Rolling Stones Mono Box Set (lp or cd)


I wanted to get the ball rolling. I thought that including both formats here would be beneficial to the entire discussion. I personally have little experience with the Rolling Stones. However, I think I can add an opinion in the form of having heard lots of music from this era and how this box relates to the Beatles Mono Box. I'm currently using my stereo cart. I've listened to the first 5 lps in chronological order.

One thing that has stood out to me is how consistent these 5 lps are in sound quality. ( "Out Of Our Heads", US has more pronounced bass, haven't listened to the UK yet.) This is kind of unusual in my listening experience. Compared to the Beatles Mono box which wasn't as consistent, album to album. I find the detail, the ambient retrieval, and the bass overall to be very good. What bothers me is I feel it is recorded too hot as well as I feel the overall sound seems somewhat very slightly artificial. ( I never felt this way listening to the Beatles Mono box). These last two issues may have to do with the re-mastering chain. It may be the quality of the mics, the recording venue, etc...I don't know. I don't have the originals to compare. There is the dimensional character of the soundstage that is very nice as was the Beatles. The vinyl itself is super quiet but I see that a few of these will need to be flattened. So far, there isn't an pressed "off-center" issue.
astro58go

Showing 21 responses by jafant

astro58go-

how are ya doing w/ this boxed set? Which disc(s) is/are your fave listens?
Thanks! for the update- astro58go

have you completed the Mono box set? If not, how is your progress going?
Yes, on the latest Vinyl set there was digital processing in the mixing.
For you Vinyl hounds, better to seek out and buy the Mono pressings from the 60's.  I will be buying the CD set.
The Beatles had the best of luck having the support of both Brian Epstein and George Martin. The lads would have never journeyed, as far as they did, w/o those (2) gentlemen.

The Rolling Stones did not have such a supporting cast, in that regard.
Moreover, this fueled their competitive spirit that ultimately lead to 1969's
"Let it Bleed". Easily this album was their crowning achievement for the 60's decade.
astro58go-

an update: last night I unboxed my Japan import of this Mono box set.
As always, the weight (10 lbs) and packaging is outstanding! This special set in on SHM-CD in 7 inch cardboard sleeves that reflect the original 60's albums sleeves (UK & US). It will be quite awhile before I open it.

As soon as I find the more domestic set for actual listening, I will keep you posted. Happy Listening!
Good to see you again- astro58go.  Hope you are enjoying the RS boxed set. Which titles(s) are you completed to date?

You scored a very nice deal on your set- astro58go-

now, onto your assessment;
History tells us that The Rolling Stones turned into a "party" band, entertainers, drug use excesses earlier than The Beatles and The Who,
IMO.  Knowing this intel, their albums were not as consistent a their competition.  No doubt, those 1st 3-4 RS albums are great, even excellent.

(2) dynamics changed- The Beatles stopped touring and became studio wizards, The RS kept touring and partied for the rest of the 60's.
As a result- The Beatles gave us Sgt Pepper and The RS would finish the 60's with 'Let it Bleed'.  The force that is Jagger/Richards were no questionably influenced by Sgt Pepper!

The RS also gave us 'Get your Ya-yas' if only for the scorching live version of "Midnight Rambler". As a music lover, I would be very sad knowing that this song would never have reached the public w/o this pivotal live album!
The Rolling Stones also gave us "The Rock N Roll Circus" although self-indulgent, no doubt, it had a real historical presence as well.

Keep me posted as you work your way and listen to this boxed set-
astro58go.  I am already looking for a domestic RS Mono CD set for listening purposes.
Good Day astro58go-

it is good to see you, hope you are enjoying the RS set. I own the complete RS catalog on CD from 1986, original pressings. For many, many years this was my main musical source. Then in 2002, upon the SACD revolution,
I own almost all of those titles as well.

Going back to those London/Decca CDs from 1986, to my ears they do not sound bad at all. The SACD versions will open up the clarity, air, space of instruments, better dynamics as well. The SACD version of 12x5 will place you inside Chess studios w/ the boys-scary to be sure.

Much will depend on your system, solid-state vs tubes and overall personal taste, as to the CD or SACD preference. I demand the highest resolution,
microdynamics and macrodynamics, timbre in natural form.

1969 was a thrilling year in the Rock era. The RS killed it w/ 'Let it Bleed'.
IME, everything that they had work towards finally fell into place and the music consuming public was rewarded. No stone was left un-turned (no pun).  Top to bottom, not a bad song/recording on that album. Truly excellent in substance, no filler, no self-indulgent crap neither.

Keep me posted on your continued journey w/ the Mono set.
Thanks! for the continued inputs. Have you listened to all of the discs in this boxed set? Keep me posted- astro58go.

Happy Listening!
Good to read - I also perviewed MF's article as well. Sometimes, he gets it right, other times not so much.  It will all boil down to a preference of LP or CD.

Happy Listening!