Haven't got the money. The 2009 Sanctuary is an improvement over the WB (although it seems, anything is) and that really is all I need.
No, those things weren't present on the '86 or WB (though other dropouts may have been, I don't recall. No NR, though). No dropouts or NR on the Black Box either, but like the WB CD, that was sourced from the US copy tapes (which had a fluctuating volume flaw throughout War Pigs and was digitally fixed on Black Box). The 2009 doesn't have the dropouts either, but that and only the slightest difference in sound are the only differences between the '96 and '09. I don't know if they were repaired on the 2009 or if they were a post mastering error on the '96 disc and didn't need repaired on the source files. Yes, the 2009s are on Sanctuary. There were actually a few re-issues of the '96 throughout the 2000s on Sanctuary. I haven't compared them all closely enough to see if they are identical to the '96 or slightly different. The Castle "Complete 70s" mini-LP collection from 2001 is odd. It has the first two albums with completely different masterings to the '96 or any other release I've found (maybe even different transfers/tapes, I can't recall if I compared that closely - no NR on Caravan) and some of the albums were the same as the '96 except a volume change and some were digitally identical to the '96 with no change to volume. Consistency is not what you get with Sabbath digital, that's for sure.
I find that the 2009 Pierce remaster of volume 4 is very bass heavy. Is this version the closest sound to the original WB greenie vinyl?
I haven't compared them directly, but I do find the original Warner LP to be quite heavy on the bottom end.
No. The '86 Castle is as close to the vinyl as you can get on CD. It's far from perfect, but it's the best out there IMO.
Your preferences in many threads echo mine, so I feel comfortable in editing your statement a little, please chime in if I'm being presumptuous! [And I agree with this one too! ... I just cut and pasted your recommended discs for Thin Lizzy into my "want" file too ...]
Looking for information on the source for the 1986 Castle cd for Volume 4... is it taken from the original analog master tapes?
I don't think anyone can possibly answer this question. Looking at the history, it's hard to say. Sanctuary acquired Nems after a huge purchase in the early 80's which is how they got their hands on the Sabbath catalog. Nems had been allowed to issue the early albums but after the acrimonious split between Meehan and the Sabs I would personally suspect that Iommi did everything he could to make sure Meehan was not allowed to own any masters and probably even the masters recorded for WWA and Nems may have reverted to Phonogram. And I would think Phonogram may have already retained masters to the first four albums anyway. So I tend to doubt it, but it sounds great and I don't really care if it was from a copy tape.
Edit - just realized I already posted here. I will add to that post and say the 2014 HDTracks 24/96 is really nice and in my mind challenges the SHM-SACD although it does fall just short. That could be attributable to different play back gear + channels? Either way it's winner and this from someone who usually greatly dislikes non-audiophile label remasters.
Speaking of Vol. 4, has anyone noticed this listing on Amazon? I'm confused by the 2012 Remastering? Click to open expanded view Vol. 4 Black Sabbath (Artist) Format: Audio CD See all 3 formats and editions Audio CD $7.99 This title will be released on August 5, 2016. Pre-order now. Disc: 1 1. Wheels Of Confusion (2012 Remastered Version) 2. Tomorrow's Dream (2012 Remastered Version) 3. Changes 4. FX (2012 Remastered Version) 5. Supernaut (2012 Remastered Version) 6. Snowblind (2012 Remastered Version) 7. Cornucopia (2012 Remastered Version) 8. Laguna Sunrise (2012 Remastered Version) 9. St. Vitus' Dance (2012 Remastered Version) 10. Under The Sun (2012 Remastered Version)
Probably the continuation of the 2014 transfers being released as redbook - as S/T, Paranoid, and Masters were earlier this year. After 4 expect Sabbath Bloody Sabbath... The 2014 Transfers on HDTracks are all really nice - Finally a passable Digital "Paranoid" which I feel is slightly better than the P33D [IMHO still the best Redbook] and the 1986 Castle.
Regarding the 86 Castle cd of Volume 4, the term 'premphasis' and 'adjusting for preemphasis' seem to be used frequently. I'm not familiar with the term... could someone please explain what it means? Thank-you.
I've read your list. Where would this be for you as far as best version of this? I really must be out of the loop because I'm not familiar at all with the 2014 transfers. Good, Bad? Thanks in advance.
Regarding Volume 4, there a noticable difference between the 86 Castle cd and the 2009 Pierce remaster? If so, what is it? Which do you feel is the 'better' version of the two?
On Vol 4 I'd call the 24/96 1.5 on my list.... I play SACD's on different hardware than downloads. Eventually [or rather maybe] I will create an Audio-DVD and use same exact playback channel for a compare My opinion important for folk to know what sounds best on their available gear and make their choices accordingly. The whole pre-emph deal on the Castle for many is a real mess.... So most will me better served by the Pearce. I now only listen to the SHM-SACD or the 24/96
S/T - nice but I've not done any real compares against the SHM-SACD and my compiled P33D + Creative Sounds [see Roland's Thread] Paranoid - probably now my preferred digital version. I found it have less murk than the 33PD which remains my favorite redbook. Masters of Reality - really nice although I still prefer the SHM-SACD. The Pearce deluxe is my preferred redbook. The 1986 NELCD Castle is dismal. Vol 4 - really nice but still slightly prefer the SHM-SACD which I greatly prefer over the generally lacking 1986 NELCD Castle. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath - really nice although I still prefer the SHM-SACD, The 1986 NELCD Castle remains my preferred redbook - at least when decoded by my Denon reference not so much when I play on my Oppo's. pre-emphasis sure does suck Sabotage - I'd only sampled very briefly so not able to say more at this time. Please note it is entirely possible that some of my above preferences are due to hardware channel/gear playback variances. Results can vary widely especially on systems that suffer from SACD thin sound
I have the Castle NELCD 6005 cd for Volume 4 which was made in France. I recently purchased another copy to have as a back up, just in case. This one was manufactured in Japan. Is it the same mastering for both? Also, years ago, I remember seeing a "Black Sabbath - Children of the Grave" cd kicking around in the stores... it was basically just Volume 4 with freaky cover art of a child's doll lying next to a tombstone. Are these all one in the same? -
Also, years ago, I had the Canadian cassette version of Volume 4 (circa 1988) which had the tracks in a different order than on the original album. Does anyone know how that came to be?
I have that one (CB) and must say I really like it...but Supernaut sounds terrible, a lot of distortion and lack of clarity, even played with a AT440MLa. Defective pressing? Or is that the way it "should" sound?
