I saw a live performance during their Aqualung tour. They were incredible. Thank you for this review. I just did a pre-order and can't wait to hear them again.
@@Michael45RPM The best part of the show was it was at a small university setting not a large stadium. You could tell they were really enjoying the scene and the young college crowd.
I remember a great concert in Sydney early seventies...basically the Aqualung album live....very entertaining show....a giant fluffy rabbit hopping about the stage and of course they stop mid song for Ian Anderson to answer a telephone call..vaudville!!!
I have multiple pressings of Aqualung and the best by a country mile is the Steven Wilson remix. He managed to bring out the bottom end like no other version has IMO. It has always been bass shy and I suspect, while this UHQR is a beautiful thing it may be the same. Great reviews by the way and greetings from U.K.
Thanks Michael for the great videos! I have numbered edition 0239 of the "Aqualung" UHQR. Interestingly, my copy had a previous/older ad sheet included, not the one with the KoB announcement. However, I have about 50 different pressings (from USA, Japan, and others) of "Kind of Blue" yet, will be getting the UHQRs too! Thanks for posting!
Wauvv, what a thrilling news, for one who only own the Sony back on Black re-issue, and a re-master cd version. Have been kind of waiting for something like this, so that was a great annoucement. Cheers from Denmark
Interesting news on the Davis. I have ten different copies of that album, including the Classic 33 rpm of it but not the 45. If it is coming from the Grundman plates, then I will like succumb to yet another copy. Nice review of the Aqualung copies. I could never really get into Jethro Tull so I passed on it.
I’ve long since thought a truly analog treatment of Odessey and Oracle needs to be done on UHQR. I’m not sure if the tapes still exist, but I think it needs to be explored.
I’d love to see a mono and stereo of Odessey and Oracle like they did with Axis Bold As Love. Time has shown it’s up there with Sgt. Pepper, Kinks Village Green and Pet Sounds.
I received my copy yesterday. It’s great. The vinyl is super quiet. The color makes it difficult to see dust so I’ll just hit it with my sticky roller before each play. I can’t wait for Kind of Blue. I will preorder it as soon as it goes on sale.
Whew I finally got the best version of something I did needed to get Aqualung so this worked out. Kind of Blue, guess I missed that. Since that is my favorite album of all time I will sell my blood and my wife’s blood along with Kat to get that. Steve
UHQR provides a full body massage for the workers in their pressing plant after EVERY hand pressed vinyl is carefully produced...if a worker accidently produces a less than perfect pressing group therapy is mandatory!
Nice to see the comparison, but I'd never spend those amounts on a copy of Aqualung. I am perfectly happy with the Steven Wilson mix pressing at around $20 (!), not to mention the nice hardbound gatefold with great booklet...
It appears that Chad's acquisition of Classic is beginning to pay dividends. Basically re-releasing all of the Classic Records on UHQR using the same stampers - at least the best selling versions. Brilliant business strategy. On a separate note. These UHQR or clarity vinyl without the black pigment were chosen originally (based on a blurb I read when I was looking to buy a Classic record test pressing) when a Furutech demag was used on black classic records with an improvement in sound prompting the experiment without the carbon (unless its a fake story) . You may want to experiment with a Furutech demag to see if your existing records sound as good as your UHQR!
Dankeschön M. About Kind of Blue. I understand the discomfort that has been expressed in forums like - you know which one. I don't know how many KoB editions I have, but I don't have the Classic, so I am interested in the UHQR. Have you listened to recent japanese analog reissues of KoB, Someday my prince will come and Bill Evans Live in Tokyo? I'm interested about it.
Acoustic sounds bought classic records. They now have a license to reissue the same records classic records did. It's not unlikely they can put out Led Zeppelin albums in UHQR because classic records reissued the whole catalogue.
Thanks again for your really good videos! I just did an Aqualung shootout here in my living room. I had a MFSL, DCC, Classic 200 33 rpm, and the Analogue Productions UHQR. Missing from the shootout is the 4 lp classic set and the steve wilson remix. I will never own the steve wilson remix as it is way way too bright for me. That is not conducive to turning up the volume....too digital sounding. I do concede that there are lots more details in some of the highs, but it is too shrilly for my taste! So of course in last place is the Mofi !! It really is somewhat muffled and seems out of balance. In third place comes the DCC, which has some merits, being vaccuum tubed, etc. Now for the hard part. The UHQR has a wider soundstage and has more details. The Classic 200 33rpm has a really really nice tone to the guitars and the vocals. It really sounds ultra analogue. It begs to be turned up to 1000. But the UHQR has more detail and that soundstage is really wide, but the tone is a liitle higher than the Classic. So for technical merit, the UHQR wins. But for that sweet spot tone, I favor that Classic 200 !! I will keep both of those, and the Mofi and DCC will get sold. I am wondering if anyone out there has had a similar experience? Thanks for listening. PS>>>>What are everyone's thoughts on the Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here Japanese Mastersound Half Speed Master as compared to an original Japanese SOPO 100. I have never heard the mastersound of Wish You Were Here so I am clueless. Many Thanks!
Don't have the UHQR but all the comparisons I've heard the Wilson makes the UHQR sound like an AM radio. And a lot of the clarity vinyl pressings I've seen are not even flat. I do have the DCC and It's pretty darn good. Still doesn't have the instrument separation the Wilson does. Both mine are flat and on center. One UHQR of this I saw on a comparison was warped and on side 2 or 3 the arm moved from side to side? That's off center. Prob. won't hear that amount but for what they charge they should be like as perfect as a record can get.
Michael, I wish you had a copy of Classic Records, Clarity SV-P II 45 RPM Series. If it wasn’t so valuable I’d mail you my copy to compare. It truly is an amazing listen. I don’t have the newest UHQR version and I suspect it may be slightly better from what I’ve heard. I’ll have to track down a copy. Thanks for your passion.
I do not have the UHQR, But I have the Classic 4 disc 45 RPM box and the Steve Wilson remix. The Classic 45 RPM is the best sounding version of the original mix I've heard hands down. Still, it suffers from the limitations of the original mix in that the "rock" songs have a lack of bottom end, and cardboard sounding drums (most noticeable on the title track). On the original mix, the warmth and bottom end have always been intact on the acoustic songs (Mother Goose, Wondering Aloud). Steve Wilson seems to have restored the bottom end to the rock songs and he has made that my "go to" version. I have several SW remixes, and I agree that he often seems to leave his footprint in his work (I still prefer my Analogue Production Yes Fragile over his remix), but I think he nailed it on Aqualung.
Sheeez ... I had to buy 3 copies of Aqualung in vinyl I played it so much .. and now I have none of them. I think the original vinyl was from Reprise Records ... Chrysalis came later.
My only beef with the quality of the 'source material' is that Clive Bunker's drums came across as flat. Deadened. In much the same manner that Phil Collins always believed his own drumming sounded with Genesis until The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. Amazes me that during the same period John Bonham's kit always reeked of attack, metal and clarity. Bonzo being Bonzo.
DISCLAIMER- IF YOU’RE INTO AM RADIO - THIS ALBUM IS DEFINITELY FOR YOU- First off, people should know it’s a HORRIBLY RECORDED ALBUM. Absolutely ZERO LOW END, especially “Aqualung”. Thin and anemic is the best way to describe Aqualung. What a LOST OPPORTUNITY. By Locomotive Breath things improve and is a 180 in sound quality compared to Aqualung. Classic Album? ABSOLUTELY Sound Quality? Gets a 3 out of 10 Yes, the UHQR version has a ton of midrange presence but overall it is in no way an “audiophile” album… Now, as far as “Clarity vinyl” is concerned: I’ve been buying Hobson’s Clarity vinyl long before it was “fashionable” and received its most recent hype- Clarity”vinyl is nothing special (it has improved in recent years compared to Hobson’s crap) RTI’s VR900 (One Step) SUPER VINYL formulation ABSOLUTELY blows away this overrated and under performing “Clarity” vinyl when compared to VR900. Period - end of story
Wilson version by far the best. Even Ian hated the mastering on the original album and really likes the Wilson one., the original was horrible. Since Aqualung was released I've listened to it probably more times than most people have listened to their whole collection, the Steve Wilson re-mix is a refreshing change!!! The UHQR is a beautiful, superbly produced record of a piece of shit master tape, excuse my profanity please.
MoFi one step packaging is a joke and waste of space...not in love with the heavy handed mastering and low quality pressings either...off center labels and all. Since I've lost ALL interest in one stepMoFi...the AP pressings are of increasing interest.
Respectfully disagree. UHQR is technically better from the point of view of noise and vinyl of course, but it sounds dead and devoid of life. Huge disappointment. Steve Wilson has its flaws but I still listen to it over the UHQR which is gathering dust
Steven Wilson mix has boosted up high frequency , UHQR is warmer...my ears, thanks Michael.
@@ReformedTractarian Vinyl by itself doesn’t sound warmer or colder ...
@@bikemike1118 drugs kill..you are a dope.
"33 1/3 rpm for the Martini drinker's", hahahaha superb Michael 🤣🤣
Great video once again pal 👍
I saw a live performance during their Aqualung tour. They were incredible. Thank you for this review. I just did a pre-order and can't wait to hear them again.
That must be very impressive!!
@@Michael45RPM The best part of the show was it was at a small university setting not a large stadium. You could tell they were really enjoying the scene and the young college crowd.
I remember a great concert in Sydney early seventies...basically the Aqualung album live....very entertaining show....a giant fluffy rabbit hopping about the stage and of course they stop mid song for Ian Anderson to answer a telephone call..vaudville!!!
I have multiple pressings of Aqualung and the best by a country mile is the Steven Wilson remix. He managed to bring out the bottom end like no other version has IMO. It has always been bass shy and I suspect, while this UHQR is a beautiful thing it may be the same. Great reviews by the way and greetings from U.K.
I am glad that the classic album found favor. I love my copy. Well done. Peace love and rock and roll ✌️
Thanks Michael for the great videos! I have numbered edition 0239 of the "Aqualung" UHQR. Interestingly, my copy had a previous/older ad sheet included, not the one with the KoB announcement. However, I have about 50 different pressings (from USA, Japan, and others) of "Kind of Blue" yet, will be getting the UHQRs too! Thanks for posting!
gotta keep on the 33rpm if you want to enjoy the cocktails! wow - great news - thanks for sharing!
Wauvv, what a thrilling news, for one who only own the Sony back on Black re-issue, and a re-master cd version. Have been kind of waiting for something like this, so that was a great annoucement. Cheers from Denmark
Really enjoyed the video my friend thank you for sharing it with us
Interesting news on the Davis. I have ten different copies of that album, including the Classic 33 rpm of it but not the 45. If it is coming from the Grundman plates, then I will like succumb to yet another copy. Nice review of the Aqualung copies. I could never really get into Jethro Tull so I passed on it.
Hello Paul, great to read that you go with me on the Grundman remaster.
Thanks Michael, really enjoy your videos... would be great one day to go for a beer and talk vinyl..thanks
I am always in for a beer :-)
I’ve long since thought a truly analog treatment of Odessey and Oracle needs to be done on UHQR. I’m not sure if the tapes still exist, but I think it needs to be explored.
I’d love to see a mono and stereo of Odessey and Oracle like they did with Axis Bold As Love. Time has shown it’s up there with Sgt. Pepper, Kinks Village Green and Pet Sounds.
Really nice! Sound quality is very important, so looks like "analogue productions" nailed it!
They did
Great review, of the 3 different re-issues, my advertisment booklet do not have the Kind Of Blue notice.
You hit the nail on the head.
I'm really hoping that they release some Genesis on UHQR. I heard that they are going to release Muddy Waters Folk Singer as a One Step soon btw!
I received my copy yesterday. It’s great. The vinyl is super quiet. The color makes it difficult to see dust so I’ll just hit it with my sticky roller before each play. I can’t wait for Kind of Blue. I will preorder it as soon as it goes on sale.
Whew I finally got the best version of something I did needed to get Aqualung so this worked out. Kind of Blue, guess I missed that. Since that is my favorite album of all time I will sell my blood and my wife’s blood along with Kat to get that. Steve
NO!!!!! Not Kat....... NOT KATS BLOOD!!!! :-)
Proper microphone/volume control. I may need to subscribe.
Martini crowd, 😂, Mazzy should get a kick out of that!
UHQR provides a full body massage for the workers in their pressing plant after EVERY hand pressed vinyl is carefully produced...if a worker accidently produces a less than perfect pressing group therapy is mandatory!
Nice picture you daw here David :-)
@@Michael45RPM Danke Michael...I am a very sick individual !!
Nice to see the comparison, but I'd never spend those amounts on a copy of Aqualung. I am perfectly happy with the Steven Wilson mix pressing at around $20 (!), not to mention the nice hardbound gatefold with great booklet...
It appears that Chad's acquisition of Classic is beginning to pay dividends. Basically re-releasing all of the Classic Records on UHQR using the same stampers - at least the best selling versions. Brilliant business strategy. On a separate note. These UHQR or clarity vinyl without the black pigment were chosen originally (based on a blurb I read when I was looking to buy a Classic record test pressing) when a Furutech demag was used on black classic records with an improvement in sound prompting the experiment without the carbon (unless its a fake story) . You may want to experiment with a Furutech demag to see if your existing records sound as good as your UHQR!
Dankeschön M. About Kind of Blue. I understand the discomfort that has been expressed in forums like - you know which one. I don't know how many KoB editions I have, but I don't have the Classic, so I am interested in the UHQR. Have you listened to recent japanese analog reissues of KoB, Someday my prince will come and Bill Evans Live in Tokyo? I'm interested about it.
I pre-ordererd the UHQR Kind of Blue record. I wonder when it will be released.
I’m getting the one step KOB, can’t wait.
I have to ask sorry, KOB?
45 RPM Audiophile K= Kind O= Of B=Blue
Ähem... i never asked :-)
@@Michael45RPM I guess he mean UHQR (instead of One Step)
Yeah UHQR sorry guys I refer to them as one step records as well... :)
Next release Led Zeppelin on UHQR (I wish)..
Yes, please. And Who's Next.
or MOFI OneStep
Acoustic sounds bought classic records. They now have a license to reissue the same records classic records did. It's not unlikely they can put out Led Zeppelin albums in UHQR because classic records reissued the whole catalogue.
@@jennapornographyjame I hope they release some Zeppelin with their regular catalogue. I like Zeppelin but not enough to spend on the UHQR
Wir danken ihnen fur ihre zeit..I hope it's right.
Interesting video
Thanks again for your really good videos!
I just did an Aqualung shootout here in my living room.
I had a MFSL, DCC, Classic 200 33 rpm, and the Analogue Productions UHQR.
Missing from the shootout is the 4 lp classic set and the steve wilson remix.
I will never own the steve wilson remix as it is way way too bright for me.
That is not conducive to turning up the volume....too digital sounding.
I do concede that there are lots more details in some of the highs, but it is too shrilly for my taste!
So of course in last place is the Mofi !! It really is somewhat muffled and seems out of balance.
In third place comes the DCC, which has some merits, being vaccuum tubed, etc.
Now for the hard part.
The UHQR has a wider soundstage and has more details.
The Classic 200 33rpm has a really really nice tone to the guitars and the vocals.
It really sounds ultra analogue. It begs to be turned up to 1000.
But the UHQR has more detail and that soundstage is really wide, but the tone is a liitle higher than the Classic.
So for technical merit, the UHQR wins.
But for that sweet spot tone, I favor that Classic 200 !!
I will keep both of those, and the Mofi and DCC will get sold.
I am wondering if anyone out there has had a similar experience?
Thanks for listening.
PS>>>>What are everyone's thoughts on the Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here Japanese Mastersound Half Speed Master as compared to
an original Japanese SOPO 100. I have never heard the mastersound of Wish You Were Here so I am clueless.
Many Thanks!
Don't have the UHQR but all the comparisons I've heard the Wilson makes the UHQR sound like an AM radio. And a lot of the clarity vinyl pressings I've seen are not even flat. I do have the DCC and It's pretty darn good. Still doesn't have the instrument separation the Wilson does. Both mine are flat and on center. One UHQR of this I saw on a comparison was warped and on side 2 or 3 the arm moved from side to side? That's off center. Prob. won't hear that amount but for what they charge they should be like as perfect as a record can get.
I want those glasses!!!!
They need a Keith Jarret Köln Concert UQHR
I think we need a system tour so we can see what you're listening on!
Tomorrow :)
today :-)
This is like reviewing Penthouse magazine without showing any pictures.😲
Wow, that are great news. Not good for my wallet though. I might opt for both the 33 and the 45 version.
Michael, I wish you had a copy of Classic Records, Clarity SV-P II 45 RPM Series. If it wasn’t so valuable I’d mail you my copy to compare. It truly is an amazing listen. I don’t have the newest UHQR version and I suspect it may be slightly better from what I’ve heard. I’ll have to track down a copy. Thanks for your passion.
I do not have the UHQR, But I have the Classic 4 disc 45 RPM box and the Steve Wilson remix. The Classic 45 RPM is the best sounding version of the original mix I've heard hands down. Still, it suffers from the limitations of the original mix in that the "rock" songs have a lack of bottom end, and cardboard sounding drums (most noticeable on the title track). On the original mix, the warmth and bottom end have always been intact on the acoustic songs (Mother Goose, Wondering Aloud). Steve Wilson seems to have restored the bottom end to the rock songs and he has made that my "go to" version. I have several SW remixes, and I agree that he often seems to leave his footprint in his work (I still prefer my Analogue Production Yes Fragile over his remix), but I think he nailed it on Aqualung.
The Classic 4 disc is probably a dream... thx for your great input Alex
Wow re: miles 45 1step! Ordering time then! Any idea when will it comes out?
Not 1step, UHQR but as good as 1Step, i really do not know when you can preorder, but rest assured i will on day 1 :-)
@@Michael45RPM me too!
Per Acoustic Sounds Miles Davis Kind of Blue not available until sometime 3rd quarter 2021...
Args.... thats late ... again... wait... wait.... plus the chance of a Who´s Next in 2021 is smaller
What the best?
UHQR x OneStep MOFI ?
What do you do for a living sir?
Someone should figure out how to play this vid at 45rpm.
Sheeez ... I had to buy 3 copies of Aqualung in vinyl I played it so much .. and now I have none of them. I think the original vinyl was from Reprise Records ... Chrysalis came later.
The first was on the pink island label, have it all....
@@peterwalliste8232
In the US?
My only beef with the quality of the 'source material' is that Clive Bunker's drums came across as flat. Deadened. In much the same manner that Phil Collins always believed his own drumming sounded with Genesis until The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. Amazes me that during the same period John Bonham's kit always reeked of attack, metal and clarity. Bonzo being Bonzo.
DISCLAIMER- IF YOU’RE INTO AM RADIO - THIS ALBUM IS DEFINITELY FOR YOU-
First off, people should know it’s a HORRIBLY RECORDED ALBUM. Absolutely ZERO LOW END, especially “Aqualung”. Thin and anemic is the best way to describe Aqualung. What a LOST OPPORTUNITY. By Locomotive Breath things improve and is a 180 in sound quality compared to Aqualung.
Classic Album? ABSOLUTELY
Sound Quality? Gets a 3 out of 10
Yes, the UHQR version has a ton of midrange presence but overall it is in no way an “audiophile” album…
Now, as far as “Clarity vinyl” is concerned: I’ve been buying Hobson’s Clarity vinyl long before it was “fashionable” and received its most recent hype- Clarity”vinyl is nothing special (it has improved in recent years compared to Hobson’s crap)
RTI’s VR900 (One Step) SUPER VINYL formulation ABSOLUTELY blows away this overrated and under performing “Clarity” vinyl when compared to VR900. Period - end of story
Wilson version by far the best. Even Ian hated the mastering on the original album and really likes the Wilson one., the original was horrible. Since Aqualung was released I've listened to it probably more times than most people have listened to their whole collection, the Steve Wilson re-mix is a refreshing change!!! The UHQR is a beautiful, superbly produced record of a piece of shit master tape, excuse my profanity please.
They could have done a better color cover. This print is all washed out. It needs to be a bit darker.
Cover on mine looks good...
@@lawrencetomczyk9677 compared to the original or other editions, the UHQR is washed out and faded.
I think you meant to write “on my copy, the cover is... “. I have issue number 0239...and it looks good, both covers, inside and out.
@@JimMorrisonslizard which country is the original? Not all countries have the same colours on originals of Aqualung
MoFi one step packaging is a joke and waste of space...not in love with the heavy handed mastering and low quality pressings either...off center labels and all. Since I've lost ALL interest in one stepMoFi...the AP pressings are of increasing interest.
I again very much doubt the 45 is more dynamic than the 33. I even suspect its the opposite.
Respectfully disagree. UHQR is technically better from the point of view of noise and vinyl of course, but it sounds dead and devoid of life. Huge disappointment. Steve Wilson has its flaws but I still listen to it over the UHQR which is gathering dust