Led Zeppelin Classic Records 45 series -Am I nuts?


I couldn't help myself when I saw this new Classics Records Zeppelin set. 44 single sided records at 45 rpms! I've never spent so much money on albums in one shot. Classic Records put out the release below and describe the fact that the recordings are not remastered (you can get this stuff on remastered CDs) as a boon. Is this just becasue they couldn't get the rights to the remastered tapes or do you think they really are more desireable? I can still cancel the order. Anybody else reserve their set? I'm feeling a little more than silly since I got rid of my analogue rig a couple of years ago. I guess I'm hoping to set one up again soon?

From the site:
The Classic Records Led Zeppelin 45 rpm Box Set consists of 44 single sided 12" records housed in a special Classic Records Road Case. The titles include Led Zeppelin I, II , III, IV, Houses of the Holy, Physical Graffiti, Presence, In Through the Out Door, and Coda with each spread out over either four or eight sides depending on whether the original LP was a single or double. These 45 rpm sides were cut at the same time as the 33 rpm discs and as such DO NOT represent a remastering that is different from the 33 rpm LP's approved by the Band. Further, there is no additional artwork or extra recorded material of any kind. Each title has an art jacket that is the same as used on the 33 rpm releases with the additional 45's in white jackets. Original label art by title is the same as used on the 33 rpm releases as well. All records are pressed on Classic's proprietary 200g Super Vinyl Profile for maximum playback fidelity. Since the mastering is exactly the same as the 33 rpms and the jackets and label art are the same authentic reproductions, why would anyone need the same material on 45 rpm discs? The answer is simple - you should be more kind to your cartridge by letting it play 45 rpm discs and reveal all the nuances that are nearly impossible to retrieve from a 33 rpm disc. The information in the grooves of these 45 rpms is EXACTLY the same as in their 33 rpm counterparts. To prove it is very easy - think of the lathe as it is cutting a lacquer, the cutter head doesn't know what speed the platter is spinning as the cutter blindly moves up and down back and forth carving the grooves. The difference is that at 45 rpm the same signal is imprinted over a longer distance and hence the "stretched" out groove is easier for a cartridge to traverse which allows the cartridge to give a better read on what is carved. The sonic difference can be quite remarkable, especially if the music is complex as with Classical music or dense as is often the case with Rock. Rest assured that you have never heard Stairway to Heaven until you've heard it at 45 rpm! This is as close to the master tape as we are able to get with an LP and as such is extremely special although requires you to change sides more often than with a 33 rpm disc. If you are a Led Zeppelin nut (you know who you are) then this set is essential - if not then go listen to some Barry Manilow!
kublakhan

Showing 2 responses by kublakhan

Herman, no I haven't compared them. I don't know how it would be possible without purchasing them. It seems that every classic series 45 set either has held its retail value or gone up so it probably wouldn't be difficult to buy, compare to the 33s and then sell if you wanted. I do think that the 45 series sound better (all things being equal) than the same recording at 33. I think the best thing to do would be to compare the red book zeppelin cds to the remastered and if the remastered sounds better then probably this collection would be a waste. I would try this but my current system wouldn't let me hear the difference anyway and if I wait too long I have a feeling this 45 series will be sold out.

If you're a Led Zeppelin fan I think you can still get the BBC sessions on 45 from classic records dealers for the original price of $60.
Jaybo, what is your opinion then on the digital masters you're talking about?

R F Sayles, I wish you wrote about the CSN 45 set sooner. I JUST ordered a copy!

I cancelled my order! I think I'll wait to see what people say about this set since it's $700 and I don't have a tt anymore. What was I thinking? There you have it: an ugly glimpse into the mind of an audiophile. I hope no children were reading.