Abbey Road, 50th anniversary

[spengenuk]

On the Steve Hoffman forum there is much discussion of the QRP vinyl having a whooshing sound. My copy has this but through speakers it doesn't bother me as it's faint. There is a couple of pops on side 2 and a slight warp. I judge it as acceptable but I suspect if i had anything other than a microline stylus or I did my listening through headphones it would be going back.
It seems a lot of North American customers are seeking Optimal pressings.

 

[steveinspain]

I've only skimmed through this thread so may have missed things, but I'd the CD worth the money given that I've already got an old copy of it?

 

[matt j]

On the Steve Hoffman forum there is much discussion of the QRP vinyl having a whooshing sound. My copy has this but through speakers it doesn't bother me as it's faint. There is a couple of pops on side 2 and a slight warp. I judge it as acceptable but I suspect if i had anything other than a microline stylus or I did my listening through headphones it would be going back.
It seems a lot of North American customers are seeking Optimal pressings.

For £30 it's not good enough. I played the digital version through Tidal (not even the Hi-Fi version, I think the standard version is 320k MP3) and it trounced the vinyl. I have a 1976 repress that is quieter than this and it's not even a good copy!

 

[JTC]

After believing I was set to get a shiny new Abbey Road of some description in my xmas stocking, I was surprised when I found there none.

So, what to buy? Is the additional content something worth keeping for the longer term? I can listen to it on streaming and buy the single vinyl. Or go all-in and buy the ‘super deluxe’! Decisions, decisions. It is one of my all-time favourite albums, but I already own it umpteen ways...

What’s the vinyl like (pressing-wise)? And are the high-res versions at all worthwhile (considering the limitations of the original recordings)?

For the price of the super deluxe CD I can have AR, White and SP all on anniversary vinyl.... tempted!

 

[JTC]

PS. How does the vinyl compare to the MFSL?

 

[MotelBlues]

One advantage of the hi-res super deluxe is that it is considerably cheaper than the physical item. High Res Audio have it for £42.60, plus they have a 15% off code until 31 December.

https://www.highresaudio.com/en/search/?title=Abbey Road (Super Deluxe Edition) (Remastered)

The physical Super Deluxe is currently £75.99 from Amazon.

 

[geodiak]

I prefer the MFSL version

 

[backwell]

Listened to the 'Super Deluxe' edition on Tidal last night. The demo version of I want you/She's so heavy (Trident mixdown) is terrific; the organ is so grunty. I have the house to myself tonight, so looking forward to cranking it a bit.

Only had one whole listen through the album 'proper' so far (and I may have had a jazz cigarette) but the impression is of a drier, more intimate mix (less reverb on George and John's guitars at some points?), with the bass louder and the drums more distinct; a similar impression to the Sgt Pepper remix. It's great hearing McCartney's bass so clear; melodic, groovy, tight as, but still so sympathetic. He playing really was at the top of his game at this stage.

Warning: There is a version of Maxwell's Silver Hammer which is even more terrible than the album version; I did not need to hear that and now I cannot unhear it.

I have just read your comments and was so tickled by the “jazz cigarette “ , I remember them back in the day, they were a fantastic aide to a better musical experience!