Are there any big differences in sound between all the -2/-1 pressings from different geographical locations or is it more or less the same? Any one in particular jumps out in terms of being quieter than the rest? Has anybody heard of the South African pressing? I read it may sound warmer than the UK but info on that is hard to come by.
Have not heard a South African pressing of AR. I've found no difference in SQ amongst the various -2/-1 pressings from different countries. I'd go for the cleanest copy that is the most reasonably priced.
I agree, the Marconi definitely isn't a -2/-1. Sound quality is ok but is noticeably more dull than a UK. If I had to choose just one pressing, I'd say the Pro-use. I wouldn't say it's "better" than the UK but a different experience.
I found the standard Japanese issues (AP and EAS) both sounded better than the Pro-use, which wasn't bad, but It didn't engage me like the others. My favourites are still the UK HTM -4/-3 with the -2/1 a very close second.
I bought 3 of them. A few years ago my local record store was selling them for £10. Each time I saw a near mint one I bought it. There is some variation. Misaligned apple on one. Black inner on another. I notice they now want £50, though.
I have a very early US pressing of the album. The cover sleeve is accurate (not cropped as on later pressings). The sound of the vinyl is amazing! Love it. Think this is the one I have: The Beatles - Abbey Road The artist/album title on the label is different placed and slightly larger than on the LA pressing. So, probably pressed in Scranton.
I had a -2/-1 and while it was an upgrade from all the other (US) copies I had, I wasn't blown away by it. When I got a -4/-3 it was pretty jaw dropping how good it sounds.
What's the label of your -4/-3 ? I'm recently discovering how great the large-dome purple Capitols are sounding.
I believe the small domes were digital from the latter 80's. I just checked my U.K. Apple...it's a -4/-2u; the different combinations on these things is dizzying.
There was a run of small dome albums released just prior to the digital ones. I have a few from this run, they're hard to find (of course I was buying them at the time without any forethought!). I should double check my UK copy as it might be a -4/-2U and I was mistaken. As you say, dizzying! But regardless, those 2nd and 3rd pressings are amazing.
The original Japan AP-8815 is really good - the red/burgundy one. The repress of AP-8815 - think from '73 wasn't as good - I've sold both of these and have the standalone MFSL en route. I'm really hoping this isn't going to upset me as much as Sticky Fingers did...
Vinyl UK original CD black triangle. The toshiba black triangle version of ABbey road is my favorite sounding CD of all time.
What is a decent price to look for the -4/-3 reissue. It is this one, correct? The Beatles - Abbey Road
Yes, that's the -4/-3 HTM cut, should have a fully laminated sleeve, vinyl is thinner than the original but it's my go-to copy usually.
I just found a clean Abbey Road at a local store for $16. Just looked it up in Discogs and it is apparently this The Beatles - Abbey Road The runout is a little different than what it says. Mine is: 383-1-2s A4/C with a stamped R which apparently comes from Rockaway in New Jersey Turntable isn't set up yet so I don't know how it sounds. I bought this instead of seeking out a 2012 rerelease. Good move?
I just acquired a nice UK Abbey Road-4/-3 HTM. I haven’t had a chance to clean and play the LP yet but was wondering if anyone else with a -4/-3 has “HTM” etched on each side — my copy only has HTM on Side B, and the runout is pretty narrow on Side A for the etching. Thanks to all! (Happy Friday !)
Thanks for your reply! So if i understand correctly, a “-4” side1 with HTM initials doesn’t exist? Anyone else care to comment?