Jethro Tull - Aqualung - A mix/pressing comparison (UHQR vs. Steven Wilson Remix) | Vinyl Community
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- On this video, I will be comparing the UHQR and Steven Wilson remix vinyl pressings of the Jethro Tull album "Aqualung."
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The Steven Wilson remix is the best bang for your buck. At first, I was hesitant given he uses digital conversions. After listening to his remixes, I don't think it matters. The amount of detail he's been able to put into the King Crimson catalogue, Gentle Giant, and Caravan albums is astounding. At least for me, everything he mixes comes across with much more presence and power than before.
If its hi resolution at least 96k/24, it's hard to tell from tape! 44.1k/16bit it's easy to tell the difference!
It's a bigger bank for the buck especially now that you can't find the UHQR for under $300. For me, it's coming down to which one would I grab and place on the turntable. For the price and sound, the Wilson Remix is the winner even if money is no issue. If somebody's in the hobby to buy and resell the UHQR is turning out to be a good financial investment, but I'd still reach for the Wilson version.
@@analoguecity3454 I have to point out to you that you're likely only thinking that you're hearing a difference between red book CD quality sound and 24bit 95khz. Because the human ear can only hear a maximum range of between 20hz and 20khz, the math behind the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem proves that we cannot possibly hear a difference in frequency response. And because the signal to noise ratio is sp good for most professional recordings the noise floor, or dynamic range difference between 16bit and 24bit digital audio is essential imperceptible. If you really want to hear the difference, an earlier cd release of a Tull album and compare that to a cd of Wilson remix. Not only did he do a fantastic job of transferring the 24 track tapes to digital, he made some really interesting mix changes, while trying to keep the overall feeling in terms of reverbs and energy. The big differences, in my view, between the earlier cd releases and the Wilson are clarity and overall bandwidth. The earlier releases were just remasters of mixes which were initially intended to be released on vinyl. The Wilson remixs were able to take advantage of the full frequency response of the 24 tape on which the songs were recorded. And once transferred into the digital realm, bandwidth and aptitude were no longer a limitation in the sense that they would have to he considered when mixing for a vinyl release. This comes across a little bit in the newer vinyl release, probably because of the better quality of the actual physical record material. But it really becomes apparent when listening to and comparing the two different CD releases. Finally, there are so many mechanical noise issues with players records to begin with. So you are really not getting the best representation of the music for comparison.
I agree especially with the technology back then. What is this, a 8 track console recording at best?
This is the first time I hear the Steven Wilson mix. Can't believe how much better it sounds.
This video makes me no longer regret that I missed on the UHQR and quite pleased that I have the Wilson remix. Great video keep it up!
Very, very nice Dylan. To my ears the Steven Wilson Remix sounds better, Thanks!
While I'm usually a traditionalist when it comes to tampering with any original works. However, I must offer that the Steve Wilson mixes/mastering is way more powerful for me. There seems to be more separation and dynamics throughout the album. The ongoing guitar licks on "Locomotive Breath" on the SW version get a little buried but still in the right place."Mother Goose" on the original seems to have a little more clarity range. The hi-hat tone is very crisp all around the SW version. I hear some nuances I’ve never heard before and made my listen experience more exciting. Also love what Steve Wilson did with King Crimson/Court of The Crimson King. I’m a fan!!! Great video comparison, thank you for sharing.
I believe the problem with the original has always been the recording itself, which is why a remix was so welcome in this case.
The Steve Wilson mix is massively better both in clarity and the bottom end. Memories are one thing but quality is the most important angle here.
UHQR sounds much mor dynamic, has tighter and deeper bass, and the symbols sound more natural. I have the UHQR and it sounds amazing on my 2M Bronze cartridge. Great video!
I honestly like them both. The remix makes the album shine, but the UHQR sounds more soft and relaxed. I guess why not both? Especially if this album is one of your favorites
Remix for me every day. Original recording always lacked bottom end and desperately needed remixing rather than mastering.
The outcome of this should really be: best version with the orginal mix = UHQR. Best remixed (or mix in general) that the record has come out on = Steven Wilson. I don't compare them much because it's literally two different things. if the UHQR had been the SW remix, I guess it would have been a fair comparison, but at the end of the day it comes down to what mixed version you like best. To my ears (I have two ccopies of the UHQR), I love the SW remix more. In fact, the UHQR, both copies I have are a bit noisy for it's price, even after cleaning them. I love them for what they are, but the SW is the winner for me, for it's price, for the overall mix, and quality of the pressing.
Interesting, I have the Wilson and a DCC and the Wilson is virtually noiseless. The DCC I've had a while but in the whole record has one or two clicks that are almost un-noticable. I wondered about the UHQR as I've found it very hard to get a new record that's acceptable pressing. Wilson also made it a point not to stray from the original mix, just make it sound like it was done on better equip. I like the Wilson. I'm sure the UHQR is a great pressing of a bad master.
Hey Dylan! Nice comparison and presentation! I'm listening through my Linsoul (brand) KZ ZS10 IEM's (In Ear Monitors) / Earbuds and I have to say that I much prefer the 2011 Stephen Wilson Re-Mix over the "Analog Productions" version. When you would switch back and forth between the two versions, the white vinyl variant sounded slightly dull / muffled compared to the black vinyl which sounded more lively and with more overall "sparkle!" Thanks Again..enjoy your channel! 👍
Wow, I've actually never experienced a UHQR before, and so this might be the closest I get to hearing one! Its fantastic to be able to compare them track by track and side by side like this! Love the concept! You get to hear for yourself the difference it makes!
Oh, I have an original pressing. I didn’t know about those other different pressings.
Thank you for taking the time to compare these two products. It's now practically impossible to find the UHQR Aqualung product for under $300. On the other hand, easy to find and quite inexpensive is the Wilson remix record. For me, it's coming down to which one would I repeatedly grab and place on the turntable. For the price and sound, the Wilson Remix is the winner even if money is no issue. I would have preferred the Wilson remix to have been an all-analog project as I like to support companies going that extra mile in keeping it analog on an analog format. If somebody's in the hobby to buy and resell the UHQR, it's turning out to be a good financial investment, but I'd still reach for the Wilson version. To me, there's more kick and punch to the Wilson remix. I was reading the reviews at the Acoustic Sounds website and there were a few comments about how they (customers submitting the reviews) still liked the Wilson remix product better. After this experience, I would prefer to wait and buy after reading reviews because paying over $100 for something not yet reviewed (the copy we're told will be the definitive) can be an expensive endeavor. If I had a UHQR copy and the resale value hits over $500 (looks to be heading there), I'd sell it and use the money to buy other $100 audiophile titles that could be audio ballpark winners.
Even on U-Tube the UHQR sounds like an old AM transistor radio compared to the Wilson. They should do a UHQR of the Wilson master.
My both hands for UHQR! What an abysmal difference! UHQR one could listen to for hours without a break. Wilson mix once and then pause. The voice (the most difficult to reproduce) on Wilson's remix is unpleasantly shrill. Unfortunately I only own the Wilson LP remix😢
Hello Dylan ! Great video. I only have a 3rd pressing from the stoneage , Hahaha. But since I don’t have a high-end system , and the record is in great shape , I really don’t think I would hear much difference on my set-up. That’s why videos like this is so interesting. Actually hearing alternate mixes. Stay safe bro. Cheers !
I completely agree with your assessment. well done.
I prefer the Wilson mix overall, although I do wonder what it would sound like if he did it again now. Back then he seemed to narrow the image a little bit whereas he doesn't mind hard panning now. Though I think Anderson might have requested him tame the panning a little at the time. I think he trusts him pretty much completely now!
I've noticed most everything I have thats been digitally remastered (not re-mixed) sounds very clean and better overall but the soundstage seems to take a little hit,
I would love to see more videos like this.
Great comparison Dylan! As I mentioned in our group chat, I have never listened to this record. I like the little clips you put in though, maybe it'll encourage me to check it out soon!
Steven Wilson
I liked the Steven Wilson remix the most.
UHQR for me
The analogue production version sounds much superior to me. Wilson's mix might not be bad in terms of musicality, but is technically loaded with PCM (digital) artifacts. I have purchased a few Porcupine Tree albums starting with vinyl, but also was disappointed by the mixed-in-the-box sound. So I rather seek for a decent '70 copy, until they reissue the record AAA for a fair price.
Wow…😮
Forgetting about dollars, just sound...the steve wilson mix is TOO BRIGHT !!
The vocals are somewhat shrilly.
Would be interesting to throw the classic records 33 rpm version in for comparison!
Many Many Thanks for your GREAT video :)
I have the 2011 remix but its different than the one you show. First... the booklet is not loose in mine. It is attached to the package it self which is a hardcover, wonderful package. Second... all the pages are a very heavy, matte finished high quality paper. Very sharp indeed. LP is packaged in the front cover panel.
There is ABSOLUTELY no contest: The Wilson remix wins this shootout HANDS DOWN!!!!!!!!
Great review, thanks! Agree on many of your points, but I’d also mention the compression of the Wilson mix as a quite noticeable difference to my ears. Cheers😎👍
Hi Dylan. Great comparison video. First I must say I saw and heard the video on my Samsung galaxy mobile with Samsung in ear headphones. On this 'equipment ' the Steven Wilson Mix sounded more clear and bassy than the UHQR Mix except for the Songs 'Mother Goose and 'Up to me'. I was listening with eyes closed so I had to open it to see which record is playing in that two cases. This both songs sounded better to me in the UHQR Mix.
But I would go for the Steven Wilson Mix. It's the best choice sound wise for an affordable price. 😊
The Steven Wilson version seems to be cut much hotter. It's near impossible to judge them without being level matched.
P.S. Treat yourself to a better cart. The UHQR is more expensive than the cart!
I think that both were good. The remix, like you stated, has a lot more bottom end that the original mix is lacking. However, I do prefer the original mix because that's the way it was originally heard and released. It's also warmer.
The Wilson sounds more shrill to me, but only based on these youtube rips.
Hey Dylan! New subscriber here. I really enjoy the quality content. Alot of great pickups. I definitely recommend the new White Stripes greatest hits comp since you're a fellow Third Man Records fan. Keep up the great content, dude!
I have to say using a 2M Red doesn't help things here as it's a bit edgy. I have both these and rather higher end playback. Truth is the SW is actually very good and probably the best this album has sounded prior to the UHQR. Somehow the UHQR has dragged something special out of the murky original mix and frankly is quite a bit better which is probably down to both the 45 rpm and vinyl formula, plus it is completely analogue. Hard to beat the all analogue experience if done well. Both versions essential if you like this album. Please note the UHQR cut is the same as used by Classic Records which AP bought - they did a one sided 45 rpm and a 33 rpm version (I have the later).
Steven Wilson remix is better off the cuff listen to my ear, it makes you sit up and take notice. The UHQR in parts sounded a bit flat. So bang for buck and if your not one of those people who just look at your UHQR Copy and drive up prices, just to bring it out at parties for people to see but not hear, I would go with the hugely less expensive Steve Wilson remix, its a great sounding copy,. Don't mistake bright for shrill, its not ear shredding at all its got terrific punch and great sounding well textured Bass, with a real sense of presence and impressive dynamics.
It would be interesting to see the mastering notes from Steven Wilson vs Bernie Grundman/Chris Bellman. Sounds like Wilson used a decent bit of EQ compared to the natural, less EQ'd version by Grundman/Bellman. Personally, I like the clarity and shimmer of the Wilson cut versus the natural, balanced and somewhat muted sound of the UHQR. - Russ
The Steven Wilson all the way. More presence, more detail. A little brighter sounding but all in all better. Did you use any sound level meter to match levels? The Wilson seemed louder. But comparing them over the internet has its own set of issues. And equipment used makes a difference.
The problem is the original master tape is crap. The UHQR is probably the best you'll get from it. Ian never liked the original product and said he likes the Wilson. Now for the purists I guess the UHQR as the Wilson you can tell it's very slightly re-mixed. Me being the ridiculous Tull fan that I am (even named my son Ian) much prefer the Wilson. Having bought the original when it was released and having heard it countless thousands of times, The remix is quite refreshing, and sonically is better. It's not just plain vinyl, it is a much better quality vinyl than the standard pressings. I have oh, 7 or 8 different pressings, tho not the UHQR. Would like to compare it to the original Mo-Fi, and or the DCC 1/2 speed master.
Which Steven Wilson remix did you use? If you used the first 2011 release where Peter Mew mastered his remix, there will be a much notable difference in the later release from 2015/16 without Mew's mastering, which I find is the superior version. It'll be the reason why you will have found the first release sounding brighter.
The Readapted Edition from 2016 is definitely the way to go if you haven't checked it out yet. 😎👍
That is important to know! Second that!
Appreciate the review. I got the Steve Wilson remix and retired my old well used original pressing. Hesitated on the UHQR buy and ended up missing it. I’d still love to have it but not at the current ebay/discogs prices. Anybody know why UHQR goes with 200g vinyl? Wish we could just have all audiophile pressings at 180.
i think the UHQR sounds much better, all the instruments are clear and right there in the middle, every time time it came on it was so much more pleasing to the ear, the steve wilson one was more bassy and punchy but the middle seemed a bit missing and dark there's a very obvious difference between the two, thanks very much for this, I am just getting back into vinyl after 40 years and looking for copies of the records i had!
I agree with your first comments about the mixes- original has better instrument separation, really nice and clear acoustic guitars while the SW remix adds a ton of bottom end (almost like a subwoofer was added) and comes across as more gritty and raunchy, which I feel suits the music well. No way would I ever splurge on the UHQR, I'd rather spend that extra $$ on other more justified audiophile upgrades.
Who knows if this is the Peter Mew butchering mastering on the Wilson's remix?
It is Mew's master. There is no Wilson's mix LP release without it. Only 2016 CD/DVD on adapted edition is Mew-free.
I prefer the Wilson over the UHQR. UHQR is great but I like the Wilson mix better.
One other thing I noticed is the warp on record one of the UHQR. And on side 2 the side to side movement which means its slightly off center! Wow this is their super pressed clarity vinyl? The Wilson seems flatter and on center. I have the Wilson and it's a very good pressing, flat, no pops n ticks. I've heard mixed opinions of clarity vinyl. When I was a youngster and all you got was records, the mastering my have come up short at times but getting a flat round quiet pressing was the norm. The vinyl wasn't as quiet as some new formulations. I've recently got a couple of new records and can't believe what's deemed ok these day's. I think Mo Fi's original JVC super vinyl and even the anadisq's are as good as clarity. Wonder if others have had this issue of getting flat new records.
In this recreation, to my ears, the Wilson mix sounds a bit overly bright and the soundstage doesn’t seem as wide as the UHQR. The Wilson brightness overshadows the lower end for me which seems more present in the UHQR. I have both and need to do this again as I don’t recall the Wilson mix being that bright.
Perhaps in person on the stereo it may sound different but the Steven Wilson remix kinda is sounding better to me! The UHQR kinda sounds a littler muddled and dull to me! Again, in person and not through a computer is may sound different. With all this said though...it could just be the differences in mixes as well! I have an OG that would be interesting to add to this mix! Really enjoyed this man! I agree with you...the low end is a lot more predominant on the 2011 remix but that may just be the difference in production values and techniques of the times!
Well, the SW mix is hotter and that always stands out more. But I don't like the drums on the UHQR. They sound over compressed.
Both great, but I prefer the Wilson
The drums and bass are lost on the UHQR. This abum has always needed a better mix and Mr Wilson - regardless what you think of his music - has a golder ear and superb production skills
Steve Wilson Cross eyed Mary remix bass is delicious...enough said.
As the Wilson mix is digital anyway shall I just get the CD rather than the vinyl?? Or is there more to it
The vinyl cut will most certainly not have any post production EQ or comprsssion that you’d get on a CD. Down to preference.
While don't have the UHQR, I do have the Classic, 4 record, 1 side on each record 45 RPM version. I prefer the remix (as I do here). I find the "harder" songs on the original mix have a wimpy bottom end.
Mayby too wide? The bass was completely on the right on one clip.
Both sound good though.
If someone spends such a significant amount of money on the 45rpm... well, they're probably biased - just to prevent cognitive dissonance. Just saying.
I think it’s kind of wrong to compare them as Pressings. That you do with for example the UK original pressing and the US original pressing. The title should be: Do you prefer the original mixing or the Steven Wilson remixed version ?.
The UHQR pressing is 6x more in price. (probably more now that it's sold out). I don't think its 6x better than the Steven Wilson remix. I don't need all the fancy packaging.
Thank you for this video because it changed my mind not to buy the UHQR pressing
The UHQR is better sounding to me ( I have both SW and UHQR) Wilson is a better value as it is very difficult to tell the difference without listening to them quickly back-to-back. In a nutshell - if you can afford the best go for the UHQR - if you want 85% of the sound get the SW copy for a lot less $$.... or be an vinyl animal and buy both like me... Just my thoughts...
Anyone owning the ‘97 AAA from DCC to compare with ?
The Steven Wilson mix is more visceral, the UHQR more cerebral. So if one prefers the SW or the UHQR, what does that indicate?
Well for me the best mix is Wilson's 5.1 mix and that is the reason I don't bother with vinyl and have not for the past couple of decades. The original mix of Aqualung was never very good and they had loads of teething problems during its production. The first time that album really spoke to me was with Wilson's mix. There is no way on this earth I would spend silly money like that on that UHQR release and it's nothing more than a cash grab in my opinion.
I hear better soundstage ,more details, with uhqr ,and the Steven Wilson,more bass and more pleasing to ears
Steve’s mix is better. Way more dynamic
Wilson is brighter and louder
The remix is better IMO
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