Neil Diamond new MCA collection

[Sergio Ruz]

Has anyone heard the new 3 CD set "Play me"? How's the sound quality, compared with other collections? I'm no big fan of Neil's music and already have the "Glory road" collection from '92 as well as the Columbia box set.
Though the box set is better, I don't think the sound on "Road" is that bad, but apparently it's not a decent sounding collection according to some websites (with headphones you can hear a distinct rumble on the left channel when Two bit Manchild begins).
I'm thinking of replacing "Glory road" with the new collection, given that I prefer Neil's 60's music over everything after, but only if there's a definite improvement in sound. I recall reading here that the single CD "Neil Diamond collection" uses the correct stereo mixes, but has a noticeable compressed sound. Is "Play me" more of the same?
Thanks! :)

[sjc]

I bought this a few weeks ago. To my untrained ear it is nothing special. It sounds bright, and loud with limited amounts of hiss....In other words all the characteristics of "modern" mastering. To it's benefit, it is cheap. I got mine for $26. That's a lot of music. Actually, almost too much. Some of the material is clearly there due to the need of the record companies back then to have albums out at least every six months. I also own Glory Road and although I have not done an extensive comparison, I think GR is a bit more natural sounding.....

[Sergio Ruz]

Mmmmh... thought so. "Glory Road" may be hissy, but probably that's the sound of the master tapes, pre noise reduction; and I have no problem with that. Thanks!

[mikenyc]

I read somewhere, when the SONY box was released, that Neil owns the masters for the Bang and CBS material.

What's the story on the UNI material ?

I never thought I would be interested in "Crunch Granola Suite" but his pop sound is so infectious and good, I can't resist !

[Jimbo]

I still think that some of the original MCA CDs sound very good. Tap Root Manuscript, Stones, andMoods are all quite faithful to the original albums, despite some hiss. I don't think any of Neil's individual MCA albums have been remastered since they were first released on CD in the 80s--not including the recent expanded edition of Hot August Night.