Best Sounding Version of Kind of Blue

I know that there are multiple versions of Miles Davis' Kind of Blue, there are the MFSL, the original mono and stereo LPs, the 200 gram stereo remaster, and I have listened to the album on YouTube, and 256kbps isn't doing the material justice. Should I go for the SACD (even though I don't have an SACD player) or buy a vinyl version (which I think might be much cheaper and the better investment)?

 

I can't speak for vinyl (mainly as I have an original stereo 6-eye) but the current CD version should be fine for you.

 

I love the mono vinyl which came out for Record Store Day a couple of years ago.

 

I have only heard the standard '97 remaster and the Mobile Fidelity and the latter is definately superior.

 

I have three different versions. I've got the Dual Disc, the Mastersound version, and the 1997 cd.

 

Congrats; this is not helping the OP though.

 

I greatly recommend the Legacy Edition on CD. Much better sound than the '97 CD, and great bonus tracks as well.

 

I love the latest MFSL 2LP 45rpm, rapidly became my go to copy

 

Controversial in some quarters, but I agree.

 

This is the SACD that was recommended by Steve and it is the best I've heard so far.

 

I have the RSD mono and the 2001 Classic Records - both are wonderful, but if I had to keep one it would be the Classic.

 

That's a killer disc all right, and the 5(3).1 is a wonder to behold. But's it not hybrid so for the Op I'd say the MFSL's redbook is sublime.

 

For the cd, I used to have the '97 version. But then I got the Legacy Edition cd and it's way better. That's my go to version for digital. For vinyl I used to have just a regular (not sure which version) pressing. But then I recently got the Mobile Fidelity version and that has ended any desire to look further as for me it's vastly superior to my older vinyl version.

 

Ok, I've never heard how the MFSL stacks up against it.

 

MFSL 45RPM

 

I own this one along with the 1997 re-issue and a 35DP-62 Japan for US. They all sound good but the SACD is sublime. Pour a glass or cup of your preference and press play. Bonus enjoyment if you have a 5.1 setup.

Cheers, Michael

 

Which SACD - Columbia/ Sony or MoFi?

 

Columbia. The neat thing about this version is it takes advantage of the original 3 track left center right recording format. Is it true to the original mono? No, but it's a beautiful experience. Now I'll go hide from the mono and stereo purists.

 

2007 mch. JSACD.

 

I think I will definitely go for the MFSL 45rpm LPs. They seem like the best deal (I mean it's MoFi), and I will be planning to upgrade my turntable within the next year, so I can definitely make that MoFi sound really good (I'm planning to get an AT440 MLB, or some Grado or Ortofon cart, what would be a best all rounder to go from playing this to going to Queen and Kiss?) And considering the price of the MoFi, it's probably my best bet.

 

I've heard many digital versions but the Sony SACD remains my favorite. I think SH mentioned it sounded like a flat transfer to him and might not be for everyone as a result. I'm not a fan of multichannel but having the 3 channel is a huge bonus in this case. Sort of like it is having it on the great Living Stereo SACD's in that they are the original channels as recorded.

 

I finally got the MFSL 2x45 after holding out for a later press due to reports of some early ones being off centre.

And wow! There's so much life and air in this recording, the piano especially sounds beautiful in a way that I've never heard before.
I have the RSD mono and the blue 50th - both of which I love, but this is my go to copy from now on.

 

+1 My father-in-law is a long time jazzer who has numerous copies of this album on different formats. He's also heard my Sony SACD on my system. I played this for him about two weeks ago and he said it was - by far - the best he'd ever heard this album sound.

 

I lust for the 7.5 ips reel tape...has anyone here heard that one?

 

I dont get the controversy about mfsl. It is fantastic