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
Oops - this is a very old thread. FWIW the Deluxe set released starting in 2014 is the best remaster I have heard and is significantly better than earlier stuff.

That 45 rpm sounds better than 33 - well DUH big face palm!

Of of course it does.

33 is LP or long play and it has ALWAYS been compromised and compressed.

When Vinyl was the only option I bought Japanese only and as many 12” 45 rpm (used by DJ in dance clubs) as I could lay my hands on.

Always the 45 rpm on a 12 inch format sounded better - it breathed and had more energy (dynamics). This was true of all artists. I believe the target market was dance club sound systems which were a step well above a normal home audio speaker setup in dynamic range....and that is why they sounded so much better than a 33 LP.
The Music Matters 33's are excellent, and many feel are close, if not on par, with their 45rpm counterparts. So, still great info given by Mike. One thing's for sure... If they re-press that box, many of us will reach for our wallets fast. Are you getting all this, Chad! Off to spin some Zep.

the 45rpm LZ box set is my most prized and cherished thing in my music collection. if you are a fan then it will sweep you away compared to other versions. lower noise, more dynamic, more detail, the music leaps from the grooves. a force of nature.


Hearing this 45 at Mike's place ranks among the finest audio reproductions these ears have ever experienced.