Exile On Main Street

[Loud Listener]

I need some help and opinions regarding 'Exile On Main Street'.

I have several versions:
Original US LP (1972)
US EMI 180 gram LP
CBS US CD (Original US Release I Believe)
Virgin US CD

I believe the EMI 180 gram LP and Virgin CD release are from the same digital 'remaster' by Bob Ludwig. They both state he remastered them.

My questions are:

1. Does anyone have any opinions as to a definitive CD or LP release, domestic or international. So far I like my original the best in terms of sound. Nice highs and midrange.

2. Is it just mine or did all EMI US 180 gram LPs have surface noise on Side 4 on 'Stop Breaking Down' and 'Shine A Light'? Sides 1 - 3 are very clean.

3. Is the EMI 180 gram LP lacking tape noise, i.e., has it had the 'No Noise' process applied, or was it just EQ'd down to remove the hiss? Mine has good bass but almost no midrange or highs. My original US release has excellent mids and highs (tape hiss is our friend), but doesn't quite have the bottom the 180 gram does.

4. Any opinions about Bob Ludwig's work?

[MagicAlex]

I really like the sound on all the Stones remasters (Virgin) that I have purchased. I think they did a pretty good job. I only have 'Some Girls', 'Black & Blue' and ' Exile' so far but I like them better than the original CD releases.