Japanese replica al***s

Posted by: Sloop John B on 13 March 2010

I've read on the forum in various places how Japanese "pressings" of cds can sound better than their European brethren.


So when I saw Bruce Springsteen Japanese replica albums at 2 for €12 in HMV I thought I was on the pigs back. I picked up a few I didn't have at all, Darkness, tunnel of love, tom joad and also decided to replace my original cd version of Born to Run.


I was listening to this earlier this afternoon and certainly there was a significant difference between that and the cd version I already owned. And the difference wasn't small as is often said.

My original version is far superior. there is no bass in the Japanese version and although there is no note of remastering it is significantly louder than the original version.

It was when I was listening to "Night" that I had to get out my version as it really was unlistenable.


I don't know what the music industry is up to. They have me, a fully fledged and signed up album junky, becoming reticent about adding to my current musical collection. It's now really only jazz and classical that one can be sure the album you buy will be listenable


maddening


SJB
Posted on: 13 March 2010 by Sloop John B
Indeed I know the Beatles mono sound great.

I'm just so frustrated at buying shite sounding cds.


If only I could meet the remasterer with a hurley in my hand



SJB
Posted on: 13 March 2010 by Blueknowz
quote:
If only I could meet the remasterer with a hurley in my hand
Posted on: 14 March 2010 by Harry
It’s a lottery. Some of the best CDs I’ve heard have been Japanese limited editions and some of the worst too. I’ve never had any trouble selling them on.
Posted on: 14 March 2010 by Lontano
quote:
Originally posted by Sloop John B:
It's now really only jazz and classical that one can be sure the album you buy will be listenable


I think you are right - most of the music I buy is jazz/classical on CD and it is always a fabulous recording especially the recent recordings on labels such as ECM/ACT. I think it goes with the territory - the people that produce this music really care about a quality product - long may it continue.
Posted on: 14 March 2010 by MilesSmiles
quote:
Originally posted by Sloop John B:
I've read on the forum in various places how Japanese "pressings" of cds can sound better than their European brethren.


Often true for 'first pressings' from the early to late 80s, not so much for modern replicas.
Posted on: 16 March 2010 by ewemon
quote:
Originally posted by Lontano:
quote:
Originally posted by Sloop John B:
It's now really only jazz and classical that one can be sure the album you buy will be listenable


I think you are right - most of the music I buy is jazz/classical on CD and it is always a fabulous recording especially the recent recordings on labels such as ECM/ACT. I think it goes with the territory - the people that produce this music really care about a quality product - long may it continue.


I have a whole batch of Jarett min lp gold discs that were released in Japan. They all sound good.
Posted on: 17 March 2010 by JamieL_v2
With rock recordings I would echo MilesSmiles comment, many of the original 80's issues are outstanding, but I have bought some recent mini LP sleeve replicas and the sound is atrocious.