Japanese Vinyl

Back in my vinyl playing days, only Japanese imports would cut it for the most part. Expensive maybe, but what cost quality and what's cost versus value? I used to pay between £15-20 so maybe hanging onto my collection wasn't such a bad idea.

Cheers

Harry

so if the japanese can do it why the hell cant everyone !!!! Funnily enough I have a copy of zep3 a freind in New york posted to me (it had been in his attic for 20 odd years) and it play perfect, trully stunning dynamics for a 70's recording.
Depate freely
Phil

Back in the days when vinyl was king there was considerable debate over the merits of various vinyl pressings. In particular, these focused on UK vs USA vs Japanese pressings. The general conclusion, with which I am in agreement, was that the best pressings (meaning sonics) were those pressed in the country of origin (recording). Thus a UK pressing of the Beatles or Pink Floyd, or EMI classical would be preferable to USA or Japan. Comparisons revealed that these UK pressings were much more detailed and dynamic.For example, this was especially true for UK EMI classical compared to the US equivalent (Angel).

This would hold true today as well. So if you wanted the finest sonics for say the Beatles you would buy an original UK pressing (and pay an awful lot for it). However, if the LP were recorded in the USA, say the Doors, Dylan or Neil Young, US pressings are/were considered better, again with better dynamics, preferable to both UK and Japanese pressings.

Why was this the case - simply because the master tape used for the LP was too valuable and did not travel and thus copies were sent overseas. These copies were not as good as the original with marked and obvious differences.

What about Japanese pressings? Most Japanese presssing were made from copies (2nd or 3rd generation) of the master tape but were still considered to be very good. The advantage of Japanese pressings was often quality - UK and US pressings were sometimes poorly made with manufactured faults. Japanese pressings were impressively clean with exceptional surfaces.

My recommendation today would be that if you live in the UK you should seek out first generation copies from the UK and order US pressings from the USA. If quiet surfaces are your desire, order Japanese pressings. IMO Japanese pressings are very, very good and well worth the investment even if the sonics may be slightly below the original.

quote:

Originally posted by Paul B:
The general conclusion, with which I am in agreement, was that the best pressings (meaning sonics) were those pressed in the country of origin (recording). ....

This would hold true today as well.

If it was aperfect world I'd agree with you, but I have had pressings that didn't respect the rule. For example, I have a canadian copy of Rush - Subdivisions, it's not as good as a US copy I had. I also had a US Warners copy of Love over Gold which I gave away for a UK Vertigo copy, mistake. If you canbe sure that the pressings are from 1st generation tapes then what you siad pretty much holds, but otherwise it's a mixed bag, imho.

Well of course there will be exceptions to the rule. Even US pressings differ depending upon where they are made within the USA. If the master were produced in NY then a copy would be sent to LA. However, a copy of the copy would often be sent overseas.

As a general rule of thumb, the best pressings (sonics) originate from the country where the first generation tapes are most likely to be used.

Just recieved 2 domino records - -Lou barlow and sons and daughters. Bloddy excellant quality both in production and vinyl. So perhaps we can "do it" !!! bargin at £12 a piece as well direct from domino. not sure if they are UK or US pessed thou ? my guess is the UK.
Phil

quote:

Originally posted by Tarquin Maynard-Portly:
I bought some of the Japanese Beatles re-masters last year:dug them out last night for an extended session and the sound quality is incredibly good. Near-holographic at times.

Mike

the 2003 digital remastered reissues that sound EXACTLY the same as the current UK ones? ie completely sh*ite or older analog ones that sound great?

If you've got the new ones then you've never heard real yellow and black Beatles LP's or you need your ears washed out :-)

Part of the issue is the quality of the vinyl and the care taken in the pressing of the LP. I had thought it generally perceived that many American pressings of the 70s and 80s were done on crap vinyl and the stampers were beaten to death before switching them for fresh ones. That combined with the onset of the no return policy at many emporiums of the time enhanced the attractiveness of the cd for the mass market.

In 2005 US pressings are mainly limited runs and quite often on audiophile labels and the quality is pretty damn good.

Regards
Matt