davidSun Posted March 14, 2023 Posted March 14, 2023 Since the DSOTM experts are on this thread, I put this query out there about the 1973 Australian pressing. I have 2 copies of this pressing. What’s puzzling is one record has a larger runout on side A. Please see photos I have attached. Anyone knows what’s going on here?
Candyflip Posted March 15, 2023 Posted March 15, 2023 16 hours ago, davidSun said: Since the DSOTM experts are on this thread, I put this query out there about the 1973 Australian pressing. I have 2 copies of this pressing. What’s puzzling is one record has a larger runout on side A. Please see photos I have attached. Anyone knows what’s going on here? Interesting one, David. I'm not the DSOTM expert, but from a vinyl pressing guess, I'll say 2 different pressings (yes, same CAT # etc, but two different masterings, 2 x lathes, two different stampers and so, two different end product). Same info, compressed on one into smaller grooves on that wax. Can you hear a difference between the two? Is it possible that the first is an original UK stamper for the Aussie market, and the other is a local master/stamper/press for Oz? Deadwax inscriptions from each might help. 2
AFCAD Posted March 15, 2023 Posted March 15, 2023 1 hour ago, Candyflip said: Can you hear a difference between the two? Is it possible that the first is an original UK stamper for the Aussie market, and the other is a local master/stamper/press for Oz? Deadwax inscriptions from each might help. In my view/opinion etc, nearly correct, although the second one is the earlier one using an original UK stamper for Aussie market. Can see enough of the numbers/letters in deadwax shown on the pic to pick that up - I have a similar one as well, same font typical of UK EMI stampers of the era (reasonably common for 1960s/early 1970s Aust EMI pressings). The top one is a later Aussie one, but not that much later, as the labels are pretty much the same as far as I can see. It would be interesting to know if you hear a difference! 2
davidSun Posted March 15, 2023 Posted March 15, 2023 Ok I had a closer look at these two records. Using the magnifier function on the iphone I have determined the numbers on the deadwax: record 1 : QHVL 804 A-3 B-3 record 2: QHVL 804 A-2 B-1 And checking in discogs : Matrix / Runout (Side A label): QHVL804A Matrix / Runout (Side B label): QHVL804B Matrix / Runout (Variant 1: Side A runout groove pressed): QHVL 804 A-2 Matrix / Runout (Variant 1: Side B runout groove pressed): QHVL 804 B-2 Matrix / Runout (Variant 2: Side A runout groove hand-etched): QHVL 804 A-3 Matrix / Runout (Variant 2: Side B runout groove hand-etched): QHVL 804 B-3 Matrix / Runout (Variant 3: Side A runout groove pressed): QHVL 804 A-2 Matrix / Runout (Variant 3: Side B runout groove pressed): QHVL 804 B-1 Matrix / Runout (Variant 4: Side A runout groove pressed): QHVL 804 A-3 Matrix / Runout (Variant 4: Side B runout groove pressed): QHVL 804 B-3 Matrix / Runout (Variant 5: B is hand-etched, remainder is pressed): QHVL 804 B-2 1
davidSun Posted March 15, 2023 Posted March 15, 2023 Sound quality wise, I can't tell the difference hearing between the two 1973 pressings. I listened to them with my headphones. I will play them through my 3 way speakers loud enough and perhaps I will hear the difference later. My 2016 EU version in comparison sounds more bass heavy and less detailed. Definitely I prefer the 1973 version which is why I have been hunting for them lately. 3
Lansche plasma guy Posted April 16, 2023 Posted April 16, 2023 I compared in 4 different friends systems: 30 th anniversary. 2016 Australian early pressing Australian Later pressing UK pressing A8 early uk pressing A4 The early uk pressing A4 killed all of the others. Had a little surface noise at the start of side one. After a couple of minutes was pretty quiet. Later UK pressing A8 sounded less direct and immediate. More thick and "mushy". 30th anniversary and 2016 were disappointing and worse than both the UK pressings. The two Aussie pressings sounded sad and unloved. Small soundstage and not much life or dynamics. Can't remember if the 2016 or the 30th anniversary had really overblown bass with poor pitch definition and not much depth. Oh the early UK A4 pressing had killer deep bass that was tight and deep. We could feel it pulsing in the room. Also the music just exploded into the room. Sadly was much better than all the others. They're getting expensive now. Then we put on an original German pressing of Yello the race and a Aussie pressing. The German pressing was incredible. The Aussie pressing was awful. So many variables but was consistent across different systems. There might be some slight preference differences with some of the copied depending on system but the early A4 UK was just in another league to the others regardless of system and with unanimous and obvious consent. Oh, the perils of vinyl shootouts. Next to try my new first UK press of Animals vs the competition (and the new reboot). Just picked up the just released live Pink Floyd Dark Side Wembley 1974 album (previously only released as a bootleg and now an official and properly mastered release). It's supposed to sound "amaze balls". Let's hope it is! Certainly the packaging is beautiful and the vinyl is thick, rigid, flat and very clean and the white gatefold jacket feels waxy and lovely to the touch. LPG LPG 2
Recommended Posts