I have several versions of this record and it remains among my favorites. However, I'm a bit disappointed with the latest Roger Nichols remastering...way too bright in the lower treble region, I prefer original vinyl or the Mo-Fi. Any opinions or alternatives?
I bought all the latest CD remasters, EXCEPT Gaucho and Aja, which I already had on MFSL and assumed were the best versions out there. That continues to be my assumption. Anyone disagree? BTW, Ultron9, I assume you're referring to the latest CD release and not vinyl?
I like the DTS 5.1 disc. Although I don't have a "fancy boy" system, it sounds nice and I like the Elliot Scheiner surround mix.
I haven't heard the Mo-Fi or original vinyl. I don't have any basis for comparison. I was pleased with the remaster, it sounds really good to me! I would like to heard the SACD, high-resolution Steely Dan is always a good thing!
I have the Mo-Fi CD and am fairly well satisfied with it. So much so that I don't have any other versions to compare and contrast with it. I considered picking up the DTS CD, but will probably wait for the SACD, now. Regards,
This is what I hear with the latest remaster, too. I prefer the original MCA CD of this title, and my original vinyl also sounds better to my ears. Haven't heard any other versions of the album except for the DTS, which I heard at a stereo shop a few years back. Sub-optimal listening conditions, alas, so I couldn't really tell anything.
As with most of the Steely Dan remasters, they sound a bit pinched at the top end - in other respects they sound nice. But, as we've discussed before, they must have been no-nosied in some fashion or other. If you listen to the Mofi CDs, you can hear the tape hiss, but the remasters don't have it at all. The Mofis are done at a lower volume, but I reckon they provide the best CD listening experience.
I only have the '99 remaster, but I like it. I still would like to pick up the MFSL disc and Japanese first pressing, as I'm sure they both sound great. I can't wait for the SACD.
I'm ready for the whole SD catalogue on SACD. The wife may end up clubbin' me over the head after after all I did to get the entire set of Steely Dan remasters on the Japanese mini LP sleeve versions.
The MCA LP version mastered by Bob Ludwig at Masterdisk sounds quite nice. Used copies are plentiful & inexpensive. Look for the "RL" and MASTERDISK etchings.
I think the DTS kicks a**. I use it to demo my system and it's fun to disable the center and fronts and hear what's going on in the rears!
I'm with Steve on this one myself. The MFSL gold CD is much better than the MCA original which sounds quite lifeless when compared with the MoFi. I haven't heard the latest mind you, but I don't think I really need to. PS. All crappy masterings sound ok at low volumes.
I bought the DTS disc of this album and it is very cool. Love the way the background vocals and the horns on "Babylon Sisters" come out of the rear channels. As far as the other versions of "Gaucho", the only versions I haven't heard are the MoFi gold disc and the original MCA CD. The original LP pressings probably sound best, but the remastered CD isn't bad either.
It's a dead match between the new remaster and Mofi's Gold CD. Both pressings have their advantages and disadvantages!
To me the Mofi's of both Gaucho and Aja are the definitive cd versions, and I've heard all 3 regular domestic versions. In fact, the Aja Mofi is one of the best sounding cds I own.
