Steely Dan Remasters

Posted by: Naimed-In-NY on 21 August 2004

Just noticed that my record club (which doesn't sell records, just CDs) is selling remasters of all of Steely Dan's studio albums. Although it seems like so many artists are having albums remastered these days, this one caught me by surprise because, unlike many CDs from this time period, I always thought the sound quality of Steely Dan's CDs to be well above average. My question is: do the remasters represent a real step up in sound quality? Anyone compare original Steely Dan CDs to the remastered versions? Any help would be appreciated. If the remasters are real improvements, I'll be picking some up, but I'd rather not waste my money if the improvements are marginal or nonexistent. Thanks in advance.

Mike

Posted on: 21 August 2004 by J.N.

Yes Mike; they are better and you're in the right place to get the superior USA made article.

However; if you want the best - you need the remasters made in Japan. I have my favourite 'Dan' CD's as Japanese remasters; and they are the best in terms of sound quality.

I got mine here.

Click on the Japanese flag.

Posted on: 22 August 2004 by Peter Litwack

Aja and Gaucho are my two favorites. Is there a US source for these Japanese pressings that you know of? TIA

Posted on: 22 August 2004 by Steve Shochet

Hi Peter,
Looks like Amazon has it:

amazon

Steve

Posted on: 23 August 2004 by Bosh

Although Ive got the vinyl, I got a few of the UK CD remasters and thought Pretzel logic was the best of a rather good bunch

Posted on: 23 August 2004 by Naimed-In-NY

Thanks for the replies. I'll probably order some of the remasters. Although the Japanese pressings may be the best, I think I'll opt the US pressings - the price difference is just too big.

If any one has done the comparisons, I'm curious as to in what ways the remastered CDs sound better than the original CDs, and whether you found the differences to be substantial.

Thanks.

Mike

Posted on: 24 August 2004 by bdnyc

Mike-

Music from the 70's era is typically best heard on vinyl. If you can get them, first pressings on US vinyl would probably be your best bet with all Steely Dan albums from the 70's. I particularly love the sound of Pretzel Logic, and used LP's from a popular act like the Dan should be relatively easy to find.

I have not heard their remasters, but I would expect that the newer CD's will outperform the earlier issues in areas such as treble ease, bass extension and power, three dimensionality, etc. But at the end of the day, I doubt any CD player would equal a nice slab on vinyl spinning on your turntable!

All the best,

Bruce

Posted on: 24 August 2004 by ejl

quote:
I doubt any CD player would equal a nice slab on vinyl spinning on your turntable!

Exactly. You can land a whole lot of minty Dan LPs on Ebay for less than the cost of one of these remasters. And it will almost certainly sound better on a half-decent TT.

Here's one -- four Dan LPs all NM or higher, $3.00 and no bids so far.

Posted on: 24 August 2004 by Naimed-In-NY

quote:
Originally posted by bdnyc:
Mike-

Music from the 70's era is typically best heard on vinyl.

I finally get my CDX2 and you and ejl are trying to push me to vinyl!

Actually, I already have several Steely Dan albums on vinyl, but due to my chaotic life and wonderful new cdp, I have been spinning silver discs much more often than vinyl these days. (Also, perhaps due to the big step up in my cd replay, I seem to be bothered more these days by the higher noise floor with certain vinyl.) Now I'm tempted to compare a Steely Dan album on vinyl with the cd version (but, since I'm taking a two-minute break from work at the moment, that will have to wait for another time).

Bruce, best regards to you as well. (By the way, I'm seeing Nils live this Friday!)

Mike

Posted on: 25 August 2004 by Peter Litwack

Hi Steve

Thanks for the link!

Peter

Posted on: 27 August 2004 by Cosmoliu

I just got the McCormack UDP-1 universal player and it is stunning. Doesn't do CDs with the beauty of the CDS3, but gives the CD5 a run for its money and approaches the CDX2 (oh, heresy!), which I had in house for about three months. And it does a hell of alot better with SACDs than the Sony XA777ES. Anyway, I had not previously owned any DVD-As so I went out and got Steely Dan's Everything Must Go. Great sound and a great introduction to DVD-A.

Posted on: 03 September 2004 by bdnyc

Mike-

I trust you enjoyed seeing Nils without his sidekick Bruce (something or other?)...The CDX2 is a superb player, I didn't mean to rain on your parade at all. I find that artists like Steely Dan, who are very aware of high quality sound, do put great effort into reissues that are remastered, so pick up a new version of your favorite Steely Dan album. As for the best recordings to really get your CDX2 dancing, I seek out great modern recordings that were mastered in the CD era. Nils Acoustic Live is one such example. I have also been really enjoying Patti Griffin's new CD, which is brillantly done.

All the best,

Bruce

Posted on: 05 September 2004 by Naimed-In-NY

Bruce - Nils was really good live (not as good as his "sidekick" of course, but who is?). As a matter of fact, they were selling a few of Nils cds at the concert and I picked up Acoustic Live. It does sound great. I will be picking up one of the Steely Dan remasters to check out the improvements, just haven't gotten around to it yet. I am immensely enjoying the CDX2 and, when the mood strikes, vinyl played through the Stageline.

Best regards, Mike