller". I'm sure the average Bulgarian that gets a Chinese Crossly Cruiser this Christmas would choose "Thriller" over "Can't Buy a Thrill" These days the Bulkaton label only makes CDs so our friends at GZ will not be popular if they are only pressing Steely Dan.
Why the hell U watching a vinyl comparison of one of their albums then? 😂
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@@charlesgund4812 I didn't see it, I ran away as fast as possible. 😂 So-called "audiophiles" think that collecting recordings is the same as collecting postage stamps... I have to have it all.📭
After categorically saying that I would not be getting the 45rpm UHQR version of this album, 24 hours later I ordered it. Just the 220 of your English pounds sterling. *wince*
Michael Dave here can you give me an email address or a contact address? So I can resubmit my choices for the original buyers club. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, MIchael.
Thanks MIchael for getting back to me so quickly. I have now resubmitted through the buyers club website two more choices. Beatles British pressings. Thanks again for your help.
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Great video! I think you coined a new term, “mid-end”. I’m not enough of a Steely Dan fan to pay the price for a UHQR, but feel that the Universal release will be sufficient for my collection.
I recently purchased a nice VG+ copy of the US original for $49 on EBay. Absolutely delighted with it!
I thought it sounded very warm, and smooth, but lacks clarity, even streaming gives you that clarity sound, can’t wait for the 45 RPM to hit, I’m sure it will be perfect😎👌
Maybe Bernie only created the digital transfer for the 33rpm (possibly a flat transfer) of the master tape? Discogs also lists it as mastered at GZ Media, and lacquer cut by Alex Abash. We know Bernie would never abandon the mids. Thanks as always for these valuable comparisons, Michael!
The difference in price here in Australia is AU$60 for the 33 1/3 & AU$280 for the UHQR. Unless you have a system that can bring out the difference, Most would be happy with the 33
I watched the video Chad & Bernie done discussing this release. But I didn't hear any mention of the differences between the two. Which would be something really interesting to know.
My order for the 33 1/3 has been delayed until late Nov. So won't get it until early December. Thanks for doing the extra comparison of the album. Many ppl are appreciative
Amazon AU are now offering it for $51 so the price is coming down
You made yourself understood very well. In fact, I always like the way you express your opinion. Excellent video. Thanks Michael
Nice to see an objective review and comparison. There was another reviewer that spent over 2 hours, dissing the new Universal cut and had not even heard the new AP release. His has been really the only negative i've heard, and as someone that owns this new release, i like others am very pleased with overall sound quality. Not everyone can justify $150 for a release like this, and at the same time i'm sure it is worth every penny.
Perhaps the reason for a digital release is to preserve the master tape? I can think of no other reason.
Thank for the update. Here is my mini comparison: First I am a HUGE SD fan but this is probably my less favorite album of the bunch. I own both an original US pressing and just got my AP UHQR copy yesterday. The difference between the two is striking!. While the original pressing is rather good sonically, the AP's version sound stage just opened up in my listening room. Not even close. The acoustic piano tracks came across much more rhythmic and the vocals were no longer just in the center but stepped out and "spread out" further out front in the room. If this is the quality of these new AP SD records, I can't wait to hear what Aja is going to sound like.
Thanks for doing this comparison Michael.
The digital cut is a great affordable option.
Like you cannot understand why they didn’t produce a 33 AAA to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of this album,a missed opportunity for sure..
Even just for a limited run then go to the digital.
The Beatles,Floyd have had all their discography remastered digitally.This keeps the albums always in print ,perhaps this is how Steely Dan approached it.
Personally I’ll stick to my Uk original of which I would be very confident it matches the US sonically.The Uk were sent copies of the tapes meaning they got a decent crack at producing great sounding versions.
I will definitely go for the 45 rpms after the UHQR run has finished.
Michael all the best to you & Stunty on your forthcoming coming record shows.
Enjoy yourselves,have fun 🙌🙌🔥
Thanks Michael. When the source material is so well recorded it makes it easy for me to buy the least expensive model. It helps that I have no interest in turning the album over every ten minutes.
Oh my God if this isn't my exact philosophy haha. I'm glad there's options for hardcore audiophiles but Donald and Roger Nichols as a whole pretty much did all the work up front to the benefit of all listeners regardless of format or price point.
I’m happy with the 33 rpm copy &150 bucks for these records is out of control .. just taking advantage of the vinyl revival
I can agree the top and bottom overtook my hearing to where is the mid-end was there and normal, it wasn’t evident due to the other over saturation. This “hotter” sound had it jump out whereas the AP UHQR kept everything settled and distinguishable. I think the 33RPM version tracks more with the way the younger crowds like their sound having grown in the digital age….so maybe some demographic alignment to sound and wallets!
Thanks for this comparison. The irony here is that all who purchased the MoFi One Step releases since 2011(at the inflated purchase pricing) received the equivalent of a One Step Digital Transfer when compared to the Universal Music of the SD release at $29 or less!
Michael, I appreciate you doing this Comparision / I just cannot afford the UHQR / I didn't expect it to be up to that standard, but it is nice to hear that it is a nice release.
The original was mastered 50 years ago.. So it was mastered using studio monitors with paper speaker cones, therefore the top and low end will be different unless replaying on period speakers. These newer cuts (budget & UHQR ) were mastered using modern monitors with composite speaker cones. Yes, still using a Neumann lathe and tube signal chain... but the main thing that has changed significantly between then and now, is speaker design... These new cuts match with modern speakers
There is nothing wrong with paper cones and textile domes.
There are Nowadays still high end manufacturers that use them
@@marcellavankraaij it depend on the application. Paper cones are not good for in-car-entertainment or portable PA systems or in countries with high humidity levels.
However, they are fine for theatre installs and home Hi-Fi because humidity and temperature levels are well maintained and regulated around the clock and throughout the year..
Studio monitor cones tend to be composite these days as studios are places of work. They may stand empty overnight, for holiday periods or for weekends.
Abbey Road for example consists of three recording studios with a number of mixing, mastering, and cutting rooms. it has the capability to hold a full 100-piece symphony orchestra,
Studio One is the largest room with over 5,300 square feet of space. It is a big useful space but sadly.... it is not booked 24/7... 365
Can you imagine the heating cost for the 100 year old brick building at Abbey Road in a damp city like London if they were to use paper speaker cones in their monitors and wanted to keep them dry?
My bet is Bernie Grundman is using composite cones in his monitors. They are an industry standard these days.
😂50 years ago non paper cone speakers existed! Wtf? And do you mean both tweeters and woofers or just woofers as there are are high end paper cone woofers out there!
For katy Lied they even had Magneplanar loudspeakers to mix the lp ( which they played too loud) but they’re a high end speaker system then and now!
My epi speakers inverted dome ( like focal) tweeters when I first played the lp myself when it first came out.and i had friends with JBL studio monitors with jbl dome tweeters ..
@@therealbushboy6440 Of course. They even had electrostatic speakers way back. But here is the thing. They were not an industry standard as monitors in the late 60s early 70s. Those old mixes where mixed to sound good on most systems.... not just hi-end systems, because that is where the market was. They were making records for the masses and for radio play. And most systems used paper cones. More importantly, most systems didn't have tweeters.
Today, the market is for people with hi end gear.
You never hear the story of Bob Ludwig's hot cut of Led Zep II?
Just imagine being a school kid and having a Dansette record player in your bedroom in 1969. You buy Led Zeppelin II and the stylus can't track the record. You would return the disc to the store and ask for your money back.
Myself... i didn't even experience stereo until 1972 (Around the time of "Can't Buy A Thrill came out) let alone Hi-Fi.... as i was still at school and my folks didn't care for records... they only listened to the radio.
And you expect those early mixes to sound the same as these later mixes. Lol.
Audiophiles w/ really high end ($$$) systems would go for the UHQR while the average persons systems go for the 33 1/3. Thats me!
Great comment. That's me, too. I did buy the UHQR of 'Aqualung' and it sounds great. But I know it would sound much better on a high end system. So I'll stick with more affordable 33 1/3 albums for now.
If they ever release The Beatles on UHQR however...
If you still have a entry to mid hi/fi system, you could wait for the 45 RPM which usually runs for about $60 bucks, I have Everything Must Go and Two Against Nature and they sound fantastic, super quality package, that’s what I’m waiting for, but I did pre-order the Aja UHQR 😎👌
I can't say you made yourself clear at all. All I heard is that you don't like the midrange, and that the 33 is just not good compared to the UHQR. But why? Width? Depth? Clarity? What? I can't say this was helpful to me at all.
All in the game bro. They have to drop something in there like a mid flaw, to make you lean toward uhqr. Like looking at a real van gogh or a print. A nice 40.00 print is fine with me and the U33 is also..
Hi Michael I like the 30 dollar version of Can’t buy a thrill! It is a great pressing Bernie did a great job from DSD file sounds great the sound dynamics are wonderful and the high end are great and over all a nice sounding album. Plus I have my ABC records pressing too. Great video! Take care
On the original release U.S. pressings, they were pressed by multiple pressing plants, which can be like the difference between night and day. Just a few of the pressing plants who pressed the original release: RCA, Capitol CBS, True Sound, etc. Most of these different pressing companies had multiple pressing plants. Probably the best and premium pressings would have come from the Columbia Santa Maria pressing plant. This plant was known for using a premium virgin vinyl mix, before virgin vinyl was even considered an issue. So, there are multiple original pressings to choose from in the U.S. alone.
Then, there are the quadraphonic versions on the ABC-Command record label to consider. On record, in the U.S., there were 2 Quadraphonic pressings in 1974. The 2nd, listed as being remastered, was pressed by Columbia Santa Maria. I have this version and it will be interesting to compare this to the UHQR and Universal versions when I receive them.
The quadraphonic mix dates back to the original release on an 8-track tape cartridge in 1972. The quadraphonic mix is probably the closest to the original session tapes. ABC-Command used the QS(Sansui) quadraphonic format, which basically reversed the phasing on the 2 channels meant for the rear speakers. For normal listening in stereo, the different process might not be apparent but may have better clarity compared to the stereo mix.
As i reed, that the 33 Umin is taken by a stream from Bernie, I realized it‘s marketing for selling the UHQR. So i have ordert an old pressing, because it‘s AAA. And now I can wait until the UHQR will come in 33Umin version or on black vinyl. The UHQR price in germany is round about 300€ and that’s ….. Thank‘s for your video.😀
The UHQR sounds relaxed
It just unveils it’s musicality effortlessly
Such a great release
The others pale in comparison
More air, detail, instruments emerge out of the space
Original very nice - more natural than 33 1/3
New 33 1/3 sounds engaging great for the price for those who don’t want to spend too much and want a clean dynamic copy - highly recommended
Speaker’s Corner sounds too hifi
I did a detailed review on Steve Hoffman
If this isn’t the most bloated, content-less review of any album I’ve ever seen
@@Valleyplant Did you have to say that?
@@mozdieloz3826 “sounds effortless” “sounds too hifi” I was like what am I reading, it looked like a spoof of a hifi magazine I’m sorry but that shit was too ass to let go
@@Valleyplant He was merely showing is opinion, and most audiophile people take their talking about music in that overly serious and pompous way. It's all part of their World.
@@mozdieloz3826 I’m familiar with audiophile reviews, and maybe his full review is a bit better thought-out, my opinion is that his synopsis looked more like a spoof mocking audiophile reviews than an actually review.
Always love the music passion you bring out in your videos. Four options for the album is just great to have. We all have different needs and different budgets. For me a good midway choice would be to wait for the standard 45Rpm release.
The original is not quite as easy to find as it used to be here in the USA. The other challenge is finding one that wasn't played to death. Especially the hit tracks "Do it again" and Reelin. As someone below stated it was pressed at a bunch of different plants and ABC pressings vary in quality like most of the vinyl pressed here in the USA in the 70's. Still a great debut record. I'll stick with my Speakers Corner which is pretty damn good IMO.
Thanks for doing this comparison, and I had the feeling it might go this way.
Thank you for doing the comparison, it is greatly appreciated ❤
Good to know it’s more than decent so I’ve ordered it and I’m sure that I’ll be happy with it. If only the UHQR had come out a little later when I’d won the lottery 😉
I think the price comes in because this discography being given the royal treatment direct from the source material (that was rumored missing), was something most thought would never happen. People will pay 150 all day for a killer 1st press or limited issue remaster of an out of print album they want. I think this fits the same bill. It’s a top notch audiophile pressing on 200 gram specialty vinyl direct from the masters by Bernie. I think because it’s new the price seems extravagant. But all things considered, it’s a fair price for a product we didn’t even know we would ever get just a few months ago.
I haven't received my UHQR, but did listen to the 33 rpm version. Flat out this is a great album and it's my 1st time really listening to it from beginning to end -although I have listened to a lot of the songs on the radio. You really can't lose on this one. The continuity of album sequence is better on the 33 RPM and you lose this on the 45 RPM. However, I am sure the 45 RPM will sound phenomenal. So that' s the trade off. I think that the quality of the songs and compositions here governs over whether if its on 33 or 45 RPM, etc.
I have Kind of Blue in UHQR format. Amazing. Probably because Becker/Fagan were so meticulous about the recording process, Can’t Buy a Thrill surpasses it. I have Mobile Fidelity and Cisco Aja, as well as multiple original pressings. Cannot wait until I get the UHQR Aja! Thanks again Chad
Thanks a lot for this video, i am very happy with 33 1/3 version 😎
Steely Dan was and still is an exciting Rockband for me.
Whether as a tour or studio band.
Whatever the vinyl it's a brilliant band.
Just like your videos are Michael.
Thanks.
❤️Heike
does anyone know when the rest of the catalog will get reissued?
I will be purchasing every single one of these new UHQR pressings. I cannot wait.
I own all first pressings issues of Steely Dan . Like I said before to you Michael ,a couple months ago. Steely Dan first releases sound like audiophile albums.
Your comment was "that's because they're crazy". Well I have the UHQR of Can't buy a thrill. It's a whole new level. For sure
The fact that people are asking for this comparison shows that the UHQR pricing to too high. I can't wait to receive my 33 1/3 copy.
@Fletcher Fortune You have to remember, for those in the EU the price difference between the imported UHQR and the home grown GZ Media (Czech Republic) pressing is different by orders of magnitude when compared to the US...
You really have to love Steely Dan to want to give all that money to a government as import duty (and VAT on the delivery cost).
So for me, although i can afford it.... I would sooner buy locally.
@Fletcher Fortune I think the comment was not meant to be offensive against customers choice. If you can afford it get it and be happy soundwise. As I am not on the powerful economic side, I always have to make choice and would a 30 bucks pressing never call a budget pressing. And I as well can see clearly a tendency in overpricing which cannot be only explained by inflation, increased costs. Just my personal opinion.
@Fletcher Fortune You're calling someone idiotic for expressing an opinion about pricing being too high? Seems crazy to me that you'd take offense at a comment like this. Who's "pigeonholing" who? Can we keep it civil?
@Fletcher Fortune sure
@Fletcher Fortune imagine if your first comment had emphasized the amount of time and energy put into the development of the record, paying people fair wages, etc., and what justified its cost instead making it about YOU and what YOU could afford and calling the op idiotic
I’m looking forward to the SACD myself (redbook layer). I’m going for that instead of the 33.
This is a comparison video without any actual comparison. No objective thoughts offered, the UHQR was Michael's obvious favourite before it was even conceived lol.
I thought you were going to miss it but, yes, the 45rpm option from AP should be a great option.
I think Chad hinted at 2024 though... I'll get the UHQRs though I may need to sell a kidney by the time I have all seven.
For some unexplainable reason, I get the feeling that the 33RPM version is not THAT far from the UHQR's, if at all! question is is it justifying the diference in price.. For sure to hold the UHQR in hand would give you a unique feel, but in term of sound results, looks like the UHQR price has gone too far.
Thank you very much for this great review Michael sounds like a good buy for the price and how lucky we are in this day and age that as you stated that in the near future we will have 4 great choices depending on our budget and patience the latter regarding finding a near mint original . It is also Michael very pleasing to know that the most expensive is also the very best as it should be in the audiophile world thanks once again and cheers Carl .
Interesting point: the universal is basically a mofi!!
Well, I guess we all knew the answer to the “comparison “ question, which there isn’t one. LOL. But ppl like me who don’t necessarily need a “audiophile “ record , I was interested in hearing your opinion on the Universal release. Sometimes we just need a great sounding record that is budget friendly. Maybe I can hold out for the 33rpm from Chad. 45rpm’s as great as they sound, getting up to flip the vinyl every two songs is not enjoyable. Thanks as alway for you vids!
The budget version has the advantage of being a DSD transfer from the master tape, so it has a more accurate transfer process than the analogue AAA transfer and copy.
Result: For 200 Euros you get a near perfect Record. For 30 Euros you get a very good sounding Record. Now you can choose. I got the 30 Euro Version, because in my ears it sounds better than my US OG.
Agree
Thanks Michael …i bought thisrecord in october 1972…(the very fist vynil i bought in ly life was The Beatles Revolver one back in 1966…(i visited Abbey road 7 years ago and stayed a whole afternoon in studio 2 with sound engeeneers )…Fir the Steely dan,i think i must be in the firsts to bought it and discovered Steely Dan …my friends were always astonished of my dicovers in music by the time… and they loved this one… I love Uhqr of course but 235 euros with ship and taxes begin to get very expensive for just a vynil…i have all uhqr since the two Miles Davis and Jimmy hendrix…now i hesitate tothis price…think,i ll wait for the 45rpm …depending how long the uhqr will be sold out…
OK, I pulled a Michael and did a full listen through both my 1980 reissue and the UHQR. And the short of it is: the detail, sound-stage, extension is amazing on the UHQR, against the 1980's subpar US vinyl. But.on my mid-range AudioNoteUK system and commensurate turntable setup, the reissue has somewhat more energy, not as good extension, but more toe-tapping-ness in the rhythm section slightly more centered/lively chorus vocals. And grimy transitions between songs, and all the other noise from a VG+ reissue. Audiophile reissues are a treasure, well usually - and does the faithfulness/fidelity sometimes equate to somewhat less ensemble energy?
Original, purchased when it came out - like all of Steely Dan's records - $5 - gives me more $$ to purchase other new music.
Just listened to my copy of the digital transfer. Was expecting the worse, but for the money... great audio value. Worth picking up if you don't want to spend the $150 on the UHQR. You will not be disappointed.
Surely done the budget version digitally as AP has signed onto all the SD albums so therefore probably in the contract, Chad gets the analogue versions.
Wow, that was fast! Thanks for doing this review. Re-EQed after Bernie? Damn it! I hadn't heard about option 4. I may wait for that one,
Michael you described the 33 universal pressing perfectly!
To me it sounded tilted in the top and bottom with a hole in the middle. I have a copy of the original Canadian pressing and although it sounds a bit compressed it is much more musical and grooves much better. I wish I could have gotten the ap uhqr but landed to Canada would have been $280 and unfortunately I can't justify that much!
Thanks for your honest opinion!
I’ll be waiting for the 45 RPM versions of this one, Royal Scam and Gaucho, I did order Aja on UHQR, the rest I will get on regular 33 1/3
After years and years of these tapes not being used for any remasterings or reissues, along with questions about whether they existed and what kind of shape they were in, and after the Universal fire that destroyed so many masters from other artists - I'm betting UMe made part of Chad's deal "we want brand new High-Rez digital archive copies made, and want Bernie to give us a new remaster file that we can use in perpetuity" - it would be the most cost effective move they could make and actually smart on their part. We can all agree that a 33 1/3 new all-analog remaster from Bernie would be preferable, but that's an extra step at extra cost for someone, and I'm betting Chad said "the analogs will be mine" as part of the deal. It's pretty clear based on all the interviews I've seen with Chad and Bernie, etc, that he only did 45's for Chad, and the digital for UMe. No 33 1/3 analogs have been discussed or even hinted at - so I don't think they are anywhere in the mix here, unfortunately. Not sure why, because I think folks might gladly pay $35 US for a clean new all-analog Bernie remastering of this great catalog, and sell 200,000 of those. But....who knows why these decisions are made? The future 45 two-disc, non-UHQR, hits a sweet spot for me, and I'll gladly pay $60-70 US for those, but for me Aja is a must-have UHQR, possibly Gaucho and Royal Scam. I have original NM first pressings of all of the whole catalog - so will be fun to compare. And I went ahead and got the $25 digital CBAT because it's cheap and I want to compare to my two first pressings for that. All in all - I think we're all winners here if you enjoy SD music!
I ordered the 33. Thanks again.
Michael, any idea on when the regular 45's will be available from AP?
I dug out the Speakers Corner analogue version and was quite disappointed with its rather flat sound - quite smooth but lacking detail. Fremer hates it of course. Also just listened to the new highres version and this gives greater clarity all round but especially in the louder parts where drums and guitars are prominent. I suspect your conclusion on the 33rpm Michael owes more to this transparency than to any eq changes. BG in discussion with Chad last week was adamant that he did as little as possible mastering both versions.
I too own a Speakers Corner copy along with a first pressing of this title (see my mini review above). The SC version for me is just meh. Maybe cut a little louder than the original but really nothing special about this pressing. For the money, the original US pressing IMO would be the way to go compared to the SC pressing. However, if you really want to treat yourself, get the UHQR (or perhaps wait for the AP 45 RPM non UHQR version). If you can't afford to buy all 7 UHQR SD releases, then perhaps pick your favorite one or two and get those.
Where can you (safely) buy the High Res version? I have the feeling that the downloads offered are older versions of the album.
@@stefanalexy3853 HDTracks has a 24/192 version available that is dated 11/22
The royal scam continues,Steely dan was right all along! LOL Chet
I’m sure the UHQR version sounds amazing. In Canada the UHQR version will cost $220 & 12% tax ($CDN funds).
I would love to have a copy however at those prices it’s just not in the budget. I did pick up the new universal pressing for under $35 plus tax and it sounds amazing. Clean quite vinyl with great dynamics.
These hi-end releases are becoming unaffordable for most people. I do have a 70’s pressing that is in great shape however the new pressing is better in my opinion.
hello,love the show. i am on my third copy of the lower priced reissue. they were pressed in California.terrible vinyl.have you heard any about this?T.
I’ll be waiting a little longer and buy a couple / few Steely Dan LPs vs less UHQR’s
No promotion for digital discs on this channel 😉. There is one more option: The SACD's. My choice here. No comparison to the UHQR's for sure. But affordable. I already own Japanese SACD's of Pretzel logic and Aja. I go for the others first.
Since BG did the digital master, could that be the file Apple is now using as its hi res lossless Apple Digital Master?
I am getting the UHQR of the first album but thinking if getting the SACD for some of the other releases as opposed to the 33 1/3 digital albums
Excellent - thanks for doing comparison and sharing - very informative very entertaining 👏
For some reason I preferred the cheap old original press to the new digital press, im sure the UHQR is somewhere inbetween the two
Thanks Michael , well maybe part of the deal with Chad was to let him press the AAA versions as he's the one that really close the repress deal with Donald,
People need very high end (that said, very expensive gears) to hear the potential of UHQR. However, after all those efforts consumed on both money and energy to get high end gears ready, how many energy one still have to enjoy this amazing album? So, the way to enjoy music is to pick one and play it. Simple
What about the SACD version?
I'd love the CD reissue by Universal thrown in the mix also! ((:
very clear thank you! keep up the good work
I bought my OG for 1.99 about ten years ago at Half Price Books. NM. That’s good enough for me.
The reason they probably did digital on the 33 1/3 is because Chad wanted AAA exclusivity.
I hope Bernie made aaa 331/3 plates
for sure not true Audiotomb
A 150 bucks for the 45, hummmmmmmmmmmmm
Only the best is good enough. :-)
❤️Heike
Ah, if I'd known AP were doing a non UHQR edition I wouldn't have bothered getting the Universal one last week. When did AP announce this? I must have missed it.
How many different copies of a Grandpa Rock/Yacht Rock album does someone need?
I think Chad has exclusive rights to the AAA.
I have a first U.K. press of this and have always found it underwhelming and a bit flat sounding. I am sure that the BG 33.3 rpm will be better. I just don’t want to throw £200 at the UHQR on this occasion.
I believe Chad is going to release An all analogue non UHQR later
I had an original , just doesint have the clarity as streaming
Comparing a high end record to a standard lp is like comparing Jaguar to Ford.
I can't see why record companies cannot just at least make a production tape for pressing standard lp's instead of using digital files. Money I guess.
i think you need to do these blinded. i don't think it's possible for you to do these comparisons KNOWING which one you are playing. This isn't scientific or accurate in any way. Ask someone, a friend, your wife, whatever to play it and you evaluate #1 and #2 and be BLINDED to which and then evaluate your own analysis.
Correct and scientific means also multiple times, in different rooms and upside down ;)
@@polluxsynkey5516 haha naaaah! within reason! but knowing the branding and then biasing oneself with the price and pressing is just not a viable way to do these, IMO.
"american first pressing is not so hard to get" (in the USA)
I'm not a huge Steely Dan fan, but I've never seen a copy of Can't Buy a Thrill in a used record store/record show in my entire life. So not really so easy...
I managed to get one from someone who sold their mint record collection to a local shop near me. It is an original but it doesn’t sound as good as the new digital version which I just bought from Amazon. Of course my original copy is a Canadian copy not a US copy. I’m still not decided on the UHQR, will be pricey because of the extra cost of bringing this in to Canada. I did preorder Aja on UHQR, that is a must have
Is it 150.00$ better.
The mid end :)
hmpf :-)
First off Bernie Grundman is probably one of the best sound engineers out there. The UHQR version is what every SD fan has been waiting 50 yrs for regardless of cost. I disagree the original
SD releases that have not been played to death are extremely hard to find in the US and your going to pay $50 bucks or more!!
Thank you Michael. I have struggled with the UME reissue, and am therefre at odds with a lot of the reviews I have read. After 3 heavy cycles on a Degritter it sounds quite a lot better, but for me something important is missing/wrong. I am however happy to have a copy of CBaT as I sold all my early UK Steely Dan records about 30 years ago, thinking they didn't sound great. Time to write to Santa 😀
Smiley face equalisation, hate it IMHO sounds terrible, the reason why I buy very few reissues.
the mids will be there but when you hype low and high frequencies you give the appearance of scooping the mids ... you can EQ for it on your amp ,.. it just means it isnt balanced well... IMO cbat is the worst sounding SD album
All these problems with different vynil pressings, and bunch of money, you can easily solve, buying a regular CD, you'll get a better sound, for much less money, all analog master tapes, to save the original audio track, have been converted to a digital record, and this digital record is now put in plastic, vynil LP, what is degradation of original analog sound, mechanical record it's always weaker than digital record, it doesn't exist anywhere anymore AAA, only ADD or DDD, the digital record in plastic is meaningless, we are in the 21st century, wake up dear people.....
PS, if you have the courage, compare sound from LP with sound from CD, parallel audio test, of course the same title...now is the moment to get rid of the misconception...my suggestion is Pink Floyd, Dark side of the Moon, 2016. remaster by James Guthrie, LP vs CD, truth is the most important thing...
Guter Rat ist teuer!!
Just a random comment but I definitely do not like the blurred background in the way you shoot this video - i find it very distracting on the eyes - has anyone else complained about having the background blurred? Much better imo to have everything in focus :) Northern New Jersey loves you :)
They choose DSD so they could create many copies. Making it available and cheaper to more people. That’s my guess…
I'm not sure the Publishing Company would sell a "licence" for the Mechanical Reproduction Rights to an analogue master tape that would include the words "press as many copies as you want".
Scarcity drives price as it controls the relationship between dynamic supply and demand.
Remember: the music industry is a business.
First the Publisher gets the main percentage of the fee returned by the licence, then the record company, then finally (and the smallest cut of them all) the composer and or lyricist.
The mastering engineering and manufacturing process make a smaller cut still.
If only intellectual rights and copyright did not exist... if only we were more like China... the pressing plant could press as many copies as they wanted and drive the price to pennies.
@@mazzysmusic But they won't get $30 a pop for them if they flood the market. Moreover, pressing is a limited resource. Ultra mass production would have to be done at the expense of supplying other titles from the catalogue. Plus, what do you do when everyone who want's one, has one?
It's not as though you could promote the album with a tour.
Although, it would make Donald Fagan and the Walter Becker's estate very happy with all of the royalties, i'm sure there would be many other artists signed to Universal complaining that the company were not for filling the contractual obligations to their access to market.
Also, we have another 6 Steely Dan titles to go. I would prefer they flood the market with" Aja" or "Katie" Lied rather than "Can't Buy a Thrill" as it's clearly not their best work.
If only every country had a pressing plant like back in the 80's then we could press every title ever recorded for a few dollars per disc and everyone would be happy.
Also, Steely Dan were predominately, number 1 album sellers in the US so that is the bulk of the market. Now the whole world (not just the US) are fighting over access to a hand full of pressing plants.
Titles like "Thriller" - "Micheal Jackson" that is currently being re-issued will sell world wide as it went to number 1 in over 35 countries. GZ Media would have a bigger market for that title on the run up to Christmas.
I have a Bulgarian "Bulkaton" (Балкантон) pressing of "Thriller". I'm sure the average Bulgarian that gets a Chinese Crossly Cruiser this Christmas would choose "Thriller" over "Can't Buy a Thrill"
These days the Bulkaton label only makes CDs so our friends at GZ will not be popular if they are only pressing Steely Dan.
Why buy all this stuff when we in fact need less plastic?
Steely goddan what boring songs.
Why the hell U watching a vinyl comparison of one of their albums then? 😂
@@charlesgund4812 I didn't see it, I ran away as fast as possible. 😂 So-called "audiophiles" think that collecting recordings is the same as collecting postage stamps... I have to have it all.📭
@ you didn’t run fast enough to click on the video. Maybe just a closet fan 😉
DO IT AGAIN..Boring? Uh ok, I need to listen again and get to the bottom of this..
@@robertwoodward9231 Go ahead, I'm with you. Then say something. 😂💪
After categorically saying that I would not be getting the 45rpm UHQR version of this album, 24 hours later I ordered it. Just the 220 of your English pounds sterling. *wince*
Michael Dave here can you give me an email address or a contact address? So I can resubmit my choices for the original buyers club. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, MIchael.
Hey dave please Log in to the OBC website and click on the email than you can write an email or just fill out a new Request
Thanks MIchael for getting back to me so quickly. I have now resubmitted through the buyers club website two more choices. Beatles British pressings. Thanks again for your help.