So now with the UHQR Axis coming out Im wondering what peoples thoughts are on the different issues of the album. And please, only those who have tested multiple versions are of interest, thanks. The most interesting contenders are: US Repris original UK Track Original Classic Records Mono by BG 2010 Sterling Stereo cut 2013 Mono cut also by BG UHQR Stereo and Mono by BG again My personal situation is that I have the UK original and because Ive heard that its disliked even compared to the US pressing I was curious how people rank these personally and why. Ive only heard it in Stereo as well but I can dig Mono of course, even better if youve heard them all and can section off best mono and stereo versions in order. Also, with Bernie Grundman doing this album so many times Im interested in what the differences between those might be, or are they all mostly similar? Because if so the 2013 Mono seems great for the price. Price is a factor, naturally. Not sure if I (or most ) could ever afford a Mono UHQR since its sold out.
I have a clean US '68 Tri color Reprise, UHQR and UK Track, all stereo. My Classic is a Mono. The UK Track is only for collector purposes since I think it sounds subpar to all the releases I own. I A/B'd the UHQR with the US Reprise and was surprised by the lack of difference on a few cuts. The few songs that match very closely to the UHQR are almost undetectable between the two. But the songs that stand out for my on the UHQR, with my system, sound very very good, especially Spanish Castle, Wait Until Tomorrow, Ain't No Telling, She's So Fine and One Rainy Wish. All the others are somewhat similar and I had a difficult time choosing one over the other with loudness, impact and detail. I was surprised. Granted the UHQR is dead quiet and that alone is enough to sway me towards the UHQR.
This is just what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing. Since you have the Classic also, how do you like the sound of that just in general? Again, Ive never even heard the album in Mono, so is that substantially different with pros and cons or is it not necessary to hear both? Settling with a Stereo Tri Repris and a 2013 Mono might be a good budget option to cover all ground?
I have the following version US Reprise tri color pressing UK Track Stereo UK Track Mono UK Backtrack series Stereo UK Polydor Stereo double with AYE UK Polydor Classic Mono 180gm Classic Stereo 200gm German early seventies issue Japanese 2006 Reissue Series 2010 Sterling 2013 Mono Reissue 200? Stereo Reissue UHQR Stereo UHQR Mono And a couple of others plus the Commercial 4 Track Reel to Reel MTD and every digital release
Personally I like the tri color reprise for stereo and the Classic for mono but haven’t played the UHQR’s yet. I will say the stereo on the SACD is awesome.
Great insight. If you ever get the time Id love to hear an opinion on the differences between 2013, classic and uhqr Mono versions since very few people have all those to compare. I didnt know there was a Classic Stereo by the way.
You dont need to just name one. And comparing each one and their characteristics to overview what versions will please what kind of listeners is arguably even more helpful. I assume you have them all.
No, what I meant was I do not think there is a Classic Records stereo pressing of Axis, unless it was done as a test pressing. I could be wrong
I don’t nearly have as many copies as the above poster. I’m missing the German, Japanese and UK Track stereo pressings. I don’t own the original US and UK mono pressings, although I have a copy of the Polydor International mono pressing (Australian I think) of Axis, which uses the same parts as the Track mono pressing. I find that it pales in comparison to the Classic mono version.
I'm interested how folks think the 2010 Sterling issue compares with others. When it came out people were raving about it but I understand it's fallen out of favor.
Nice to know, and I heard you like your UHQR quite a bit. I know you cant compare mono to stereo exactly, but purely dynamics and such would you say the classic is close to the UHQR?
I think its still good, and liked by many. I have it for Electric Ladyland because theres not as many quality reissues for that and originals are very expensive. It seems a toss up for what you like more, the 2010 Sterling or 2018 BG cut of EL, but since BGs cut still isnt available separately from the Box I didnt think it was worth the price difference.
I’d have to listen to the Classic again, which I’m going to do within the next few days, as I have the UHQR mono. Going off memory, I’d say no.
Even better then. I heard the 2013 Mono was close to the UHQR Mono and since BG cut those and the Classic as you know I was very qurious how they differ if all from the same tape and engineer.
Thanks. If I already have the 2010 Stereo Sterling, is it worth hunting a Tri-Colored Steamboat? (I realize this is subjective but what's your opinion (or others)).
I wouldnt go on Discogs now and click purchase on a 100$ copy, if youre happy with 2010 just in general then you should have the patience for a TriColor in a steal price. They should pop up for cheap regularly. Thats what I would do anyway.
I do like the 2010 George Marino cut Sterling issue. People say it's too bright but that doesn't bother me, I like it. However if there is greater transparency and dynamics with an original, I might be interested in that even more. I'm hesitant on buying a UHQR because I don't like spending that much on one record.
Same, I placed an order because I thought I would regret it otherwise. But 40$ shipping ontop of 100 is just too much. Plus custom fees down the line. If I get a UHQR its gonne be from an EU seller. The US Repris seems like it will be a bit more mellow than the 2010, still with good dynamics of course. I think they will contrast eachother nicely.
I had an early pressing of Axis when the record first came out that really shined right at the end, that very last rapid strumming flourish on the guitar, and the fade out was perfect. That pressing got lost somehow way back when and I have not found one that matches it since.
Tri color steamboat is better than 2010 stereo, but UHQR stereo tops them all. Here are my rankings of all the ones I heard on Michael Fremer's system: Stereo: 5. 2010 Marino (hard and bright) 4. UK Track original (sounds way too polite IMO but has a nice inner gatefold photo) 3. AP SACD (yeah this is a vinyl thread but I think it's still good info) 2. Tri color steamboat (great pressing) 1. UHQR (BY FAR the BEST) Mono: 3. 2013 BG (a bit too clean sounding IMO but still good) 2: SACD (very close to UHQR) 1. UHQR (not as far ahead of the other pressings as the stereo is)
