It's a good year for Fragile....

[CybrKhatru]

...For those of you who are crazy about "good sound" (like me), this is really good news.

I mentioned a few days back that Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray had mastered a 180g vinyl reissue of Fragile, which will be coming out in October. This is GREAT news, as Hoffman is a mastering genius...it will likely be the best-sounding LP of Fragile since the first pressings, and it may even surpass that!



As it turns out, that's not the only release this year....Just take a look at my avatar.

No, that's not a doctored image. Mobile Fidelity is doing a gold disc of Fragile, also due out in October. Nothing like a little competition, eh?

These days MoFi's reputation has improved a bit concerning their mastering, so who knows...maybe this disc will beat the Atlantic Gastwirt Gold disc...

I've already put in an order for the LP, but not the CD yet...I may wait until a few other trusted audiophiles bite before trying it out. We shall see!

---Matt:headset:

[Imperatrix]

Dunno, Matt...improved rep or no, I'm still leery about the pending Fragile MoFi, due to my reassessment of various MoFi discs over the last two weeks or so. That said, it'll probably be an improvement over the Gastwirt.

Enfin, I know I'm not going to be disappointed with the Hoffman/Gray reissue! Wooohoooo!

[Sheerah]

Oh, and I thought I could only own 4 copies of Fragile. Check it out, I can own 5!!!!!!!

[CybrKhatru]

Oh, and I thought I could only own 4 copies of Fragile. Check it out, I can own 5!!!!!!!

:lol:

If you were really obsessive, you could probably own 10 or more different copies (including vinyl and CD)...

I've got nothing against reissuing...as long as it is truly an improvement...!

Yeah, Tasiababe..I'm a little leery about a MoFi Fragile too. I have read that their QC has improved greatly since they went back into business, so we shall see.

---Matt:headset:

[Imperatrix]

Oh, and I thought I could only own 4 copies of Fragile. Check it out, I can own 5!!!!!!!


(Just between us babes, She...I'd rather put the money towards the Vita-Mix I want to get...LOL!)

[Sheerah]

(Just between us babes, She...I'd rather put the money towards the Vita-Mix I want to get...LOL!)

Smart move, T!
You know, I probably couldn't hear the difference anyway.

[CybrKhatru]

You know, I probably couldn't hear the difference anyway.


She, I bet you could hear the difference. Step into the Browns' Listening Room next time you're in LA. ;)

But...if you can't, then ignorance is definitely bliss! :lmao: I sometimes wish I couldn't!

--Matt:headset:

[Sheerah]

She, I bet you could hear the difference. Step into the Browns' Listening Room next time you're in LA. ;)


--Matt:headset:

You're on! But that will also mean that Tasia will have to cook me something!

[DJSalt]

http://clipartreview.com/_gallery/_TN/1889696.gif

nuff said.

[CybrKhatru]

http://clipartreview.com/_gallery/_TN/1889696.gif

nuff said.

John--

the truth is...you're probably right, Especially about the CD release.

I'm sure the vinyl will smoke, however! :headset: Sure beats trying to find a mint first edition! :lmao:

---Matt

[Sheerah]

John--

the truth is...you're probably right, Especially about the CD release.

I'm sure the vinyl will smoke, however! :headset: Sure beats trying to find a mint first edition! :lmao:

---Matt

Well Matt, you let me know. I do have a very good turntable. If you feel that a schlub like me will be able to hear the difference, I'll order one.

[DJSalt]

Sheila's turntable:

http://web.mit.edu/dchou/www/images/phonograph.jpg

Sheila - other than the surface noise and occasional click or pop, I haven't yet met a person who could consistantly pass a test concerning CD/Vinyl. I know their are purists who will disagree, but most of the differences seem to come in the actual EQing of the record. To do a true test you need to give each source it's own EQ. In those circumstances, rotsa ruck choosing which is vinyl and which is CD.

[Sheerah]

Back in the day, when CDs were still a new thing, I think it was very easy to tell the difference. CDs sounded harsh and brassy, as opposed to vinyl, which was, for lack of a better word, warmer.

But since I havn't bought an album in 15 years, I have no idea what they sound like now.

I have my original release Fragile on vinyl.
I have my original release CD.
I have the Rhino remaster CD.

So, what I'm wondering is, if I buy the remastered vinyl, will I do flips over it, and never want to listen to my Rhino remaster again.

[CybrKhatru]

Back in the day, when CDs were still a new thing, I think it was very easy to tell the difference. CDs sounded harsh and brassy, as opposed to vinyl, which was, for lack of a better word, warmer.

But since I havn't bought an album in 15 years, I have no idea what they sound like now.

I have my original release Fragile on vinyl.
I have my original release CD.
I have the Rhino remaster CD.

So, what I'm wondering is, if I buy the remastered vinyl, will I do flips over it, and never want to listen to my Rhino remaster again.

It probably depends on the following:

a) which version is currently your favorite one to listen to?

b) if your answer is the vinyl, how's the condition? If it is a well-loved copy, you may very well be doing cartwheels over the reissue.

It's all up to one's individual stereo setup, and what sounds good to them. John is right regarding EQ, as LPs have to be EQ'ed in a particular way to keep the needle from jumping. It also depends on how you like your music to sound.

As for the CD...it depends on whether or not you like your CDs to sound like the vinyl version you grew up with. Again, EQ choices (not to mention mastering choices) play into this too. It's a lot like cooking---many different flavor possibilities! So far there have been at least 5 CD issues of Fragile, and they all sound different; some of those differences are huge, while others are very slight.

--Matt

[DJSalt]

Personally speaking, I just doubt it. I can't imagine the sound quality to be better enough that you would go through the hassle of handling LP's vs. the ease and convenience of CD's.

LPs:
* One at a time, must flip them halfway through.
* If not good pressing, low end rumble caused by friction and sound waves can cause feedback in speakers.
* One scratch amd it's all over! Forever a click or pop in that space and all the way the length of it. I grew up listening to a Beach Boys record with a nasty scratch, not enough to make it skip, but the sound was clear. Whenever I hear that song today (from CD or radio) my mind places that 'pop' back where it always was!

CD's:
* Can load a changer up and play for hours.
* NEVER any feedback, it's a closed circuit.
* They play (due to error correction and oversampling) nearly flawlessly until they are scratched so bad it looks like they doubled as a chew-toy for Rover.

But, hey... as long as it spins it's a disc, and therefore I'm a disc jockey!

[Sheerah]

It probably depends on the following:

a) which version is currently your favorite one to listen to?

b) if your answer is the vinyl, how's the condition? If it is a well-loved copy, you may very well be doing cartwheels over the reissue.

It's all up to one's individual stereo setup, and what sounds good to them. John is right regarding EQ, as LPs have to be EQ'ed in a particular way to keep the needle from jumping. It also depends on how you like your music to sound.

As for the CD...it depends on whether or not you like your CDs to sound like the vinyl version you grew up with. Again, EQ choices (not to mention mastering choices) play into this too. It's a lot like cooking---many different flavor possibilities! So far there have been at least 5 CD issues of Fragile, and they all sound different; some of those differences are huge, while others are very slight.

--Matt

Well, I listen to the Rhino the most. That CD is far better than the first Fragile CD I have. My vinyl is very, very, very, very worn. So, when you put it that way, it might make sense to get this newer vinyl.

[Sheerah]

I grew up listening to a Beach Boys record with a nasty scratch, not enough to make it skip, but the sound was clear. Whenever I hear that song today (from CD or radio) my mind places that 'pop' back where it always was!



I have that issue with my Eat A Peach. My first copy of Eat A Peach was on 8-track!

[CybrKhatru]

Well, I listen to the Rhino the most. That CD is far better than the first Fragile CD I have. My vinyl is very, very, very, very worn. So, when you put it that way, it might make sense to get this newer vinyl.

Yeah, the Rhino CD was a huuuge improvement over the original Atlantic CD--like night and day, really.

You can always wait until a guinea pig (i.e. yours truly) picks up the vinyl for a comparison! ;)

--Matt :headset:

[BillGuitar]

Yep.

(You know I'll buy it. I have MoFo's (Hi TaSis!) version of Meddle. Oh Yeah.

She, you could buy another one just to prove that you can...

Or you could buy me. Cheap.

:hearts:

[CybrKhatru]

Yep.

(You know I'll buy it. I have MoFo's (Hi TaSis!) version of Meddle. Oh Yeah.

She, you could buy another one just to prove that you can...

Or you could buy me. Cheap.

:hearts:

LOL Bill! Howzitgoin, eh?

Yeah, the MoFi Meddle Ultradisc is pretty smokin' indeed!

NOTE---after re-reading my initial post, I should mention that Steve Hoffman does NOT do mastering for MoFi, unfortunately. A gent named Shawn Britton works MoFi. He usually does a pretty bang-up job, depending on what tapes he is given to work with...

If Hoffman was doing the Fragile CD, I'd have pre-ordered one by now!

--Matt :headset:

[Sheerah]

Yeah, the Rhino CD was a huuuge improvement over the original Atlantic CD--like night and day, really.

You can always wait until a guinea pig (i.e. yours truly) picks up the vinyl for a comparison! ;)

--Matt :headset:

Sounds like a winning idea to me, Matt!

[Sheerah]

Yep.

She, you could buy another one just to prove that you can...

Or you could buy me. Cheap.

:hearts:

Hmmmmmmm, Bill or Fragile? Bill or Fragile?

I'll take BILL!!!!

[Imperatrix]

Bill, where you been? I miss you! :crybby: Sorry...I gotta go back into lurker mode---the soma's kicked in, and I'm not too coherent right now. I love you. :hearts:

She, I love you... :hearts:

John, I love you :hearts: ...but I really am preferring LPs lately---pops and all.

[CybrKhatru]

Personally speaking, I just doubt it. I can't imagine the sound quality to be better enough that you would go through the hassle of handling LP's vs. the ease and convenience of CD's.

LPs:
* One at a time, must flip them halfway through.
* If not good pressing, low end rumble caused by friction and sound waves can cause feedback in speakers.
* One scratch amd it's all over! Forever a click or pop in that space and all the way the length of it. I grew up listening to a Beach Boys record with a nasty scratch, not enough to make it skip, but the sound was clear. Whenever I hear that song today (from CD or radio) my mind places that 'pop' back where it always was!

CD's:
* Can load a changer up and play for hours.
* NEVER any feedback, it's a closed circuit.
* They play (due to error correction and oversampling) nearly flawlessly until they are scratched so bad it looks like they doubled as a chew-toy for Rover.

But, hey... as long as it spins it's a disc, and therefore I'm a disc jockey!

Hey John...

With all due respect, maybe I'm an exception to the rule then.

Sure, CDs are more convenient, but I still prefer a well-pressed LP on a decent stereo system. For me, the sound is just better enough, just warmer enough.

And maybe it's nostalgia, but I don't mind the occasional pop and click, especially with tube amplification...the depth of sound sucks me in so much that I don't often notice any pops (unless they're huge, and even then it's only momentary.) As it happens, tube amplification makes CDs sound better too!

As there are bad LP pressings, there are also bad CD pressings. Many CDs these days may be taken from first- or second-generation tapes, but they've been compressed, EQ'ed, noise-reduced, and/or maximized to their limits. If "All Things Must Pass" is going to be represented on CD by a heavily-NR'ed, compressed "squash" of a sound, I'll take the Apple LP, pops and all, thank you very much, and burn my own CD of it. And the first CD issue of "Fragile" (trying to keep this on topic) is a GREAT example of what can go wrong with a CD pressing. It sounded like a dull rag...no highs, a generally "muffled" sound all the way around, and it was missing the Reprise! Remember that? "Perfect sound forever"? Not if they can't get it right!

Me, I like both formats....LPs for the warmth, and CDs for the convenience and permanence. My solution these days: make CDs of the LPs! :lmao:

---Matt

[Timmo]

Dunno, Matt...improved rep or no, I'm still leery about the pending Fragile MoFi, due to my reassessment of various MoFi discs over the last two weeks or so. That said, it'll probably be an improvement over the Gastwirt.

Enfin, I know I'm not going to be disappointed with the Hoffman/Gray reissue! Wooohoooo!You are SUCH a geek!

MVOH!

[Imperatrix]

You are SUCH a geek!

MVOH!

My sweet brother, you're JUST NOW figuring this out? Why do you think I married Matt, and that he married me? We're the only ones who could put up with each other! :lmao:

[VentureRG]

Well the Mobile Fidelity CD is announced on YesWorld:

Fragile Original Master Recording

September 22, 2006 - Fragile is scheduled to be released in mid-October by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab as an original master recording on Ultradisc II 24 KT Gold CD with GAIN 2 remastering.

The reduced price is $25.00. I already have how many versions of Fragile? I actually like my DVD-A the best. Note that the link on YesWorld is not correct-it links to Amazon--the correct link is:
http://www.mofi.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=28&idproduct=96

[Yes.2]

...For those of you who are crazy about "good sound" (like me), this is really good news.

I mentioned a few days back that Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray had mastered a 180g vinyl reissue of Fragile, which will be coming out in October. This is GREAT news, as Hoffman is a mastering genius...it will likely be the best-sounding LP of Fragile since the first pressings, and it may even surpass that!



As it turns out, that's not the only release this year....Just take a look at my avatar.

No, that's not a doctored image. Mobile Fidelity is doing a gold disc of Fragile, also due out in October. Nothing like a little competition, eh?

These days MoFi's reputation has improved a bit concerning their mastering, so who knows...maybe this disc will beat the Atlantic Gastwirt Gold disc...

I've already put in an order for the LP, but not the CD yet...I may wait until a few other trusted audiophiles bite before trying it out. We shall see!

---Matt:headset:




Being that I run a classic rock vinyl night every Tuesday night at the Winedale tavern this news of a newly remastered 180g has my coochy all wet......again!
:dj:

[YesForSure.]

I was actually just going to post a thread about these releases.
Can't wait to hear it.


I have Ommadawn on a 180 G Vinyl issue from recent times, If I had a proper turntable/preamp I'm sure it would be amazing.

[CybrKhatru]

UPDATE:

The Analogue Productions LP of "Fragile" (mastered by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman) is now avilable. My copy just shipped from www.AcousticSounds.com. I've heard great things about it, and will report when it arrives.


Can't wait!!!

[CybrKhatru]

FedEx just brought the new Fragile LP to work....nice, heavy vinyl, beautiful cover...haven't even cracked it open yet...Spinning this tonight is going to be fun!!!!!


--Matt:headset:

[Imperatrix]

FedEx just brought the new Fragile LP to work....nice, heavy vinyl, beautiful cover...haven't even cracked it open yet...Spinning this tonight is going to be fun!!!!!


--Matt:headset:

I heard SSoTS about 20 minutes ago----insanely incredible!

[AmyK]

Well the last of this thread was 2 years ago, but I had to throw this in. My MOFI CD of Fragile just arrived today and I must say it has "oomph" that can only be rivlaled by the LP. The Rhino remaster is crystal clear but seems to not have the "character" of the vinyl or the MOFI.

I played them simultaneously, switching between them to formulate this opinion to be fair.

So, here is my final verdict:

Clearest - Rhino Remaster
Most "Character" and warmth - US release vinyl
Best combination of clarity and charecter - MOFI CD!

I would say the the MOFI preserves 98-99% of the character of the vinyl, but without the little ticks and pops in the quiet places :)

[oliasofsuffolk]

Well as AmyK has added something 2 years down the line I felt like it too!

I have the Steve Hoffman Acoustech vinyl and I love it. The sound has a beautiful warmth just like the band despite all their musical flash. This 180g vinyl is just a lovely thing to own and the cover and original artwork are top notch. It is a very special thing to just sit down with a cuppa or a beer and listen to it.

I also have a UK first pressing in excellent++ condition with the original booklet stapled to the gatefold as it was on the first issues. This beats the Hoffman for breathtaking clarity but it is not quite so warm.

As regards CDs I am not a vinyl snob and listen to CDs often for convenience. I get really confused with all this CD remastering business. In general I seem to like the newer remasters say for Genesis even though some people say they are compressed crap.

So I seem to like original vinyl AND new remasters... :headset:

[90125yes]

it is always a good year for fragile

great classic YES music

[CybrKhatru]

I'd love to find an original UK Fragile vinyl in good shape....:D