Guest Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 (edited) Hi all. New to Jazz, and I'm now ready to start investing in some nice pressings of what I've discovered I like. It's not hard to find a reasonably priced version of most things, but given the amount of pressings, remasters etc of Kind of Blue - it's a f***ing minefield. I can bang on about the best pressing of Led Zep albums and all my other traditional genres - but that's of no value here. I had the pure joy of borrowing a long-time friend's 6 Eye mono (promo release - it's NM and he's had it since the '80s), and he was kind enough to rip it for me in 24/96. It destroys the HD tracks version I have (paid for), the Qobuz HiRes and the SACD I have. I think I've narrowed it down to: - US 1st Press - VG+ copies can be had for <$500 - This Sony reissue from 2013 - https://www.analogplanet.com/content/miles-davis-kind-blue-monophonic-reissue-sonylegacy-analog-planet-exclusive Does anyone have both and has compared, or any other suggestions? Edited September 3, 2020 by Guest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FR DRew Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 If the mono columbia six eye of KOB is anything like the mono six eye versions of Time Out, Lady in Satin or Sketches of Spain then yeah, it's where I'd head. I own those three and they are killer. Tone, detail, liquidity... I can forgo the stereo imaging for something that sublime in a heartbeat. The folks recording, mastering and pressing those early Columbia monos really knew their trade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 1 minute ago, FR DRew said: If the mono columbia six eye of KOB is anything like the mono six eye versions of Time Out, Lady in Satin or Sketches of Spain then yeah, it's where I'd head. I own those three and they are killer. Tone, detail, liquidity... I can forgo the stereo imaging for something that sublime in a heartbeat. The folks recording, mastering and pressing those early Columbia monos really knew their trade. Yup - and I have no issue with mono pressings of anything (IMO 9/10 times the mono kills the stereo prior to 1970ish in mot genres). He has the 6 eye stereo too (not as minty, prob VG/VG+) and I'd take the mono version in a heartbeat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rossb Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 You've just inspired me to play my copy of the 2013 mono reissue with my new Ortofon Cadenza mono. The Sony reissue 2 LP set with the original and correct speed versions is very good, if you can still find it. The MFSL 45 rpm version is also excellent, but again may be hard to find, although it wasn't released all that long ago. Unfortunately I don't have an original pressing to compare them to. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 2 minutes ago, rossb said: You've just inspired me to play my copy of the 2013 mono reissue with my new Ortofon Cadenza mono. The Sony reissue 2 LP set with the original and correct speed versions is very good, if you can still find it. The MFSL 45 rpm version is also excellent, but again may be hard to find, although it wasn't released all that long ago. Unfortunately I don't have an original pressing to compare them to. The MoFi is actually incoming (sealed) - my understanding is that they used the 3 track stereo (given the original mono was last/taped over). It will be interesting to compare that to the 6 eye stereo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundfan Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 I've owned a s**load of different KOB pressings over the years. Buying the 2015 MFSL stopped me looking. https://www.discogs.com/Miles-Davis-Kind-Of-Blue/release/7303082 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 Just now, soundfan said: I've owned a s**load of different KOB pressings over the years. Buying the 2015 MFSL stopped me looking. https://www.discogs.com/Miles-Davis-Kind-Of-Blue/release/7303082 Yup - I have it incoming as we speak (as above, will be good comparing it to the stereo 1st press) - but all about mono on this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Orr Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 I like the classic records 33 Bernie Grudman cut. honourable mention for the MOFI to 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juzbear Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 I was looking at this last night as I was listening to some other mono jazz records. The Michael Fremer article from the above post rates the 2013 sony columbia mono as better than the original 6 eyes (or that's what I took from the article), and from further reading, the MOV version which came out the following year is the same mastering etc, just pressed in the Netherlands. These are both full analogue, though mixed from the three track. I have noticed that discrepancy has another release coming from Japan in mono, though it suggests that it is from the digital masters, though I am not sure that it isn't just the same masters as the above ones. Lots to choose from, and it doesn't sound like you have to go back to the high dollar originals. Justin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 4, 2020 Share Posted September 4, 2020 I think I'm going to grab the Sony, and then I can compare to the 6eye that I can borrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juzbear Posted September 6, 2020 Share Posted September 6, 2020 (edited) Giving the Sony 2013 mono reissue a spin, and it sounds fantastic. Pressed at RTI and mastered at sterling sound, and even has the pretty 6 eyes (albeit not the originals, or the $$$ a the originals command) Edited September 6, 2020 by Juzbear Corrected info about sterling sound before I got pinged by someone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 6, 2020 Share Posted September 6, 2020 3 hours ago, Juzbear said: Giving the Sony 2013 mono reissue a spin, and it sounds fantastic. Pressed at sterling sound, and even has the pretty 6 eyes (albeit not the originals, or the $$$ a the originals command) Mine arrives this week - just need the amp back! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 (edited) Well - I have 3 versions incoming: - Sony 2013 mono (as per Analog Planet) - should be here tomorrow - Classic Records 33rpm - MFSL SACD I looked around the mofi 45rpm, but this album will lend itself to chilling with wine/beer, and I get the MoFi mix on the SACD. Edited September 16, 2020 by Guest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbgti Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 11 minutes ago, jbgti said: Looks like I’ll be pretty well covered! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scuzzii Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 23 hours ago, Billy Shears said: Well - I have 3 versions incoming: - Sony 2013 mono (as per Analog Planet) - should be here tomorrow - Classic Records 33rpm - MFSL SACD I looked around the mofi 45rpm, but this album will lend itself to chilling with wine/beer, and I get the MoFi mix on the SACD. If you are on the northern side of Sydney, let me know if you wish to borrow /hear (at my place) my Japanese release and / or MOFI Release. These are what I have. https://www.discogs.com/Miles-Davis-Kind-Of-Blue/release/5621247 https://www.discogs.com/Miles-Davis-Kind-Of-Blue/release/7303082 I have a few others plus (on order) the mono you just got. I don't have the Classic Records of KOB, but do have the Sketches of Spain Classic Records release. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoveD Posted September 18, 2020 Share Posted September 18, 2020 I haven’t played this for a while so just join in the fun... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 18, 2020 Share Posted September 18, 2020 Just now, MoveD said: I haven’t played this for a while so just join in the fun... It really is stunning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoveD Posted September 18, 2020 Share Posted September 18, 2020 I also had the 2015 MoFi, 2013 Music on Vinyl Mono and Music on Vinyl Stereo. Sold them all and keep only this Mono version. I do think the MoFo sounds better SQ wise but like you I much prefer the mono mix. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 18, 2020 Share Posted September 18, 2020 7 minutes ago, MoveD said: I also had the 2015 MoFi, 2013 Music on Vinyl Mono and Music on Vinyl Stereo. Sold them all and keep only this Mono version. I do think the MoFo sounds better SQ wise but like you I much prefer the mono mix. I've a fondness in general for mono from that era, but it's nice having a great mix of both formats when they're an album of that caliber - hopefully I spent my budget wisely! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demondes Posted October 7, 2020 Share Posted October 7, 2020 Just received the 2020 Japanese Mono version today. Will try and do an A/B test between this and the RSD 2013 Mono. The Quality of the Cover (with OBI) and design is far superior to the 2013 version. I Believe the Vinyl feels heavier ( we all know that can be good or bad), but the real test will be playback. It could sound very similar or exactly the same as RSD 2013 if mastering was via the 192/24 digital files. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 7, 2020 Share Posted October 7, 2020 (edited) On 17/09/2020 at 2:59 PM, scuzzii said: If you are on the northern side of Sydney, let me know if you wish to borrow /hear (at my place) my Japanese release and / or MOFI Release. These are what I have. https://www.discogs.com/Miles-Davis-Kind-Of-Blue/release/5621247 https://www.discogs.com/Miles-Davis-Kind-Of-Blue/release/7303082 I have a few others plus (on order) the mono you just got. I don't have the Classic Records of KOB, but do have the Sketches of Spain Classic Records release. Apologies - I missed this. I’m working interstate ATM and I’m all over the place, and it’s possible I’m off permanently - but damn that would be awesome. On another note - the CR is here, and the MoFi SACD in transport limbo. I love both so far! The CR is done brilliantly, as is the Sony. I did my first back to back listen, and neither is better, just different. Edited October 7, 2020 by Guest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrews_melb Posted October 8, 2020 Share Posted October 8, 2020 Are you guys playing mono albums on mono carts or stereo carts? Super keen to try a KOB mono but only have stereo carts so have the 45 mfsl version Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 8, 2020 Share Posted October 8, 2020 12 minutes ago, Andrews_melb said: Are you guys playing mono albums on mono carts or stereo carts? Super keen to try a KOB mono but only have stereo carts so have the 45 mfsl version Stereo cart for me - but I have a mono switch to sum the channels on my phono. It will definitely play just fine on a stereo cart with no mono switch... just third a third tier option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demondes Posted October 9, 2020 Share Posted October 9, 2020 23 hours ago, Billy Shears said: Stereo cart for me - but I have a mono switch to sum the channels on my phono. It will definitely play just fine on a stereo cart with no mono switch... just third a third tier option. Yep same for me stereo cart but switchable to mono on the Luxman phonostage 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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