Roland's favorite CD versions of Black Sabbath albums

SACD as a format would certainly qualify for "my preferred digital version", but I don't think the Paranoid SHM-SACD sounds that great.

 

I just popped it in. It still sounds thin to me on the drums, and could use more bass.

 

Roland, what happened to the NSD Spectrum?

 

It is less bright than the WB, but it is a little loud in comparison. And it has some kind if upper midrange frequency part that I don't like in the end.

The WG Vertigo sounds the warmest and most pleasant to me, especially at louder volumes.

 

Would the Japanese Vertigo PHCR-2053 be the same?

 

I don't know, but I doubt it.

 

It's funny. I think the NSD WB sounds the closest to my old tape from the 80s. It has that NSD sound that only that album has. Weird sound.

 

Are you saying that an old tape is a reference sound?

 

Well, for NSD that is what it always sounded like. Take that as you will.

 

What MOR are you referring to? The "Deluxe Edition"? If so, I am surprised that you picked it over the 1986 Castle.

 

Yeah, he's referring the 2009 DE. I just got it, so I'll be giving it a listen soon. If the Castle MOR is anything like the Creative Sounds (do not apply de-emph on either), then it's too dark and muddy.

I disagree with Roland on the S/T. The Castle (w/de-emphasis applied) is stunning. I'll have to compare more carefully to the Creative (also w/ de-emphasis).

My .02 cents for member Holy Diver is to slowly put together a reference quality component audio system. You'll hear the forum grail masterings in a way that you never could have imagined.

 

Yes, the Deluxe Edition, or the single disc remaster which is now also available.

The 1986 Castle is not that great. It sounds very dark and muddy, even to me. Some claim that the PE flag is incorrectly set, so it needs to be played back without de-emphasis applied.

The 2009 remaster is great, it still sounds warm and dynamic, but it is not as muddy as the 1986 Castle. Still, it is a dark sounding album which was the intention of the production. Together with "Heaven and Hell", this is my favorite Black Sabbath remaster. I consider these two perfect.

 

The same reason I settled on the Japan 23PD until something better can be found. I'm beginning to think the only good sounding SBS must be on Vinyl.

 

Maybe there are different versions of the Creative Sounds CD's?

Anyhow, I recently did this exact comparison (I actually have a CD-R which includes these two versions with the DE flag set on all tracks), and the Creative Sounds was actually a lot better, both in my opinion and my friend's.

There is also a tape problem at least on the title track on one of the versions, and I think it was the Castle. The treble suddenly drops noticeably after about 2 or 3 minutes into the song.

 

The 86 Castle of MoR has the PE flags incorrectly set.

The "DE" beats it easily ...

In fact, I'd rate the DE of MoR as right there with the original UK Vertigo LP.

 

Oddly, the latest Sanctuary/Universal vinyl reissues of these two sound phenomenal. Incredibley smooth and dynamic. Totally differtent mastering to the CD versions. Both have a different remastering credit than the CDs, although they were also done at Masterpiece.

 

I am inclined to agree, but the Vertigo does have that somewhat typical Hans Brethouwer smiley-face EQ.

Frankly, the latest vinyl reissue of NSD that Universal issued sounds nearly as good as the UK 1st press Vertigo. These really have mids without the "loudness" you describe on the Spectrum. The Vertigo CD is okay, but the bass, in particular, just sounds really goosed to me ...

 

This is the same as the US Warner CD of NSD.

 

There are at least 2 for the s/t. 6006-1 and 6006-2. 6006-2 is the one that needs de-emphasis applied, i.e., it doesn't have the PE flag set but should. I didn't think the 6006-1 sounded that good.

 

Agreed on all counts.

 

Let's use matrix codes as that should eliminate confusion. My S/T is made in Germany, has the 6006-2 tray insert and has matrix:

[] PILZ CD 449805-2 103 []

Curious as to the details on the alternate and I'm curious as to which Roland has that beats the NELCD.

 

Cool. Thanks. I have the US WB already. I may have to stick with it for CD.

 

I hear you, but I can still tell the difference in masterings quite well with what I have. Even the slightest detail.

 

I am sticking with the Castle 2004 remaster for now, I guess.

 

No doubt your hearing surpasses mine, but you can't hear what isn't being presented. No one can. Once you start to upgrade a few years from now, you'll find out. Great things to come!