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Beatles on vinyl -- what to look for ...

... and what to avoid.

I'm hoping to buy some Beatles LPs, but I'm confused by all the choices out there. I'm no kind of collector. Nor am I llooking for the absolute best, with cost no object. But I've really been enjoying vinyl again, and it's long past time to get me a bunch of Beatles LPs. Are there certain labels -- or countries -- that are considered as usually good quality? Are there others that ought to be generally avoided? (I understand that the British releases in the earlier years were not the same as the ones that folks my age grew up with in the 1960s in the US, with different songs, different mixes and all.) What I want is to be able to spin some LPs and hear the Fab Four doing their thing. But all in all, I'm overwhelmed. And a look at the archives hasn't made things a whole lot clearer. Do I search for specific stuff on eBay? Are there new pressings that are worth anything? Any direction would be much appreciated. Thanks.
hodu

Showing 3 responses by tmhaudio

tmhaudio
121 posts
 
For the best info on the Beatles LP versions, visit www.stevehoffman.tv. The "Forums" have lots of info.

Generally, the early UK pressings are the most musical. The "Blue Box" is also good albeit not of the same sonic quality as the earlier pressings.

Here's a website with in depth information re: each album and how to identify the different pressings.

http://www.jpgr.co.uk/i_beatleslp_date.html

The MFSL has a "smile" EQ. The US Capitol are the absolute worst sounding versions in part due to not using the master tapes. The early Japanese are quite good when analog tapes were used but avoid the latter versions especially the "new" digital" sourced re-pressings. Some German versions are very good esp for the MMT album.
tmhaudio
121 posts
 
Audiofeil,
I have original US pressings of the entire Beatles catalog. The UK pressings (esp the early versions) are far, far superior.

It is widely accepted the UK versions are the best sounding and certainly musically more relevant vs. the US versions. The US/Capitol mastering used tape copies as well as vinyl drops in the early LPs.

As I mentioned, the German "Odeon" MMT, is extremely good and the MFSL is superb...IF you like the "smile" EQ.

The "NEW" Japanese pressings use digital masterings - bright sound.
tmhaudio
121 posts
 
Audiofeil,

All of my US pressings were purchased new when they were released.

Thanks for the enjoyable conversation.
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