Miles Davis Kind of Blue meets Analogue Productions' UHQR

Al M.

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Sep 10, 2013
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You have a point on the number of re-issues, but why would people prefer to own versions that were partially cut at the wrong speed?

Do you think that people who keep their LP speed accurate to five figures can sleep well after listening to old issues? :)

But the original issues are from the "golden era". That is far more important than them partially being at the wrong speed ;).
 

Catcher10

Well-Known Member
Dec 28, 2018
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I have a 1971 US repress, sounds perfectly fine. I have the 2010 Columbia/Legacy reissue 180g, sounds excellent with deep lows cut by Kevin Gray. I have a CD not sure what release, it's ok just meh.
So I suppose one more won't hurt...preordered.
 

audioguy1958

Well-Known Member
Feb 8, 2015
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I have a 1971 US repress, sounds perfectly fine. I have the 2010 Columbia/Legacy reissue 180g, sounds excellent with deep lows cut by Kevin Gray. I have a CD not sure what release, it's ok just meh.
So I suppose one more won't hurt...preordered.
Exactly. Like my cousin says, why buy one when you can buy two.
 

asindc

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Sep 27, 2012
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Ordered myself a copy as well. I also have the MFSL 45 rpm set in addition to the Columbia 50th anniversary box set. It will be interesting to hear how this new upcoming version will sound like.
Those are the two vinyl reissues I have as well. Being that I much prefer a 33, and 50th Anniversary doesn’t quite measure up, I’ll prob get this one.
 
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audioquest4life

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Sep 23, 2020
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I have a question. If the 45 is coming out say 3 months why are you buying the 33?
Because you can never have enough of Miles Davis. Truthfully, you never know which recording will be considered the gem among all of the other pressings, and when you do find out, usually, it is the one that got away because you thought, meh, and then seeing later the gem on eBay for thousands more than the original cost. True story from my perspective and experiences and probably others not posting on this particular forum.

However, I do have a 2.99 PX (military store) special of Sade album from the early 80s that is so full of analog glory that it makes me think about the price we pay for these master recordings and reissues. Thats for another discussion altogether in a separate post.
 
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microstrip

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May 30, 2010
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Because you can never have enough of Miles Davis. Truthfully, you never know which recording will be considered the gem among all of the other pressings, and when you do find out, usually, it is the one that got away because you thought, meh, and then seeing later the gem on eBay for thousands more than the original cost. True story from my perspective and experiences and probably others not posting on this particular forum.

However, I do have a 2.99 PX (military store) special of Sade album from the early 80s that is so full of analog glory that it makes me think about the price we pay for these master recordings and reissues. Thats for another discussion altogether in a separate post.

IMHO we prefer the mastering that best fits our specific system. I have no doubts that the best mastering engineers who take the work of mastering these re-issues do their best and are very competent, but they can't guess what are our systems and their sound balance.

We have two possibilities - do as you do, selecting the version that we find sounds better and more enjoyable in our system, or as some others, assemble a system that sounds better with a specific type of mastering. Surely we can have a position between extremes - sometimes I buy a new version of a recording because it sounds better and I know that my musical preferences have influence in my choice of equipment. For example, I want a system that sounds great with Deutsche Grammophon, EMI and Decca, divine with Harmonia Mundi or AliaVox!
 

Jeffy

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Apr 27, 2014
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It does not make sense. If the 45 is better, which it should be then why not just wait for the 45? Do we need to have both copies that's expensive. If the 33 sounds better I understand.
 

dan31

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Jul 22, 2010
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It does not make sense. If the 45 is better, which it should be then why not just wait for the 45? Do we need to have both copies that's expensive. If the 33 sounds better I understand.
You are correct in your assumption. The 45 rpm should have the best sound quality and should be the one you wait for if that is your goal. The 45 rpm should be priced accordingly. It may not be available for sometime as the current run of 33 will take them a few months and then another title or a few could come before the 45 of KOB. They will likely make fewer copies so be ready to order when the 45 drops.
 

audioquest4life

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Sep 23, 2020
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Well, all gone now according to what is posted on Acoustic Sounds. Glad I snagged my copy.
 

dminches

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Oct 22, 2011
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It does not make sense. If the 45 is better, which it should be then why not just wait for the 45? Do we need to have both copies that's expensive. If the 33 sounds better I understand.

There are some people, myself included, who are not interested in the 45 because it breaks up the flow of each of the original albums sides. Sound quality isn’t the only factor here.

On a side note, I do not feel this way about many albums.
 

assessor43

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Nov 1, 2018
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I still think that original mono recording of KOB is the best and the original stereo a close second.
 

Mike Lavigne

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Apr 25, 2010
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Yes, it looks sold out now. Apparently Michael Fremer has heard it and says it is the best version of KOB ever released:

The Best Ever Kind of Blue? | Analog Planet

I can't wait to get it!
i'm highly skeptical on Fremer's viewpoint that this 33rpm version surpasses the 4 disc single sided Classic Records 45rpm set. so i ordered this version and will see for myself. so far Fremer gets this kind of thing right, yet this 33 beating that 45 is just a hard concept for me to buy. he makes his case, but i have to hear it for myself.

1622084469404.png
 

oldvinyl

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Jun 3, 2017
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i'm highly skeptical on Fremer's viewpoint that this 33rpm version surpasses the 4 disc single sided Classic Records 45rpm set. so i ordered this version and will see for myself. so far Fremer gets this kind of thing right, yet this 33 beating that 45 is just a hard concept for me to buy. he makes his case, but i have to hear it for myself.

View attachment 78451
I think the magic is in the new pressing. The new UHQR 33 pressing is super quiet. The groove noise is really diminished. I listened to the new 33 and the Classic 45 4 record set. The 45 has a little better deep bass pitch control, but the 33 has a more realistic portrayal of the upright bass instrument (more pluck and string sound). The other thing I noticed is that the new 33 UHQR has a much better sense of listening to an ensemble and the recording venue. They are both great versions. Easy to recommend the new one. Wish they would give more pressings the same TLC.
 

Mike Lavigne

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
Apr 25, 2010
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I think the magic is in the new pressing. The new UHQR 33 pressing is super quiet. The groove noise is really diminished. I listened to the new 33 and the Classic 45 4 record set. The 45 has a little better deep bass pitch control, but the 33 has a more realistic portrayal of the upright bass instrument (more pluck and string sound). The other thing I noticed is that the new 33 UHQR has a much better sense of listening to an ensemble and the recording venue. They are both great versions. Easy to recommend the new one. Wish they would give more pressings the same TLC.

thank you for your feedback. my mind is open.

what i'm going to listen for is flow, energy and presence. which pressing gets closest to real music? sweeps me off my feet? best suspension of disbelief?

my 4 disc Classic KOB pressings have been standard setters in those areas for me.

we will see.
 
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MadFloyd

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May 30, 2010
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I'm a little miffed that this was a 33 pressing. I bought it as soon as it was announced thinking it was 45RPM - like all the other UHQRs.

Obviously I should have read closer but I would much prefer 45 RPM so I guess I'm buying this again in the future. Fool me once...
 

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