Nick, first of all, a big welcome to the forum. Thank you for your kind words. It is also good to listen to other people's opinion for a broader perspective. I know it has helped me, and there were several instances where someone else's comments helped me to reevaluate which version I like best. With regards to your question, the WG, UK and Japanese EMI CD's are based on the same analog to digital transfer. Many of them are digitally identical, some have a slight level shift of 0.2 dB or so. Nowadays, I rip all my CD's to hard drive and listen from HDD, so to me it really doesn't matter which version of a digitally identical CD I have. Some swear by the manufacturing quality of (early) Japanese CD's, and they are looking for those versions. Unless you are a collector, I would say it is enought to just keep one version of otherwise digitally identical CD's. But there are also some WG Target CD's by Queen (on Elektra Label), and these have different masterings. I really have not done any extensive comparisons for later period Queen albums. There is a "Greatest Hits Vol. 2" which covers many hits of later period Queen, and I have compared some of those and thought the compilation CD actually does sound quite good. If I wanted to get those albums on CD, I would probably look for the original versions. With regards to the newer remasters for Queen I and II, it is really a trade-off. I think the remasters are quite o.k., but not superb.
Hi Rolland, Thanks for the fast response! RE - Queen 1st Press CDs (UK, WG, JP) Yes, Rolland, really you just confirming my thoughts that really there are no major difference between them in some cases, I haven't see the difference at all. But, for example I really hear the difference between Sheer Heart Attack Japan and WG (1st presses), the WG has more "open" and "strait" sound, Japan is more accurate and crystal, but both of them are really still almost the same and I really can't say which version is the best.. I want to right some of my thoughts for the most interesting (were the most lot of variants) Queen Digital versions, I would be very interesting to hear your thoughts if you have it after.. Especially I am interesting your thoughts about ADATR and ANATO I think.. A NIGHT AT THE OPERA This is a really difficult choice for me, I have 2 favorite versions, at first I thought the CP32 version is the BEST, but now I really amazed with DCC, which harp and especially piano sounds really outstanding (On CP32 piano has more "metallic" and on DCC this is really fantastic), Love Of My Life sounds really fantastic, but BohRhap it seems to me might slightly better on CP32 because of the VOCAL sound more expressive, on DCC it is slightly feeling the vocal a little strangled against the CP32.. I just ordered for myself DCC copy, I think I will keep the both in anyway, and this is very possible when 2 superb variants, the other depends of the sound system a lot. Anyway, for me CP32 (DCC) almost unbeatable today, the album sounds stunning on both. A DAY AT THE RACES This is one of the most difficult choice for me. Comparison between CP32(also the UK,WG which are really extremely close to each other) and MFSL. There is a really BIG difference between CP32 and MFSL, I will tell with no doubt which version is it, just to listen on of them (on my system, of course) I really can't make a final decision, CP32 version is really AMAZING on my ears, sounds very natural and I really close to think this is the best one. MFSL version is rather more loud, maybe sounds slightly less "natural". But the really BIG plus of MFSL is DETAILING of the sound.. That was not a trustworthy source but I have read an opinion, the mfsl when was made was recorded from the better source.. I hardly believe but maybe..? Another difficult question is, that was not only think to find the "best sounding cd for my ears" but to find the source which would be closest to the sound Queen wanted to make.. I not so worry about NEWS OF THE WORLD, because for these albums more choices between the ADATR. No doubt for me, the all 1st presses CDs are better than MFSL of this album, I slightly prefer target, but actually the CP32 and UK are also sounds really great for me. I haven't see the reason of MFSL of this album at all... THE GAME This album is not too difficult as ADATR for me, because it sounds really good on different sources. It seems to me there are no major difference between CP32 and MFSL. I even cat be sure for myself, in this time I slightly prefer Target which sounds slightly less "digital". All 3 are really good in my opinion. RE - Queen 1, Queen 2 This is very interesting Rolland, because I have never thought I would ever wish to buy 2011 remaster, but now I am really interesting after your words.. I have all 2004 JP mini vinyls, I bought it in 2004 when were issued, in that time I was too young and "a big specialists" told this is the best ever sound of Queen)) . All the reamsters 2004 sounds really bad for me. The Queen 1 and Queen 2 on this remaster sounds not good at all for me, I prefer CP and CDP of course between that.. Do you know, Rolland, does the 2011 is another remaster which is better?? Also, tell me please, do you think the 2011 remaster is better than cp32 for example? Also want to ask you, your preferred Queen discography written rather long ago.. Now you are telling you partially changed your preferences.. I would really happy if you tell about your newest thoughts about it P.S. I am the same as you listening all my CD's from AK240 player in FLAC, which is rather good, but have no the acoustic in this time, this is still my dream)) Thanks a lot, BEST Nick
I'm really not sure whether I should post this or not, considering my opinion of the '93/'94 EMI remasters, but..................I'm coming round to those versions of 'Sheer Heart Attack', 'A Day At The Races' and 'News Of The World'. Now don't get me wrong, I think that the 2001/04 Japanese MiniVinyl CDs are great remasterings and generally the way to go for Queen on CD for me, but I listened to the mid-'90s EMI SHA the other day (which, to be fair to myself I hadn't done since I bought new mains cables for my CD player and amp a year or so ago) and while I dislike the others in that series, SHA along with ADATR and NOTW now certainly have a depth and an airy top end that I simply hadn't heard from them before. Having said that, I also played 'The Game' from the same remasters and found it as painful as ever, so I'm not sure what's going on there. Having said all that, I'm at a bit of a loss to explain the sudden appreciation of those three mid-'90s remasters (which I certainly find less 'grinding' than the 2011 discs); I've listened to all three several times now, so maybe they're just the 'least worst' of the lot, but I'm certainly enjoying them. A great deal..
Hello, vinylman Firstly, thank you very much for your message, of course YOU SHOULD post it!!! Because this is talking about Queen sound and you have your own experience! Very nice to hear you are from Leeds, I stayed in this city for a several times, very nice city last time lived in Jury's Inn (some time ago there was a BEER factory in front of the hotel, but when I been there in the last time - no anymore I am really sorry for my english, I am not sure I understand you correctly, I just want to confirm I understood your meaning.. Firstly I haven't understand why you are talking about 93/94 EMI remasters, and I don't know your opinion about them.. In my messages I talked mostly about the late 80x first presses, not about the later re-issues.. And the most important, I haven't understand do you FINALLY happy with Japan 2001/04/11 remaster series, or after you purchased a new cables you like the first issues? I am sorry for these kind of questions, but the people who has English as "general" language always use difficult not only words but turns of speech,that is not ok for google translate)) Thanks a lot for your posting, I would be very glad if you explain to me your meaning slightly more simple! Thank you! 2004 mini lp JP remaster What I understood as I think from your message, it could be really very different impressions depending of sound system... But when I tested 2004 JP mini lp remaster, it seemed to me super loud, yes they are really very "clear and detailed", this is true.. but in my imagination this is not kind of "natural" crystal clear sound , it sounds as sonorous metal, the most of songs are unbalanced with EQ Bass++++++, for example, I can say, for me, I have never listen any of CD's where "piano" in Nevermore sounds really superb(comparing with ANATO DCC were piano is REALLY PIANO).. on CP32 it sounds more digital and less natural as should sound the piano. But if on CP32 it sounds just as "not very natural piano", on 2004 remaster it sounds like a bad glockenspiel!!! I am sorry, this is just my personal imagination, of course, I clearly listen it like that. But, as I have said before, I have never listened 2011 JP remaster.. After 2004 I just decided they are absolutely get crazy and all other remasters will be only worse.. But now I listen from Rolland that 2011 Queen 1,2 are not as bad as I expected, if you have any comparison between 2004/2011 - please let me know!!! Deluxe 2 CDs series P.S. Totally agree with your comments regarding the "deluxe series" with bonus CDs!! Of course I haven't bought them, it get me really angry, I tired waiting the same box by Queen as it is thanks God made by FreddieŃs solo works. Instead of taking Queen interesting studio unfinished works, outtakes etc etc, they issued the CRAP like deluxe CD's.. This is a question.. who should be a buyer of this deluxe edition???? If not the people who was born yesterday - this is a spittle to all Queen fans - second CD with live from Milton Keynes - THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!! Shame for me Brian and Roger let it go for this way.. In this kind of moments I understand John he didn't want anymore to continue it)) Thanks for the Rainbow... the only real thing of the long time... Thanks for your posting! Nick
Nick, I am trying to answer some of your questions. I have the same difficulty to identify my favorite CD versions of ADATR and ANATO. I think you gave a pretty acurate description. I just decided to keep several versions of those albums. I also feel the same way about "News of the World". The new 2011 remasters are different from the 2004 remasters. In general, I don't like the 2011 remasters very much (I am being diplomatic here). But for the first two albums, it seems like the had a better tape source. Those first two albums are also a bit too loud for my liking, but not heaviyl compressed as later Queen albums. Give them a try, I would be interested in your opinion. I think Queen II has a stronger benefit from the better tape, so you might want to start with that one.
Hi Nick, and welcome; Just to keep things simple : The '93/'94 remasters of SHA, ADATR and NOTW I like more since having the new cables, the rest of the '93/'94 remasters are no good to me. The 2001/04 Japanese Minivinyls I don't find loud at all; these are still my preference for Queen on CD. The 2011 remasters I find painful to listen to; I bought the 2011 remasters of Q, QII, SHA, GH & GHII. GHII is an improvement over the original version, GH makes all the tracks sound the same to me, not good. Q, QII & SHA I bought for the tracks on the 'bonus' discs. I have absolutely no wish to risk any more money on the other 2011 remasters. Generally, apart from QII, they hurt my ears.
Hi again Rolland, thanks a lot for your comments, Now I really interesting to listen Queen 2, I just opened the internet, but there are lot of DIFFERENT CD's.. With rose, blue, dark grey obis, except these also mini vinyl css , also with diff variants.. Unfortunately it seems I can't post photos here, could you please let me know WHICH ONE Queen 2 CD to listen? Thanks)
Aah! Thanks for the "translating")) Now I totally understand your thoughts, thank you! This is really very interesting to me to hear this kind of opinion regarding 2004 JP remaster.. I might listen them someday when get an occasion to try on different sound system, thanks for your preferences anyway! P.S. As I understand, you don't like 2011 master EXCEPT Queen 2.. Have you compared 2011 Queen 2 to 2004 remaster? if yes, what you find out?
Hi again, Rolland, could you look please, this is what I was talking about: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Queen-II-20...388149907?pt=AU_Audio_CDs&hash=item35dfcef893 http://www.ebay.com/itm/QUEEN-II-20...290988956807?pt=Music_CDs&hash=item43c04b1c87 http://www.ebay.com/itm/QUEEN-II-JA...371194307681?pt=Music_CDs&hash=item566ce7a461 Please let me know, which of them QUEEN II 2011 you means? This is also Queen II 2013 Japan... Have you ever tested this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-QUEEN-...351227291782?pt=Music_CDs&hash=item51c6c72886 Thank you for helping
All the post-2011 Queen CDs contain the exact same mastering. The SHM-CDs are just more expensive versions of the standard CDs. They also exist in SHM-SACDs that can only be read in SACD players.
Oh, thank you very much for helping! I will listen ASAP, because I really very exited to hear, there is a version might better than CP32!! Many thanks!
I really like some of those 93/94 remasters. I think they sound really good. I think the 2001 Japan remasters are just way to loud and super compressed. Just put on Queen 2 or Jazz-wow they are loud. Some of the 93/94 remasters I think are pretty good. The Game is a little hot but not as loud as the 2001 remaster. Those 2001 remasters also sound like they used some no noise and then just beefed the EQ like crazy to try and compensate for the no-noise. Just my 2 cents. Scott B
Interesting as I found the 2001 Japan remasters to be louder then the 2011 remasters. The 2001 remasters were sourced from the same source used for the 98 Crown jewels box just newly remastered. Listen to Spread Your Wings on the 2001 remaster it starts low in volume and gets louder as it goes on. That's not the way the original Lp version is and the 2011 remaster corrects that and it starts at regular volume. Yes I do admit the 2011 GH1 doesn't sound good at all and the individual albums sound much better then the GH1 which sounds awful. Scott B
Not to confuse you anymore but I think that Queen 2 and ADATR both sound really good on the 2011 remaster. Yes they are louder and have some compression but I think they are clear and sound really good. I just did not like the 2001 remasters that much as they sound very unnatural just like you said . The piano on Nevermore does not sound like an acoustic piano but more like an electric piano. Nevermore sounds much better on the 2011 remaster. Scott B
I have the CP32 of ADATR and the 2011, having discarded the Hollywood remaster, and the 2011 is by far my favourite.
Good at least someone here likes the 2011 remaster. When it originally came out it received good reviews on the forum but now people seem to be bashing it. Scott B
'Spread Your Wings' starts quietly and gets louder on the '93/'94 remaster, too. The 2001/04 remasters were newly done from the original tapes, btw. The mid-90s discs were done by Peter Mew, who loved NR, of course. He also did the 2001 remasters, but he was supervised by Justin Shirley-Smith (presumably so the NR didn't get out of hand). The use of NoNoise is more heavy handed on the '93/'94 discs, IMO; Q2 suffers terribly from overdone NR.
Yes 'Spread Your Wings' does get louder on the 93/94 remaster. On the original first issue of News of The World there isn't that volume change and it's not on the 2011 remaster as well. Same thing with 'Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy" Starts low in volume and gets louder but harder to hear the vocals in the beginning. It's not like that on the 2011 remaster or also the MFSL release. Yes the 2001 Abbey road remasters were done by Mew supervised by Justin but I actually prefer many of the 93/94 releases. There is some NR used on those but much less then the 1998 Crown Jewels set. I also like the 93/94 GH1 remaster. There is some tape hiss present and I can crank it. I like the 2001 remasters just wish they used less compression and weren't quite as loud. I'm just not a fan of Peter Mews. Also Innuendo sounds pretty weak as it was pulled right when it came out as it came out in mono by mistake (same with A Kind of Magic) and both discs were recalled but the new corrected remaster was done so quickly and without regard for the SQ(they had to rush to get replacements out) and the sound of those 2 Cd's suffers because of that. Scott B
I like the CDP's of the first two albums (I'll be getting all the others soon) but man these albums were just badly recorded. Is there any reason why "Great King Rat" sounds so quiet and "Liar" sounds so harsh? Not a mastering flaw (it sounds pretty much similar on recent remasters too) but I'm surprised they let it get released sounding like that, so uneven. The second album sounds more even but just worse in general. I really enjoy both of these albums, though, so complaining is difficult
Hmm good question. It's actually like that on the old CDP release as well as on the rarer Elektra release. Scott B
Phenomenal thread !!! Exactly what I was looking for. I own every original CD published here in germany as well as LP's and was struggling with myself to buy the 2011 remasters or other publications assuming better quality (that I can hear, of course). Quality to me is not only theoretically but noticeable to "normal" people like you and me not having the equipment or absolute pitch that sound engineers have ;-) Just listening to a FLAC (ripped from my original) over (affordable) headphones like Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro or 770. Kindest regards TSCH
I love the 2011 mastering. ADATR is a loud recording period. Even when I was a child,I found the ALBUM(record) loud. The drum tracks were upfront,at times loud. I believe the 2011 mastering captured it as I remembered. Do not like the hollywood record mastering at all. The standard cd versions as I call it, ah,OK. They were all imports so I can not say if the ''ORIGINAL MASTERS" where used.The 2011 mastering of Queen 2 is great,especially "The Black Side" NOTW is my favorite Queen recording. The 2011 mastering is clear and open to me. I wish the drum mix was better(Roger Taylor is my favorite drummer)Get down make love and Fight From the Inside has the best drum mix(IMO) The late Queen engineer was very good with vocal mixing and guitar tracks and at that time they where working on a harrison console.not my favorite board. My point is, that was the sound of the time. We are spoiled I guess with modern recordings. Mack to me was the best recording and mix engineer. He brought a new sound to Queen with the game,and he too used a modified harrison console. Roy Thomas Baker should have been at the mastering sessions for his input. Oh well, just my opinion.
Tbh, Roy Thomas Baker is the LAST person I would have had at the mastering (or do you mean REmastering ?) sessions.
