I agree totally, the price for uhqr boxes isn't in any way justifiable, bought a mint copy of Gaucho recently for like 10 € as my old and all to well played LP didn't do it anymore, it is so well sounding and like you stated was the reference album back in the day at hi-fi deluxe shops here in Sweden as well ;-)
I’ve bought all of the Dan UHQR and the Aja is in another league to any of the other copies I own including the MFSL originals of UK and USA. I will complete the set and listening to them through my Pimped Technics Turntable into my ATC 50 ASL loudspeakers takes me to a different planet - for sure they are great .
So what is the problem of them making a UHQR of anything? There are Ferrari's I can't afford, but if someone wants to buy one more power to them. Love having options, just because it's there doesn't mean you have to buy it.
No problem making UHQRs. I've bought some and I'll be getting some more (Katy Lied). My point is that adding a box to house the jacket and vinyl is intentional greed. Of course it's great to have choices but I'm not so sure that at the ongoing prices they are justifiable. If one buys a Ferrari, you don't get a garage to park it. Plus there's no worlwide consensus that these items are clearly beating clean originals. No disputing about tastes
@@obre9523 So? again if you don't want to pay for a box, don't. Don't try to deny me from buying all the boxes I want. Doesn't matter one whit what "the consensus is" it's called a free market and they are free to put out any product that feel will add to their bottom line.
Owe the very same US export version. Spectacular sound. Just stick to this MASTERDISK EDP cut and you're good the rest of your live. Great advice from your wife too!
Well you have a little longer to really decide as it has been delayed until sometime in Q1 2024. I will be getting it as it holds a special place for me, as my introduction to SD. I think BG can squeeze a little more out of it cut at 45. I am only picking the ones I really want, as they cost me much more with shipping and duty where I live.
Same here. Gaucho is not on my top 5 SD albums so it's a pass. The Ludwig is good enough. I'm in for Katy Lied if reviews are positive but Genesis are a must. The Selling England 45 is amazing. Also interested in the Yes albums.Too much on my plate
I have the DVD-Audio version of this album and it’s absolutely stunning. I can honestly say that the UHQR has it beat. Soundstage is huge and deep, instrument separation is clean and clear, bass and drums are buttery smooth, and the vinyl is black hole dead quiet. Simply put, it’s definitive.
Have 2 of the UHQR steely dan titles. Sonically considerably better than any US pressing German pressing or Japan pressing. The best of the non-UHQR Steely Dan pressings were done by Nippon Phonogram for the Japan market. (Victor Music also pressed the Steely Dan catalog for the Japan market but these have more compression on them, so be sure you know what you are buying beforehand). These Nippon pressings make the US and German pressings sound like a 3rd gen copy. 5 years ago a person could pick up a Nippon Phonogram pressing for 5-10 dollars. More and more vinyl collectors have now caught on to these Nippon Phonogram pressings so prices have risen considerably. Last few I saw a few months ago were in the 60-90 dollar per title range.
So far with the UHQR Steely Dan releases, it's been sort of a mixed bag (IMO). I thought the sound quality on the "Countdown to Ecstasy" UHQR was an improvement over the original. However, the "Pretzel Logic" UHQR was a big disappointment. I preferred my original much more than the $150 reissue. I've held off on ordering "Aja" (so far - although the reviews are great) and preordered "The Royal Scam". I'll wait to hear what the reviews are like on the "Gaucho" UHQR before proceeding any further.
Well, if one has a highly revealing system in a properly treated room, you will hear a difference. If one has average equipment, especially in an untreated room. then there is really no point buy these lps.
I have the UHQR for Aja and while I’m definitely hearing details I’d never heard before (the prominence of the cymbal ride on Home At Last and various little guitar noodlings), I feel like I’m spending less time listening and more time getting up and changing the sides - especially for an album that only has 7 songs. I’ll probably get one of the 2023 33rpm copies as well for just casual listening.
I agree. I purchased the UHQR Aja, and I also bought the Geffen reissue from A.S. For Gaucho, I only bought the Geffen release because I did not have it on vinyl, and I did not get the UHQR.I have both albums on CD. I was hoping that Aja would have come out on 33 and a third. I got the one currently released on UHQR (45 rpms) because it is not known if the album will come out again with a 33 and a third pressing. It is true that it is a bit irritating to me to get up and down more frequently for 45 rpm issues. To my ears, there is a hardly discernible difference between 45 and 33 and a third issues, but I still get that hearing things I did not hear before on UHQR 33's... so- if Aja is released on 33 and a third, I am likely to order it and sell my 45 rpm Aja. I have no plans to get Gaucho at 45 rpms, but I might consider getting it if it comes out at 33 and a third...however - I am very much enjoying the Gaucho release on Geffen. I hope some folks review that pressing. The only other UHQR releases I have are Kind of Blue (33 and 45) and Are you Experienced (33). I have not even opened Kind of Blue on 45. I have Jeff Beck Blow by Blow and Wired on 33 and 45. I Cant tell that much of a difference, so I end up playing the 33's. It is okay to own, but to get up after one track or sometimes two - yeah, it is hard to relax (for me) and focus - so - half dozen on one hand, six in the other... what can I tell ya.. Lastly I would like to say, that I have also heard some recordings done at half speed mastering and I hear a little bit more separation. For those of you who are interested, if you can get your hands of "Ram" by Paul and Linda McCartney issued with half speed mastering, I recommend it. That particular issue was done very nicely. P&L to all.
Yes. I bought the Genesis 45 and flipping sides is a killjoy. They sound great but if the sacds finally come out and share the same mastering I'll probably sell the vinyl@@cmkilcullen8176
My American issue Gaucho LP was/is SUPERB. I must also say that whatever digital (CD) version I have is also SUPERB. That's the funny thing: GREAT engineering leads to great reproduction in MANY formats. Oh yeah,... The compositions/musicianship on Gaucho are tip-top. Duh.
I think - I could be wrong - I think they are putting out the normal 45 editions after all the UHQRs are released....that is the rumor anyway. If you are not in to the box or the price - wait for that. But if you already have a good copy - why even buy another? the only reason I have bought any of these UHQRs is because I didnt have the record to begin with - and might as well get a 45rpm edition if I can.
I love Gaucho and was looking forward to it but I just listened to my Ludwig OG and it sounds fantastic. The other new release that I will probably pass on is the Genesis "Lamb" 45 which is already a double lp and is basically divided into 4 chapters. Can't see cutting those in half and charging $120.00
Similar scenario here. The Ludwig is great. I've already downloaded Gaucho's Hi-Rez files and I'm not impressed. Sounds boring to me. Remember that outside the US UHQRs reach the 225 dollar mark. On the Genesis front, I'll probably pass on The lamb and Foxtrot. I just can't picture myself flipping eight sides for the double album and forking out 200. Foxtrot, well... splitting Supper's Ready...!? Come on! On top of that, we've got the sacds coming which may share the same mastering for a fraction of the cost.
Well. I feel for the people that pre ordered it. I mean, I appreciate quality but for crying out loud already, when is the doggone lp going to be available? The whole pre orders thing...man!!
Luckily, I didn't pre-order any of the Dan or Genesis albums, I bought them when they were in stock round here. But I don't think AP are doing serious business, to tell you the truth and fire me for saying this, if you like: some of their reissues are outstanding but releasing policy leaves to be desired. But that's me. Others may perfectly disagree. Supply and demand. If you're US-based it's not that serious but elsewhere... Shipping costs are outrageous, to say the least and I can't hardly figure out how it's accounted for since I've bought many albums from the States over the years for a shipping cost of 20-25 bucks tracking included. Yes, I know the saying...don't like the price, don't buy but they should keep an eye (or an ear) to what fanbase is complaining about. It may backfire...
After the 2008 Universal lot fire, it was difficult to figure out what truly happened. To mitigate the suits from people who could push back, Azoff and others of means, made offers to Fagan, Phil Collins, etc., most notably Richard Carpenter who already thought their masters had been misplaced, that were offers, they "couldn't refuse," to quote The Godfather. I'm not a collector. But there's no way I'd buy anything produced after that, particularly from any of The Big Three.
I am tired of the continued series of reissues of the same material. I have the Ludwig versions on LP and SACD and have no plan to replace them. Will the UHQR version sound better? Perhaps. Do I care? No. I'm perfectly happy with what I have. Now, if the new Katie Lied fixes the DBX issue I would be interested in that. But at this stage of my life it is all about the music and not owning demo quality versions of my collection. I started off with an AM radio and worked my way up. That radio opened up the world to me and I don't forget the lesson of that. Yes, I'm a grumpy old man but I don't expect everyone to put the same values on things that I do. Vicente on point as usual.
Thank you very much Jim for your kind comment. You are far from being a grumpy old man. You are an educated, sincere and polite person. I've got two near mint copies of the 7 Dan's core albums that sound superb on my modest system. Always have and I paid less than a tenner each decades ago. Yes; my money is also on the Katy Lied reissue, as an improvement seems feasible on this particular album. I think you're spot on considering endless reissues a bore. I would go further, and add that most of them are cash-ins for companies that have struck gold forever putting out 70's warhorses over and over again. No offence intended on people who really enjoy all these 45 rpm reissues. Supply and demand. But, as you made clear, it's about the music. We shouldn't lose focus. The music is the thing
I’m glad I ran across your video reminding me today is December 1st, Gaucho shipping day for something I preordered almost one year ago. I watched your previous video about not wanting UHQR Aja. I have the Aja and Can’t Buy a Thrill UHQRs and the Gaucho will be my third and last. UNFORTUNATELY I JUST CHECKED ON MY PREORDER AND THE DECEMBER 1st SHIPPING DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO “TBA” I have a nice $1 USD copy of Gaucho I found at a thrift store and CD copy too, but I want to enjoy the improved sound quality of the UQHR. I too have a wonderful wife that accepts this money pit hobby, so I think you should listen to your wonderful spouse and buy the UHQR. And in closing, I am sure all of your subscribers would love to hear your honest review of the UHQR and comparison to your other three copies. Cough up the dough and get going! Join the waiting game! Best to you👍👍
Sorry to hear that. if u ever get the album give me a hint about sound quality vs a Ludwig original. I'm saving up for Katy Lied if reviews are positive
I have all of SD's reissues on UHQR and there's no comparison to my older SD Lp's. I enjoy the new boxed sets..Very well done. At 45 rpm all of their albums sound incredible. They are on high rotation on my play list..
Do you think I should break the bank and go for them? I bought "Can't buy a thrill" UHQR and other than the "Wow factor" I prefer my old original, but I'm open to suggestions. I've got 2 near mint copies of their 7 us original core albums.
AP has the reputation for for quality. I really like there product. I do think they are getting ahead of themselves with all of their releases. Scale down just a smidgeon.
Being this side of the pond is hard to justify 250. I've already bought Genesis Selling 45 rpm and it's great and less than half the price! I think it's the boxes that drive me nuts because they only jack up the retail price and the shipping costs, and that's not about the music
I agree with much of what you say, especially regarding the packaging. But I am probably going to end up getting all the Dan UHQRs because my original copies (up to and including Gaucho) are a bit crackle and poppy. Yes, I was one of those people that in their youth, they didn't handle and store their vinyl record collection quite as well as they should have.
First, audiophiles don't search for price value but the sound nirvana. Second, this video was made before the UHQR was released then you didn't listen to so it's mastering quality was uninown. Third, the original recording/mixing had a problem with certain hghs and the original mastering reduce certain frecuency that could be fixed nowadays, or not, with a new mastering that could "rescue" what was lowered (if you have anu doubt of it check it with Steve Hoffman, who had acces to the original tapes). Fourth, YES, it's the music what matters, and if someone is only on it and not alao for sonics zenith then almost every edition will be fine as it's not a perfect but an excellent recording. Anyway, even i consider yours opinions a bit arrogants, i'm firmly convinced your opinions are authentics, are what you really think and feel, and i really apreciate that. And that's why i follow you, even we don't agee certain times.
Sorry if any arrogance shows through but that's not me by any stretch of imagination. I understand the search for sound nirvana and I do respect the people that put all their effort and money into it, but they can be easily fooled. Remember mofi-gate? People paying in the hundreds or even four figures for items that ended up being mastered from a digital source? They were the arrogant ones. Never admitted their mistake and now everything sounds great, regardless of physical media, if the mastering is great. That's what I call hypocrisy. The quest for the perfect sounding copy will always be fruitless and it can become frustrating: there'll always be a better stylus, a better pre-amp, better loudspeakers... And they change their points of view following someone else's opinion. Ludwig's mastering of Gaucho sounds great and if you read comments on this mastering from the same very people five or ten years ago you'll see they're constantly changing their minds. What I wanted to point out is that the original Gaucho sounds fantastic and it's inexpensive. Remeber that Hoffman, Chassem and everyone involved in reissues are businesspeople. They make a living out of it. I did read Hoffman's comments on Gaucho's master tapes but I'm not the kind who waits for Hoffman, Fremer or whoever to tell me if I like a mastering or not. Hope this does not sound arrogant. There are so many affordable records out there that I sometimes feel I'm wasting what's left of me trying to find the perfect mastering of a certain album. I miss the days when I was a teenager and had a crappy turntable with lousy loudspeakers and had the time of my life listening to the Dan, Jethro, Genesis,etc. Thanks for your input and I hope you stay with me long.
@@obre9523 Sure i'll stay long with you, your points of view are ALWAYS interesting. Agree with the RL mastering, for me it's a 9,5 points. But as an audiophile if i'm heaven with the OG and if there's chance (via UHQR or what else) there to shake hands with god... Get the point of many records that deserve a real good mastering, there are thousands of them, many of them never reissued neither on CD. I gues we agree more than we both think. Thanks for your reply. Maybe you aren't arrogant, now guess is more of a self confidence. As i said, yours are truly honest opinions. My respect.
@@calimartinez1417 Yes, of course I agree. It's just that the extra 0,5 in sound is not worth 150, -200 where I live-, to go the extra mile for the time being. Do enjoy your purchase.
I bought two "Nightfly" one-step and never opened them. 45 RPM? Why? Don't want to get up every 10-15 minutes to turn over the record. Did make nice profit reselling, however. Rumor says only reason they made 45 RPM was the cheaper license fee.
Thanks for a great perspective on the UHQR releases. I bought Kind of Blue earlier in the year to have a listen to one of the all time great jazz albums in the best way I could. I was stunned, but really thought at the price it would be a one off. Then I heard about the Aja release and being on my third copy trying to find a decent OG, the most recent being near mint and £50, I succumbed to temptation. Well, wow! I’m stunned by the quality of this album and so glad I own it. Having said that, I also own the 45rpm Kevin Gray, Pallas versions of Fleetwood Mac by Fleetwood Mac and Rumours and they are excellent too. Same super punchy dynamics with deep and wide soundstage, just lovely. I’m not going to be buying Gaucho, however. It’s good, but then so is my first edition UK pressing. Finally, thanks for the pointer to the Genesis release of Selling England. Again my favourite of their albums and much more reasonably priced.
Thanks for your input. I have two US NM 1st pressings of Aja that sound superb. I'm sure that the UHQR would trounce them at soundstage and instrument separation but 250 (that's what they cost this side of the pond) is too far out. On the other hand, Genesis is a different take. Less than half the price and room for improvement. I've just purchased a copy of SEBTP and will make a fair video comparing it to 3 uk early versions (including the porky), German 1st, the Classic and this very AP. Stay tuned
One SIMPLE reason; how it sounds it’s simply the best reissue out there as far as the Steely Dan catalog is concerned. As far as finding good copies VG + of Goucho or any other SD album for $10 I would suggest you have not been in the States in the last FIFTEEN years. They are going for between 60 and 80 dollars if you can find them. So based on how they sound $150 is a great deal. I suggest you listen to the reissues compared to the originals and if you think the originals sound better it’s time to upgrade your system.
The moment in this video when you say you played Gaucho 'for the first time in years' tells me that there's no point buying the UHQR. Why would you even need it if it's something you don't play for years on end? I wouldn't even pay over £30-40 for an album I play every week!
Very true. I'm 57 now and I only own records that I know I'll still play quite often. In that respect, I'm not really what you'd call a strict collector. I'm quite happy, for example, having 3 of the 6 Doors albums on vinyl and the other 3 on CD. There's too much new stuff to buy, or old stuff that I don't have on any format, for me to be replicating stuff that I have good versions of already.
Agreed. I'm 60. If I could turn back time I would have just bought nm 1st pressings of the albums I have on constant rotation. Over the years, I've spent sooo much mine on vinyl, cds and sacds that I think I've played a couple of times, if so and I still don't own a decent copy of the 1968 original Beatles uk mono white album, for one. Thanks for your input@@psychedelicbadger4092
High end system, money to burn, if it makes you happy , get it. I do think it’s all marketing to resell the same music over and over. Not saying it doesn’t sound better, but that’s subjective. My old man ears are shot and that press will not make me enjoy the album anymore than my OG.
Like your channel, Seems to me you're making smart decisions about your choices. You're just trying to seek advice from reviews from people who may have already got the record in question before you spend a lot of money on it, especially the UHQR'S. We're all in search for the absolute sound quality in a recording vs how much were willing to pay for it vs Upgrading our Stereo System! Only being wise to see what at least a few people are saying about the Pressing of interest before spending the money. Biggest thing is to just have fun and not stress out about the Pressings. Most will be available for enough of time to make a proper decision. Peace
I couldn't have put it forward in a more clarifying way. Appreciated. At the same time, I'm trying to give my honest and unbiased opinion of the items I purchase or those I've been listening to for many years. To the benefit of us all. Outside the US, UHQRs are 250. To me, that's a lot of money to invest on a record, especially when my stereo system needs upgrading to fully appreciate them. It's a vicious circle. Thanks to youtube I can make wiser decisions. Some viewers have also guided me to some affordable pressings (Genesis, selling, german 1st) which rival any other copies. Love you all, guys.
In 1980 I had Gaucho on cassette (copied from a friend’s lp), then I purchased the lp myself and finally the Steely Dan box set. Gaucho is a great album and a big part of the soundtrack of my youth. I know it inside out and the lyrics by heart. What would these ultra hyper uber analog super duper quarter speed 500 g dmm vinyl re-re-releases offer that I do not already have? Buy a cd and enjoy. Do not buy these money grabs as totems for your fandom.
Can't have it both ways. Improving gear and buying all the Steely dan uhqrs, genesis 45s and yes 45s is beyond my financial capability. Gaucho is a pass. The Ludwigs are good enough for me.
For the answer, you should listen to Michael Fermer Review Of all 10 In 1 clip. Understandings. Right. Just as long as you don't F. U. Good day to you, sir
There is a lot of modern snake oil. Three things. First, vinyl is great when nostalgia matters That original press is a time capsules. Second, re-masters consider the fact modern, and cheap, audio equipment can get down below 100 Hz. Third, I don't like that today's people think they know better than yesterday's people when it comes to a mix. I grew up with vinyl. I don't worship it. I also grew up copying vinyl to reel-to-reel. So, let's consider how vinyl works: 1. To keep the needle from jumping out of the groove, EQ had to dial down the low end drastically. This also helped with "turntable rumble," let alone other snaky buzzwords of the day, wow and flutter, or whatever it was. 2. To bring the bottom end back up, the phono pre-amp had some serious (low) boosts to EQ. 3. Phono pre-amps did not all do EQ the same. There was a very loose standard, and equipment manufacturers took large liberties. (The more things change, the more they stay the stay the same in this regard). All this is to say that I don't think modern digital snake oil should cost as much as it does. Old analogue snake oil shouldn't have either, yet people bought into it then, and they still do now. It's interesting that old vinyl snake oil is about the same as today's snake oil, if you factor in inflation. Same old shit. Now it's digital. That's all I'm saying.
@obre9523 It isn't appropriate, to be honest. I have a fresh thorn in my ear. I've just been listening to AI remastered Gaucho out-takes such as The Bear, Kind Spirit and I Can't Write Home about you. (And, spoiler, I loved it). I love Gaucho. I can't understate that. It is nostalgia. And, on the flipside, it is an album of Wendel, a digital drum machine, and missing tracks due to an engineer's tragic mistakes. When I hear someone talk about Gaucho, all I can think is that it's amazing it ever made it to vinyl, considering the mishaps, the sad state of Becker and Fagen (drugs, you know), I'm just glad we got what we did. It's not like Wendel, Roger Nichols' genius digital creation, diminished Gaucho. But in a way, it did in retrospect, far more than a vinyl mix ever could have. Cheers @obre9523.
What a weird video, claiming a record you haven't heard is a cash in because you can't imagine a modern release somehow besting an OG copy. Well the verdict is in, pretty much everybody who has heard the Gaucho UHQR agrees it is better than the original. This isn't the 80s anymore.
I never claimed the new Gaucho doesn't sound good. I never said it can not improve on the original, you assumed that. I claimed that the original sounds great, will always do and it is inexpensive. What I do find a cash in is a silly -good-for-nothing box that only jacks up the price of a record that could very well be sold in a regular jacket for half the price, just like the Genesis reissues. The verdict is in...? Is there a jury making comparisons? What are you listening on? I'm tired of people who cannot come around to think that we all hear things differently. We all have different set-ups, gears, rooms, etc. This isn't the 80s any more? Robert Ludwig is most likely one of the top engineers on planet earth, his mastering won a grammy award. If you enjoy the new reissue, have fun. That's what records are for. If there is a great difference between the UHQR and the OG, I'll probably get one down the road, but I'm not rushing into serious purchases just because Fremer, Hoffman, Michael45 or any other guy who has a horse in this race claims they do. I like what sounds good to me. I think for myself. In the 70s and 80s, there were no quality control issues, no warped or off-centre records, no clicks and pops galore after a couple of listens. No, this isn't the 80s any more. Now you are supposed to sheepishly fork out for what they tell you just to feel you've got a sound nirvana not many people can't afford. Grow up!
To say there were no quality control issues for vinyl in the 70s & the 80s is a staggering comment to make, there were! I and all my friends returned/exchanged numerous records due to exactly the reasons you mentioned did not exist. Maybe you just got very lucky. I fully get your reasons for not buying the Gaucho UHQR and everyone has a personal decision to make in that regard. Suffice to say, IMO, it does sound better than the OG - would I prefer it without the box? Yes, but until all the UHQRs are sold this is not going to be an option & that could take years in the current climate.
I agree totally, the price for uhqr boxes isn't in any way justifiable, bought a mint copy of Gaucho recently for like 10 € as my old and all to well played LP didn't do it anymore, it is so well sounding and like you stated was the reference album back in the day at hi-fi deluxe shops here in Sweden as well ;-)
I'm glad you see it that way. There are hundreds of classic albums screaming for an audiophile remaster, but Gaucho... come on!
I’ve bought all of the Dan UHQR and the Aja is in another league to any of the other copies I own including the MFSL originals of UK and USA. I will complete the set and listening to them through my Pimped Technics Turntable into my ATC 50 ASL loudspeakers takes me to a different planet - for sure they are great .
Enjoy!
So what is the problem of them making a UHQR of anything? There are Ferrari's I can't afford, but if someone wants to buy one more power to them.
Love having options, just because it's there doesn't mean you have to buy it.
No problem making UHQRs. I've bought some and I'll be getting some more (Katy Lied). My point is that adding a box to house the jacket and vinyl is intentional greed. Of course it's great to have choices but I'm not so sure that at the ongoing prices they are justifiable. If one buys a Ferrari, you don't get a garage to park it. Plus there's no worlwide consensus that these items are clearly beating clean originals. No disputing about tastes
@@obre9523 So? again if you don't want to pay for a box, don't.
Don't try to deny me from buying all the boxes I want. Doesn't matter one whit what "the consensus is" it's called a free market and they are free to put out any product that feel will add to their bottom line.
The UHQRs of CBAT and Aja are stunningly good above other pressings. Hope Gaucho can follow suit when released in Feb 2024.
We all hear things differently. Enjoy the music
I have the 2008 Japanese SHM remastered edition on CD. The sound quality is astonishing.
Owe the very same US export version. Spectacular sound. Just stick to this MASTERDISK EDP cut and you're good the rest of your live. Great advice from your wife too!
And inexpensive.
Well you have a little longer to really decide as it has been delayed until sometime in Q1 2024. I will be getting it as it holds a special place for me, as my introduction to SD. I think BG can squeeze a little more out of it cut at 45. I am only picking the ones I really want, as they cost me much more with shipping and duty where I live.
Same here. Gaucho is not on my top 5 SD albums so it's a pass. The Ludwig is good enough. I'm in for Katy Lied if reviews are positive but Genesis are a must. The Selling England 45 is amazing. Also interested in the Yes albums.Too much on my plate
Totally agree, I listened to the interviews, then checked the prices 😱😱😱no way, especially because the original was the zenith of recording
Glad we agree
I have a copy of Gaucho....DVD ,not playable on CD... music only in 5.1 surround sound no video ...amazing sound
A very well recorded album!
I have the DVD-Audio version of this album and it’s absolutely stunning. I can honestly say that the UHQR has it beat. Soundstage is huge and deep, instrument separation is clean and clear, bass and drums are buttery smooth, and the vinyl is black hole dead quiet. Simply put, it’s definitive.
Thanks for your input, Chris.
Have 2 of the UHQR steely dan titles. Sonically considerably better than any US pressing German pressing or Japan pressing. The best of the non-UHQR Steely Dan pressings were done by Nippon Phonogram for the Japan market. (Victor Music also pressed the Steely Dan catalog for the Japan market but these have more compression on them, so be sure you know what you are buying beforehand). These Nippon pressings make the US and German pressings sound like a 3rd gen copy. 5 years ago a person could pick up a Nippon Phonogram pressing for 5-10 dollars. More and more vinyl collectors have now caught on to these Nippon Phonogram pressings so prices have risen considerably. Last few I saw a few months ago were in the 60-90 dollar per title range.
Thanks for your input. UHQR seems a wiser decision than wading through Discogs pages for second hand Japanese pressings.
So far with the UHQR Steely Dan releases, it's been sort of a mixed bag (IMO). I thought the sound quality on the "Countdown to Ecstasy" UHQR was an improvement over the original. However, the "Pretzel Logic" UHQR was a big disappointment. I preferred my original much more than the $150 reissue. I've held off on ordering "Aja" (so far - although the reviews are great) and preordered "The Royal Scam". I'll wait to hear what the reviews are like on the "Gaucho" UHQR before proceeding any further.
Aja uhqr is absolutely fantastic
So much better than the Cisco and the AB 1006 to justify the expense? Remember this side of the pond is 225-250@@inforaspberryplumltd.4114
Totally agree. UHQR is for collectors but I don't think they provide such a huge improvement to be worth the purchase.
Some do. Some don't
Well, if one has a highly revealing system in a properly treated room, you will hear a difference. If one has average equipment, especially in an untreated room. then there is really no point buy these lps.
I love 45RPM!!!
I have the UHQR for Aja and while I’m definitely hearing details I’d never heard before (the prominence of the cymbal ride on Home At Last and various little guitar noodlings), I feel like I’m spending less time listening and more time getting up and changing the sides - especially for an album that only has 7 songs. I’ll probably get one of the 2023 33rpm copies as well for just casual listening.
Or the orignal, for that matter
I agree. I purchased the UHQR Aja, and I also bought the Geffen reissue from A.S. For Gaucho, I only bought the Geffen release because I did not have it on vinyl, and I did not get the UHQR.I have both albums on CD. I was hoping that Aja would have come out on 33 and a third. I got the one currently released on UHQR (45 rpms) because it is not known if the album will come out again with a 33 and a third pressing.
It is true that it is a bit irritating to me to get up and down more frequently for 45 rpm issues. To my ears, there is a hardly discernible difference between 45 and 33 and a third issues, but I still get that hearing things I did not hear before on UHQR 33's... so- if Aja is released on 33 and a third, I am likely to order it and sell my 45 rpm Aja. I have no plans to get Gaucho at 45 rpms, but I might consider getting it if it comes out at 33 and a third...however - I am very much enjoying the Gaucho release on Geffen. I hope some folks review that pressing. The only other UHQR releases I have are Kind of Blue (33 and 45) and Are you Experienced (33). I have not even opened Kind of Blue on 45. I have Jeff Beck Blow by Blow and Wired on 33 and 45. I Cant tell that much of a difference, so I end up playing the 33's. It is okay to own, but to get up after one track or sometimes two - yeah, it is hard to relax (for me) and focus - so - half dozen on one hand, six in the other... what can I tell ya.. Lastly I would like to say, that I have also heard some recordings done at half speed mastering and I hear a little bit more separation. For those of you who are interested, if you can get your hands of "Ram" by Paul and Linda McCartney issued with half speed mastering, I recommend it. That particular issue was done very nicely. P&L to all.
Yes. 45 is not very convenient. I stick to my original. It sounds great
Yes. I bought the Genesis 45 and flipping sides is a killjoy. They sound great but if the sacds finally come out and share the same mastering I'll probably sell the vinyl@@cmkilcullen8176
Actually, it sounds better with background voices and sound staging, believe it or not. But yes, the original is fine.
Thanks for the info.
My American issue Gaucho LP was/is SUPERB. I must also say that whatever digital (CD) version I have is also SUPERB.
That's the funny thing: GREAT engineering leads to great reproduction in MANY formats.
Oh yeah,... The compositions/musicianship on Gaucho are tip-top. Duh.
Absolutely
I think - I could be wrong - I think they are putting out the normal 45 editions after all the UHQRs are released....that is the rumor anyway. If you are not in to the box or the price - wait for that. But if you already have a good copy - why even buy another? the only reason I have bought any of these UHQRs is because I didnt have the record to begin with - and might as well get a 45rpm edition if I can.
I love Gaucho and was looking forward to it but I just listened to my Ludwig OG and it sounds fantastic. The other new release that I will probably pass on is the Genesis "Lamb" 45 which is already a double lp and is basically divided into 4 chapters. Can't see cutting those in half and charging $120.00
Similar scenario here. The Ludwig is great. I've already downloaded Gaucho's Hi-Rez files and I'm not impressed. Sounds boring to me. Remember that outside the US UHQRs reach the 225 dollar mark. On the Genesis front, I'll probably pass on The lamb and Foxtrot. I just can't picture myself flipping eight sides for the double album and forking out 200. Foxtrot, well... splitting Supper's Ready...!? Come on! On top of that, we've got the sacds coming which may share the same mastering for a fraction of the cost.
I’m all in on the Genesis AP 75 th Atlantic anniversary . The previous titles I’ve heard sound unbelievable.
You mean title? So far they have only released "Selling England" or is "The Lamb" already out?@@anthonyburke223
Good point, all these UHQR’s are cash ins for Chad but Groucho does sound great.
Thanks for your input
sale of 3 and get UHQR
Well.
I feel for the people that pre ordered it. I mean, I appreciate quality but for crying out loud already, when is the doggone lp going to be available?
The whole pre orders thing...man!!
Luckily, I didn't pre-order any of the Dan or Genesis albums, I bought them when they were in stock round here. But I don't think AP are doing serious business, to tell you the truth and fire me for saying this, if you like: some of their reissues are outstanding but releasing policy leaves to be desired. But that's me. Others may perfectly disagree. Supply and demand. If you're US-based it's not that serious but elsewhere... Shipping costs are outrageous, to say the least and I can't hardly figure out how it's accounted for since I've bought many albums from the States over the years for a shipping cost of 20-25 bucks tracking included. Yes, I know the saying...don't like the price, don't buy but they should keep an eye (or an ear) to what fanbase is complaining about. It may backfire...
After the 2008 Universal lot fire, it was difficult to figure out what truly happened. To mitigate the suits from people who could push back, Azoff and others of means, made offers to Fagan, Phil Collins, etc., most notably Richard Carpenter who already thought their masters had been misplaced, that were offers, they "couldn't refuse," to quote The Godfather. I'm not a collector. But there's no way I'd buy anything produced after that, particularly from any of The Big Three.
Very enlightening!
I am tired of the continued series of reissues of the same material. I have the Ludwig versions on LP and SACD and have no plan to replace them. Will the UHQR version sound better? Perhaps. Do I care? No. I'm perfectly happy with what I have. Now, if the new Katie Lied fixes the DBX issue I would be interested in that. But at this stage of my life it is all about the music and not owning demo quality versions of my collection. I started off with an AM radio and worked my way up. That radio opened up the world to me and I don't forget the lesson of that. Yes, I'm a grumpy old man but I don't expect everyone to put the same values on things that I do. Vicente on point as usual.
Thank you very much Jim for your kind comment. You are far from being a grumpy old man. You are an educated, sincere and polite person. I've got two near mint copies of the 7 Dan's core albums that sound superb on my modest system. Always have and I paid less than a tenner each decades ago. Yes; my money is also on the Katy Lied reissue, as an improvement seems feasible on this particular album. I think you're spot on considering endless reissues a bore. I would go further, and add that most of them are cash-ins for companies that have struck gold forever putting out 70's warhorses over and over again. No offence intended on people who really enjoy all these 45 rpm reissues. Supply and demand. But, as you made clear, it's about the music. We shouldn't lose focus. The music is the thing
Sweet..... From a fabulous sister.
Thanks. That's nice
I’m glad I ran across your video reminding me today is December 1st, Gaucho shipping day for something I preordered almost one year ago. I watched your previous video about not wanting UHQR Aja. I have the Aja and Can’t Buy a Thrill UHQRs and the Gaucho will be my third and last.
UNFORTUNATELY I JUST CHECKED ON MY PREORDER AND THE DECEMBER 1st SHIPPING DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO “TBA”
I have a nice $1 USD copy of Gaucho I found at a thrift store and CD copy too, but I want to enjoy the improved sound quality of the UQHR.
I too have a wonderful wife that accepts this money pit hobby, so I think you should listen to your wonderful spouse and buy the UHQR.
And in closing, I am sure all of your subscribers would love to hear your honest review of the UHQR and comparison to your other three copies.
Cough up the dough and get going! Join the waiting game!
Best to you👍👍
Sorry to hear that. if u ever get the album give me a hint about sound quality vs a Ludwig original. I'm saving up for Katy Lied if reviews are positive
I have all of SD's reissues on UHQR and there's no comparison to my older SD Lp's. I enjoy the new boxed sets..Very well done. At 45 rpm all of their albums sound incredible. They are on high rotation on my play list..
Do you think I should break the bank and go for them? I bought "Can't buy a thrill" UHQR and other than the "Wow factor" I prefer my old original, but I'm open to suggestions. I've got 2 near mint copies of their 7 us original core albums.
AP has the reputation for for quality. I really like there product. I do think they are getting ahead of themselves with all of their releases. Scale down just a smidgeon.
Being this side of the pond is hard to justify 250. I've already bought Genesis Selling 45 rpm and it's great and less than half the price! I think it's the boxes that drive me nuts because they only jack up the retail price and the shipping costs, and that's not about the music
I agree with much of what you say, especially regarding the packaging. But I am probably going to end up getting all the Dan UHQRs because my original copies (up to and including Gaucho) are a bit crackle and poppy. Yes, I was one of those people that in their youth, they didn't handle and store their vinyl record collection quite as well as they should have.
Please, comment on the Gaucho in due course
First, audiophiles don't search for price value but the sound nirvana. Second, this video was made before the UHQR was released then you didn't listen to so it's mastering quality was uninown. Third, the original recording/mixing had a problem with certain hghs and the original mastering reduce certain frecuency that could be fixed nowadays, or not, with a new mastering that could "rescue" what was lowered (if you have anu doubt of it check it with Steve Hoffman, who had acces to the original tapes). Fourth, YES, it's the music what matters, and if someone is only on it and not alao for sonics zenith then almost every edition will be fine as it's not a perfect but an excellent recording. Anyway, even i consider yours opinions a bit arrogants, i'm firmly convinced your opinions are authentics, are what you really think and feel, and i really apreciate that. And that's why i follow you, even we don't agee certain times.
Sorry if any arrogance shows through but that's not me by any stretch of imagination. I understand the search for sound nirvana and I do respect the people that put all their effort and money into it, but they can be easily fooled. Remember mofi-gate? People paying in the hundreds or even four figures for items that ended up being mastered from a digital source? They were the arrogant ones. Never admitted their mistake and now everything sounds great, regardless of physical media, if the mastering is great. That's what I call hypocrisy. The quest for the perfect sounding copy will always be fruitless and it can become frustrating: there'll always be a better stylus, a better pre-amp, better loudspeakers... And they change their points of view following someone else's opinion. Ludwig's mastering of Gaucho sounds great and if you read comments on this mastering from the same very people five or ten years ago you'll see they're constantly changing their minds. What I wanted to point out is that the original Gaucho sounds fantastic and it's inexpensive. Remeber that Hoffman, Chassem and everyone involved in reissues are businesspeople. They make a living out of it. I did read Hoffman's comments on Gaucho's master tapes but I'm not the kind who waits for Hoffman, Fremer or whoever to tell me if I like a mastering or not. Hope this does not sound arrogant. There are so many affordable records out there that I sometimes feel I'm wasting what's left of me trying to find the perfect mastering of a certain album. I miss the days when I was a teenager and had a crappy turntable with lousy loudspeakers and had the time of my life listening to the Dan, Jethro, Genesis,etc. Thanks for your input and I hope you stay with me long.
@@obre9523 Sure i'll stay long with you, your points of view are ALWAYS interesting. Agree with the RL mastering, for me it's a 9,5 points. But as an audiophile if i'm heaven with the OG and if there's chance (via UHQR or what else) there to shake hands with god... Get the point of many records that deserve a real good mastering, there are thousands of them, many of them never reissued neither on CD. I gues we agree more than we both think. Thanks for your reply. Maybe you aren't arrogant, now guess is more of a self confidence. As i said, yours are truly honest opinions. My respect.
@@calimartinez1417 Yes, of course I agree. It's just that the extra 0,5 in sound is not worth 150, -200 where I live-, to go the extra mile for the time being. Do enjoy your purchase.
I bought two "Nightfly" one-step and never opened them. 45 RPM? Why? Don't want to get up every 10-15 minutes to turn over the record. Did make nice profit reselling, however. Rumor says only reason they made 45 RPM was the cheaper license fee.
I feel the same way
Thanks for a great perspective on the UHQR releases. I bought Kind of Blue earlier in the year to have a listen to one of the all time great jazz albums in the best way I could. I was stunned, but really thought at the price it would be a one off.
Then I heard about the Aja release and being on my third copy trying to find a decent OG, the most recent being near mint and £50, I succumbed to temptation. Well, wow! I’m stunned by the quality of this album and so glad I own it.
Having said that, I also own the 45rpm Kevin Gray, Pallas versions of Fleetwood Mac by Fleetwood Mac and Rumours and they are excellent too. Same super punchy dynamics with deep and wide soundstage, just lovely.
I’m not going to be buying Gaucho, however. It’s good, but then so is my first edition UK pressing.
Finally, thanks for the pointer to the Genesis release of Selling England. Again my favourite of their albums and much more reasonably priced.
Thanks for your input. I have two US NM 1st pressings of Aja that sound superb. I'm sure that the UHQR would trounce them at soundstage and instrument separation but 250 (that's what they cost this side of the pond) is too far out. On the other hand, Genesis is a different take. Less than half the price and room for improvement. I've just purchased a copy of SEBTP and will make a fair video comparing it to 3 uk early versions (including the porky), German 1st, the Classic and this very AP. Stay tuned
@@obre9523 you’re right about the price. Mine was £199 plus postage from MCRU. The SEBTP was £75. Can’t wait to hear it!
The challenge in this hobby is how good is good enough ?
🤣🤣
One SIMPLE reason; how it sounds it’s simply the best reissue out there as far as the Steely Dan catalog is concerned. As far as finding good copies VG + of Goucho or any other SD album for $10 I would suggest you have not been in the States in the last FIFTEEN years. They are going for between 60 and 80 dollars if you can find them. So based on how they sound $150 is a great deal. I suggest you listen to the reissues compared to the originals and if you think the originals sound better it’s time to upgrade your system.
Agreed that UHQR are overpriced but what isn't these days?
Yes, sadly, but I still fight to find great inexpensive pressings of bands I love. Thanks for your comment
So interesting
The moment in this video when you say you played Gaucho 'for the first time in years' tells me that there's no point buying the UHQR. Why would you even need it if it's something you don't play for years on end? I wouldn't even pay over £30-40 for an album I play every week!
First time in years, yes. But I think I played it thousands of times before my fifties. Now, there's too many records and too little time
Very true. I'm 57 now and I only own records that I know I'll still play quite often. In that respect, I'm not really what you'd call a strict collector. I'm quite happy, for example, having 3 of the 6 Doors albums on vinyl and the other 3 on CD. There's too much new stuff to buy, or old stuff that I don't have on any format, for me to be replicating stuff that I have good versions of already.
Agreed. I'm 60. If I could turn back time I would have just bought nm 1st pressings of the albums I have on constant rotation. Over the years, I've spent sooo much mine on vinyl, cds and sacds that I think I've played a couple of times, if so and I still don't own a decent copy of the 1968 original Beatles uk mono white album, for one. Thanks for your input@@psychedelicbadger4092
High end system, money to burn, if it makes you happy , get it. I do think it’s all marketing to resell the same music over and over. Not saying it doesn’t sound better, but that’s subjective. My old man ears are shot and that press will not make me enjoy the album anymore than my OG.
The Japanese 1st pressing is also fantastic
Believe me, it's not subjective at all
If Chad Kassem left Gaucho out, people would demand it!!! Vinyl collectors get bitchy.
And specially audiophile collectors
Like your channel,
Seems to me you're making smart decisions about your choices.
You're just trying to seek advice from reviews from people who may have already got the record in question before you spend a lot of money on it, especially the UHQR'S.
We're all in search for the absolute sound quality in a recording vs how much were willing to pay for it vs Upgrading our Stereo System!
Only being wise to see what at least a few people are saying about the Pressing of interest before spending the money. Biggest thing is to just have fun and not stress out about the Pressings.
Most will be available for enough of time to make a proper decision. Peace
I couldn't have put it forward in a more clarifying way. Appreciated. At the same time, I'm trying to give my honest and unbiased opinion of the items I purchase or those I've been listening to for many years. To the benefit of us all. Outside the US, UHQRs are 250. To me, that's a lot of money to invest on a record, especially when my stereo system needs upgrading to fully appreciate them. It's a vicious circle. Thanks to youtube I can make wiser decisions. Some viewers have also guided me to some affordable pressings (Genesis, selling, german 1st) which rival any other copies. Love you all, guys.
The album is ,well over forty years old and even …Donald Fagen doesn’t listen to it anymore
All right it's all Cash Cow I buy the original LP if I can
Just my opinion. Others may think different but the box is hardly justifiable, don't you think?
@@obre9523 some collect them only for the Boxes .
In 1980 I had Gaucho on cassette (copied from a friend’s lp), then I purchased the lp myself and finally the Steely Dan box set. Gaucho is a great album and a big part of the soundtrack of my youth. I know it inside out and the lyrics by heart. What would these ultra hyper uber analog super duper quarter speed 500 g dmm vinyl re-re-releases offer that I do not already have? Buy a cd and enjoy. Do not buy these money grabs as totems for your fandom.
The RL md-1 is fantastic and inexpensive
They sound stellar on a good system. Perhaps if you changed where your speakers are and improved your system you would hear more
Can't have it both ways. Improving gear and buying all the Steely dan uhqrs, genesis 45s and yes 45s is beyond my financial capability. Gaucho is a pass. The Ludwigs are good enough for me.
For the answer, you should listen to
Michael Fermer Review
Of all 10 In 1 clip. Understandings. Right. Just as long as you don't F. U.
Good day to you, sir
There is a lot of modern snake oil. Three things. First, vinyl is great when nostalgia matters That original press is a time capsules. Second, re-masters consider the fact modern, and cheap, audio equipment can get down below 100 Hz. Third, I don't like that today's people think they know better than yesterday's people when it comes to a mix.
I grew up with vinyl. I don't worship it. I also grew up copying vinyl to reel-to-reel.
So, let's consider how vinyl works:
1. To keep the needle from jumping out of the groove, EQ had to dial down the low end drastically. This also helped with "turntable rumble," let alone other snaky buzzwords of the day, wow and flutter, or whatever it was.
2. To bring the bottom end back up, the phono pre-amp had some serious (low) boosts to EQ.
3. Phono pre-amps did not all do EQ the same. There was a very loose standard, and equipment manufacturers took large liberties. (The more things change, the more they stay the stay the same in this regard).
All this is to say that I don't think modern digital snake oil should cost as much as it does. Old analogue snake oil shouldn't have either, yet people bought into it then, and they still do now.
It's interesting that old vinyl snake oil is about the same as today's snake oil, if you factor in inflation.
Same old shit. Now it's digital. That's all I'm saying.
Very appropiate input.
@obre9523 It isn't appropriate, to be honest. I have a fresh thorn in my ear. I've just been listening to AI remastered Gaucho out-takes such as The Bear, Kind Spirit and I Can't Write Home about you. (And, spoiler, I loved it).
I love Gaucho. I can't understate that. It is nostalgia. And, on the flipside, it is an album of Wendel, a digital drum machine, and missing tracks due to an engineer's tragic mistakes.
When I hear someone talk about Gaucho, all I can think is that it's amazing it ever made it to vinyl, considering the mishaps, the sad state of Becker and Fagen (drugs, you know), I'm just glad we got what we did.
It's not like Wendel, Roger Nichols' genius digital creation, diminished Gaucho. But in a way, it did in retrospect, far more than a vinyl mix ever could have.
Cheers @obre9523.
What a weird video, claiming a record you haven't heard is a cash in because you can't imagine a modern release somehow besting an OG copy. Well the verdict is in, pretty much everybody who has heard the Gaucho UHQR agrees it is better than the original. This isn't the 80s anymore.
I never claimed the new Gaucho doesn't sound good. I never said it can not improve on the original, you assumed that. I claimed that the original sounds great, will always do and it is inexpensive. What I do find a cash in is a silly -good-for-nothing box that only jacks up the price of a record that could very well be sold in a regular jacket for half the price, just like the Genesis reissues. The verdict is in...? Is there a jury making comparisons? What are you listening on? I'm tired of people who cannot come around to think that we all hear things differently. We all have different set-ups, gears, rooms, etc. This isn't the 80s any more? Robert Ludwig is most likely one of the top engineers on planet earth, his mastering won a grammy award. If you enjoy the new reissue, have fun. That's what records are for. If there is a great difference between the UHQR and the OG, I'll probably get one down the road, but I'm not rushing into serious purchases just because Fremer, Hoffman, Michael45 or any other guy who has a horse in this race claims they do. I like what sounds good to me. I think for myself. In the 70s and 80s, there were no quality control issues, no warped or off-centre records, no clicks and pops galore after a couple of listens. No, this isn't the 80s any more. Now you are supposed to sheepishly fork out for what they tell you just to feel you've got a sound nirvana not many people can't afford. Grow up!
To say there were no quality control issues for vinyl in the 70s & the 80s is a staggering comment to make, there were! I and all my friends returned/exchanged numerous records due to exactly the reasons you mentioned did not exist. Maybe you just got very lucky. I fully get your reasons for not buying the Gaucho UHQR and everyone has a personal decision to make in that regard. Suffice to say, IMO, it does sound better than the OG - would I prefer it without the box? Yes, but until all the UHQRs are sold this is not going to be an option & that could take years in the current climate.
seperating idiots from cash - it's been going on for millennia
chas needs the money. i dont buy them a great album
why tamper with ba classic s i dont need a new box
p
Chad not Chas…and he’s running a business.
don't like the price, don't buy. easy!
PLAY SOME MUSIC!
??
This is so boring...it's really not informative.