Have you checked out the Steve Hoffman Music Forums? Much discussion about the best sounding versions. The answer would probably be the first pressing from the country of origin, Britain in this case. Unfortunately they would cost a fortune if you could find them. Next would be first pressings of another country, like the U.S., Germany or Japan. The recent Beatles in mono on vinyl seemed to be very popular too. |
This is an absolute minefield and there are no easy answers. The original mono (up to and including the White album) tube cut UK vinyl is best. However there are obvious problems with condition and cost. A more sane way is to get either of the two box sets, either the 1978 The Beatles Collection (Blue Box) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles_Collection or the 1982 The Beatles: The Collection (MFSL/mofi) box https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles:_The_Collection Neither are quite authentic or complete but then nothing else is either. Failing that the 2014 all analogue Mono reissues (again up to White album) are the cheapest and easiest way to go. Beware the 2012 digital stereo transfers. https://www.beatlesbible.com/2014/09/09/beatles-mono-vinyl-worldwide-release/ There’s quite a few other opinions out there here’s just one of many https://theaudiophileman.com/beatles-mono-vinyl-version/ For me personally, nothing sounded as good as the original UK Red and Blue album compilations released in 1973 but that might just be familiarity. However I can’t escape the feeling that these things were made by people who knew how to use their ears. |
grey market 15ips 1/4" tape sounds better than any pressings i have heard. and considering what the very best pressings might cost and the difficulty finding them, the tapes are reasonable to purchase and find. and I have spent considerable efforts finding great pressings and own most/all of the box sets too. i have 6 Beatles albums on tape and while i have no idea (no one would) the exact provenance of these tapes they easily surpass my good to very good pressings including some original pressings. so...….get the tape. |
