I too found the 45 rpm to be noticeably better. I also compared the UHQR to the Steve Hoffman mastered DCC 33 rpm. Until the UHQR I felt this was the best 33 version when compared to an artisan pressing. The length of the album is likely the reason the UHQR is quite a bit lower in volume but the quiet clarity vinyl really helps make it the best 33 version. Even though the 45 is not clarity vinyl it was cut at a much higher volume so the signal to noise is still better. The soundstage really opens up on the 45 when comparing Riders on the Storm to the UHQR.
I would. I will likely sell this UHQR at some point. I have never sold any albums before but I am going to need to recover some space some time soon. Thank you.
Thanks for saving me some money. I too prefer 33rpm over 45rpm, but if the 33 is inferior sounding to the 45, for twice the cost, it makes no sense for me to get the UHQR.
They're discontinuing the slipcases but have already preordered all the Steely Dan so they match. All new UHQRs are going to be the same as L.A. Woman going forward according to a recent video by Chad Kassem. Others agree with your album review on all counts. I love the presentation of the new UHQR but am not a collector, I'm a listener. I'll buy the 45rpm version myself!
I was going to suggest to Mike that Chad did a video on the reasons for changing the boxes he needed to watch. Glad the Steely Dan's will remain the same.
If you have a collectors personality, the UHQR is a must, if best sonics is what you're after, the 45 is the clear winner...no matter what type of system you're playing it on.
I'm personally experiencing a little buyers remorse. I have a NM 71 and the 45RPM AP. I picked up the UHQR too. I concur with this video. The UHQR is very nice but I will be listening to the 45RPM. I'd rather not have to flip the LP so much but you can't unheard what you heard. I know how good the 45RPM sounds and that is now the standard when I listen to LA Woman.
glad you find the 45rpm better, so I can even more easy pass this UHQR, in Germany we have to pay 164€ so it has to be something special. I love Jims voice, but their sound is not my absolute fav so I´m happy with all the 45rpm I already have, no need to have them all. There are different bands where my brain sets out too and the collector in me getting stronger and getting the overhand, I save my money for them
All other things being equal, a 45 rpm cut will probably sound at least somewhat better than a 33 rpm, as it's possible to 'get more dynamics into the groove' at 45 rpm. Anyone who collected 12" vinyl singles in the '80s knows this. The obvious trade offs are the (marginally) greater weight (vinyl + packaging) and having to get up to turn over the vinyl. On 12" singles and some LPs this is no big issue, but it can certainly break the flow of the listening experience on others. I have the 'Kind of Blue' UHQR (45 rpm x 2), and that's a great listen, as there's no real thematic flow to that record. I have no interest in (e.g.) the upcoming Atlantic 75 releases of 'Close to The Edge' and 'Foxtrot', though, as these will apparently have side-long epics spread over two sides. That doesn't work for me.
When I look at the many 45rpm albums I own most of them are what I would call my reference albums to show off my system or lately speaker shopping. Thank you!
I bought all of the AP 45RPM Doors albums so I will not double up with 33s. All of the 45s (especially LA Woman) sound great. Keep listening and posting Mike.
Many thanks for your helpful review and comparison. I have a Rhino from 2009, and I found it a very good listen given a digital step in the making. Since I had a chance to snap the AP45 for a very good price I gave it a try and, gentlemen, what a revelation! Eager to get even another level up, I preordered the UHQR33. Based on your review, I cancelled that order. Kinda stupid to pay more than twice to get a remaster/reissue which is inferior sounding to the 45? And then, for me, the packaging and its paper contents is not worth the extra 100+ USD which we have to pay in Europe.
The UHQR is nice, well pakaged product but for me the sound quality is the most important factor in purchasing a audiophile pressing. The 45rpm just sounded better to me. Not to sure what I am going to do with the UHQR, probably keep it for a while and when I get to needing space, I'll likely sell it off. Thank you.
I’ve got the 45 RPM version and have no intention of buying the UHQR. Sound quality and dynamics are the priority for me. I’m very sensitive to inner groove distortion and there is no getting around it 45 RPM is better. I don’t mind flipping sides, the times I don’t want to be messing around handling records is when I’ll put the CD on. I’m also not interested in the UHQR packaging and pamphlets that come with them.
Haven’t listened to the 33 yet. But my guess is Bernie softened up stuff. His last few cuts I have purchased have been far too balanced lacking oomph. His ears may starting to go
Isn't a 33 RPM vs. 45 RPM an apples to oranges comparison, regardless of price? I would think that a 33 original, or 33 repress (not hard to find if there isn't an OG available) vs. the 33 UHQR shootout would be more appropriate. There's even a recent 33 repress from a year or two ago in the die cut jacket - (nla?). To his credit, Chad Kassem on his video announcing this new UHQR admitted that the AP 45 likely will sound better on most systems. Given that fair warning by Chad the result of your shootout is hardly a surprise at all.
Thanks for pointing this out, I do have an OG that is in good condition but to be honest I haven't listened to it since i got the 45rpm some time ago. I must have missed that statement by Chad on the 45 sounding better. Thanks again.
If the sales of 45's started to tank they might go to strictly 33.3. It's up to the buyers. I'm not buying ANY 45's from here on out and I just have a few, maybe five or six. It looks like the 33.3 if done correctly can sound as good or almost as good as the 45.
I think it is possible that they can or at least be very close. I have a feeling that 45rpm's will continue for some ultimate editions of albums. Thank you!
I want the best sounding pressing possible, and in most cases that will be 45. Sure it's more of a hassle to listen, but I have a lot invested in equipment for the best sound I am able to get, and love listening to an album and being blown away when it's better than anything I've heard before. Also as someone that has an intensive cleaning program, 45's are easier to clean well with vacuum and Ultrasonic cleaners IMHO.
That's what I am afraid of. I do have 1-4 on Classic records and they sound wonderful. I just wish I would have purchased the rest of the them that they did. Thank you.
My own summary is that the UHQR at $125 is not as good as the AP45 at $60. Its twice the price for a less dynamic and somewhat imbalanced sound compared with other issues of this classic album.
I agree. If the 45rpm was not available it would probably be okay for some folks but since the AP 45 is still availalble dosen't make a lot of sence. Thank you.
Great comparison, thanks. But why is the UHQR certificate of authenticity important? If you wanted to pirate this production, you would just scan and print those. I feel they're an unnecessary addition to UHQR packaging. Usually, a certificate validates authenticity because it is somewhat irreproducible. Like a treasury note (dollar bill) can't be easily forged, so when you present it, it's value is leverageable. These UHQR certificates are obviously reproducible. Now, if they were printed on some unique watermarked AP paper with Chad's wet signature, then maybe we're starting to talk about a meaningful certificate of authenticity.
You’re problem is why do you think that you have to get this release You complain about all the rereleases of audiophile records but you keep buying them??? No one is forcing you to spend your money on them Why complain about this when you’re buying them?? You talk like you have to buy them even when you have an audiophile album of the same title You’re the classic example of vinyl FOMO!
Your exactly right! I did fear missing out on this release because I thought this would be the best sounding version of the album. And it's not. Thanks Dave!
I also prefer 33⅓ rpm and although I own a few 45 rpm I usually pass on them. I will never pay $150 for a single album, although I have no problem paying more for a boxed set. As annoying as it is to have two records holding the same info as one, I recently found a stranger situation. I'm also into classical music and enjoy performances by the great violinist Jascha Heifetz. At Acoustic Sounds they have a sealed set they acquired from a collection that is 45 rpm but consists of four single sided records and they want $175. The only benefit I can see for this would be if someone had an old record changer that would drop one record after another. This strategy has me a bit stumped.
Yeah that would get a little old changing records after every side and since it's 45rpm it will only be maybe 10 minuets per side. I do have a fair amount of 45rpm albums and it seams to be ever increasing mostly with albums I love and as of late from the Atlanctic 75 series that AP is doing. Most all of them have been excellent re-mastered albums so I guess it is what it is. Thank you for your comment.
I too found the 45 rpm to be noticeably better. I also compared the UHQR to the Steve Hoffman mastered DCC 33 rpm. Until the UHQR I felt this was the best 33 version when compared to an artisan pressing. The length of the album is likely the reason the UHQR is quite a bit lower in volume but the quiet clarity vinyl really helps make it the best 33 version. Even though the 45 is not clarity vinyl it was cut at a much higher volume so the signal to noise is still better. The soundstage really opens up on the 45 when comparing Riders on the Storm to the UHQR.
That is really what I was hearing. Just more detail and I agree the soundstage is wider on the 45rpm. Thank you!
Thanks Mike! Thinking I'm going to stick with my 45RPM of this album. Thanks again!
I would. I will likely sell this UHQR at some point. I have never sold any albums before but I am going to need to recover some space some time soon. Thank you.
Thanks for saving me some money. I too prefer 33rpm over 45rpm, but if the 33 is inferior sounding to the 45, for twice the cost, it makes no sense for me to get the UHQR.
I was supprised that's for sure. Thank you!
Thank you very much for your fantastic review and comparison 👏
Love the album but was kinda supprised the 45rpm sounded better to me. Thank you.
Thanks for the review. I'm still on the fence on this one. L A Woman is my favorite Doors album but the 45 already sounds so good.
I love the 45rpm version and that will be my reference for the album. Thank you.
Thanks Mike for your review. Got mine I have not heard it but I will enjoy it with a glass of wine. cheers from Mexico! 🇲🇽
Sounds like a wonderful evening!! Thank you.
Good review spot on !
Thank you.
Great review!
Thank You!
I have the first pressing of this album. I love this record. ❤
It is such a classic. It just never gets old! Thank you.
They're discontinuing the slipcases but have already preordered all the Steely Dan so they match. All new UHQRs are going to be the same as L.A. Woman going forward according to a recent video by Chad Kassem. Others agree with your album review on all counts. I love the presentation of the new UHQR but am not a collector, I'm a listener. I'll buy the 45rpm version myself!
You will be happy with it, I know I am! Thank you.
I was going to suggest to Mike that Chad did a video on the reasons for changing the boxes he needed to watch.
Glad the Steely Dan's will remain the same.
If you have a collectors personality, the UHQR is a must, if best sonics is what you're after, the 45 is the clear winner...no matter what type of system you're playing it on.
The UHQR has some excellent added items such as the booklet that comes with it. Agree with you. Thank you for sharring your comment.
Mike is really nice to see this channel. Thanks for that. Best Regards from Germany.
Thank you!
I'm personally experiencing a little buyers remorse. I have a NM 71 and the 45RPM AP. I picked up the UHQR too. I concur with this video. The UHQR is very nice but I will be listening to the 45RPM. I'd rather not have to flip the LP so much but you can't unheard what you heard. I know how good the 45RPM sounds and that is now the standard when I listen to LA Woman.
Completley agree with you! Thank you.
Good morning Mike!🤘✌️ many thanks for your review
Thank you. Very supprising results to me!
If anyone has listened to the LA Woman Hybrid Multichannel SACD mastered by Doug Sax, how do you compare its sound to the vinyl offerings?
Good point! I don't have the SACD but I am sure it is wonderful! Thank you.
glad you find the 45rpm better, so I can even more easy pass this UHQR, in Germany we have to pay 164€ so it has to be something special.
I love Jims voice, but their sound is not my absolute fav so I´m happy with all the 45rpm I already have, no need to have them all.
There are different bands where my brain sets out too and the collector in me getting stronger and getting the overhand, I save my money for them
Smart thinking!! Thank you.
All other things being equal, a 45 rpm cut will probably sound at least somewhat better than a 33 rpm, as it's possible to 'get more dynamics into the groove' at 45 rpm. Anyone who collected 12" vinyl singles in the '80s knows this. The obvious trade offs are the (marginally) greater weight (vinyl + packaging) and having to get up to turn over the vinyl. On 12" singles and some LPs this is no big issue, but it can certainly break the flow of the listening experience on others. I have the 'Kind of Blue' UHQR (45 rpm x 2), and that's a great listen, as there's no real thematic flow to that record. I have no interest in (e.g.) the upcoming Atlantic 75 releases of 'Close to The Edge' and 'Foxtrot', though, as these will apparently have side-long epics spread over two sides. That doesn't work for me.
When I look at the many 45rpm albums I own most of them are what I would call my reference albums to show off my system or lately speaker shopping. Thank you!
I bought all of the AP 45RPM Doors albums so I will not double up with 33s. All of the 45s (especially LA Woman) sound great. Keep listening and posting Mike.
Thank you!!
Many thanks for your helpful review and comparison. I have a Rhino from 2009, and I found it a very good listen given a digital step in the making. Since I had a chance to snap the AP45 for a very good price I gave it a try and, gentlemen, what a revelation! Eager to get even another level up, I preordered the UHQR33. Based on your review, I cancelled that order. Kinda stupid to pay more than twice to get a remaster/reissue which is inferior sounding to the 45? And then, for me, the packaging and its paper contents is not worth the extra 100+ USD which we have to pay in Europe.
The UHQR is nice, well pakaged product but for me the sound quality is the most important factor in purchasing a audiophile pressing. The 45rpm just sounded better to me. Not to sure what I am going to do with the UHQR, probably keep it for a while and when I get to needing space, I'll likely sell it off. Thank you.
I’ve got the 45 RPM version and have no intention of buying the UHQR.
Sound quality and dynamics are the priority for me. I’m very sensitive to inner groove distortion and there is no getting around it 45 RPM is better. I don’t mind flipping sides, the times I don’t want to be messing around handling records is when I’ll put the CD on.
I’m also not interested in the UHQR packaging and pamphlets that come with them.
Thank you for your comment. I am the same way, if I am not in the mood to flip albums I will listen to CD or highrez. Thanks again.
Haven’t listened to the 33 yet. But my guess is Bernie softened up stuff. His last few cuts I have purchased have been far too balanced lacking oomph. His ears may starting to go
I am thinking it's just the 45rpm ability to pack more dynamics. Thanks for your comment!
Isn't a 33 RPM vs. 45 RPM an apples to oranges comparison, regardless of price? I would think that a 33 original, or 33 repress (not hard to find if there isn't an OG available) vs. the 33 UHQR shootout would be more appropriate. There's even a recent 33 repress from a year or two ago in the die cut jacket - (nla?). To his credit, Chad Kassem on his video announcing this new UHQR admitted that the AP 45 likely will sound better on most systems. Given that fair warning by Chad the result of your shootout is hardly a surprise at all.
Thanks for pointing this out, I do have an OG that is in good condition but to be honest I haven't listened to it since i got the 45rpm some time ago. I must have missed that statement by Chad on the 45 sounding better. Thanks again.
If the sales of 45's started to tank they might go to strictly 33.3. It's up to the buyers. I'm not buying ANY 45's from here on out and I just have a few, maybe five or six. It looks like the 33.3 if done correctly can sound as good or almost as good as the 45.
I think it is possible that they can or at least be very close. I have a feeling that 45rpm's will continue for some ultimate editions of albums. Thank you!
I want the best sounding pressing possible, and in most cases that will be 45.
Sure it's more of a hassle to listen, but I have a lot invested in equipment for the best sound I am able to get, and love listening to an album and being blown away when it's better than anything I've heard before.
Also as someone that has an intensive cleaning program, 45's are easier to clean well with vacuum and Ultrasonic cleaners IMHO.
@@pnichols6500 You know I never thought of cleaning might be easier on 45r's. It makes sense. Thank you.
Jimmy Page will never allow a remaster! He is convinced that his bright sounding 2014 versions are definitive! Ugh!😊
That's what I am afraid of. I do have 1-4 on Classic records and they sound wonderful. I just wish I would have purchased the rest of the them that they did. Thank you.
My own summary is that the UHQR at $125 is not as good as the AP45 at $60. Its twice the price for a less dynamic and somewhat imbalanced sound compared with other issues of this classic album.
I agree. If the 45rpm was not available it would probably be okay for some folks but since the AP 45 is still availalble dosen't make a lot of sence. Thank you.
Great comparison, thanks. But why is the UHQR certificate of authenticity important? If you wanted to pirate this production, you would just scan and print those. I feel they're an unnecessary addition to UHQR packaging. Usually, a certificate validates authenticity because it is somewhat irreproducible. Like a treasury note (dollar bill) can't be easily forged, so when you present it, it's value is leverageable. These UHQR certificates are obviously reproducible. Now, if they were printed on some unique watermarked AP paper with Chad's wet signature, then maybe we're starting to talk about a meaningful certificate of authenticity.
Never thought about it that way but true! Thank you.
Your conclusion that the 45 is better seems to be the consensus
It shure was to me on my system. Thank you.
I would buy the complete set if they were 33.
The UHQR is 33rpm. Thanks Charlie
Don’t buy the UHQR, it’s not better and it’s twice as much $$
I agree! Thank you.
You’re problem is why do you think that you have to get this release You complain about all the rereleases of audiophile records but you keep buying them??? No one is forcing you to spend your money on them Why complain about this when you’re buying them?? You talk like you have to buy them even when you have an audiophile album of the same title You’re the classic example of vinyl FOMO!
Your exactly right! I did fear missing out on this release because I thought this would be the best sounding version of the album. And it's not. Thanks Dave!
I also prefer 33⅓ rpm and although I own a few 45 rpm I usually pass on them. I will never pay $150 for a single album, although I have no problem paying more for a boxed set. As annoying as it is to have two records holding the same info as one, I recently found a stranger situation. I'm also into classical music and enjoy performances by the great violinist Jascha Heifetz. At Acoustic Sounds they have a sealed set they acquired from a collection that is 45 rpm but consists of four single sided records and they want $175. The only benefit I can see for this would be if someone had an old record changer that would drop one record after another. This strategy has me a bit stumped.
Yeah that would get a little old changing records after every side and since it's 45rpm it will only be maybe 10 minuets per side. I do have a fair amount of 45rpm albums and it seams to be ever increasing mostly with albums I love and as of late from the Atlanctic 75 series that AP is doing. Most all of them have been excellent re-mastered albums so I guess it is what it is. Thank you for your comment.
@@MikesVinylExperience
Yes, the remastering on records in all genres is pretty amazing these days with the modern technology and excellent engineers.