How is the Rudy Van Gelder-remastered Coltrane Blue Train CD?

A local independent record store in my area is liquidating some of its CD inventory by having a 50%-off sale. Most of the stuff on sale is junk, but I can get the John Coltrane Blue Train CD recently remastered by Rudy Van Gelder for $6. Is it worth it? I know that the SACD isn't too well thought of here (I only had it for a short time before it developed a crack, so I never really got to evaluate it). Should I assume then that the remastered CD isn't worth having either? I don't expect it to match the DAD, but how does it stack up with the MFSL CD? I have the DAD and MFSL CD, so do I really need to Van Gelder remastered CD? Thanks!

 

Bright, compressed and almost mono.

 

Jamie, thanks. That's what I thought. It really is sad that compression, no-noise, etc. has invaded classic jazz.

 

Mofi's Blue Train is okay... better than the latest remasters!!!

 

I'll second this one.

 

I guess that I am O.K. with the MFSL CD and DAD. The DAD is stunning. I really expected the SACD to beat it, so I was very surprised to read reviews to the contrary here. Of course, Classic Records has been known to turn out some good stuff once in awhile.

 

SACD made for the masses? Never heard of such a thing.

(Sorry Steve Just having a little fun.)

 

Steve asked:

Although I was facetious in my previous post, I do realize that Classic Records does excellent work. That said, I wanted to believe that the SACD could sound even better than the DAD (that whole DSD-is-more-analog-than-PCM thing), and I also wanted to believe that a major label would take the right approach with the SACD. I never said I was smart.

 

So, now that we've gotten this far, what's the favorite version out there besides the $10 kilobuck original pressed vinyl?

 

Jamie, I love the DAD. Do you have it? If not, get it!

 

Yeah, I have the DAD and the SACD along with several CD versions. The DAD is very nice, I think it's my favorite of what I have.

 

Steve, thanks for the tip. I may just have to break down and look for the mono version on vinyl. I don't have a great turntable, but it's good enough.

 

I've never heard the mono, Steve. What makes it special - was it a seperate "live" mix?

 

Rudy didn't make a futzed-with "master" afterwards for the mono, only for the stereo - thanks Steve!

 

Interesting, and makes sense - thanks Steve.

I have to say I think the Classic Records stereo LP sounds very good (did Classic do a mono LP also?), but it's the only version I've ever heard (except for maybe hearing it on the radio). Well, almost - I almost bought an original mono LP once, but passed. When my buddy who was selling it let me hear a bit of it, he was having some problems with his system at the time, so except from judging how well it played as far as wear or surface noise goes, I really couldn't tell how it sounded.

 

And probably a 6db cut @ 10 or 12k and above to go with the boost @ 5!

 

Steve, is there a mono version that you recommend?

 

Okay, I just compared the Classic Records 45 rpm 4LP version of the title cut to their regular LP and the 45 rpm version was much wider and more discrete. Anyone know why?

 

I guess I'll have to see if Classic did a mono version too or eventually look for a later edition mono LP - thanks Steve.