Beatles Stereo Box-Set disappointing sound.

Posted by: JoexNaim on 07 September 2009

Just been listening to my new Beatles CD masters stereo box set and I'm sorry to say they are not a patch on the Love album CD. Not a patch!

I don't understand why they sound so poor quality compared to the Love CD. They are slightly better than the the 86 CD pressings. But only just. For me they sound as they have a glassiness/distortion at the top-end. Almost as if someones set the VU meters up too high, just like I used to when recording from CD to tape and had forgotten that I'd moved from chrome to normal tape.
Investigating I noticed every CD has written on it 'enhcanced CD' and also the logo for internet q-movie player. Perhaps this is the reason; the CD's are hybrid!? Why couldn't they just have given us a CD only pressing without the need for a computer mini-documentary on every disc?! Save your money, if your hearing's working, and mine is, you'll find them tiring to listen too. Especially awful are 'Magical Mystery Tour', 'Rubber Soul' and 'Help' Things start to improve once you get to the white album though and 8 track recordings....

However, EMI are to be congratulated on the presentation of every album though. The art-work and graphics are sublime. But the sound...oh dear. Will be listening to the monos shortly and I'm hoping there are no Q movie player extras on those!

Posted on: 07 September 2009 by fathings cat

Hmmm that is disappointing. I await your review on the mono set.

Thanks

Posted on: 07 September 2009 by Mike-B

The new CD's are remastered to be as close to the intent of the original tapes as possible.
LOVE is a nostalgic romanticised dreamtime haze of a record intended to be nothing like the originals, and closely linked with a French dance stage production – see the “Love” DVD.
Some believe it to be over produced; well that’s a personal matter of opinion. Personally I like it, but only when it’s not played during the same session as real Beatles CD’s (or even better) vinyl.

Posted on: 09 September 2009 by mudwolf

ah the debate continues. I think I'll wait a bit on buying since my place is torn apart.

Joe how is that LFD? (at least I think you have one, my memory is fuzzy) I've had one for a few weeks, I loaned it to a friend for 2 weeks while my wood floors are being done. He wants a simpler and newer sound system. I was surprised to see that he had the original KAN speakers just for his mids and highs. I hope he sells his early 80s kit, just too many boxes and complicated wiring. He's an only vinyl type.

sorry to go off track.

Posted on: 09 September 2009 by Bertie Norman

It looks as though the stereo version is deliberately compressed for FM radio etc and the mono version is the audiophile version - see the Times T2 today.

Posted on: 09 September 2009 by JoexNaim

Hi Mud

It's superb, still can't fault it. Get a bit tired of no remote at times though! Am considering mains lead upgrade, LFD do a bespoke one and it adds another degree of finesse to the sound and it's pretty in-expensive also. I find the LFD just balances the sound correctly, it's cohesive across all frequencies. I am assured if it weren't hand made it would be twice the price as the components are the finest available. How's yours?

Posted on: 09 September 2009 by Luxen

I bought the Stereo-Set.

Absolutely fantastic.

Posted on: 09 September 2009 by David O'Higgins

Joexnaim, I'm delighted that they are nothing like 'Love'. My Stereo set in the post. I can't wait.

Posted on: 09 September 2009 by fred simon

I haven't heard any of the actual CDs yet, but eager to hear the stereo set (I don't get the appeal of mono ... I have two ears).

But even the snippets of remastered CDs I've heard on a kitchen radio sound excellent ... I can actually hear the improvement!

All best,
Fred

Posted on: 10 September 2009 by JoexNaim

...although Love was re-mixed, it was also miles better re-mastered. A sweetness to the sound and better punch from the bass that the box-set will never match. With Love it sounds as if the boys recorded all their tracks yesterday (no pun intended!) With the remasters it sounds harsh and distorted.

Just listen to ' Back in the USSR' or 'Come Together' on Love then compare to the boxset versions...night and day! Does no one agree?...lol

Posted on: 10 September 2009 by nicnaim

Now that the kids have finally gone back to school, I have had the luxury of listening to the two stereo discs I have picked up so far. Boxed mono arriving some time today (hurrah).

Abbey Road sounds really good, there just seems to be more of everything, and in detail that was only hinted at previously. Ringo's drumming and Paul's bass seemed to have benefitted in particular. All the vocals seem to have a much greater "live" edge, with the passion and energy really shining through.

On Let it be it is very much the same, Get Back in particular knocked my socks off. John's vocals are of the Twist and Shout variety, raw and straight from the heart, great stuff. George's guitar is fabulously un-fussy and beautifully and cleanly executed throughout.

Cannot wait for the others to arrive. Man at the door now, let the fun begin.

Nic