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View Full Version : Coltrane on MFSL

Matt
02-13-2002, 10:28 AM
A local store here just got Blue Train and Giant Steps, and they're going for $40 a pop. Is the sound worth it, or are there better alternatives?
Dave
02-13-2002, 11:00 AM
Matt,

If Blue Train is on UD1 (Japan) I'd say maybe try it before buying, but avoid the UD2 version as it's too bright in the top end.

There maybe better versions, that no doubt either Steve, Sckott or Luke can help you with.
Sckott
02-13-2002, 11:41 AM
The non-remastered Blue Train (Manhattan/EMI/Capitol) is best, slightly under an MFSL and Giant Steps; I never had a problem with the normal red-print-on-white spinned Atlantic issue. I haven't gotten the remaster as of yet. IS a MFSL of Blue Train worth it? Debateable.

You don't have to pay lots to enjoy Coltrane, and a lot of his Impulse reissues don't sound horrible, but trust me when I say, the normal non-remastered Blue Train CD (that you might find used) is best for many reasons.

I thought the Classic Records DVD-A sounded better (IMHO) than the MFSL anyways. But, like Steve has said, the master tape is merely a dub. Sounds fantastic though.
Matt
02-13-2002, 12:33 PM
Thanks for the replies. I listened to both. I was unable to compare them with the ones I already own, but I wasn't really floored by them; I get the feeling if there's improvement, it's not much. I already have the Coltrane box set of his complete Atlantic recordings, and I'm pretty satisfied with the sound, so I'll probably pass on the MFSL.

I'll look for the old Blue Train and give that a try as well.

Thanks!
Claus
02-13-2002, 12:44 PM
JVC have releases an xrcd2 remaster... very good!
petzi
02-13-2002, 01:02 PM
Originally posted by Claus
JVC have releases an xrcd2 remaster... very good!

Have you had a chance to compare the XRCD to the MoFi CD or Classic Records DAD ?
SVL
02-13-2002, 01:08 PM
Originally posted by Claus
JVC have releases an xrcd2 remaster... very good!

I don't think JVC reissued Blue Train, but they did several Prestige titles. Loved their Kenny Burrell with John Coltrane XRCD - IMO a must-have for both music and sound quality.

Well, just to double-check I went to www.xrcd.com - not there. As for BT in general, the "Ultimate Blue Train" reissue on Blue Note/Capitol is the one to avoid, IMO.
Claus
02-13-2002, 01:12 PM
I have 3 versions of Blue Train... Mofi's remaster - Blue Note remaster and JVC's xrcd. I do prefer the JVC... very detailed and warm analog sound. But that's my opinion...
SVL
02-13-2002, 01:19 PM
Now that's weird:)...

Is it an "official" XRCD (book-like artwork and all), a Digital K2 disc in a regular jewel case or one of those mysterious Hong Kong discs, like Dire Straits' Brothers In Arms?
Dave
02-13-2002, 03:30 PM
FWIW,

Dire Straits BIA says that it's mastered and made in Japan and distributed by Universal in Hong Kong.

Maybe it's a legal issue with it not being allowed to be distributed by the JVC label?
Paul C.
02-13-2002, 05:11 PM
Claus - are you sure it's "Blue train" you are talking about as an XRCD? I have never heard of such a disc, and no Blue Note titles have appeared as XRCDs, to my knowledge.

The only reissued jazz on XRCD has been stuff licensed to Victor Co. Japan - which includes Prestige/Riverside/Contemporary etc. Correct me if I'm wrong.