Miles Davis Kind OF Blue UHQR Mini Review A UPDATE to my original shootout - What Version Best?
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- Опубліковано 17 тра 2024
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Isn't Coltrane on the left for side one and right for side two? Definitely Coltrane on the left for So What and Evans on the left as well. Someone has their channels reversed...
You could be right. I’m dyslexic so I’ll have to double check that when I get home. The order is Miles/John/Cannonball/Bill
@@TheInGroove 😄
@66jodaco Glad I scrolled down to find a comment about this before I ever pitched in with a comment (I didn’t after I found this).
Absolutely the interplay with Evans is with him, Bill Evans, on the left channel on "So What". Either Mike misspoke or he's got a reversed channel somewhere along.
@@LetThereBeSound1 Checked it out. I'll blame that fo paux on my dyslexia. Everything I said was accurate except I got my left and right twisted.
@@TheInGroove I figured as much! An innocent faux pas! It’s all good!
Really looking forward to the 78 RPM!
Lol!🤣😂
😄
I’m holding out for the 8 Track.
It’s a classic “Call & response” format….. I feel Bill Evans really is the “Glue” in this session… his ability to harmonise and use timing and dynamics to make the session so special
Great dissection Michael, absolutely agree
OMG! I was listening to this release on the weekend and I was intent on finding where the placement of the musicians were in the soundstage. I couldn't find a thing online and gave up. You explained exactly the information I was looking for! Thank you!!!
I have literally dozens of different pressings of “Kind of Blue” (some of you may remember me from my old website “Milestones”) including an original mono and stereo…THIS UHQR 45 is my favorite all around.
I personally like the original mono mix of that album the most^
the whole reason I got into jazz was years ago a old friend took me to downtown LA and we had some drinks and live jazz was playing, and I simply loved how each musician had thier time to shine, and like you said, it was like they were having a conversation, I also found that live jazz is a pleasure to hear, I cant say that about many other types of music.
love the way you explain stuff Mike, cheers! (would love a copy but I'm saving up to heat my house this winter lol)
Great video! I love the box too and people say it's too big but what I did is put my other copy of kind of blue in the box with it and right there saves a little shelf space.
When I bought my first copy of this album in maybe 1980 (a pretty quiet US domestic pressing) the thing that hit me first was the moment when the drums break in at that shift between the intro and Miles' solo...a total WOW moment when Jimmy Cobb hits that cymbal... From that moment I was hooked...
Listen to his comments on that choice. Its on UA-cam somewhere.
Looks really nice. Great synopsis Mike
Absolutely frigg'n *LOVE* this, thanks man! After just seeing your original review the other day and your opinion then, I've been DYING to hear your thoughts now including the UHQR 45. Thanks Bro, I know you know this, but you F'n *ROCK!* 👍
Now that's a proper review/comparison!!
I like the 33RPM UHQR better. Not into how the record is broken up. Artists like Miles put a lot of time thinking of how the album should flow. Flow be like water. When you break the flow it is not the same as intended. Cheers to Chad for putting it out on 33RPM as well.
Isn’t sound quality more important than flow?
@@SPAZZOID100 Yes and the 33RPM sounds awesome. I have heard a 6 eye and this is real close. For me I'll take sound quality and flow.
Well, unless it's a song cycle (like A Love Supreme), jazz albums from this vintage are not necessarily put in order by the artist. And consider that Miles would play these tunes as standalones as well as out of order.
EXACTLY. This album is meant to be put on and then just sit back, relax and let the music flow and envelop you. Having to get up and flip every 8-10 minutes completely destroys the flow and atmosphere of the music.
@@cradio52 For you. Not for me. It'd be different if the tunes were split up in the middle. But flipping over a side takes me 30 seconds. That's less time than it takes for the band to retune, and the leader to setup for the next tune at a live gig.
Ordered my copy last week, it arrives here in Brisbane on my birthday 🥳 can’t wait!
Completely agree with your take on this release and it's comparison to some of the other available copies. I posted a video earlier today as well discussing the differences, and feel like we're aligned
Good review Mike. I like how detailed it was and your comments about other KOB reissues. I have KOB UHQR 45. #3331, sounds great- overall excellent. QP's Clarity pressings are excellent and the mastering is superb. I compared it to my 1970 CBS reissue of KOB. The AP won that shoot out obviously. This box set is the best packaging out there. The binder is actually black painted oak with gold lettering. Very nice work Chad and co. BTW, I must have that Revolver Deluxe vinyl set coming out Oct 28
I like having inner sleeves like Mofi with a release but I feel like they make seam-splitting more likely.
+1 on the packaging being great. I have my Analog Productions UHQR and MOFI one-steps on the same shelf. I feel that I reach for the UHQRs more simply because of what you showed in the last 20-seconds of the video.
Thanks for the update, Mike. I discovered KOB in the early 80s. And because I'm a musician myself, I have always heard, paid attention to and appreciated the interplay between the soloist and pianist, no matter what vinyl, CD or re-issue version I listened to.
But just FYI, the 45 RPM Box I got from you didn't have the Ad Sheet, only the booklet, UHQR process sheet and certificate. Oh well....
Great review, Mike ! I need to check out this interplay of Evans during Coltrane soloing your are mentioning. My dream would be an Ultra Tape from AP running over my Studers😅
Mike, we need you & Mazzy to get together & have a Point - Counter Point video on Special Box Releases & the need or the waste of the actual box...
Well done review! I agree that the original source tapes are degrading with time, so this might be that last iteration of such a classic recording.
Mike, thanks for your thoughts and for the recommendation you gave to box haters. Me personally, I like the box and think it’s used to celebrate the excellence of worthy albums. Got my copy of this and I love it!
Great review. I've seen some comments on other threads for this record, that some prefer the one sided Classic 45RPM version over this. I imagine its just splitting hair, but on your reference system, are you able to discern any sonic differences that lean closer to the Cassic over the AP version (packaging not withstanding), perhaps due to either the one sided-ness (preferred by Hobson) or even the original mothers created from the original father were generationally fresher.. did you hear that "freshness"?
My copy arrived yesterday and what you're pointing out about the communication between Bill Evans and all the other soloists is exactly what I detected in this particular pressing. I compared it with the MFSL and the 33rpm UHQR. This is the ultimate version and hopefully my last KOB that I am purchasing.
I listened to my copy before hearing your observations. I agree 100% with your observation about the clarity of the interactions between musicians. I also think Paul Chambers is the most prominent on this pressing versus even the OG .
I’m waiting for mine. Going to take a time to deliver to Sweden
Hi Mike. Thanks for the review and for all that you do for the hobby. True passion is hard to find in a career….and you certainly have it. I wanted to mention that on all of my 33 rpm versions (UHQR, Classic and a 70’s Columbia pressing) I have Coltrane and Evans in the left listeners channel (facing the stereo) and Adderly in the right channel on Side 1 (So What through Blue In Green). On Side 2 Adderly is on the left channel and Coltrane is on the right. Evans remains on the left……although there is a lot of bleed throughout which seems to add to the sound quality in this case. Still debating on whether to pull the trigger on this, and your review is not aiding my wallet :).
I also broken flame fan.i watched your channel From Hong Kong.
Good Video Mike! When do you start to ship them?
Looks great.... so when is it going to be shipped out for those of us that placed the pre-order?
I just wish AP would have reissued this as a normal, non-box vinyl release as well. A lot more people could afford it then.
Great review, especially the details about soundstage separation. Have you listened to the Sony Japan SACD 5.1? It has such beautiful clarity depth & separation with Miles centered, Coltrane on right & Cannonball on left.
I thought it was Coltrane on the Left and Cannonball on the Right. I’m not doubting you, but do we know who is playing in which speaker? I have tried looking it up in recent years, but never have found confirmation.
@@dburgette7577 good point, I think they change channels from side one to side two. But the separation on the 5.1 Japan SACD is just so fine, not to be missed especially if you can’t get the new hotness 45.
I'll wait and see as more people get them.
The 33 had a bunch of bum pressings when it came out. For months, I just kept reading how people were on their second or third replacement. That all fine if you're in the States. But in Canada, or God forbid Europe...spend money on another order and pay shipping just to have the 'replacement parts'.
I too recently received my copy of this UHQR. For a review of the product? The packaging was well done. I'm not too concerned about the modern sales filler added to the package. That is just a fact of our times. As a collectors package, this is very well done. Now down to the brass tacks of this whole thing. What we really buy these for is the record itself. That holds 3/4 of the weight of how I judge something such as this.
As for the record itself? Well, I've only ran it once so far. All I can say is that I got a box of rice crispy's. The surface noise and all the snaps, crackles and pop's truly made me question my decision of buying another UHQR. Yes, the mix is incredible. The arrangement that you can hear is amazing, but muddled due to all the @#$% noise. Then on side 3 - All Blues, the horns are sooo grainy they border distorted. As a whole, the record itself was a major disappointment. I may try to clean the crap out it and try again, but for the first run right out of the box... it was awful. The album itself a wonderful project. I give no discredit to the album.
My gripe is with the "quality" of the disk itself. No other product I've gotten from Acoustic Sounds has ever come out this poorly. I'll admit I may have gotten one of those copies that got missed in the productions QA phase. They can't get them 100% of the time. All I do know is that this copy just isn't up to their normal standards and faaar from their UHQR standards. I truly hope a cleaning and getting the surface cleaned up that it will result in a wonderful copy in the end.
Mine is similar on side 2 and 4, lots of tics and pops distracting from the admitedly amazing sound quality. Hoping a clean will get them out!
Cleaning did not help...
@@hapiBen Will be getting to mine this weekend. Will pass along the results then.
Do you have a video showing your audio system setup? Also would like to see a video in the top 10 best sounding affordable records.
I have liked the UHQR box from the start and agree it is much superior to all the other audiophile boxes. The Stoughton jackets are also a step above any other jackets that I have seen from Stoughton. I took out all the propaganda in my Axis UHQR stereo and was able to store my classic records Axis mono in the same box.
Great 💡, thanks.
Whom ever thinks this box is wasteful is truly a100% Tool ... the entire set is worth every penny ....
Billie Holiday’s “Lady In Satin” has been on Acoustic Sounds advertising inserts for at least 2 years now and no one ever asks about it. Hopefully we’ll get an answer as to what the holdup is.
Hi David, We are having problems having Jackets printed( 6 to 9 Months) and also the Record Pressing companies are also way behind. I wish I could snap my fingers and have the records pressed. But we only have so many presses and with out jackets we will not press. We have the Bill Evans Box to come First then the Jethro Tull Stand up next.
I predict maybe the beginning of 2023 we should have the Lady in Satin, It was pressed of the Metal Parts from Classic Record by Bernie Grundman and will be pressed at RTI.
Again I am sorry you have to wait . It will come Chad Kassem
@@chadkassem5881 Chad! Thanks so much for answering that! I’m also eagerly awaiting the Bill Evans box :-) And a big thanks for all your hard work and dedication.
@@chadkassem5881 you’re the man!
Chad, please do more Prestige records, I am from Australia, every time I order, I have to get at least 15 LPS or it's NOT worth my time, but there is no way of procuring any of these records is there? Happy to pay first, ship later but man, it's hard to wait for all ur favorite records to come out and order them all at once!
Agreed on the QR code thing.
Hey Mike , i dig your video
Good stuff! 👍🏻 definitely a different take on the review of the album which I dig.
Almost seems like shootouts now should be split between 33rpm and 45rpm best sounding copies
I haven’t heard the 45RPM UHQR but the 33 is probably similar and I found that the Mofi was truer to the original mix than the mix down that Bernie did. The UHQR definitely had a better clarity as there is one less analog tape generation but I found the soundstage was wider then the original and remix. Almost like you were in the middle of musicians instead of in front of them. I guess it all depends on your preferences when it all comes down to it.
I also find on my system that the bass isn’t over powering on the Mofi and actually prefer it to the bass on the 33 UHQR.
mine coming Thursday, only copy .
I got the mobile fidelity kind of blue from the in groove recently when there was new old stock found. There was a manufacturing defect. Looked like someone took a sewing needle and gouged between the second third track. It clicks so much and does it almost all the way through track 3. I didn’t have time to return it. Was too busy at work. Just gonna give it away. I bought the uhqr. Mobile Fidelity can eat my butt. Canceling the bill withers and using that 40 to buy Nina Simone from ap.
Michael, I don’t watch many UA-cam record video’s however I do watch yours. You don’t have the agenda of most of the others. Your video’s are an honest and detailed appraisal of the albums being compared. When you do a shootout like myself you have all the major versions for comparison.
Great work!
QR codes as you know give greater information rather than a whole load of tiny writing. But hey, each to their own. Excellent review as usual. Bish
Better to have a link in letters. Mike's right that it's not done. I wouldn't even like it on my CDs, DVDs or BRs.
How well will the QR codes work in 40 years time? Paper is proven technology.
@@DrOz-007 you don't read paper, you read the information written on it. more information can be stored using a QR code than very small print. Bar codes have been around for decades.
Interesting point about the potential quality control issues with classic records. Eeek. Hope I don’t get a bad zeppelin 3 if I ever want to shell out the $$$
You just sold me...😂
I’m with you! Put it in the book and not on a qr code. Old school needs to be ol school.
Do your thoughts apply to the 33rpm version?
Is the UHQR 45 that different from the 33 1/3 version?
They should have included a UH QR code... I'll see myself out...
:)
Wah wah waaah
I feel the same way but my sub 2000 pros require me to have the phone out. At least for awhile. To anyone complaining about the SVS subs only connecting to one sub at a time I just get out another phone or kindle and connect them to each sub.
I think I'll splurge on the 45rpm copy in the hope I can find a buyer for my 33rpm copy. I need the shelf space and it's a very expensive, luxury item.
As someone who is relatively new to being aware of audiophile recordings (but a jazz fan for almost 30 years) it’s strange to read reactions to the MOFI Kind of Blue. When it first came out it looks like there was nearly universal praise. Now virtually all I see is people totally trashing it (and this was before the DSD revelations). I’m sure there is some validity to the criticisms but I also suspect some groupthink is going on.
Lot's of groupthink.
Have you actually listened to the UHQR 33?
I've purchased all of the "modern" reissues of KoB and I agree completely with Mike - if you want only one definitive copy of this, the 45RPM UHQR is the one to have. I actually got rid of all other copies and this is now the only one I have, want, or need. Chad Kassem and co. hitting another one out of the park as far as I'm concerned.
One day those QR codes will be really vintage and cool and KOB will be reissued complete with QR codes from 2022
Please compare 33 vs 45
Good review. Little two stepping going on, but good review. I find with all the broo hah hah this summer, you are a bit more measured since. Let Mike be Mike
how does it compare to the 33rpm version?
Billie holiday finally yes
If they release John Coltrane - Blue train Stereo and Mono on UHQR 45rpm/33rpm vinyl with bonus tracks, I would buy it!
With this Mofi stuff things aren't as clear cut anymore so, for me, and despite this is a Vinyl channel, the best version that I've came across for this album has to be the 2007 Japanese SACD. The word that comes to mind is "energetic". And this is from comparing between all the formats that I own namely an old vinyl pressing, MOV 2 disc, Mofi 45 2015, 4 or 5 SACDs and the HDtracks files. I've heard the 33 UHQR version at a demo and it was very good but not enough to move me to buy it or the this 45 version.
By the time I'm able to get "disposable income " again, it will probably be out of print! On the other hand , I wouldn't mind going a bit beyond my means to own it!
Interesting counter-punch on the alleged MoFi bloated bass. You don't hear that argument very often...
You’re welcome Mike. On the 33 version I was asked by AS return manager to leave a voicemail message on Chad’s VM suggesting they stop sending uhqr boxes with the discs in the jacket. Looks like that may have made a difference. ☮️
I will personally thank you. It seems like that would even be quicker to package with LPs outside jackets.
If you have the 33 1/3 copy, is it truly worth going again to get the 45rpm?
That's what I was waiting for...
Depends. It's the best but do you want to spend $150 for a record that is 20% better than the one you already have? I do but that's a personal judgment call.
The answer is no in my opinion. The 45 rpm does have a little better air and the horns are a little bit more real but it is splitting hairs because the 33 is outstanding and you get to hear double the music before standing up.
@@TheInGroove exactly where i am stuck... I have 4-5 copies of this album with he UHQR 33, I doubt my system would give me that 20%.
Yamaha a1050 receiver, at120, ortofon2mblue and cerwinvega at30s
Nope, because soon comes the 78 RPM…
This is a great presentation my friend really was I just don't know if I want to drop $150 on an album that I have a copy of it already 😑😑😑
Excellent review, Mike, but I can't agree with you on the MoFi 45 rpm. The AP/QRP 45 UHQR is just the best one to have for the total sound; I'm just hearing so much sound from my copy of this landmark album. Somebody might want the 33 1/3 rpm UHQR to play when they don't feel like getting up to change the records. I have the Classic Records 33 1/3 of the album, and that one is good enough for me.
Really too bad that Evans never received a slice of the pie
Musical intentions?
This would probably NOT be the last audiophile release of KOB. Many and many will follow…. The technology will go on further and further throughout the years. Next step will probably be the DNA correct audio release 😊
Keep in mind this is from the 1997 metal work so in 25 years it's not got any better.
45 RPM always.
If you were just listening and enjoying the music, isn't getting up every song to flip the album too much and that breaks the mellow feel you are having?
I'm fat and need the exercise.
I got one from Walmart
You wish.
@@hank8499 I did, just the standard Columbia stereo fidelity for $22 bucks lol, sounds decent tho😌👌
Grumpy old man can’t deal with QR codes 😂
I'm so happy that I can stop buying this record knowing this is the "definitive " version (other than an OG).
You don’t even need an “original”. Any old Columbia pressing with the 1 matrix (which are most of them) sounds quite a bit better than this Classic/UHQR reissue.
I have a 70s pressing and it sounds great.
@@TheHSIHP You bet! Enjoy.
Too funny. "the last thing I want to do when im listening to these records is get out a computer" :30 later "I'm the kinda guy that goes online and google maps Blue note........"
There’s a time and a place for everything.
I was thinking the same thing lmao
many people today use their phone as the music player...
To be fair he didn't say he was online and google maps while listening to the record.
@@wordtoyou4395 but who would sit down, put their record on, and say “Now is a good time to scan that QR code!”
I donno, why re-do the same album that many times?
Because people will keep buying them.
@@TheHSIHP yes, seems about right. I personally find this album a bit overrated.
260 euros for Kind of Blue? No, no. Too expensive. I will keep hearing the complete Columbia CD Box with Coltrane.
Time is working against these reissues. The cut that Grundman made in the late nineties was based on (copies of?) tapes that were about 40 years old by then. There's only so much one can do by that point. There's no magic to it, you really do not need golden ears to hear that the regular -1 cut that Columbia used up to the 1970's sounds better in comparison - very much so, and in about every regard. When the dust settles around these UHQR's, I am quite sure that more and more listeners will come to regard it for what it actually is: yet another inferior sounding reissue. The only "audiophile" vinyl pressing I would recommend is the Classic Records double lp version - yep, cut by Bernie Grundman - which has side 1 in both original and corrected speed, plus a gorgeous sounding rejected take of Flamenco Sketches.
Pffffffffff
@@itsvladzino3246 My reaction exactly after listening to the UHQR! 8^D
The UHQR 33 is phenomenal don’t need the 45 especially with the ridiculous price hike. Hard pass
What I’m hearing - MOFI doesn’t know how to master a jazz album
Drinking game…take a shot every time Mike says a record is “dynamite” … 🍻
That entire UHQR packaging is wasteful. I would have been fine with just the tip-on jacket but that's just me.
yes, and a price about just 50 $ ^
Agree
I wonder if the box is to protect the records. Somebody might forgive a messed up box ,but not a messed up jacket, or -- god forbid -- records.
@@AeroModule Maybe they'll make another box to protect the box that protect the records on their Super Premium UHQR version.
I honestly don't have a strong opinion about the box, but I wish people would stop with the "if you don't like it, throw it away" comment particularly if the criticism you're responding to is that it's wasteful.
Sorry. I should of said recycle it.
I mean, this is a store that still uses plastic bags meanwhile their city is on fire
When your grandchildren inherit this album they hopefully will realise it is something special and not throw it in the dumpster. I personally love the box and proudly display this as my crowning Jewel of my collection. It does have such a great sound and super quiet background. I honestly feel that if you have a decent system or better you will hear and love the quality. I have a rather heap fluance turntable, project S2 tube phono amp, Prima Luna 400 amp and Elac Vela floor stand speakers. Compared to the Columbia 6 eye pressing this 45 rpm UHQR is amazing and worth every penny imho.
The UHQR isn't just the best reissue of this seminal lp,it's the ONLY version to listen to apart from the original six eye.
Accept no substitutes.
They are all crap.
Especially the Mofi🤮
I don’t trust any of these labels anymore. They spin these fantastic yarns about how their stuff is “mastered”. They talk about “pressings” as if they can discern one from
Another. And, worst of all during this debacle, drop names like Bernie Grundman, Kevin Gray, Chad Kassem, I’m sure there are many others, like they are rock stars. I would never pay hundreds of dollars for the bragging rights to one of these- and that’s what it is, bragging rights. I’m laughing now at all the fools who spent thousands, or tens of thousands, on MoFi releases, and are now trying to dump them, only to find no one wants to buy them. Invest in something that is a true money earning commodity, not stupid vinyl records. This is a hobby for me, pure and simple. We are not sending astronauts to Mars. The hobby itself has become so sleazy and underhanded. All these spin doctors and rock stars of record mastering need to start talking in the same language.
Waste of money...... Can you hear difference. I have original.