I know this has been asked before, but which CD versions are the best (soundwise)? I have all Albums on Vinyl and CD, but the CD's are the first ones who came out in the 80's.
The 2001 Japanese pressings look really good, but they are expensive, so what's your opinion?
Greetings, Olli
Thread
Posts in chronological order
The latest mini vinyl remasters are the best 'normal' releases to datein terms of sound quality - they really seem to have worked well on these; the early stuff is a lot clearer and better to listen to, and even The Miracle and Innuendo are much sharper, with more snap and depth to the bass and drums.
The best way to hear Queen however is really with a proper DTS set up for A Night At The Opera and The Game DVD-A releases, and the Greatest Video Hits DVDs.
The best way to hear Queen however is really with a proper DTS set up for A Night At The Opera and The Game DVD-A releases, and the Greatest Video Hits DVDs.
Without a doubt the latest japanese mini-vinyl editions...
...beatiful package and in most cases !REAL! high definition sound (not like ANATO 30 anniv. FAKE high definition sound)...
P.
...beatiful package and in most cases !REAL! high definition sound (not like ANATO 30 anniv. FAKE high definition sound)...
P.
There wer two great topics about this, last year.
here´s one:
http://www.queenzone.com/queenzone/forumnew/forum_topic_view.aspx?Q_FORUM_ID=10&Q_FORUM_NAME=Queen+-++General+Discussion&TOPIC_SUBJECT=Japan+CDs+VS+Standard+CDs&Q=924986&page=1
I couldn´t find the other.
In my opinion the "News of the World" mimi lp edition beats everything. The vinyl was so bad, that this edition looks like gold.
And in this edition you can clearly hear who sings "Sheer Heart attack".
Others think it´s the Miracle album from mini lp edition.
But yes, the japanese edition is the best.
Take care
here´s one:
http://www.queenzone.com/queenzone/forumnew/forum_topic_view.aspx?Q_FORUM_ID=10&Q_FORUM_NAME=Queen+-++General+Discussion&TOPIC_SUBJECT=Japan+CDs+VS+Standard+CDs&Q=924986&page=1
I couldn´t find the other.
In my opinion the "News of the World" mimi lp edition beats everything. The vinyl was so bad, that this edition looks like gold.
And in this edition you can clearly hear who sings "Sheer Heart attack".
Others think it´s the Miracle album from mini lp edition.
But yes, the japanese edition is the best.
Take care
This was touched on a bit in that other thread, but I'm interested in everyone's opinion on these MSFL discs. I have all four, and they sound the best thru my Bose speakers / Crown Amp.
I bought all the EMI (imports) when they weren't available in the states. Then I bought all the Hollywood releases. Finally these MSFL discs, which I was really happy with upon 1st listen. I do not have any of the Japanese Mini CDs. Am I really missing out here?
I bought all the EMI (imports) when they weren't available in the states. Then I bought all the Hollywood releases. Finally these MSFL discs, which I was really happy with upon 1st listen. I do not have any of the Japanese Mini CDs. Am I really missing out here?
Thanks a lot for your replys! I bought the japanese Innuendo and Queen II today. 16 euros at my local record store, which isn't too much for a japanese import here in Germany :-) They sound fantastic, specialy Queen II! Since i have the original Vinyls, these "vinyl minis" have the same layout. I think I get all of them, but I have to look where... At Amazon.de , the japanese 24bit re-master of Live Killers cost over 50 Euros...crazy!
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Bobby_brown wrote: [/QUOTENAME]There wer two great topics about this, last year.
here´s one:
http://www.queenzone.com/queenzone/forumnew/forum_topic_view.aspx?Q_FORUM_ID=10&Q_FORUM_NAME=Queen+-++General+Discussion&TOPIC_SUBJECT=Japan+CDs+VS+Standard+CDs&Q=924986&page=1
I couldn´t find the other.
In my opinion the "News of the World" mimi lp edition beats everything. The vinyl was so bad, that this edition looks like gold.
And in this edition you can clearly hear who sings "Sheer Heart attack".
Others think it´s the Miracle album from mini lp edition.
But yes, the japanese edition is the best.
Take care[/QUOTE]
Yes, there were 2 threads, the second was started
by me and I too can't find it, which is bad, because there was a wonderfull long comparision of the original cd editions, the 1991 HR release and the Japanese remasters . And I fool didn't save it :(
here´s one:
http://www.queenzone.com/queenzone/forumnew/forum_topic_view.aspx?Q_FORUM_ID=10&Q_FORUM_NAME=Queen+-++General+Discussion&TOPIC_SUBJECT=Japan+CDs+VS+Standard+CDs&Q=924986&page=1
I couldn´t find the other.
In my opinion the "News of the World" mimi lp edition beats everything. The vinyl was so bad, that this edition looks like gold.
And in this edition you can clearly hear who sings "Sheer Heart attack".
Others think it´s the Miracle album from mini lp edition.
But yes, the japanese edition is the best.
Take care[/QUOTE]
Yes, there were 2 threads, the second was started
by me and I too can't find it, which is bad, because there was a wonderfull long comparision of the original cd editions, the 1991 HR release and the Japanese remasters . And I fool didn't save it :(
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]pittrek wrote: [/QUOTENAME][QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Bobby_brown wrote: [/QUOTENAME]There wer two great topics about this, last year.
here´s one:
http://www.queenzone.com/queenzone/forumnew/forum_topic_view.aspx?Q_FORUM_ID=10&Q_FORUM_NAME=Queen+-++General+Discussion&TOPIC_SUBJECT=Japan+CDs+VS+Standard+CDs&Q=924986&page=1
I couldn´t find the other.
In my opinion the "News of the World" mimi lp edition beats everything. The vinyl was so bad, that this edition looks like gold.
And in this edition you can clearly hear who sings "Sheer Heart attack".
Others think it´s the Miracle album from mini lp edition.
But yes, the japanese edition is the best.
Take care[/QUOTE]
Yes, there were 2 threads, the second was started
by me and I too can't find it, which is bad, because there was a wonderfull long comparision of the original cd editions, the 1991 HR release and the Japanese remasters . And I fool didn't save it :([/QUOTE]
Hello Pittrek, nice to see it was you who started that wonderfull topic. I can´t find it too ; (
But i will try again.
Now i´m gonna burn another DVD for some guy name Peter ; )
Take care
here´s one:
http://www.queenzone.com/queenzone/forumnew/forum_topic_view.aspx?Q_FORUM_ID=10&Q_FORUM_NAME=Queen+-++General+Discussion&TOPIC_SUBJECT=Japan+CDs+VS+Standard+CDs&Q=924986&page=1
I couldn´t find the other.
In my opinion the "News of the World" mimi lp edition beats everything. The vinyl was so bad, that this edition looks like gold.
And in this edition you can clearly hear who sings "Sheer Heart attack".
Others think it´s the Miracle album from mini lp edition.
But yes, the japanese edition is the best.
Take care[/QUOTE]
Yes, there were 2 threads, the second was started
by me and I too can't find it, which is bad, because there was a wonderfull long comparision of the original cd editions, the 1991 HR release and the Japanese remasters . And I fool didn't save it :([/QUOTE]
Hello Pittrek, nice to see it was you who started that wonderfull topic. I can´t find it too ; (
But i will try again.
Now i´m gonna burn another DVD for some guy name Peter ; )
Take care
OK, the other topic was erased from Queenzone. I remember i´ve copy it to my hard drive to know what to buy and the link is dead ; (
But i copy the text of a wonderfull review made by someone who i can´t remember. I´m sorry for not guiving the credit he deserves but in case someone knows, just say it.
Here´s what he has said:
" Oh well, since this is here anyway I'll try to answer your slightly more specific question. I have at least 2 versions of each so I'll list which one I'd grab:
"Queen" - Hollywood version 1991. A warmer, not-so-harsh and tinny sound compared to the 2001 which actually hurts my ears at times.
"Queen II" - Hollywood 1991 again. While the 2001 version never hurts my ears, it does venture into the same type of sound. And I actually listened to the 2001 version last night and swore I heard some very minor but noticeable drop-outs.
"Sheer Heart Attack" - 2001 remaster for sure. Much fuller sound.
"A Night At The Opera" - 30th Anniversary, and preferably the DVD's PCM track which is noticeably better than the standard CD due to the higher sampling rate.
"A Day At The Races" - 2001 remaster. Flawless I think and a significant improvement over 1991.
"News Of The World" - 2001 remaster, absolutely. This is one of the two best of the 2001s. Big, rich sound that blows other versions away.
"Jazz" - Tough call. I'm gonna say the 1991 version because again, there's a warmth there which is missing on the over-loud, bit-too-tinny 2001 version. UK version from 1994 has a glitch during the intro of Fat Bottomed Girls which was carried over to 'Rocks'.
"Live Killers" - 2001 version all the way. This version sounds more rich and full than the weak 1991 version.
"The Game" - 2001 version. This is tied with NOTW as my favorites of the 2001 series. I've tried the PCM from the DVD-A and it was lacking something, and the 1991 version is totally lacking a fullness/bass.
"Flash Gordon" - 2001 version. Much like 'Live Killers', this isn't a very well-produced album and the 2001 remaster at least improves it slightly.
"Greatest Hits" - 2001 version, which is also contained in the U.S. Platinum Collection (not the European version) and "Greatest Hits - WWRY Edition". Major improvement from the early 90s UK version.
"Hot Space" - 2001 version. Excellent sound and much richer than the 1991 version.
"The Works" - This one kinda parallels 'Jazz'. Again, I think the 1991 version is slightly more pleasing sounding.. the 2001 is a bit too loud and kinda flat sounding.
"A Kind of Magic" - Very tough call. I actually like the sound of the 2001 version, though once it was pointed out that there was midrange missing, I heard it too.. I guess technically I'd have to say the 1991 version is more like it should be. I love this one as a 2004 card sleeve though.. being a gatefold and with such rich artwork.
"Live Magic" - 2001 version without a doubt. The 1996 Hollywood version is very weak compared to this. Major improvment.
"The Miracle" - Here again, like AKOM, if you like a sort of V-shaped EQ pattern like myself, the missing midrange won't bother you and this will sound nice. And since the 1991 Hollywood version has an alternate mix of 'I Want it All', this 2001 version is my best choice for an original representation of the album. I have the 1989 Capitol version as well and it's quite weak sounding compared to either of those.
"Innuendo" - original 1991 version. 2001 remaster is horrible at times. 'I Can't Live With You' sounds really harsh, other tracks sound weak.. they botched this one when remastering.
"Greatest Hits II" - 2001 version is much cleaner sounding, doesn't have that 'compressed' sound that the original 1991 version had. Plus they've restored the endin
But i copy the text of a wonderfull review made by someone who i can´t remember. I´m sorry for not guiving the credit he deserves but in case someone knows, just say it.
Here´s what he has said:
" Oh well, since this is here anyway I'll try to answer your slightly more specific question. I have at least 2 versions of each so I'll list which one I'd grab:
"Queen" - Hollywood version 1991. A warmer, not-so-harsh and tinny sound compared to the 2001 which actually hurts my ears at times.
"Queen II" - Hollywood 1991 again. While the 2001 version never hurts my ears, it does venture into the same type of sound. And I actually listened to the 2001 version last night and swore I heard some very minor but noticeable drop-outs.
"Sheer Heart Attack" - 2001 remaster for sure. Much fuller sound.
"A Night At The Opera" - 30th Anniversary, and preferably the DVD's PCM track which is noticeably better than the standard CD due to the higher sampling rate.
"A Day At The Races" - 2001 remaster. Flawless I think and a significant improvement over 1991.
"News Of The World" - 2001 remaster, absolutely. This is one of the two best of the 2001s. Big, rich sound that blows other versions away.
"Jazz" - Tough call. I'm gonna say the 1991 version because again, there's a warmth there which is missing on the over-loud, bit-too-tinny 2001 version. UK version from 1994 has a glitch during the intro of Fat Bottomed Girls which was carried over to 'Rocks'.
"Live Killers" - 2001 version all the way. This version sounds more rich and full than the weak 1991 version.
"The Game" - 2001 version. This is tied with NOTW as my favorites of the 2001 series. I've tried the PCM from the DVD-A and it was lacking something, and the 1991 version is totally lacking a fullness/bass.
"Flash Gordon" - 2001 version. Much like 'Live Killers', this isn't a very well-produced album and the 2001 remaster at least improves it slightly.
"Greatest Hits" - 2001 version, which is also contained in the U.S. Platinum Collection (not the European version) and "Greatest Hits - WWRY Edition". Major improvement from the early 90s UK version.
"Hot Space" - 2001 version. Excellent sound and much richer than the 1991 version.
"The Works" - This one kinda parallels 'Jazz'. Again, I think the 1991 version is slightly more pleasing sounding.. the 2001 is a bit too loud and kinda flat sounding.
"A Kind of Magic" - Very tough call. I actually like the sound of the 2001 version, though once it was pointed out that there was midrange missing, I heard it too.. I guess technically I'd have to say the 1991 version is more like it should be. I love this one as a 2004 card sleeve though.. being a gatefold and with such rich artwork.
"Live Magic" - 2001 version without a doubt. The 1996 Hollywood version is very weak compared to this. Major improvment.
"The Miracle" - Here again, like AKOM, if you like a sort of V-shaped EQ pattern like myself, the missing midrange won't bother you and this will sound nice. And since the 1991 Hollywood version has an alternate mix of 'I Want it All', this 2001 version is my best choice for an original representation of the album. I have the 1989 Capitol version as well and it's quite weak sounding compared to either of those.
"Innuendo" - original 1991 version. 2001 remaster is horrible at times. 'I Can't Live With You' sounds really harsh, other tracks sound weak.. they botched this one when remastering.
"Greatest Hits II" - 2001 version is much cleaner sounding, doesn't have that 'compressed' sound that the original 1991 version had. Plus they've restored the endin
Thanks a lot Bobby Brown! Now this the perfect guide!!!
A big THANKS for a guy named NUNO :) And also for the original author, of course :)
Hehe.. that was me. Thanks for reposting it Bobby :)
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]the lesbian bunny wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Hehe.. that was me. Thanks for reposting it Bobby :)[/QUOTE]
Just saved you all the trouble of writing it again ; )
Great review, thanks!
Take care
Just saved you all the trouble of writing it again ; )
Great review, thanks!
Take care
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]pittrek wrote: [/QUOTENAME]A big THANKS for a guy named NUNO :) And also for the original author, of course :)[/QUOTE]
Yes, Nuno is a great guy ; )
Yes, Nuno is a great guy ; )
Thanks I'm gonna save that list too :) Unlike CDs from other older bands I have, I do have to admit a lot of the older albums don't sound too bad on the 1991 Hollywood remasters (minus the missing measures on In The Lap Of The Gods, which I still haven't replaced)....
Do the gold discs have any plusses at all? I have the MFSL gold ADATR but I've never noticed much difference between it and the Hollywood 1991 version, but I guess it doesn't hurt to keep it anyway. I know remasters from other bands have actually surpassed their gold MFSL counterparts so maybe most gold discs are obsolete.
Do the gold discs have any plusses at all? I have the MFSL gold ADATR but I've never noticed much difference between it and the Hollywood 1991 version, but I guess it doesn't hurt to keep it anyway. I know remasters from other bands have actually surpassed their gold MFSL counterparts so maybe most gold discs are obsolete.