Cheers, Andres, for sharing your thoughts! Some albums have also been fantastically remixed, which helps bring the music to life. For example, Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree has lovingly remixed Jethro Tull's catalog. His remix of their 1971 album, 'Aqualung' is truly stellar. The band was limited by the technology of their day and subsequently unhappy with the original mix. Steven Wilson was able to beautifully unearth layers of detail in the instrumentation that is unheard in the muddy original 1971 mix. Honestly, it's a revelation and it sounds like hearing the album again for the first time.
I also like how you mention "warmth." The cartridge and stylus can add warmth or brightness to the sound. As can hi-fi equipment and speakers. For example, I have often felt that British hi-fi equipment has a warmer sound compared to the brightness of Japanese equipment. I'm not saying one is better than the other, however. Ultimately, it comes down to the sound one prefers.
Thanks for sharing. This is a strong ‘A,B,C’ explanation. Many people simply don’t understand this. While many may not care, some do, and it is nice to have good information for them that is non judgmental in a world where ‘vinyl snobs’ can make things a tad uncomfortable.
I think I mentioned before that even though I'm a musician and have spent a fair amount of time in recording studios, I can't really hear the difference. But like Kevin says, I think I can feel it sometimes, in some records over others. Although vinyl always feels better to me regardless, just because of the tactile nature of it, and the ritual of attention that goes along with playing a record.
I finally have my studio back to usability and my 1500ish albums back where they belong. I also moved my turntable to a more secure spot. It is a very low end USB turntable, but I can connect it to both my computer and mixer so it’s worth it. And to my ear it all sounds great. Played Bob Marley’s Catch A Fire to inaugurate the new setup. The feeling of calm that overtook me was like slipping into a bath.
Well presented, Andy, and may I say.......look who's now getting consistently large numbers (likes and comments)! Color me proud of you!
Your piece brought out new questions from me (that's a sign, too, of a well-written piece!).....I'm peering at the records in your vids, so my curiosity is piqued: (For our readers, I'm in the U.S., you're in the UK)......I'm guessing your Mariah collection (as the Carey completist I'm guessing you are) contains both import and domestic LPs (and I mean that from both our POVs)!!!!
To ME, the red label with "CBS" denotes the UK version, of course, and the equally-red label of the U.S. issue has "Columbia Records" (or just "Columbia"...I forget...and, I'm not about to check; I know it's one or the other!) encircling the label. Have you ever noticed any differentiation in either country's pressings (for any artist, at any time), generally speaking?
I've got my impressions and notions......wanna trade opinions? You first.😊
I had an experience last week listening to a 2011 record I hadn’t heard in years. I remembered it being crystal-clear, but actually found mastering quality quite muddy. Not a well known or celebrated record so will probably never get a remaster. But at least it still sounds great in my head!
Cheers, Andres, for sharing your thoughts! Some albums have also been fantastically remixed, which helps bring the music to life. For example, Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree has lovingly remixed Jethro Tull's catalog. His remix of their 1971 album, 'Aqualung' is truly stellar. The band was limited by the technology of their day and subsequently unhappy with the original mix. Steven Wilson was able to beautifully unearth layers of detail in the instrumentation that is unheard in the muddy original 1971 mix. Honestly, it's a revelation and it sounds like hearing the album again for the first time.
I also like how you mention "warmth." The cartridge and stylus can add warmth or brightness to the sound. As can hi-fi equipment and speakers. For example, I have often felt that British hi-fi equipment has a warmer sound compared to the brightness of Japanese equipment. I'm not saying one is better than the other, however. Ultimately, it comes down to the sound one prefers.
Even with diminished hearing, I can still usually tell the difference. And if playing a record at home, I can sometimes “feel” it too.
Thanks for sharing. This is a strong ‘A,B,C’ explanation. Many people simply don’t understand this. While many may not care, some do, and it is nice to have good information for them that is non judgmental in a world where ‘vinyl snobs’ can make things a tad uncomfortable.
I think I mentioned before that even though I'm a musician and have spent a fair amount of time in recording studios, I can't really hear the difference. But like Kevin says, I think I can feel it sometimes, in some records over others. Although vinyl always feels better to me regardless, just because of the tactile nature of it, and the ritual of attention that goes along with playing a record.
I finally have my studio back to usability and my 1500ish albums back where they belong. I also moved my turntable to a more secure spot. It is a very low end USB turntable, but I can connect it to both my computer and mixer so it’s worth it. And to my ear it all sounds great. Played Bob Marley’s Catch A Fire to inaugurate the new setup. The feeling of calm that overtook me was like slipping into a bath.
Great piece!
We just finished a second, all analog Adrianne Lenker record (written about here - https://www.instagram.com/p/C2xiGV2O76e/?igsh=ZDE1MWVjZGVmZQ==)
Hopefully more artists will have the means to do this in the coming years! It’s magical.
Well presented, Andy, and may I say.......look who's now getting consistently large numbers (likes and comments)! Color me proud of you!
Your piece brought out new questions from me (that's a sign, too, of a well-written piece!).....I'm peering at the records in your vids, so my curiosity is piqued: (For our readers, I'm in the U.S., you're in the UK)......I'm guessing your Mariah collection (as the Carey completist I'm guessing you are) contains both import and domestic LPs (and I mean that from both our POVs)!!!!
To ME, the red label with "CBS" denotes the UK version, of course, and the equally-red label of the U.S. issue has "Columbia Records" (or just "Columbia"...I forget...and, I'm not about to check; I know it's one or the other!) encircling the label. Have you ever noticed any differentiation in either country's pressings (for any artist, at any time), generally speaking?
I've got my impressions and notions......wanna trade opinions? You first.😊
I had an experience last week listening to a 2011 record I hadn’t heard in years. I remembered it being crystal-clear, but actually found mastering quality quite muddy. Not a well known or celebrated record so will probably never get a remaster. But at least it still sounds great in my head!
Well done.
Thank you and sharing!