Indeed this is so true!! There are also some RL/LH copies out there where side one is RL and side 2 is LH. The LH is very very strong during passages with just a few instruments vs all...like guitar solos, etc....the bass is wonderfully super powerfully through the roof, perhaps even more so than RL, but falls short when everyone is playing...ie>>>the sound stage is not large enough for those passages on the LH.
I will also vouch for this. If you are a big fan of both LZ and vinyl, you owe it to yourself to pick one up. I have one with RL on both sides and in fairly decent condition, and 30 seconds in, you will be smiling ear to ear if you love this record. Prices are not going down, and there will never be any more made, so definitely bite the bullet.
the uk plum og press of led z./2 still holds its ground firmly! less hot than rl press,but the spacecial soundstage is huge i say its a mixture between g.piros cut and rl
I bought the Classic releases as they were issued (initially at 180g) and remember at the time hearing that this would be the last time the albums would ever be cut from the original analogue tapes, presumably due to the condition of the tapes. They are the ones to have but nothing will ever beat the thrill of first playing Led Zep I (with the maroon label) on my £14 gramophone.
The 1977 George Piros cut of LZ II is outstanging, really superb sounding ! Atlantic SD 19127 , matrix : ST-A 691671 - X @ GP (PR) And one of the best sounding version of LZ I is the 1974 George Piros cut, Atlantic SD 8216 - MO (Monarch pressing) !
I have an amazing Led Zeppelin II I bought while I was in Pirmasens Germany that is out of this world. I do have RL pressing. Also have Led Zeppelin II has RL on one side. A plum Led Zeppelin II plum from England. My favorite pieces great show
Michael i have the Classic pressing except for Led Zep 2 I've had the Classic Records and Mobile Fidelity to my ears The Bob Ludwig in my opinion was the best cut the hot mix was cut very hot it over the top loud . lovellandrew
Great overview. I found a NM RL zeppelin II hot mix cut in a shop about 1 month ago and featured it in one of my videos, a great thrill and it sounds incredible. I would love to see Analog Productions get a chance with the LZ catalog.
My zeppelin albums are all early pressings but I wonder how many times can someone listen to zeppelin? Zeppelin is huge, influential and in my opinion, the greatest rock band of all time but I feel like I got all "zeppelined out" somewhere about 30 years ago. I might listen to them once a year at this point.
Zep is my all time favorite but with any band or genre I go through phases. It’s the plethora of bootlegs and new bootlegs that keep me coming back for more.
Good point. There is definitely some listener fatigue there, but isn't that true of most rock bands? Are there any that we never tire of to some extent? To me, there are a handful that sound "fresher" to my ears (Doors, Floyd, and Grateful Dead come to mind) but that probably speaks more to individual taste than the artists in question. This is a very interesting topic and I'd love to hear more opinions on this.
@@terrywho22 my favorite rock bands have always been Zep, Rush, Floyd, Yes and several others and add Hendrix and Jeff Beck. I return to those guys from time to time but don't stay there very long. Certainly not long enough to spend much money there on new reissues. I hit a bluegrass/new grass/Americana/alt-country phase for a while and have been in a jazz phase the last several years. Jazz seems endless to me with the variations and localities. The more I learn about it, the more I realize I don't know yet. I've never heard a Zep II-RL so I'm always on the lookout for that. I did just buy the latest Bernie Grundman Pipers at the Gates of Dawn because I have never had a copy of that masterpiece not already beaten to hell.
Got various pressings of all the albums. Love the Jimmy Page editions with the extra disc's with outtakes and live stuff. Got all the boxes of the BBC, The Song Remains, How The West Was Won, Celebration Day. No Quarter and Walking Into Clarksdale too and various bootlegs. Love your videos. Schöne Grüße aus Bottrop.
I am sure Chad has reached out to the appropriate parties. The UMe/Acoustic Sounds series success is sure to help in negotiations however the sticking point will likely be with the artists. I think some artists are jaded, their hearing is shot (ex. digital is superior) and/or they have a general disdain for 'audiophile' releases, that they won't allow it to happen, excepting the upfront exchange of significant cash. The are a number of groups (Led Zeppelin, Queen, Rolling Stones) that have done recent catalog remasters on vinyl which they have raved about but we all know range from either a missed opportunity, mediocre but better then nothing, to outright terrible.
Like you, I was able to purchase my QUIEX audio-file copies of Led Zeppelin when they first came out. No way I would pay the prices they fetch now. The only albums I did not get were IV, In Through the Out Door, The Song Remains the Same, and Coda. They are the gold standard for Led Zeppelin albums.
I set out to get all the Classic Records pressings a couple years ago. I nearly got all of them and then the pandemic hit and prices skyrocketed. The one that eludes me is Physical Graffiti. Also I have a mixture of the 180g and 200g. To my ears I can’t tell the difference between the two.
I too have repeatedly bought copies of Led Zeppelin II trying to find one that does it justice. I first heard it on 8 Track and it sounded great turned up loud. You just can't turn digital up. The boxes, 20 years ago? were just under $200. A lot then and I think they sold at a discount eventually. I like all of their albums but love the second one.
Wow I have an audiophile record in my collection that´s missing from yours... Great video... I have the classics and those are the best at the moment. They capture the essence of LZ in full... John Bonham s incredible sound.
I bought all the classic record editions 200 gram when they were released between 2003/2005 they cost between $39/$69 an album and totally worth every penny. In 2003 people were buying records again but not like right now so I got lucky back then. Now these pressings are unattainable if you don’t open your wallet and pay a lot. I wish they would do a repressing cause it’s been long time coming and I believe everyone should have the opportunity to listen to these pressings cause I agree they are the best out there. And if they release a small batch it would the most stupid move of all time. These small batch releases burn me in so many ways and piss me off to the max!!! When my friends come over they always ask me please play those Zeppelin albums they blow there minds!
I remember holding in my hands the giant Zeppelin box set from Classic while attending an audio show in Los Angeles near LAX so many years ago. They had 2 for sale at $1000.00 each, and stupid me I didn't pull the trigger even though I had the money for it! I was probably thinking I didn't want to carry it around the show with me and I didn't want to walk back to the car and stash it there for fear that it might've gotten stolen. I just imagine if I'd bought both and listened to one and kept the other one sealed....sigh....
Paid $100 each for the Classic Records LZI & II a couple years back and it was the most I'd ever paid for single records. Looking at the prices now, I'm glad I took the plunge!
The Vinyl Archivist has some very different views on most LZ albums. He really favors GP George Piros mixes, all early US pressings. Has anyone here ever heard any of these and compared to what Classic Records, etc? He does of course favor the RL for LZ 2 !!
Just got the 2014 remasters on vinyl, they sure do sound wonderful, I love them. Haven't heard any other editions except the originals a long time ago!!!
I still own a few LZ UK 1st presses. I've owned the Superhype credit of their debut, A2/B2 Wreck of LZII and A3/3 of LZIII and they were beyond compare. However, these pressings are ridiculously expensive for minty copies. I sold them, and the Classic represses as my interest in LZ has diminished over the years probably due to overdosing. I thought I was getting a reasonable return on the Classic pressings, but boy was I wrong, given the prices they now obtain 🙄 So, I now have HOTH through to Coda as UK 1st presses and the first 4 of the recent Page remasters. They are not perfect, but nowhere near as bad as everyone makes out. Moreover, with the demos etc I would have bought them anyway. German 1st pressings sound good and are reasonably priced...in my opinion 😁 Disclaimer. I am not a Led Zeppelin completist.
Glad there is someone out there that appreciates the LZ reissues. I agree, they are nowhere near being terrible at all. They sure aren't up there with the Classic Records' series of course, but there isn't anything wrong with any of them in my opinion. I have a large collection of several different pressings of each album as well, and still feel the same way after having heard all of them for years. In the reissues, you can hear a lot of small details that weren't all that present in older pressings. I like them! People just love to have something to bitch about, it would seem. Then others tend to just jump on the bandwagon whether they've actually listened to the records or not.
Interesting topic, well I got most of the OG from UK and US, even got the late boxes but missing the Classic versions. Hopefully, someday I stumble on a few. Cheers for this!
I’ve got some really nice early UK pressings of II, III, IV, Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffiti - and all sound great on my system. I’ve got an early 70s Spanish repress of LZ I, which sounds fine. I’m not too fussed with their other albums tbh I’ve got some bang average copies of those, and they don’t tend to get played very often. Physical Graffiti is my personal favourite of theirs - and certainly the best double album of all time (in my opinion of course!). I’ve only got the BBC sessions on CD, so I wouldn’t mind picking that up on vinyl.
One reason why I love this channel, is the urgence to re-listen records I've might heard before. but never fully got into. I did it again, now in the case of Led Zeppelin, and found out that Led Zeppelin II, III, IV (and for a bit I) are rock albums that are only challenged by releases like Layla, Who's Next, Fire and Water, Tommy and some Black Sabbath from the seventies. The search for a good copy, is made easier by your findings. Thanks again and keep those excellent vidoes coming. Greetings from The Netherlands ~Marjet
I was fortunate enough to buy copies of the LZ Classic Records 200G pressings when they were new, so I did not have to pay the crazy prices of today for them. I also have a few copies of LZ II RL/SS on both sides pressings that I acquired years ago. Prices for this record today is rather insane.
I'm sure the Classic Records editions are the best remasters but I'm not going to pay the current price for those. I have been pretty happy with the digital remasters that Jimmy Page did a few years back. They sound fine, even pretty good to my ears. Could they sound better? Sure they could. I will say they sound better than my 1970's reissues and they will do just fine until there are affordable analog reissues.
Thanks Michael, another engaging and enjoyable video. Keep them coming. This is fun! I can only comment on the three LZ albums I've got more than one copy of to allow comparison. LZI plum and orange label machine stamped A1/B1 sounds very good indeed but is beaten by the green and orange label hand etched A1/B1, cut by Denis Blackham, side 1 dead wax etched A BILBO BOPPA!, side 2 dead wax etched BILBO - MASTER ROOM. LZII machine stamped A2/B2 plum and orange label sounds huge, if the Robert Ludwig is better it must be fantastic. I have a Japanese pressing which sounds very good, very "listenable", but a just a touch bright. LZIV machine stamped etchedetched As an aside, I've seen quite a few dead wax "messages" on UK pressings but never on US pressings. There surely must be some.
Hello Michael, I had a promo 1st pressing of LZ 4 but sold it I do have 1st pressing of LZ 3 and it sounds great, and an early pressing of Physical Graffiti which also sounds great but I have not got my hands on RL hot mix which pisses me off but that is more my problem..lol I refuse to buy any more LZ records unless they are an audiophile or 1st pressings. I just purchased 3 Doors albums from acoustic sounds 45rpm all on 200g vinyl Doors S/T, Morrison Hotel, Soft Parade. but this problem isn't just with LZ it is also happening with Fleetwood Mac I just finally got a near-perfect sounding Rumours pressed Pallas 45rpm and it is sold out everywhere and I didn't pay secondary prices I'm trying my best not to buy digital of anything. I have a nice collection of Tone Poets which is all from the mastered tapes but it gets expensive..Good luck ev1
Unfortunately I do not have the classic, hope Chad kassem will surprise and reissue it properly, currently I have the Japanese analog series that came out in 1992, and its the best of the other pressing I have.
Thank you for posting this video. I own 1,2,4, houses of the holy and the bbc sessions Classic Records, and I agree that they are all fantastic!! I am not sure of the differences between the Classic Records 180 gram and the 200 gram single lps. ANYONE OUT THERE KNOWLEDGEABLE THROUGH EXPERIENCE? It would be really super if someone could shed some light on any differences in sound between the single 180 gram and the single 200 gram releases. I must also put in a plug for the Robert Ludwig version of the second lp. It is definitely a HOT mix, and sounds really strong. Side one in particular is beastly powerful. I was very fortunate to purchase one in pretty good shape for under 200 dollars, which felt like my lucky day. If this is one of your favorite lps, then you should own one along with a classic records release!!
I just listenend to the debut album by journey from 1975. This is a secret grail. Its really prog rock sounding and not so much mainstream like "dont stop believing" (which i also like). Sadly this album havent had a reissue since the 80s and i think that albums like this one should get reissues, not like the same albums over and over again, that there isnt a good overview about which one sounds now the best.
I’ve compared zep ll MFSL/Org/ RL Mo/ RL preswell and the digitally sourced Jimmy page cuts- RL MO clear winner, MFSL was super quiet, but Bonzo disappeared! Will compare classic records soon.
Agree , I love my Monarch RL , the CTH version of Moby Dick and bring it on home for some reason I felt kicks 🦵 a little harder , you really feel the bass of JPJ and the drums of JB
I forgot say this. I don’t understand how a artist could listen to these reissue of there works and be happy to put it out into the world. I think if it’s a money issue. If you give us audiophile a chance we would pay more for a great pressing. Hell I just payed 200 dollars for Music Matters Jazz Freddie Hubbard’s Ready For Freddie, because I’m afraid it not going to get a repress and i wanted it and I was Johnny too lately when it was first press. So there are people like me, that will pay a pretty penny for the best.
A lot these bands could careless about how there records sounded. Remember they toured constantly and wanted people to come see them. The vast majority of musicians aren't audiophile's and only care about playing live.
I have early UK pressings of their catalog and they all sound fantastic. I missed out on the Classic Records releases which I really want, I think they are the best quality modern reissues however now they are selling for huge money on the secondary market so I will stick with what I have. Cheers!
Great idea. I own the first four albums as 200gr Classic Records editions. I agree that these are fantastic. For most of the others I have the original German pressings, which are not too bad. Better than the new remasters anyway. However, early UK or US pressings are said to be much better. But as you mentioned these are hard to find in near-mint condition. No experience with Russian pressings. Would be interesting to learn more about those. Let's hope for a new from Analog Production based on the Classics laquers. If it happens, it will be most likely in the UHQR series. I doubt, licensing will be granted for a more affordable edition in large quantities.
The Classic Records editions of the Led Zeppelin albums are the best sounding vinyl versions next to the original UK and US editions. I have Classic Records remasters of Houses of the Holy and In Through the Outdoor and they sound incredible, the rest of my Zeppelin albums are original 1st U.S. or 1977 U.S. re-issues.
Nice video Michael. Zeppelin is one of my favorite bands of all time and I have way too many pressings of each of their albums and definitely more so than any other band. The Classics are great and I give them a slight edge over the 2014 and 2015 remasters. I don't know if you caught my shoot out of Zeppelin II that I posted a few years ago but nothing can beat the Robert Ludwig copy of the record. At some point, I should do a sequel to that one since I picked up a German copy and original plum UK press of it. BTW - The RL stampers (or mother/lacquer) made it to Germany so if you hunt around, there are German copies of the RL cut of the album. My German cut of the album is not an RL though.
oops!...LZIV, plum and orange label machine stamped A3/B4, cut by George Peckham, side 1 hand etched PECKO DUCK, side 2 hand etched PORKY. Excellent sounding copy. The Classic series get great write ups so maybe you've got the best sounding copies already!
I saw the 1-4 Classic box at a high end stereo shop in Toronto around 2005 ish. I balked at the price which was likely $200-$300. I should have pulles the trigger but I am happy with my GP 2 & 3. I have a US first pressing (pecko duck) of iv but it has a few clicks. The HOTH Cdn first pressing sounds great to my ears as well. PG German pressing I have is mint and silent but lacks balls and full low end so that's another one I need to upgrade along with 1 as I only have the JP 3lp edition which is average. Hoping for a Chad Kassem miracle from Analogue Productions in the near future!!
I’ve got a great pressing of Houses of The Holy. Pops skips and occasional scratches but the underlying recording was fantastic. Zeppelin records always had a sound, like there was a veil of that coated the overall sound of their recordings. Hendrix had a similar veil but The Doors, had a total different vibe. I can’t remember what Eddie Kramer touched but he was involved with all of them. Apologies for my naïveté. I had a great Physical Graffiti also. I will have to look. I picked these up in the 80’s when record were a dollar. Everyone was getting rid of albums as folks of a certain age had to move, grow up and move. We gave up records for the convenience of CD. All I can say is that music lovers have been abused by the labels. I would love to have a high quality BBC set but it doesn’t sound like it’s ever been made. That would be a great place to start as you can feel the energy of that band that is exploding right in front of you, even on the CDs. That live on Denmark 69’ tv show footage blew my mind, and continues to every time I watch it. I grew up in a time when Zeppelin 4 was in your face but came to appreciate it away from being loaded. It truly is a run of records that few bands have ever achieved. It’s just a shame that the pressings have been mostly a miss because of having to get the widgets out the door or miscommunications in how careless they chose how the masters were put out into the world. It’s hard to think it was by accident but then again we maybe didn’t know what a golden age we were in. I always revisit these recordings regardless. We had it so good with an ever evolving, out the door classic that we thought that “this is just the way it is….somethings will never change”…..we were wrong.
I have what I believe to be a fourth press of the first LZ album and it sounds amazing. I paid around £10 for it and it’s pretty much flawless. A VG+ version will set you back around £50 but if you can get a nice copy I reckon it won’t be far off the Classic Records issue.
I had all the Classic record reissues and they were great. Unfortunately I had to sell them a few years ago to raise some money 😭. I am now stuck with the recent reissues which sound no where near as good although I still enjoy listening to them. I hope to re-buy the Classic issues but the current prices make me hesitate.
Hello Mike, I've collected quite a few different pressings of LZ'S catalog. I've got all of the plum label 1st editions from the UK, along with some Russian pressings, current pressings, and also a fair amount of the Classic Records pressings as well. NOTHING can top the Classic Records editions. They are hands-down the very best pressings on the face of the earth. I was lucky enough to buy the CR 200 gram LZ I-4 box set, near mint, for under $800, which is a steal because each one of those LPs go for around $400 or more these days. I also have the 200 gram Houses of the Holy and The Song Remains The Same titles. I've been waiting to get my hands on the CR Physical Graffiti, Presence, In Through The Out Door, and Coda. Other than Coda, I can't seem to find those other titles at a price that I can afford - yet, lol. Now the CR 45-rpm editions found in the famous metal case for $20,000 are THE cream of the crop. I can't afford a single one of those pressings, so I can't give my thoughts on those. I have no doubt that those pressings are even better than the 200 gram versions. I do have several of the LZ Russian pressings (LZ I through Houses Of The Holy), but I wouldn't recommend collecting them for audiophile purposes. They are sort of neat to have however, because they're old remnants of the former Soviet Union. All the covers are very thin, flimsy and fragile. They don't hold up well. I have one Russian edition that's a combo of both LZ 4 and Houses Of The Holy. The Russians did their very own cover of 4 that has a younger peasant guy on the front cover. I think it's a probably a parody of sorts. It's not a painting or drawing, but it's rather unique so I like it! The Russian titles are very affordable, though. As for those UK first edition plum label pressings....they are OK in sound, but they can go for hundreds of $$. They aren't anywhere near as good as the CR pressings, of course. I guess I don't really know why they are worth hundreds of $$. I suppose it's due to them being more rare than the later orange/green pressings, but damn, they can often sell for what the CR mint pressings go for. I do have a LZ Robert Ludwig (on both sides) pressing of LZ II. It's only in vg condition like most of the other copies of the 'Hot Mix'. It's very hard to find one in decent condition. This edition also goes for hundreds of $. I know of a certain record store owner on YT that swears by the Ludwig issue having an even better sound quality than the CR pressing. My RL copy is too beat up, so I can't compare one next to the other. Wish that I could though!
Michael that was another great video 👌 LZ is a band that I loved since my teenage years back in Ireland. Which why I bought those 'Nice Price' LP's back in the late 80's (except CODA & The Song Remains The Same). I still own those very same records and I still think that they sound great. My tastes have considerably widen since then, so I have no interest in spending a fortune to get the absolutely best versions of their discography. Now back to CODA......I actually bought the Jimmy Page deluxe edition of this one a few years ago. Solely considering the music available on this version, in my opinion it is the only version worth getting. It seems that Jimmy left the best of the demo's and outtakes to this last deluxe edition!!
I’m waiting for audiophile reissue of Led Zeppelin’s catalog. I don’t like what Abby Road has done with these British iconic album. So if there going stay with the digital source albums, I’ll stick with my CD versions. I got the Led Zeppelin 4 and I can’t spinning it anymore because it makes me angry to here such a incredible album done so bad.
Unfortunately Zep's recordings are barely at audiophile level. Even though they had top engineers of the era a lot of their masterings are amateur sounding. I've never heard a version of Stairway that didn't have clipping on the guitar right before the solo.
I think that the "market" price of the 45 Road Case is around $5000 - $6000, not $20,000. There was only one copy that sold for $25,000 but that was an outlier - it was new and sealed in the original packing box.
Rather controversially I really like the Jimmy Paige digital remasters. The bass in particular I find to be superb, particularly on one two and four, I love them.
I have Led Zeppelin I, II and Song Remains the Same from Classic (33 rpm.) I bought I and II like you, open, mint, but before the prices spiked. Song Remains the Same was new. I have an original Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffiti. Houses of the Holy was a hunt and splurge for the Ludwig. I have not compared any of these to other editions. They sound better than good. I am missing, but want III, IV and In Through the Out Door...
I know I'm responding to an old video but I just saw it. I've been going through my various LZ records. The 1st I prefer my Classic copy to US copy and probably digital remaster. Houses of the Holy I prefer my Classic copy to the US copy. Zep II I have a UK copy with Green and Red label and prefer it to the Classic copy which seems too Hard by comparison. Acoustic guitars and general musicality seem much better on that UK copy. Always a pleasure to watch your videos ( except they cost me a lot of money ) Thanks Anthony
Just a note for thought , I have herd that the red label from Canada is very comparable to the RL hot mix because apparently the stampers came from Atlantic in the UK.
The only problem I have with the "Jimmy paige " remasters is he push the drums back in the mix! Otherwise it doesn't sound that bad (doesn't sound that great either)! Yeah there digital, but it's a "hi resolution " digital! 96k/24bit sounds pretty close to tape! But it would also be nice if "chad kassem " gets a hold of the original master tapes!
chad was laughing at Michael Fremer as he asked him in a video at a record or audio fair about LZ. so there is no chance, from what I saw in the face of chad,
I purchased most of the individual title box pressings that were released a few years ago. Page remixed them, came with outtakes and a book. Good idea, I thought. But I am ambivalent about them. When I listen to LZ, I choose the originals. I wish I liked the box sets more. Anyone have that same feeling?
I had the 2014 remasters and I thought that they are great... Untill I’ve bought one sided german RL of LZII. What A difference!!! RL side is a atomic bomb explosion carved into grooves:D Then I’ve managed to find a good deal on Classic 200g LZII - great sounding one, very close to the RL imo. So I’ve sold my 2014 and replaced them with vintage copies. 1st Japan for Presence and TSRTS are great! German RL for HOTH is another winner:) LZI late 70s Piros sounds great - mastered at the Sheffield Labs. LZIV 'new audio' US press from early 80s is the best I’ve heard so far, much better than my PECKO speciallity early press! LZIII this one is tough - I have two copies: US Monarch later press and early plum from holland. They sound ok, Holland is very bass heavy but lacks resolution. I’m still looking for Physical Graffitti...
The Classic pressings are probably the most reliable audiophile quality available but patience is needed to find them. Originals from UK/US were good but tend to have been played to oblivion. The Robert Ludwig 2 is scarce and generally expensive. It would be great to have decent remaster on prime vinyl - we live in hope!
Do you have No Quarter too? I own an original UK pressing but would love to see it repressed as price is getting prohibitive but definitely worth getting as a fan
I really struck gold when I found a first German press of Led Zep 2 by Bob Ludwig for 20 euros. Side B doesn't sound the greatest but Side A is incredible. The other 2 first pressings I have are Physical Graffiti (USA) and Houses Of The Holy (German) which I love. I really hope Page allows for a true audiophile release happen even at just 45 rmp not that it's a bad thing at all.
sava: the reason why the b side of your LedZep2 doesnt sound that good is because side b is not the Ludwig cut.. i have the same pressing and its REALLY frustrating to flip the record after listening to side a.. but on the other hand, this pressing is a perfect demonstration how amazing and how bad pressings can sound on one record 😜
I own all the UK original first pressings, when I had saved up the money I sourced and bought them with my pocket money. I also own Japanese pressings of 1 and 4 which have very slightly heavier bass and having watched the doc by Jimmy I got all the recent remasters which are cleaner brighter tighter kick and bass. On digital I have so many versions I should probably delete half of them and just keep the high res copies. I also have a master tapes of 1 and 4 and they are the best although rough round the edges
Great video. I’ve owned countless pressings of every Zeppelin album but have narrowed it down to just one copy each with the exception of Zep II. All of my studio copies are the Classic Records 200 gram 33 1/3 RPM pressings. Led Zeppelin II copies are the RL and the MoFi. The RL is my go to for II. I was lucky to get all of these used NM at a fantastic price a few years ago. Now they are getting extremely hard to find. Still need to find the BBC Classic Records box though. I would highly suggest people go after the Classic Records pressings. The recent Jimmy Page remasters are not that great, IMO. As for the rest of the catalogue I own the Super Deluxe boxsets of BBC, How The West Was Won and The Song Remains The Same. I also own a fair amount of bootlegs but due to the differences in quality they are not comparable to the official releases.
Thanks for a great video and your continued hard work, dedication, and passion! I just received from Music Direct today the Mothership box set 2014/15 remastered at 96/24 and it sounds good, though it sounds like a cd? I was thinking about looking to get The Complete BBC Sessions. I stream/listen to it now on Qobuz. Would I be better served by getting the box set with this? Thanks again.
I really need to look for some audiophile LZ. The albums I have Are mid-70’s club pressings in “ok” condition 🥱 On another note, can you suggest the best possible box set outer sleeves! Thank you!
A great video - thank you. I have a few copies of Led Zep IV/Four Runes/Untitled (well, 15 copies - 14 vinyl and 1 CD). My wife's view is it is an affliction. Nevertheless, the three copies I play most are, in order, the Classic Records 200g (outstanding dynamics); a 1971 US VSRP pressing (the cleanest of my 1971 ones and like all early pressings, really dynamic); and the 2020 European RM RE which I think is pretty good (on my system with my ears) and is pretty cheap. The 2014 European pressing doesn't sound good to me (one copy I have looks very similar to the 2020 one and I know very quickly when I have put the wrong one on the turntable) so avoid. The 2003 CD is still in the shrink wrap so I offer no opinion. If you like The Song Remains the Same, I suggest trying to get a copy of the 2018 boxset - it is very different from the original and worth hearing. Again, the Classic Records issue is the best but the original 1976 UK pressing is very good and a lot cheaper and I pretty much wore a hole in my 1976 German pressing which I've had for 40 years.
As much as a huge fan I am I do not have any "audiophile" pressings yet YET key word there. I am still looking for the Robert Ludwig "hot mix" of LZII . I was pleased with the 2014 releases but yes a digital source I did videos on them all in a playlist on my channel but my reviews are not as elaborate as yours sadly. The classic series is very $$ so not sure I will ever get any of those but you never know. I have a few pressing from other countries I do have two Russian pressing that do sound really good. I didn't see you show In Through The Out Door, do you have a classic pressing of that ? I feel incomplete now I need to invest into the classic pressings. Really enjoyed your thoughts on these Michael. Cheers !! -VK
Michael, great idea. I grew up in Brazil. My experience with the pressings was great for some mid 80s reissues there. Originals, later ones from houses of the holy and on were good. Early albums were noisy, terrible. I have early editions of US albums now and much better. I don’t have a RL, but I have a 2nd press and RC editions which sounds very good and clear in my opinion. My pressings of 3 are sort of muddy, 1 is thin and 4 is great, both my early pressings. Houses of the Holy always sounds great, in most of the pressings, and so does my the song remains the same. Physical graffiti does not have a great sound in my opinion, because it is a collection from many points in their career, not cohesive sound. In through the out door is likely their best recorded album and very underrated in my opinion. Hopefully good repressings are coming
Felipe, I can't agree with you more regarding the 'In Through The Out Door' album. It's been critically crapped on by the majority of people who've heard it, unfairly, I might add. It is one of my most favorite albums of all time. 'Carouselambra' is a masterpiece in my opinion! 👍
I have the 2014 and 2015 Led Zeppelin reissues but I know the Classic versions are superior. Jimmy Page did the latest reissues and of course he says those are the best ones. I understand the original British pressings are suppose to be great but as I am in America am trying to get original American pressings. So far I have the first album which is an early pressing.
I have a NM- RL pressing of Zep II from Presswell. It’s fantastic. My buddy has a Monarch. It’s even better. I also have MFSL and Classic pressings, and the RL cut is the best, ticks and pops notwithstanding.
Unfortunately Jimmy Page holds the masters and won't release them. He was quoted in an article that is easily available by searching Google. He stated the last reissues he supervised were the best they could sound and called it the definitive releases, which I disagree with. I have the complete set of the remasters by Atlantic. Overall they sound good. With the recent advances by Miles Showell of Half-Speed Mastering Technics, it would be interesting to hear how they would sound since all the files are digital. Showell did an amazing job with the Paul McCartney half-speed as well as The Beatles Sgt Pepper, White Album and Abbey Road remasters. He made those sound better by cleaning the master tapes prior to transfering to digital. With the age of tapes now, it's a good option to get copies to preserve. Showell has done releases for the who, Genesis, Dire Straits and other bands. I feel if we would get another round of reissues it will most likely be that route. But it would be nice to have Analog Productions make a good business case to do I final round of proper Analogue Pressings. Wouldn't that be a game changer! We shall see. Also I did have most of LZ 80s issues and I would stay clear of those. Very thin noisy vinyl that doesn't sound good in my opinion. I am hearing that not only the newer Russian Pressings are good but there is s a label in Germany doing small pressings. I am sure it's an unofficial release. But they released the first 3 in mono on colored vinyl. I may pick up LZ I to do a shoot out.
I only have the very old pressings with the original cover artwork because I am that old and I bought them from my pocket money back then. Only one thing struck me, so I had to have a look. Led Zeppelin IV, I was right the lamp is different and there is no yellow lamp and the shade around this lamp is just white. Anyway - I don´t buy newer copies because I think the market is crazy for more or less boostered sounds, you have to hear with headphones. If I listen to my Zepps I wait `till my wife is out shopping and then I turn up the receiver, my old Dual player and let the speakers work. The only Zepps record I have on cd is How the West was Won - far better than The Song Remains the Same - in my opinion, because so much overmastering done and overlays; maybe someone can tell me if it is worth buying it on vinyl.
Great Video Michael. When you play the Led Zeppelin 200 gram LP's do you make adjustments to the VTA? Also, have you had a chance to compare a 45 rpm single sided 4 LP from Classic Records against a UK original press?
Ah Michael - you are rubbing salt in my wounds. Literally just recieved my first ever Classic Records Zeppelin title today. Thought I'd got a great price on an EX condition Zep II 180grams. Visually it does indeed grade EX. But the vinyl is super noisy, maybe one of the noisiest I've heard. Such a shame, because I can hear why you love these - the music sounds fantastic! Must have listened to this album a thousand times - yet there are sounds I've never heard on this version. I guess I have to track down a better copy now....
I'm lucky enough to have the first 6 zeppelin on both on early plum RL pressings/ or UK first and the classic 200g as well as the recent remasters of all 6 To my ears the classic 200g are the best by a whisker in terms of hifi The plums/uk 1st sing and get played the most often as they sound raw and untouched.. As they should be etc The remasters are OK at best and not really worth buying imho I think the uk 1st pressings are the best value for money( not cheap but cheaper than classic 200g) and they are fairly easy to get hold of good copies here in the UK Just my opinion of course
First 3 from Japan,...very nice, all 1st english plum...German 1st pressing. At some stage you have to stop. I am not happy with Page's last output, nor I am with the mothership compilation,...and yes,..try to get the original BBC
Chad Kassem already has the rights to release all of the Led Zeppelin catalog. There will be UHQR and 45rpm versions. Watch out as soon as he is done with the Steely Dan catalog. Start saving your money now. (Just a prediction.)
The led zep ii blows all the Audiophile pressings away , even a G+ Led z ii , I have A Monarch RL SS , CTH RL SS / LH SS , PR RL SS. The 2014 Lz ii , yes it’s digital but sounds to my ears the closest to RL , less mid and more bass . The George Piros to me if it had the same bass as RL has little more clean dynamics with less distortion.
I like your idea for a series on important artists and noteworthy pressings. This one though, (I'll duck for cover) is not my favourite. I know, crazy right? LZ just never grabbed my eye. :-)
The RL cut of ZII is one of the best sounding records in my collection. Truly incredible.
Agreed - my copy is astounding. Which is hard to imagine given how good the Classic cuts sound.
Agreed the Ludwig sounds amazing. Just wish it was possible to find a “true” NM copy
Indeed this is so true!! There are also some RL/LH copies out there where side one is RL and side 2 is LH.
The LH is very very strong during passages with just a few instruments vs all...like guitar solos, etc....the bass is wonderfully super powerfully through the roof, perhaps even more so than RL, but falls short when everyone is playing...ie>>>the sound stage is not large enough for those passages on the LH.
I will also vouch for this. If you are a big fan of both LZ and vinyl, you owe it to yourself to pick one up. I have one with RL on both sides and in fairly decent condition, and 30 seconds in, you will be smiling ear to ear if you love this record. Prices are not going down, and there will never be any more made, so definitely bite the bullet.
the uk plum og press of led z./2 still holds its ground firmly! less hot than rl press,but the spacecial soundstage is huge i say its a mixture between g.piros cut and rl
Zeppelin 3 is beautiful album.
whatever pressing you have, turn up loud and enjoy. Your collection is astounding. Great episode!!
I bought the Classic releases as they were issued (initially at 180g) and remember at the time hearing that this would be the last time the albums would ever be cut from the original analogue tapes, presumably due to the condition of the tapes. They are the ones to have but nothing will ever beat the thrill of first playing Led Zep I (with the maroon label) on my £14 gramophone.
The 1977 George Piros cut of LZ II is outstanging, really superb sounding ! Atlantic SD 19127 , matrix : ST-A 691671 - X @ GP (PR)
And one of the best sounding version of LZ I is the 1974 George Piros cut, Atlantic SD 8216 - MO (Monarch pressing) !
In the Classic Records Archive there was a 45 rpm version of the BBC sessions.
I love my Physical Graffiti first German pressing!
I have an amazing Led Zeppelin II I bought while I was in Pirmasens Germany that is out of this world. I do have RL pressing. Also have Led Zeppelin II has RL on one side. A plum Led Zeppelin II plum from England. My favorite pieces great show
Thanks Michael, excellent collection! Cheers, Sergei.
Michael i have the Classic pressing except for Led Zep 2 I've had the Classic Records and Mobile Fidelity to my ears The Bob Ludwig in my opinion was the best cut the hot mix was cut very hot it over the top loud . lovellandrew
Great overview. I found a NM RL zeppelin II hot mix cut in a shop about 1 month ago and featured it in one of my videos, a great thrill and it sounds incredible. I would love to see Analog Productions get a chance with the LZ catalog.
My zeppelin albums are all early pressings but I wonder how many times can someone listen to zeppelin? Zeppelin is huge, influential and in my opinion, the greatest rock band of all time but I feel like I got all "zeppelined out" somewhere about 30 years ago. I might listen to them once a year at this point.
Zep is my all time favorite but with any band or genre I go through phases. It’s the plethora of bootlegs and new bootlegs that keep me coming back for more.
Good point. There is definitely some listener fatigue there, but isn't that true of most rock bands? Are there any that we never tire of to some extent? To me, there are a handful that sound "fresher" to my ears (Doors, Floyd, and Grateful Dead come to mind) but that probably speaks more to individual taste than the artists in question. This is a very interesting topic and I'd love to hear more opinions on this.
I guess I am the exception I can listen every day multiple times. Live, studio, out takes it all good never gets old with me.
@@terrywho22 my favorite rock bands have always been Zep, Rush, Floyd, Yes and several others and add Hendrix and Jeff Beck. I return to those guys from time to time but don't stay there very long. Certainly not long enough to spend much money there on new reissues. I hit a bluegrass/new grass/Americana/alt-country phase for a while and have been in a jazz phase the last several years. Jazz seems endless to me with the variations and localities. The more I learn about it, the more I realize I don't know yet. I've never heard a Zep II-RL so I'm always on the lookout for that. I did just buy the latest Bernie Grundman Pipers at the Gates of Dawn because I have never had a copy of that masterpiece not already beaten to hell.
How many times can one listen to Pink Floyd? The Rolling Stones? Black Sabbath? There's really no difference.
Have the Classic Records Physical Graffiti. Love the sound of that pressing.
What I wouldn't do for a Classic Records pressing of THAT one 🙏🙏
A really good learning curve for me here , thank you
I’m not sure what pressings I have except that Physical Graffiti is the one I bought in the 70’s.
Mine is an early 80s mastered by George Pirros. Sounds good to me.
I'm ashamed because I only have Led Zeppelin on CD. Their nr 3 is my favorite , I must find it on a good pressing ! 🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪
Don’t be ashamed...!
I love cds!!!! Greetings from chile 🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱
Got various pressings of all the albums. Love the Jimmy Page editions with the extra disc's with outtakes and live stuff. Got all the boxes of the BBC, The Song Remains, How The West Was Won, Celebration Day. No Quarter and Walking Into Clarksdale too and various bootlegs. Love your videos. Schöne Grüße aus Bottrop.
I am sure Chad has reached out to the appropriate parties. The UMe/Acoustic Sounds series success is sure to help in negotiations however the sticking point will likely be with the artists. I think some artists are jaded, their hearing is shot (ex. digital is superior) and/or they have a general disdain for 'audiophile' releases, that they won't allow it to happen, excepting the upfront exchange of significant cash. The are a number of groups (Led Zeppelin, Queen, Rolling Stones) that have done recent catalog remasters on vinyl which they have raved about but we all know range from either a missed opportunity, mediocre but better then nothing, to outright terrible.
Dude ,Love your insight and Content...Thanks
Like you, I was able to purchase my QUIEX audio-file copies of Led Zeppelin when they first came out. No way I would pay the prices they fetch now. The only albums I did not get were IV, In Through the Out Door, The Song Remains the Same, and Coda. They are the gold standard for Led Zeppelin albums.
I set out to get all the Classic Records pressings a couple years ago. I nearly got all of them and then the pandemic hit and prices skyrocketed. The one that eludes me is Physical Graffiti. Also I have a mixture of the 180g and 200g. To my ears I can’t tell the difference between the two.
I too have repeatedly bought copies of Led Zeppelin II trying to find one that does it justice. I first heard it on 8 Track and it sounded great turned up loud. You just can't turn digital up. The boxes, 20 years ago? were just under $200. A lot then and I think they sold at a discount eventually. I like all of their albums but love the second one.
Wow I have an audiophile record in my collection that´s missing from yours...
Great video... I have the classics and those are the best at the moment. They capture the essence of LZ in full... John Bonham s incredible sound.
I bought all the classic record editions 200 gram when they were released between 2003/2005 they cost between $39/$69 an album and totally worth every penny. In 2003 people were buying records again but not like right now so I got lucky back then. Now these pressings are unattainable if you don’t open your wallet and pay a lot.
I wish they would do a repressing cause it’s been long time coming and I believe everyone should have the opportunity to listen to these pressings cause I agree they are the best out there.
And if they release a small batch it would the most stupid move of all time. These small batch releases burn me in so many ways and piss me off to the max!!!
When my friends come over they always ask me please play those Zeppelin albums they blow there minds!
Wow, $39-69 per album back in 2003-05! That’s crazy considering it was 20 yrs ago.
I remember holding in my hands the giant Zeppelin box set from Classic while attending an audio show in Los Angeles near LAX so many years ago. They had 2 for sale at $1000.00 each, and stupid me I didn't pull the trigger even though I had the money for it! I was probably thinking I didn't want to carry it around the show with me and I didn't want to walk back to the car and stash it there for fear that it might've gotten stolen. I just imagine if I'd bought both and listened to one and kept the other one sealed....sigh....
hehe thx for Sharing Richard
Paid $100 each for the Classic Records LZI & II a couple years back and it was the most I'd ever paid for single records. Looking at the prices now, I'm glad I took the plunge!
:-)
Classic 200 all the way...
The Vinyl Archivist has some very different views on most LZ albums. He really favors GP George Piros mixes, all early US pressings.
Has anyone here ever heard any of these and compared to what Classic Records, etc? He does of course favor the RL for LZ 2 !!
I only have a Led Zepplin IV album still in my pssesion . I puchased it new in the 70s, and agree , it's a great album.
Just got the 2014 remasters on vinyl, they sure do sound wonderful, I love them. Haven't heard any other editions except the originals a long time ago!!!
I still own a few LZ UK 1st presses. I've owned the Superhype credit of their debut, A2/B2 Wreck of LZII and A3/3 of LZIII and they were beyond compare. However, these pressings are ridiculously expensive for minty copies. I sold them, and the Classic represses as my interest in LZ has diminished over the years probably due to overdosing. I thought I was getting a reasonable return on the Classic pressings, but boy was I wrong, given the prices they now obtain 🙄 So, I now have HOTH through to Coda as UK 1st presses and the first 4 of the recent Page remasters. They are not perfect, but nowhere near as bad as everyone makes out. Moreover, with the demos etc I would have bought them anyway. German 1st pressings sound good and are reasonably priced...in my opinion 😁 Disclaimer. I am not a Led Zeppelin completist.
Glad there is someone out there that appreciates the LZ reissues. I agree, they are nowhere near being terrible at all.
They sure aren't up there with the Classic Records' series of course, but there isn't anything wrong with any of them in my opinion. I have a large collection of several different pressings of each album as well, and still feel the same way after having heard all of them for years.
In the reissues, you can hear a lot of small details that weren't all that present in older pressings. I like them!
People just love to have something to bitch about, it would seem. Then others tend to just jump on the bandwagon whether they've actually listened to the records or not.
Interesting topic, well I got most of the OG from UK and US, even got the late boxes but missing the Classic versions. Hopefully, someday I stumble on a few. Cheers for this!
I’ve got some really nice early UK pressings of II, III, IV, Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffiti - and all sound great on my system. I’ve got an early 70s Spanish repress of LZ I, which sounds fine. I’m not too fussed with their other albums tbh I’ve got some bang average copies of those, and they don’t tend to get played very often. Physical Graffiti is my personal favourite of theirs - and certainly the best double album of all time (in my opinion of course!). I’ve only got the BBC sessions on CD, so I wouldn’t mind picking that up on vinyl.
One reason why I love this channel, is the urgence to re-listen records I've might heard before. but never fully got into. I did it again, now in the case of Led Zeppelin, and found out that Led Zeppelin II, III, IV (and for a bit I) are rock albums that are only challenged by releases like Layla, Who's Next, Fire and Water, Tommy and some Black Sabbath from the seventies. The search for a good copy, is made easier by your findings. Thanks again and keep those excellent vidoes coming. Greetings from The Netherlands ~Marjet
I was fortunate enough to buy copies of the LZ Classic Records 200G pressings when they were new, so I did not have to pay the crazy prices of today for them. I also have a few copies of LZ II RL/SS on both sides pressings that I acquired years ago. Prices for this record today is rather insane.
I'm sure the Classic Records editions are the best remasters but I'm not going to pay the current price for those.
I have been pretty happy with the digital remasters that Jimmy Page did a few years back.
They sound fine, even pretty good to my ears. Could they sound better? Sure they could.
I will say they sound better than my 1970's reissues and they will do just fine until there are affordable analog reissues.
Thanks Michael, another engaging and enjoyable video. Keep them coming.
This is fun! I can only comment on the three LZ albums I've got more than one copy of to allow comparison.
LZI plum and orange label machine stamped A1/B1 sounds very good indeed but is beaten by the green and orange label hand etched A1/B1, cut by Denis Blackham, side 1 dead wax etched A BILBO BOPPA!, side 2 dead wax etched BILBO - MASTER ROOM.
LZII machine stamped A2/B2 plum and orange label sounds huge, if the Robert Ludwig is better it must be fantastic. I have a Japanese pressing which sounds very good, very "listenable", but a just a touch bright.
LZIV machine stamped etchedetched
As an aside, I've seen quite a few dead wax "messages" on UK pressings but never on US pressings. There surely must be some.
Peace be to you,
Music is the language of Heaven.
Elijah with Enoch
Dear Michael thanks to you I am the prowd owner of the three sam records chet baker issues.First entry. Missed all previous so far. Keep on.
Hello Michael, I had a promo 1st pressing of LZ 4 but sold it I do have 1st pressing of LZ 3 and it sounds great, and an early pressing of Physical Graffiti which also sounds great but I have not got my hands on RL hot mix which pisses me off but that is more my problem..lol I refuse to buy any more LZ records unless they are an audiophile or 1st pressings. I just purchased 3 Doors albums from acoustic sounds 45rpm all on 200g vinyl Doors S/T, Morrison Hotel, Soft Parade. but this problem isn't just with LZ it is also happening with Fleetwood Mac I just finally got a near-perfect sounding Rumours pressed Pallas 45rpm and it is sold out everywhere and I didn't pay secondary prices I'm trying my best not to buy digital of anything. I have a nice collection of Tone Poets which is all from the mastered tapes but it gets expensive..Good luck ev1
The Peko Porky Uk cuttings from the early 1970’s are awesome Michael😉👍👍👍
Unfortunately I do not have the classic, hope Chad kassem will surprise and reissue it properly, currently I have the Japanese analog series that came out in 1992, and its the best of the other pressing I have.
Thank you for posting this video. I own 1,2,4, houses of the holy and the bbc sessions Classic Records, and I agree that they are all fantastic!!
I am not sure of the differences between the Classic Records 180 gram and the 200 gram single lps.
ANYONE OUT THERE KNOWLEDGEABLE THROUGH EXPERIENCE?
It would be really super if someone could shed some light on any differences in sound between the single 180 gram and the single 200 gram releases.
I must also put in a plug for the Robert Ludwig version of the second lp. It is definitely a HOT mix, and sounds really strong. Side one in particular is beastly powerful. I was very fortunate to purchase one in pretty good shape for under 200 dollars, which felt like my lucky day. If this is one of your favorite lps, then you should own one along with a classic records release!!
I just listenend to the debut album by journey from 1975. This is a secret grail. Its really prog rock sounding and not so much mainstream like "dont stop believing" (which i also like). Sadly this album havent had a reissue since the 80s and i think that albums like this one should get reissues, not like the same albums over and over again, that there isnt a good overview about which one sounds now the best.
I’ve compared zep ll MFSL/Org/ RL Mo/ RL preswell and the digitally sourced Jimmy page cuts- RL MO clear winner, MFSL was super quiet, but Bonzo disappeared! Will compare classic records soon.
Yes ...please do....I think that will be the ultimate test. Waiting with baited breath!! Many Thank Yous for doing this!!
Agree , I love my Monarch RL , the CTH version of Moby Dick and bring it on home for some reason I felt kicks 🦵 a little harder , you really feel the bass of JPJ and the drums of JB
I forgot say this. I don’t understand how a artist could listen to these reissue of there works and be happy to put it out into the world. I think if it’s a money issue. If you give us audiophile a chance we would pay more for a great pressing. Hell I just payed 200 dollars for Music Matters Jazz Freddie Hubbard’s Ready For Freddie, because I’m afraid it not going to get a repress and i wanted it and I was Johnny too lately when it was first press. So there are people like me, that will pay a pretty penny for the best.
A lot these bands could careless about how there records sounded. Remember they toured constantly and wanted people to come see them. The vast majority of musicians aren't audiophile's and only care about playing live.
I have early UK pressings of their catalog and they all sound fantastic. I missed out on the Classic Records releases which I really want, I think they are the best quality modern reissues however now they are selling for huge money on the secondary market so I will stick with what I have. Cheers!
just seeing these wonderful album covers gets you reaching into your collection tho !
Great idea. I own the first four albums as 200gr Classic Records editions. I agree that these are fantastic. For most of the others I have the original German pressings, which are not too bad. Better than the new remasters anyway. However, early UK or US pressings are said to be much better. But as you mentioned these are hard to find in near-mint condition. No experience with Russian pressings. Would be interesting to learn more about those. Let's hope for a new from Analog Production based on the Classics laquers. If it happens, it will be most likely in the UHQR series. I doubt, licensing will be granted for a more affordable edition in large quantities.
The Classic Records editions of the Led Zeppelin albums are the best sounding vinyl versions next to the original UK and US editions. I have Classic Records remasters of Houses of the Holy and In Through the Outdoor and they sound incredible, the rest of my Zeppelin albums are original 1st U.S. or 1977 U.S. re-issues.
Nice video Michael. Zeppelin is one of my favorite bands of all time and I have way too many pressings of each of their albums and definitely more so than any other band. The Classics are great and I give them a slight edge over the 2014 and 2015 remasters. I don't know if you caught my shoot out of Zeppelin II that I posted a few years ago but nothing can beat the Robert Ludwig copy of the record. At some point, I should do a sequel to that one since I picked up a German copy and original plum UK press of it. BTW - The RL stampers (or mother/lacquer) made it to Germany so if you hunt around, there are German copies of the RL cut of the album. My German cut of the album is not an RL though.
Thx for sharing Paul and you should do a sequel for sure !
I listened to Zepplin almost constantly for 10yrs in my youth and sadly I cannot stand them now. LoL Their highly compressed sound is very fatiguing.
👌
oops!...LZIV, plum and orange label machine stamped A3/B4, cut by George Peckham, side 1 hand etched PECKO DUCK, side 2 hand etched PORKY. Excellent sounding copy.
The Classic series get great write ups so maybe you've got the best sounding copies already!
I have a later UK pressing, with Porky/Pecko Duck stampers. Plays excellent and much more affordable than an original Plum label.
I've got various original or early pressings of all the Zep albums, but my Robert Ludwig Zep2 and George Pirros Physical Graffiti are two of the best.
I saw the 1-4 Classic box at a high end stereo shop in Toronto around 2005 ish. I balked at the price which was likely $200-$300. I should have pulles the trigger but I am happy with my GP 2 & 3. I have a US first pressing (pecko duck) of iv but it has a few clicks. The HOTH Cdn first pressing sounds great to my ears as well. PG German pressing I have is mint and silent but lacks balls and full low end so that's another one I need to upgrade along with 1 as I only have the JP 3lp edition which is average. Hoping for a Chad Kassem miracle from Analogue Productions in the near future!!
I’ve got a great pressing of Houses of The Holy. Pops skips and occasional scratches but the underlying recording was fantastic. Zeppelin records always had a sound, like there was a veil of that coated the overall sound of their recordings. Hendrix had a similar veil but The Doors, had a total different vibe. I can’t remember what Eddie Kramer touched but he was involved with all of them. Apologies for my naïveté. I had a great Physical Graffiti also. I will have to look. I picked these up in the 80’s when record were a dollar. Everyone was getting rid of albums as folks of a certain age had to move, grow up and move. We gave up records for the convenience of CD. All I can say is that music lovers have been abused by the labels. I would love to have a high quality BBC set but it doesn’t sound like it’s ever been made. That would be a great place to start as you can feel the energy of that band that is exploding right in front of you, even on the CDs. That live on Denmark 69’ tv show footage blew my mind, and continues to every time I watch it. I grew up in a time when Zeppelin 4 was in your face but came to appreciate it away from being loaded. It truly is a run of records that few bands have ever achieved. It’s just a shame that the pressings have been mostly a miss because of having to get the widgets out the door or miscommunications in how careless they chose how the masters were put out into the world. It’s hard to think it was by accident but then again we maybe didn’t know what a golden age we were in. I always revisit these recordings regardless. We had it so good with an ever evolving, out the door classic that we thought that “this is just the way it is….somethings will never change”…..we were wrong.
I have what I believe to be a fourth press of the first LZ album and it sounds amazing. I paid around £10 for it and it’s pretty much flawless. A VG+ version will set you back around £50 but if you can get a nice copy I reckon it won’t be far off the Classic Records issue.
That sounds like a very good alternative Voyduser
I had all the Classic record reissues and they were great. Unfortunately I had to sell them a few years ago to raise some money 😭. I am now stuck with the recent reissues which sound no where near as good although I still enjoy listening to them. I hope to re-buy the Classic issues but the current prices make me hesitate.
Hello Mike,
I've collected quite a few different pressings of LZ'S catalog.
I've got all of the plum label 1st editions from the UK, along with some Russian pressings, current pressings, and also a fair amount of the Classic Records pressings as well.
NOTHING can top the Classic Records editions. They are hands-down the very best pressings on the face of the earth.
I was lucky enough to buy the CR 200 gram LZ I-4 box set, near mint, for under $800, which is a steal because each one of those LPs go for around $400 or more these days.
I also have the 200 gram Houses of the Holy and The Song Remains The Same titles.
I've been waiting to get my hands on the CR Physical Graffiti, Presence, In Through The Out Door, and Coda. Other than Coda, I can't seem to find those other titles at a price that I can afford - yet, lol.
Now the CR 45-rpm editions found in the famous metal case for $20,000 are THE cream of the crop. I can't afford a single one of those pressings, so I can't give my thoughts on those. I have no doubt that those pressings are even better than the 200 gram versions.
I do have several of the LZ Russian pressings (LZ I through Houses Of The Holy), but I wouldn't recommend collecting them for audiophile purposes. They are sort of neat to have however, because they're old remnants of the former Soviet Union. All the covers are very thin, flimsy and fragile. They don't hold up well.
I have one Russian edition that's a combo of both LZ 4 and Houses Of The Holy. The Russians did their very own cover of 4 that has a younger peasant guy on the front cover. I think it's a probably a parody of sorts. It's not a painting or drawing, but it's rather unique so I like it!
The Russian titles are very affordable, though.
As for those UK first edition plum label pressings....they are OK in sound, but they can go for hundreds of $$. They aren't anywhere near as good as the CR pressings, of course. I guess I don't really know why they are worth hundreds of $$. I suppose it's due to them being more rare than the later orange/green pressings, but damn, they can often sell for what the CR mint pressings go for.
I do have a LZ Robert Ludwig (on both sides) pressing of LZ II. It's only in vg condition like most of the other copies of the 'Hot Mix'. It's very hard to find one in decent condition. This edition also goes for hundreds of $.
I know of a certain record store owner on YT that swears by the Ludwig issue having an even better sound quality than the CR pressing.
My RL copy is too beat up, so I can't compare one next to the other. Wish that I could though!
Wow thx for sharing Mike
Michael that was another great video 👌
LZ is a band that I loved since my teenage years back in Ireland. Which why I bought those 'Nice Price' LP's back in the late 80's (except CODA & The Song Remains The Same).
I still own those very same records and I still think that they sound great. My tastes have considerably widen since then, so I have no interest in spending a fortune to get the absolutely best versions of their discography.
Now back to CODA......I actually bought the Jimmy Page deluxe edition of this one a few years ago. Solely considering the music available on this version, in my opinion it is the only version worth getting. It seems that Jimmy left the best of the demo's and outtakes to this last deluxe edition!!
I’m waiting for audiophile reissue of Led Zeppelin’s catalog. I don’t like what Abby Road has done with these British iconic album. So if there going stay with the digital source albums, I’ll stick with my CD versions. I got the Led Zeppelin 4 and I can’t spinning it anymore because it makes me angry to here such a incredible album done so bad.
Unfortunately Zep's recordings are barely at audiophile level. Even though they had top engineers of the era a lot of their masterings are amateur sounding. I've never heard a version of Stairway that didn't have clipping on the guitar right before the solo.
I think that the "market" price of the 45 Road Case is around $5000 - $6000, not $20,000. There was only one copy that sold for $25,000 but that was an outlier - it was new and sealed in the original packing box.
Rather controversially I really like the Jimmy Paige digital remasters. The bass in particular I find to be superb, particularly on one two and four, I love them.
I agree!
I have Led Zeppelin I, II and Song Remains the Same from Classic (33 rpm.) I bought I and II like you, open, mint, but before the prices spiked. Song Remains the Same was new.
I have an original Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffiti. Houses of the Holy was a hunt and splurge for the Ludwig. I have not compared any of these to other editions. They sound better than good.
I am missing, but want III, IV and In Through the Out Door...
the original Houses of the holy Ludwig Sterling is very good indeed. It's my go to.
I know I'm responding to an old video but I just saw it. I've been going through my various LZ records. The 1st I prefer my Classic copy to US copy and probably digital remaster. Houses of the Holy I prefer my Classic copy to the US copy. Zep II I have a UK copy with Green and Red label and prefer it to the Classic copy which seems too Hard by comparison. Acoustic guitars and general musicality seem much better on that UK copy.
Always a pleasure to watch your videos ( except they cost me a lot of money ) Thanks Anthony
Just a note for thought , I have herd that the red label from Canada is very comparable to the RL hot mix because apparently the stampers came from Atlantic in the UK.
The only problem I have with the "Jimmy paige " remasters is he push the drums back in the mix! Otherwise it doesn't sound that bad (doesn't sound that great either)! Yeah there digital, but it's a "hi resolution " digital! 96k/24bit sounds pretty close to tape! But it would also be nice if "chad kassem " gets a hold of the original master tapes!
chad was laughing at Michael Fremer as he asked him in a video at a record or audio fair about LZ. so there is no chance, from what I saw in the face of chad,
I purchased most of the individual title box pressings that were released a few years ago. Page remixed them, came with outtakes and a book. Good idea, I thought. But I am ambivalent about them. When I listen to LZ, I choose the originals. I wish I liked the box sets more. Anyone have that same feeling?
They’re not remixed.
I had the 2014 remasters and I thought that they are great... Untill I’ve bought one sided german RL of LZII. What A difference!!! RL side is a atomic bomb explosion carved into grooves:D Then I’ve managed to find a good deal on Classic 200g LZII - great sounding one, very close to the RL imo.
So I’ve sold my 2014 and replaced them with vintage copies. 1st Japan for Presence and TSRTS are great! German RL for HOTH is another winner:)
LZI late 70s Piros sounds great - mastered at the Sheffield Labs. LZIV 'new audio' US press from early 80s is the best I’ve heard so far, much better than my PECKO speciallity early press! LZIII this one is tough - I have two copies: US Monarch later press and early plum from holland. They sound ok, Holland is very bass heavy but lacks resolution. I’m still looking for Physical Graffitti...
The Classic pressings are probably the most reliable audiophile quality available but patience is needed to find them. Originals from UK/US were good but tend to have been played to oblivion. The Robert Ludwig 2 is scarce and generally expensive. It would be great to have decent remaster on prime vinyl - we live in hope!
Do you have No Quarter too? I own an original UK pressing but would love to see it repressed as price is getting prohibitive but definitely worth getting as a fan
I really struck gold when I found a first German press of Led Zep 2 by Bob Ludwig for 20 euros. Side B doesn't sound the greatest but Side A is incredible.
The other 2 first pressings I have are Physical Graffiti (USA) and Houses Of The Holy (German) which I love.
I really hope Page allows for a true audiophile release happen even at just 45 rmp not that it's a bad thing at all.
How cool is that
sava: the reason why the b side of your LedZep2 doesnt sound that good is because side b is not the Ludwig cut.. i have the same pressing and its REALLY frustrating to flip the record after listening to side a.. but on the other hand, this pressing is a perfect demonstration how amazing and how bad pressings can sound on one record 😜
@@ToenS Yeah I know it really surprised me the first time i listened to it but at least I got it for a really good price
I own all the UK original first pressings, when I had saved up the money I sourced and bought them with my pocket money. I also own Japanese pressings of 1 and 4 which have very slightly heavier bass and having watched the doc by Jimmy I got all the recent remasters which are cleaner brighter tighter kick and bass. On digital I have so many versions I should probably delete half of them and just keep the high res copies. I also have a master tapes of 1 and 4 and they are the best although rough round the edges
Great video. I’ve owned countless pressings of every Zeppelin album but have narrowed it down to just one copy each with the exception of Zep II. All of my studio copies are the Classic Records 200 gram 33 1/3 RPM pressings. Led Zeppelin II copies are the RL and the MoFi. The RL is my go to for II. I was lucky to get all of these used NM at a fantastic price a few years ago. Now they are getting extremely hard to find. Still need to find the BBC Classic Records box though. I would highly suggest people go after the Classic Records pressings. The recent Jimmy Page remasters are not that great, IMO. As for the rest of the catalogue I own the Super Deluxe boxsets of BBC, How The West Was Won and The Song Remains The Same. I also own a fair amount of bootlegs but due to the differences in quality they are not comparable to the official releases.
I agree with you Stryder
@James Malbec, I would have no doubt that this was what Jimmy was going for.
Thanks for a great video and your continued hard work, dedication, and passion! I just received from Music Direct today the Mothership box set 2014/15 remastered at 96/24 and it sounds good, though it sounds like a cd? I was thinking about looking to get The Complete BBC Sessions. I stream/listen to it now on Qobuz. Would I be better served by getting the box set with this? Thanks again.
I really need to look for some audiophile LZ. The albums I have Are mid-70’s club pressings in “ok” condition 🥱
On another note, can you suggest the best possible box set outer sleeves!
Thank you!
The US Piros and Ludwig cuts are typically the best, or the Classics.
What are the “US Piros”?
@@jasonarsenault3791 He means cut by mastering guru George Piros
I'd expect the UK originals can hold their own against any US pressings as well..
@@Matasky2010 Meh, not from what Ive heard. Rarely ever prefer the UK cuts.
The Stan Ricker SRTS is the Bomb
A great video - thank you.
I have a few copies of Led Zep IV/Four Runes/Untitled (well, 15 copies - 14 vinyl and 1 CD). My wife's view is it is an affliction. Nevertheless, the three copies I play most are, in order, the Classic Records 200g (outstanding dynamics); a 1971 US VSRP pressing (the cleanest of my 1971 ones and like all early pressings, really dynamic); and the 2020 European RM RE which I think is pretty good (on my system with my ears) and is pretty cheap. The 2014 European pressing doesn't sound good to me (one copy I have looks very similar to the 2020 one and I know very quickly when I have put the wrong one on the turntable) so avoid. The 2003 CD is still in the shrink wrap so I offer no opinion.
If you like The Song Remains the Same, I suggest trying to get a copy of the 2018 boxset - it is very different from the original and worth hearing. Again, the Classic Records issue is the best but the original 1976 UK pressing is very good and a lot cheaper and I pretty much wore a hole in my 1976 German pressing which I've had for 40 years.
As much as a huge fan I am I do not have any "audiophile" pressings yet YET key word there. I am still looking for the Robert Ludwig "hot mix" of LZII . I was pleased with the 2014 releases but yes a digital source I did videos on them all in a playlist on my channel but my reviews are not as elaborate as yours sadly. The classic series is very $$ so not sure I will ever get any of those but you never know. I have a few pressing from other countries I do have two Russian pressing that do sound really good. I didn't see you show In Through The Out Door, do you have a classic pressing of that ? I feel incomplete now I need to invest into the classic pressings. Really enjoyed your thoughts on these Michael. Cheers !! -VK
Michael, great idea. I grew up in Brazil. My experience with the pressings was great for some mid 80s reissues there. Originals, later ones from houses of the holy and on were good. Early albums were noisy, terrible.
I have early editions of US albums now and much better. I don’t have a RL, but I have a 2nd press and RC editions which sounds very good and clear in my opinion.
My pressings of 3 are sort of muddy, 1 is thin and 4 is great, both my early pressings. Houses of the Holy always sounds great, in most of the pressings, and so does my the song remains the same.
Physical graffiti does not have a great sound in my opinion, because it is a collection from many points in their career, not cohesive sound.
In through the out door is likely their best recorded album and very underrated in my opinion.
Hopefully good repressings are coming
Lastly, in another subject, I think The Smiths are one of the greatest bands ever, hardly any audiophile work mentions anywhere...
Felipe, I can't agree with you more regarding the 'In Through The Out Door' album.
It's been critically crapped on by the majority of people who've heard it, unfairly, I might add.
It is one of my most favorite albums of all time.
'Carouselambra' is a masterpiece in my opinion! 👍
@@MJEvermore853 you’re absolutely right. Most people just go with the flow and worship #2, without actually knowing their complete work
Great topic ! i only have the first Led Zeppelin, Uk 1969 looking to expand my Collection. Any thoughts on Japanese pressings ?
I have the 2014 and 2015 Led Zeppelin reissues but I know the Classic versions are superior. Jimmy Page did the latest reissues and of course he says those are the best ones. I understand the original British pressings are suppose to be great but as I am in America am trying to get original American pressings. So far I have the first album which is an early pressing.
I have a NM- RL pressing of Zep II from Presswell. It’s fantastic. My buddy has a Monarch. It’s even better. I also have MFSL and Classic pressings, and the RL cut is the best, ticks and pops notwithstanding.
Unfortunately Jimmy Page holds the masters and won't release them. He was quoted in an article that is easily available by searching Google. He stated the last reissues he supervised were the best they could sound and called it the definitive releases, which I disagree with. I have the complete set of the remasters by Atlantic. Overall they sound good. With the recent advances by Miles Showell of Half-Speed Mastering Technics, it would be interesting to hear how they would sound since all the files are digital. Showell did an amazing job with the Paul McCartney half-speed as well as The Beatles Sgt Pepper, White Album and Abbey Road remasters. He made those sound better by cleaning the master tapes prior to transfering to digital. With the age of tapes now, it's a good option to get copies to preserve. Showell has done releases for the who, Genesis, Dire Straits and other bands. I feel if we would get another round of reissues it will most likely be that route. But it would be nice to have Analog Productions make a good business case to do I final round of proper Analogue Pressings. Wouldn't that be a game changer! We shall see. Also I did have most of LZ 80s issues and I would stay clear of those. Very thin noisy vinyl that doesn't sound good in my opinion. I am hearing that not only the newer Russian Pressings are good but there is s a label in Germany doing small pressings. I am sure it's an unofficial release. But they released the first 3 in mono on colored vinyl. I may pick up LZ I to do a shoot out.
I only have the very old pressings with the original cover artwork because I am that old and I bought them from my pocket money back then. Only one thing struck me, so I had to have a look. Led Zeppelin IV, I was right the lamp is different and there is no yellow lamp and the shade around this lamp is just white.
Anyway - I don´t buy newer copies because I think the market is crazy for more or less boostered sounds, you have to hear with headphones. If I listen to my Zepps I wait `till my wife is out shopping and then I turn up the receiver, my old Dual player and let the speakers work.
The only Zepps record I have on cd is How the West was Won - far better than The Song Remains the Same - in my opinion, because so much overmastering done and overlays; maybe someone can tell me if it is worth buying it on vinyl.
Great Video Michael. When you play the Led Zeppelin 200 gram LP's do you make adjustments to the VTA? Also, have you had a chance to compare a 45 rpm single sided 4 LP from Classic Records against a UK original press?
Ah Michael - you are rubbing salt in my wounds.
Literally just recieved my first ever Classic Records Zeppelin title today.
Thought I'd got a great price on an EX condition Zep II 180grams.
Visually it does indeed grade EX.
But the vinyl is super noisy, maybe one of the noisiest I've heard.
Such a shame, because I can hear why you love these - the music sounds fantastic!
Must have listened to this album a thousand times - yet there are sounds I've never heard on this version.
I guess I have to track down a better copy now....
Interesting topic Michael. Have you seen Patrick’s (Vinyl Archivist) recent video on his favourite LZ pressings?
Not yet will do so
Where’s In Through The Out Door?
not in my collection yet
My question to anyone who has ITTOD would be;”Which cover did they use”?(Classic rec.)
@@Michael45RPM understandable...its weak. At least Coda has an excuse being a leftovers album.
I'm lucky enough to have the first 6 zeppelin on both on early plum RL pressings/ or UK first and the classic 200g as well as the recent remasters of all 6
To my ears the classic 200g are the best by a whisker in terms of hifi
The plums/uk 1st sing and get played the most often as they sound raw and untouched.. As they should be etc
The remasters are OK at best and not really worth buying imho
I think the uk 1st pressings are the best value for money( not cheap but cheaper than classic 200g) and they are fairly easy to get hold of good copies here in the UK
Just my opinion of course
Great stuff thx for sharing Alex
What do people think about the 1990 box set pressings? To me they sound better than the super delux box set. Thoughts??
First 3 from Japan,...very nice, all 1st english plum...German 1st pressing. At some stage you have to stop. I am not happy with Page's last output, nor I am with the mothership compilation,...and yes,..try to get the original BBC
and yes...the new digital remasters are awful!!...but the second lps are nice to have!!
Chad Kassem already has the rights to release all of the Led Zeppelin catalog. There will be UHQR and 45rpm versions. Watch out as soon as he is done with the Steely Dan catalog. Start saving your money now. (Just a prediction.)
what makes you say this?
@@kdbutter23 just a prediction.
@@Schueyjr i really hope you are right.
Ok The Classic Editions of Led Zep are the best sounding hmmmm ok
The led zep ii blows all the Audiophile pressings away , even a G+ Led z ii , I have A Monarch RL SS , CTH RL SS / LH SS , PR RL SS.
The 2014 Lz ii , yes it’s digital but sounds to my ears the closest to RL , less mid and more bass . The George Piros to me if it had the same bass as RL has little more clean dynamics with less distortion.
I thought Chad had the plates, etc. from Classic. Is that wrong?
Rumor has it jay that this is true
I like your idea for a series on important artists and noteworthy pressings. This one though, (I'll duck for cover) is not my favourite. I know, crazy right? LZ just never grabbed my eye. :-)