Peter Gabriel 2x45rpm reissues vs 33rpm reissues (half speed masters)

Hi folks
I have just ordered Peter gabriel So on the new 33rpm half speed remasters and was wondering how these compared with the 2x45rpm half speed masters from a few years ago, anyone heard both
I bought the original so in 1986 when it came out and still have it
Basically i am thinking of buying 1 to 4 as well to replace the originals i have if they sound better
There is probably info on this site but i have had a long day at work
Thanks in advance

 

I haven't compared any, but have been following the various relevant threads here. In general, the 45rpm releases of the first 4 albums (which came out first) got pretty bad reviews for having a somewhat harsh, brittle tonality. The later albums on both 45 and 33 were discussed more favorably, so they seem to be better bets. The biggest question is whether the later 33 releases of the first four are better than the 45s or not. They have generally been getting better reviews from posters here, but it isn't clear that anyone has actually compared the two, so it may just be different listeners with different expectations.

 

I was happy with UP 45
So 33 is still in my cart, i'm undecided if it would just be a sideways or less move than the old compact disc mastering (one of many I have)
The only way I can describe the 2x45 of III is this, so I stopped.

 

I have read the first 2x45rpm albums had problems but was wondering the difference between the second 45rpm half speed master and the new 33rpm half speed master
I would rather have the 33rpm version as i have a few mofi 45rpm albums and have to get up at the end of each side twice as much
But if the 45rpm sounds better then i will buy one of them instead

 

Here’s all I know...my 45 rpm Melt crushes the original. It’s quite marvellous.

 

Which 45rpm version do you have, the first one or the second one
I have read somewhere it sounds bright (second one)

 

Skip the 45rpm's. They do sound bright and not a good listen. I bought 3 of them including up. I never play them for the reasons mentioned.

Usually 45 rpm mofi', QRP and even recently Abbey Rd 45rpm's are my go to copies. I assumed the PG's would be the same. Not even close, back of the bus. I would go the 33rpm's. Buy 1 and have a listen. I am so disappointed in the 45rpm versions.

 

Thanks for the heads up
Banquet records here in the UK has the 2x45rpm 2,3 and 4 for £22.99 each and i was tempted, i should receive the SO 33rpm half speed master tomorrow and hope that does not sound bright
If the SO sounds good i will be getting the 33rpm half speed versions of 3 and 4 to replace the originals (when will the madness stop)
You would think because 45rpm is better they would sound better, what a let down

 

I’m not sure. I’ll check! Mine is far from bright, though. It really is perfect.

 

It came today sealed, opened it up and in new mint condition, flat as a pancake with no warps
Will have to get it on the RCM and give it a spin in a week or so
If this sounds great then i will be buying a few more for sure

 

I’ll be interested in your impressions.

 

I will compare it with the Original from 1986 and report back

 

I’m curious to hear how this sounds, I have an original UK So pressing which is pretty good and generally the album gets a lot of criticism for sibilance. I have the 33rpm half speeds of albums I, III & IV and I’m really happy with them, the debut album is the biggest improvement IMO. The original pressing I had sounded muffled and flat and the half speed knocks it out of the water.

 

I imagine the half speed mastered version of SO should be better than the original judging by what people have said

 

I wonder is it worth looking for the original LP of anything these days as a better remaster will be along soon

 

If you stumble upon the Classic Records Gabriel lps by all means buy them

 

The vultures are asking too much for them on discogs and the likes plus QC issues here and there

 

Gabriel thinks these are the definitive versions

Could have been

Sad

 

There are a couple versions in print at the moment, Amazon lists a 2017 Caroline International pressing from Real World, which is a single lp and it looks like the Half Speed is a double

 

Stumble

 

In most cases - no

 

Now that is interesting! ‘Car’ has always seemed flat, and congested. I’ve had originals, the early Superdisc half speed, and always found them subpar. My current and best is a Japanese issue. I love this album and your comments are prompting me to pick up the new 33.

 

Go on do it, you know you want to

 

That’s just my opinion but I was playing my first pressing copy last month and it struck me how flat it sounded so I decided to get a copy of the remasters and it has a lot more definition and life to it to my ears. Potentially it could sound particularly precise at times (though not necessarily “digital”), but I’ll take precision over a muffled/flat sound anytime.

Now I’m just curious about the So single album remaster.

 

Possibly if only due to sibilance reasons. I have an excellent sounding Canadian cut but suffers on a few passages. Reading reviews over the years on this title this problem seems to be baked in. Peter loves his ssss,ss's
I needed some yard tools so I through the new 33 in the cart.