Tone Poet vs. Classic Series 80

Sorry if this has been discussed, but what is the BIG difference? I know TP's are heavyweight and all, but are the Classic Series 80th anniversary pressings far inferior or just slightly?

 

Packaging. Tone Poet are gatefold and thick packaging, pressed at RTI, Classic at Optimal. I love both to be honest, price wise the Classics are hard to resist.

 

I’ve bought several of each and I don’t really discern any difference in sound quality. They’re both really well done. The recent Classic release of Out to Lunch! is superb and would get stellar reviews even if it cost 60% more.

 

I bought the most of both series. I can say that pressing quality is the biggest difference to me. Only had a one slightly dished TP (which plays fine btw) and at least 4 records from the classic series ridden with non-fill and scuff marks.

 

I have a small number of both and I would say packaging from the ones I have. the BN80's I have are fine and the pressings are decent. I had zero issues with non-fill or any other pressing problems with either. BNC series is another story all together, sadly.

 

Just noticed this thread....

I have most of the Tone Poets and about a dozen BN 80/ BN Classic releases

There is something about the TP that sounds slightly better than the BN 80 or BN Classic series. Thy both sound amazing, but I find that
the TP have a slight more life-like clarity.

It might be simply the pressing plant and the vinyl that's used.

The TP have also been slightly more consistent in terms of pressing quality

 

Both are very strong and to be honest when a BNC is pressed perfectly I don't hear the difference in sound quality. Two days ago I played the record A Fickle Sonace by Jackie McLean and that record sounds as good as any other TP would do. Since Optimal is back with their QC I say both are even. No difference except the gatefold cover.