Mike your comment about remembering how, when, where you were when you bought your OG copy is exactly why physical media and record stores are coming back. With digital downloads or streaming you have zero connection to an experience including your four senses. If you think about it digital music you are using one sense, hearing, with records you use sight, smell, touch, and hearing. And if you buy it from a record store and you discover it by listening to it at the store you will remember it for a life time. Lastly in my experience, when you buy physical media you listen to album fully over and over creating a deep connection, with digital downloads or streaming you skip around and don’t really connect. The only musical lyrics that I’ve memorized is music I’ve purchased in physical form.
Christopher, I have really never thought of it that way but you are 100% right. When you have something you are holding in your hand and physically touching and seeing you are experiencing it with all your senses! Thank you for this perspective!!
Nice review, I felt I understood each description. I do have the Cisco and UHQR and MOFI. In my comparison, which also included an AB I came to a similar conclusion. mofi was last for all the reasons you mention, the AB was next and I placed the Cisco under the UHQR. The Cisco is nice, and I wouldn't want to be without it, but the UHQR is incredibly good. I thought it was more than worth the price.
Man, I'm not a vinyl collector but I collect CDs because the space and hardware to play them with fits in with my smaller abode here in Japan. Got the special Japanese UHCD. Like your experience, it was like wiping a smudged pair of glasses clean or opening the window to the view and stepping outside. Crisper than an autumn apple and warmer and richer than a glass of spiced wine! My dad's old CD was a 1998 copy I believe. Unbelievable quality for a wonderful album. Did the same the Gaucho as well and other old favourites like some 90's Rush albums and Donald Fagen's The Nighftly. Great analysis!
Thank you James very much. I too still collect CD/SACD. In fact some of the new Atlantic 75 albums I will purchase on SACD. Thank you for your comment!
@@lucalone I got the abbreviation wrong! It's the SHM-CD. It's a Japanese exclusive style of CD that is higher definition and quality due to the use of plastic in the CD making process
Nice review. I too have the Geffin/ABC copy and you are right it plays very good, but I just received the UHQR copy of Aja and I can't wait to drop the stylus on it. I will also make a comparison but I'm sure the UHQR will surpass my cheaper version partly because I have the Jimi Hendrix Are You Experienced UHQR and that vinyl plays fantastic, so I'm already a bit biased.
you are going to love it! I have most of the UHQR's and for whatever reason this one sound amazing to me. And you are right on the Are you Experienced, it's also wonderfull.
My copy on UHQR is on its way and I too will make comparisons. This will be my first UHQR 45rpm Lp and I hope my irritation with having to change sides after only 2 or 3 tracks is overwhelmed by the superior audio I am hoping to hear.
Nice review I never liked the MoFi - only picked it up a few years ago for $5. I have the Cisco - it is very detailed in the lower midrange. The UHQR is more in line with the original. The UHQR is just stunning in every way.
Bowers & Wilkins matrix 803II. I forgot to list them on that video. I’ve got the upgrade bug and looking at new speakers, amp and preamp. Just upgraded my turntable a few months ago. Thanks looking.
Nice review. Best wishes on your channel. I remember the early days of having a channel and doing the hard work to get it moving. Keep up the videos and make some friends in the Vinyl Community (VC)!
Thank you David, I have been watching your channel for some time and love your work on your channel. I am suscribed under my original youtube @merv5488. Thank you so much for your great videos and encouragement!!
Why is the Aja UHQR’s high end pushed forward to where it sounds too bright and makes Donald Fagens voice sound unnatural including the rest of the instruments? Too bad this was done on such a beautiful album.
I’m with you here. I wouldn’t call it “too bright” At least not how I heard it through my system. Having said that, I will give the top nod to the Cisco and a minty fresh AB 1006 OG. Absolutely. Those two have more “meat on the bones”. More body, they sound more organic and cut from the same cloth. The UHQR is too pyrotechnic and certainly “thinner” sounding which puts it 3rd place.
I have the Japanese pressing, and the UHQR. It’s been decades since I had the original, so the Japanese copy is all I can compare the UHQR to. I think the UHQR sounds great, and will not be looking for any other copy. Enjoy the music!
Finally, someone who is honest and hears this thing for the way it “really is” instead of the they “believe that it is”. When I heard about UHQR releases, I was quite skeptical. I put it right up there with IEC cords that cost thousands, or the theory that suspending speaker cables above the floor make a huge difference. However, my appreciation for Steely Dan music and all the reviews that included the words “mind blowing, like it has never been heard before, etc” got the better of me. I recently got my UHQR Aja release and was utterly disappointed. What I hear is a 47 year old magnetic tape copy of the original that has degraded past its life expectancy and processed in attempts to put back what is not there anymore. The end result... the inherited anomaly’s of the aging tape is now in the forefront (especially in the high frequencies). I should have known after working in the business of restoring, digitizing and archiving decaying analog material for 25 years now. You can do wonders to save it, but you can’t put back what is not there in the first place (especially to audiophile levels). Bottom line... I listened to it once and that was enough.
When I heard about UHQR releases, I was quite skeptical. I put it right up there with people who believe IEC cords that cost thousands sound better, or the theory that suspending speaker cables above the floor make a huge difference in fidelity. However, my appreciation for Steely Dan music and all the reviews that included key words like “mind blowing, like it has never been heard before, etc” got the better of me. I recently got my UHQR Aja release and was utterly disappointed. The presentation is phenomenal, the low noise floor of the vinyl is excellent, but that is where the thrill ended for me. What I hear is a 47 year old magnetic tape copy of the original that has degraded past its life expectancy and processed in attempts to put back what is not there anymore. The end result... the inherited anomaly’s of the aging tape is now in the forefront (especially in the high frequencies). I should have known that this was a stretch after working in the business of restoring, digitizing and archiving decaying analog material for over 25 years now. You can do wonders to save this material, but you can’t put back what is not there anymore (especially to audiophile levels). Bottom line... I won’t listen to it twice!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Everyone hears the music they love differently and that is what makes this vinyl thing fun. I found it the UHQR to be better than anything I had in my position. However to be honest there have been albums in the past that have been re mastered and pressed on super quiet vinyl but I found the original pressing I had was better. One example is Paul Simon Still Crazy After all these years. My original 1975 (to me) sounded better than the MOFI OneStep. Vinyl on the OneStep was definitely quieter but there was just more life in the original 1975 than the onestep. Thanks again David.
Hi Mike, Thanks for taking the time to comment. I agree wholeheartedly about the MoFi pressings and have experienced the same. Funny thing… I have a select few of incredible examples of how good a vinyl pressing can be, and some of them came from the used rack of my local record store! Not one pop or click from beginning to end, very quiet vinyl, and stellar recording work as well (best $5.00 I ever spent). LOL While I have you here, maybe you could revisit your UHQR in one short session. When I played mine, I didn’t get 30 seconds in before I heard my first anomaly. The open high hat hit right before the beginning of the second verse was noticeably raspy, to the point where a friend of mine (huge Steely Dan fan and accomplished musician) said “what the hell was that?” Thinking it may be something in the groove, I ran it on my Loricraft machine and cleaned the vinyl, but it persisted. I tried two turntables on two systems and it was still there. I took it to my studio room where I have a turntable setup for playback of problematic records. I tried various custom stylus tips from truncated, conical, elliptical, fine line, as well as varying diameters, but it was still there. I am assuming the problem is upstream. We proceeded to play the rest of it and found more high frequency edginess throughout the pressing. It’s remotely possible that I have a bad pressing (if there was one out of 30,000… it would be mine). LOL However, the sound is quite similar to what I have heard when a tape has diminished (especially if high frequencies are then accented with processing). I put on my original pressing that I bought back in 1977 and the open high hat hit is crisp. Give your a listen and see what yours sounds like. I’d be curious to know if I have a defective press. Cheers!
@@davidweber6024 I will absolutely revisit this album and listen intently to both the UHQR and my 77 OG. I will report back. For quite some time now I have been very curious about the website Better Records which claims that some pressings are much better than others. I do agree that those albums first off of a new master stamp would likely sound much better. I have been hesitant to purchase any of these albums mostly do to the high cost. I am thinking when the right album comes onto there website I might consider a purchase. I agree with you I have found some absolute gems in the used record bins. I will be back in touch. Thank you!
Hi Mike! this is my favorite album. this album is the reason I start buying records again. my receiver is a Sansui 5000, Bose 901's and Yamaha yp-82 turntable. I think this combo is not good enough to enjoy much of a difference between my AB-1006 and the UHQR so I decide not to buy it!! I also have another set of speakers Sansui SP-2700 and a Marantz 2025 receiver. I need feedback. thanks and first time I see you and and I am following you now.
Mike your comment about remembering how, when, where you were when you bought your OG copy is exactly why physical media and record stores are coming back. With digital downloads or streaming you have zero connection to an experience including your four senses. If you think about it digital music you are using one sense, hearing, with records you use sight, smell, touch, and hearing. And if you buy it from a record store and you discover it by listening to it at the store you will remember it for a life time. Lastly in my experience, when you buy physical media you listen to album fully over and over creating a deep connection, with digital downloads or streaming you skip around and don’t really connect. The only musical lyrics that I’ve memorized is music I’ve purchased in physical form.
Christopher, I have really never thought of it that way but you are 100% right. When you have something you are holding in your hand and physically touching and seeing you are experiencing it with all your senses! Thank you for this perspective!!
Thanks Mike for the great review. Just order the UHQR version. Hope to get it a couple days.
Thank you for adding to the many super vinyl and DAN dans letting us know how great the new set is.
Thanks Nicholas, I really think the silent back ground of these UHQR's are contributing to the great re-mastering as well.
Nice review, I felt I understood each description. I do have the Cisco and UHQR and MOFI. In my comparison, which also included an AB I came to a similar conclusion. mofi was last for all the reasons you mention, the AB was next and I placed the Cisco under the UHQR. The Cisco is nice, and I wouldn't want to be without it, but the UHQR is incredibly good. I thought it was more than worth the price.
Thank you so much Scott for watching. Love your channel my friend!
Man, I'm not a vinyl collector but I collect CDs because the space and hardware to play them with fits in with my smaller abode here in Japan.
Got the special Japanese UHCD. Like your experience, it was like wiping a smudged pair of glasses clean or opening the window to the view and stepping outside. Crisper than an autumn apple and warmer and richer than a glass of spiced wine!
My dad's old CD was a 1998 copy I believe.
Unbelievable quality for a wonderful album. Did the same the Gaucho as well and other old favourites like some 90's Rush albums and Donald Fagen's The Nighftly.
Great analysis!
Thank you James very much. I too still collect CD/SACD. In fact some of the new Atlantic 75 albums I will purchase on SACD. Thank you for your comment!
What is a UHCD ???
@@lucalone I got the abbreviation wrong! It's the SHM-CD. It's a Japanese exclusive style of CD that is higher definition and quality due to the use of plastic in the CD making process
Nice review. I too have the Geffin/ABC copy and you are right it plays very good, but I just received the UHQR copy of Aja and I can't wait to drop the stylus on it. I will also make a comparison but I'm sure the UHQR will surpass my cheaper version partly because I have the Jimi Hendrix Are You Experienced UHQR and that vinyl plays fantastic, so I'm already a bit biased.
you are going to love it! I have most of the UHQR's and for whatever reason this one sound amazing to me. And you are right on the Are you Experienced, it's also wonderfull.
I had to get all of SD's UHQR recordings after hearing 'Can't Buy a Thrill' It's Amazing! As is Aja, Pretzel Logic, Gaucho ... All Excellent!
Pumped for the Gaucho UHQR!!
My copy on UHQR is on its way and I too will make comparisons. This will be my first UHQR 45rpm Lp and I hope my irritation with having to change sides after only 2 or 3 tracks is overwhelmed by the superior audio I am hoping to hear.
Can't wait to hear your thoughts. Have a great day Andy.
Nice review
I never liked the MoFi - only picked it up a few years ago for $5.
I have the Cisco - it is very detailed in the lower midrange. The UHQR is more in line with the original.
The UHQR is just stunning in every way.
Agree, the MOFI is really not there best effort. I would love to hear the Cisco but now that this UHQR is out I am pretty content. Thanks for sharing.
Love this album and I haven’t even heard it on vinyl yet!
Let me know what you think when you do. You are in for a treat!!
I have a Hana Red cart love it
What loudspeakers are you using? They are not listed in your system description.
Bowers & Wilkins matrix 803II. I forgot to list them on that video. I’ve got the upgrade bug and looking at new speakers, amp and preamp. Just upgraded my turntable a few months ago. Thanks looking.
Nice review. Best wishes on your channel. I remember the early days of having a channel and doing the hard work to get it moving. Keep up the videos and make some friends in the Vinyl Community (VC)!
Thank you David, I have been watching your channel for some time and love your work on your channel. I am suscribed under my original youtube @merv5488. Thank you so much for your great videos and encouragement!!
Why is the Aja UHQR’s high end pushed forward to where it sounds too bright and makes Donald Fagens voice sound unnatural including the rest of the instruments? Too bad this was done on such a beautiful album.
I’m with you here. I wouldn’t call it “too bright” At least not how I heard it through my system. Having said that, I will give the top nod to the Cisco and a minty fresh AB 1006 OG. Absolutely.
Those two have more “meat on the bones”. More body, they sound more organic and cut from the same cloth. The UHQR is too pyrotechnic and certainly “thinner” sounding which puts it 3rd place.
I have the Japanese pressing, and the UHQR. It’s been decades since I had the original, so the Japanese copy is all I can compare the UHQR to. I think the UHQR sounds great, and will not be looking for any other copy. Enjoy the music!
Finally, someone who is honest and hears this thing for the way it “really is” instead of the they “believe that it is”. When I heard about UHQR releases, I was quite skeptical. I put it right up there with IEC cords that cost thousands, or the theory that suspending speaker cables above the floor make a huge difference. However, my appreciation for Steely Dan music and all the reviews that included the words “mind blowing, like it has never been heard before, etc” got the better of me.
I recently got my UHQR Aja release and was utterly disappointed. What I hear is a 47 year old magnetic tape copy of the original that has degraded past its life expectancy and processed in attempts to put back what is not there anymore. The end result... the inherited anomaly’s of the aging tape is now in the forefront (especially in the high frequencies). I should have known after working in the business of restoring, digitizing and archiving decaying analog material for 25 years now. You can do wonders to save it, but you can’t put back what is not there in the first place (especially to audiophile levels). Bottom line... I listened to it once and that was enough.
LOL..........CRAZY......................WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY...........................SAVE YOUR $ AND GO BY THE SACD ! !
When I heard about UHQR releases, I was quite skeptical. I put it right up there with people who believe IEC cords that cost thousands sound better, or the theory that suspending speaker cables above the floor make a huge difference in fidelity. However, my appreciation for Steely Dan music and all the reviews that included key words like “mind blowing, like it has never been heard before, etc” got the better of me.
I recently got my UHQR Aja release and was utterly disappointed. The presentation is phenomenal, the low noise floor of the vinyl is excellent, but that is where the thrill ended for me. What I hear is a 47 year old magnetic tape copy of the original that has degraded past its life expectancy and processed in attempts to put back what is not there anymore. The end result... the inherited anomaly’s of the aging tape is now in the forefront (especially in the high frequencies). I should have known that this was a stretch after working in the business of restoring, digitizing and archiving decaying analog material for over 25 years now. You can do wonders to save this material, but you can’t put back what is not there anymore (especially to audiophile levels). Bottom line... I won’t listen to it twice!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Everyone hears the music they love differently and that is what makes this vinyl thing fun. I found it the UHQR to be better than anything I had in my position. However to be honest there have been albums in the past that have been re mastered and pressed on super quiet vinyl but I found the original pressing I had was better. One example is Paul Simon Still Crazy After all these years. My original 1975 (to me) sounded better than the MOFI OneStep. Vinyl on the OneStep was definitely quieter but there was just more life in the original 1975 than the onestep. Thanks again David.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I agree wholeheartedly about the MoFi pressings and have experienced the same.
Funny thing… I have a select few of incredible examples of how good a vinyl pressing can be, and some of them came from the used rack of my local record store! Not one pop or click from beginning to end, very quiet vinyl, and stellar recording work as well (best $5.00 I ever spent). LOL
While I have you here, maybe you could revisit your UHQR in one short session. When I played mine, I didn’t get 30 seconds in before I heard my first anomaly. The open high hat hit right before the beginning of the second verse was noticeably raspy, to the point where a friend of mine (huge Steely Dan fan and accomplished musician) said “what the hell was that?”
Thinking it may be something in the groove, I ran it on my Loricraft machine and cleaned the vinyl, but it persisted. I tried two turntables on two systems and it was still there. I took it to my studio room where I have a turntable setup for playback of problematic records. I tried various custom stylus tips from truncated, conical, elliptical, fine line, as well as varying diameters, but it was still there. I am assuming the problem is upstream.
We proceeded to play the rest of it and found more high frequency edginess throughout the pressing. It’s remotely possible that I have a bad pressing (if there was one out of 30,000… it would be mine). LOL However, the sound is quite similar to what I have heard when a tape has diminished (especially if high frequencies are then accented with processing).
I put on my original pressing that I bought back in 1977 and the open high hat hit is crisp. Give your a listen and see what yours sounds like. I’d be curious to know if I have a defective press.
Cheers!
@@davidweber6024 I will absolutely revisit this album and listen intently to both the UHQR and my 77 OG. I will report back. For quite some time now I have been very curious about the website Better Records which claims that some pressings are much better than others. I do agree that those albums first off of a new master stamp would likely sound much better. I have been hesitant to purchase any of these albums mostly do to the high cost. I am thinking when the right album comes onto there website I might consider a purchase. I agree with you I have found some absolute gems in the used record bins. I will be back in touch. Thank you!
Hi Mike! this is my favorite album. this album is the reason I start buying records again. my receiver is a Sansui 5000, Bose 901's and Yamaha yp-82 turntable. I think this combo is not good enough to enjoy much of a difference between my AB-1006 and the UHQR so I decide not to buy it!! I also have another set of speakers Sansui SP-2700 and a Marantz 2025 receiver. I need feedback. thanks and first time I see you and and I am following you now.