Better Records / Hot Stampers
Posted by: Ron Brinsdon on 29 November 2012
Good morning,
I have been reading the “Better Records” site with interest for some time. For those not familiar with them, they listen to many, many different pressings of classic albums such as "DSOTM" and then say that certain matrix numbers can be classified as a "Hot Stamper" or "White Hot Stamper" etc and sell these for huge prices - we may be talking up to $400-$500 for an album here.
While I would never pay such an amount, their site does contain very interesting reviews and tips on what to listen for in certain albums and the differences between the pressings. As an example, they claim the Cisco edition of "Aja" to be inferior to certain standard issues and are also not too keen on some of the MOFI releases. I only have two copies of "Aja" but I was surprised to find I agreed with them and my early MCA version is overall a better listen than the Cisco. I also tried this with some early Dire Straits (yes, yes DS but they were good then) and found differences between pressings.
As selling vinyl is their business, they do not divulge matrix references of their costly finds but the collective wisdom and experience on the forums must throw out preferred versions. It is easy to find reference to all of the matrix numbers used for albums, especially the highly collectables such as the Floyd, but not so easy to find out how they actually sound in relation to each other - excepting the heavy vinyl issues which generally attract much comment on re-issue. I am thinking more along general issues we might find at boot sales, smaller record fairs, friends collections etc.
If anyone could point out a site that does divulge the better sounding matrix numbers for the major historical releases, many people would be happy – except Better Records possibly.
Have a good day
Ron
I have been reading the “Better Records” site with interest for some time. For those not familiar with them, they listen to many, many different pressings of classic albums such as "DSOTM" and then say that certain matrix numbers can be classified as a "Hot Stamper" or "White Hot Stamper" etc and sell these for huge prices - we may be talking up to $400-$500 for an album here.
While I would never pay such an amount, their site does contain very interesting reviews and tips on what to listen for in certain albums and the differences between the pressings. As an example, they claim the Cisco edition of "Aja" to be inferior to certain standard issues and are also not too keen on some of the MOFI releases. I only have two copies of "Aja" but I was surprised to find I agreed with them and my early MCA version is overall a better listen than the Cisco. I also tried this with some early Dire Straits (yes, yes DS but they were good then) and found differences between pressings.
As selling vinyl is their business, they do not divulge matrix references of their costly finds but the collective wisdom and experience on the forums must throw out preferred versions. It is easy to find reference to all of the matrix numbers used for albums, especially the highly collectables such as the Floyd, but not so easy to find out how they actually sound in relation to each other - excepting the heavy vinyl issues which generally attract much comment on re-issue. I am thinking more along general issues we might find at boot sales, smaller record fairs, friends collections etc.
If anyone could point out a site that does divulge the better sounding matrix numbers for the major historical releases, many people would be happy – except Better Records possibly.
Have a good day
Ron