Hello and welcome to whatishifi blog.
This post was born due to the purchase of the new LP "Love is here to stay" (00602567781271) by Tony Bennett & Diana Krall. Even though the sound quality is not bad at all, it lacks the warm shine of the "Turn up the quiet" (B0026480-01) LP which can be considered as a reference recording; as we saw at an older post, this also goes for the digital file of that album. Even though "Love is here to stay" LP has no specific bothering or irritating characteristics at the way it sounds, it is a bit blurred or excessively (or should I rather say timidly) soft. The very same goes for the sound coming from the digital version of the same album.
After listening to "Love is here to stay" LP I wanted to "refresh" my memory regarding how marvelous Diana Krall recordings can sound, so I came up to a digital file that was at my library but had not paid any attention up to now. It was a vinyl rip of "Live in Paris", which in contrast to the majority of vinyl rips sounded terrific. That made me realize that most probably "Live in Paris" is an album worth buying in vinyl and so I did.
My speculation was true; "Live in Paris" LP (602547376954) is indeed a reference recording. Panos listened to it and wanted also to get a copy; it was at that point we realized that I had bought a back to black reissue of the album, so Panos went for the limited edition direct cut 45 RPM.
Both versions come from Verve, are 180 gr. and both versions have some theoretical benefits: the 45 RPM is... well 45 RPM and the 33 RPM has a more sparse pressing, occupying more or less the same disk area like the 45 RPM version at each side.
Immediately I saw an opportunity for a listening test, so I took my humble version of the LP and went to Pano's home for the testing.
Both having heard how wonderful my copy sounded, we were not even sure if the limited edition would (could) sound any different or better. But I have to make absolutely clear that it does; the limited edition direct cut stickers are not just marketing. At Pano's system, the Dual 505-4 Audiophile Concept with the Ortofon Super OM30 was happier with the 45 RPM version. The low end was a little less in volume, however it was tighter, better controlled and in no way you were missing it. Also, the sense of liveliness of the concert was purer. Overall, the sound was much different and slightly better.
Doing the same test at my system with the Technics SL 1210 MK2 / Stanton 681EEE / Jico Shibata stylus left us with a bit of mixed emotions - we did not even totally agreed to which LP provides the best listening experience. My system is towards the analytic / brighter side, so the more "studio like" sound of the 33 RPM version fits it better. Also, depending from the track, the increased low end potentially offered a greater sense of rhythm. For example, I preferred listening to B2 (East Of The Sun - West Of The Moon) at the 33 RPM LP but I preferred the 45 RPM for A1 (I Love Being Here With You). Panos on the other hand preferred for both tracks the Limited Edition LP.
Again, the "different" was much more applicable than "better" regarding the sound. The experience of listening to both versions is extremely pleasant.
My main conclusion is to totally advise you to get this LP album; the music is great (provided you like Diana Krall) and the sound quality is amazing at both versions. In contrast to the "Turn up the quiet" album, here the LP is sounding better than the digital version of "Live in Paris", so we are talking about a must-have-on-vinyl album.
Now, regarding which issue of the album you should get, I am afraid that there is not a clear answer. It is a matter of system, taste and budget. What is clear is that you won't be disappointed whatever version you get. As a general rule I would suggest the 33 RPM version for bright / analytical systems and the 44 RPM version for softer systems. Of course, the limited edition copy with the gatefold jacket provides an increased pleasure of ownership pride.
Happy listening as ever, 33 or 45 RPM.
Christos
PS. Why not taking a look at whatishifi blog, I am sure you will find many posts that will appeal to you: www.whatishifi.blogspot.gr
This post was born due to the purchase of the new LP "Love is here to stay" (00602567781271) by Tony Bennett & Diana Krall. Even though the sound quality is not bad at all, it lacks the warm shine of the "Turn up the quiet" (B0026480-01) LP which can be considered as a reference recording; as we saw at an older post, this also goes for the digital file of that album. Even though "Love is here to stay" LP has no specific bothering or irritating characteristics at the way it sounds, it is a bit blurred or excessively (or should I rather say timidly) soft. The very same goes for the sound coming from the digital version of the same album.
After listening to "Love is here to stay" LP I wanted to "refresh" my memory regarding how marvelous Diana Krall recordings can sound, so I came up to a digital file that was at my library but had not paid any attention up to now. It was a vinyl rip of "Live in Paris", which in contrast to the majority of vinyl rips sounded terrific. That made me realize that most probably "Live in Paris" is an album worth buying in vinyl and so I did.
My speculation was true; "Live in Paris" LP (602547376954) is indeed a reference recording. Panos listened to it and wanted also to get a copy; it was at that point we realized that I had bought a back to black reissue of the album, so Panos went for the limited edition direct cut 45 RPM.
 |
| The limited edition has a gatefold jacket; the same art of this jacket is in a booklet at the back to black re-issue. |
Both versions come from Verve, are 180 gr. and both versions have some theoretical benefits: the 45 RPM is... well 45 RPM and the 33 RPM has a more sparse pressing, occupying more or less the same disk area like the 45 RPM version at each side.
 |
| The 33 RPM LP is on the left, the 45 RPM version is on the right. I should have photographed the same sides though... |
Both having heard how wonderful my copy sounded, we were not even sure if the limited edition would (could) sound any different or better. But I have to make absolutely clear that it does; the limited edition direct cut stickers are not just marketing. At Pano's system, the Dual 505-4 Audiophile Concept with the Ortofon Super OM30 was happier with the 45 RPM version. The low end was a little less in volume, however it was tighter, better controlled and in no way you were missing it. Also, the sense of liveliness of the concert was purer. Overall, the sound was much different and slightly better.
 |
| The stickers are right, the sound from this version is different. |
Doing the same test at my system with the Technics SL 1210 MK2 / Stanton 681EEE / Jico Shibata stylus left us with a bit of mixed emotions - we did not even totally agreed to which LP provides the best listening experience. My system is towards the analytic / brighter side, so the more "studio like" sound of the 33 RPM version fits it better. Also, depending from the track, the increased low end potentially offered a greater sense of rhythm. For example, I preferred listening to B2 (East Of The Sun - West Of The Moon) at the 33 RPM LP but I preferred the 45 RPM for A1 (I Love Being Here With You). Panos on the other hand preferred for both tracks the Limited Edition LP.
Again, the "different" was much more applicable than "better" regarding the sound. The experience of listening to both versions is extremely pleasant.
My main conclusion is to totally advise you to get this LP album; the music is great (provided you like Diana Krall) and the sound quality is amazing at both versions. In contrast to the "Turn up the quiet" album, here the LP is sounding better than the digital version of "Live in Paris", so we are talking about a must-have-on-vinyl album.
 |
| If you like the music, you should totally get one of these LPs. |
Happy listening as ever, 33 or 45 RPM.
Christos
PS. Why not taking a look at whatishifi blog, I am sure you will find many posts that will appeal to you: www.whatishifi.blogspot.gr
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