Best Super Trouper CD?

I’ve still been looking for the best CD release of the album but I’m not sure what’s best. I only know I should stay away from the Astley remasters. I’ve spotted the 1997 Polydor, but I can’t find a copy of the Atlantic CD. I assume the two are good? Which of them do not segue? What are your opinions on it.

 

Definitely 2011 Deluxe!

 

The deluxe version was not mastered from the original master tape, they used the same worn LP cutting master as before, plus it's a bit brickwalled and somewhat flat sounding. The Atlantic CD was mastered from a different tape copy that is in better condition, and they EQ'ed it with more bottom end. Definitely the best sounding version!

 

Really? I think that the deluxe was mastered from original master tape unlike arrival 2005 deluxe. I don't think 2011 deluxe is not brickwalled at all. Maybe Enhanced Bass EQ reduced DR meter.

 

Here is the user formerly known as ABBAmaniac and I think I have the right answer for you

If you want a nice version that sounds very close to the original vinyl release from Sweden, Germany, UK, France or Holland, you have to go for the old POLYDOR CD...unfortunately, it has a dropout in the title track...a CD with the same mastering but without the dropout is the 1995 POLYDOR CD, made and sold in USA and Canada. You can also go for the Japan POLYDOR CD, but this one is VERY expensive now...
The US ATLANTIC CD was a very early attempt to remaster an album. Sure, it sounds good, but sometimes a little bit to boomy for my taste. I prefer the US 1995 and the Japan POLYDOR CDs instead.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask. This is what this forum was made for and I am glad when I can halp with my knowledge as a die-hard-maniac

 

Hopefully the OP figured it out by now, he hasn't been around since June.
Sath any idea where that dropout is? I just listened to my old #04 and couldn't locate it.
Happy with this and the old US Atlantic

 

Listen with headphones please...it should be on the last refrain. I will check later and send the time...

 

I found a short video about the dropout:

 

Found it Sath, thanks, headphones worked 3:44
Right channel

 

Simply buy the 1995 Polydor USA CD - same mastering, no dropout !!!
By the way: I have a full 1995 set of all studio albums for sale....

 

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for one. I have the US 99 as well without bonus tracks but I think it's the Astley, as it's quite compressed and awful

 

Yes, the 1999 US CDs are the Astley remasters...I have a full 8 CD set from 1995 here....

 

I don't need all eight, but thanks for the offer. My Atlantic CD and LP will suffice till I track down a 95

 

I am fine with the ATLANTIC CD too I also like the ATLANTIC LP version and the dutch POLYDOR vinyl !!!

 

I have to ask: How can it use the same mastering and yet fix the dropout? Was it fixed digitally by splicing it in from a different source?

 

I think the title track was sourced from another source, probably an early Polydor compilation CD. EQ and running time a slightly different, but not much.

 

The old German Polydor with the dropout is very easy to fix. whats the UPC for the 1995 Polydor?

 

what masters do they use? the same as the early CDs?

 

1995 CDs are clones of the old german Polydor CDs...except the title track of ST.

 

They probably took the title track from "The Singles" or "greatest hits" CDs, or maybe patched it up themselves, it's easy to do.

 

My favorite ABBA album is Arrival. The early Polydor is low level, thin and weak sounding. The "Complete Studio Recordings" is brickwalled to death! I hear the "Deluxe" version is a clone of the CSR master. So is there any decent sounding release of this album on CD or vinyl? I would not mind doing a needle drop if a certain vinyl pressing is better.

 

Best vinyl is the danish EMI/Polar pressing. Incredible sound !!!!

 

What about the new half speed mastered version at 45 RPM?

 

The Atlantic CD pressing is the best IMHO.

 

Sounds a little veiled...