Roxy Music on CD

Well it's strange after listening, and listening some more, they don't necessarily sound compressed, like I know some stuff that is. It doesn't sound 'bad' per-se, just far too loud.

We have made direct recordings onto CD-R from Vinyl (I guess from the Atlanitc Years/Street Life LP's).
These were recording with maximum VU metering just occasionally flipping into the red (as the instructions for the CD-Recorder suggest), and these sound closer to the overall volume level of the EGCD50 UK Avalon we have.

The new HDCD Remasters of Boys and Girls/Flesh and Blood are incredibly loud, so much so, that it isn't pleasant to us, to pout them on the HiFi, because we can't turn the amp volume down low enough (below a certain point, normally quiet, all of the body goes from the sound, it sound very thin - a cut-off point if you will).

I re-adjusted the gain on these .WAVs from those two Remasters by -6dB, they now match the Vinyl overall audible volume level and that of Avalon (not the visual peaks, or VU levels).

It seems odd, dropping them 6dB seems to make more parts of the music become revealed. I can hear a that slight reverb to Ferry's voice that was kind of lost before. The Guitar and Sax solos seem to be a bit less shrill, although they still have the same tonality.
I think Flash and Blood needs a little more of a volume drop.

Playing these back on the CD-Recorder the VU is well down the scale, whilst Avalon and the Vinyl recordings both touch red (I guess -1 to 0dB) a couple of times. But, it sounds right.

But then I guess I maybe going a bit far from what is what, and what is my preference - Avalon is Avalon and meant to sound the way it does, just like every other album is supposed to sound the way it is supposed to...

There will probably be people wanting to shove Avalon into Cubasis and bung a load of compressor/limiter on it, and 'beef it up' - maybe the Remaster does it for those people (from what I downloaded as FLAC off that HDCD, it does exactly that - gets beefed up/louder more punch).

So yeah, they don't really sound bad as you both say, I can believe there are bad masterings out there...and I guess these aren't really.

I'd still like to hear UK EGCD 198? versions of those two albums, and the Atlantic Years on CD, to see if there is an improvement in sound, or just a bit of an oddity that I don't have the capacity to explain or grasp.

Thanks
Leon

Flesh and Blood HDCD Remaster ROXYCD8

Track == 01 --- 02 --- 03 --- 04 --- 05 --- 06 --- 07 --- 08
% Peak = ???? - 99.9 - ???? - ???? - 98.5 - 98.5 - ???? - ????

More data to Follow....

 

With all due respect to Martijn, I have decided to update the Roxy Music portion of the thread and include Manuel's contribution.

Wayne, would you please elaborate on the flaws you heard in the pre-HDCD remastered CDs. Be sure to let us know specifically which pressings/masterings you are referring to.

Saturnsf, The numbers refer to the relative peak levels. I am using the, "lists of numbers" to avoid louder issues. My ears have grown to prefer the soft handed transfers found on the early CD issues. The numbers allow some of us to seek out inexpensive alternatives to the sometimes overpriced scarce first issues. I finally got to abandon my 2001 The Best Of Roxy Music compilation with its "let's turn them all up to 11" version of Mother Of Pearl for the much more even handed version on mastering #2 of Stranded. It's also fun to hunt and own some of these early compact discs from the dawn of the digital revolution.


ROXY MUSIC

Note that discs with 10 tracks have "Virginia Plain" added to the original album, those with 9 have the original tracklisting.

Mastering 1: 92.8/77.3/76.2/(95.4)/60.9/71.4/54.2/83.1/74.0/74.3
UK Virgin/EG 0777 7 86480 2 4 EGCD 6 / Matrix: 786480 2 3 EMI SWINDON
US Reprise 9 26039-2 matrix: SRC=04

Mastering 2: 95.7/95.9/94.6/(95.7)/95.9/95.9/91.3/95.2/95.6/76.0
HDCD Remaster EU?

Mastering 3: 88.2/75.9/88.1/(68.5)/71.9/92.8/45.5/84.8/60.9/71.8
West Germany Polydor/EG 821522-2 / Matrix: 821522-2 01

Mastering 4: 98.1/81.7/81.2/65.0/78.0/59.2/90.2/79.0/76.9
Japan 32VD-1103 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?

Mastering 5: 98.1/81.7/81.2/75.1/65.0/78.0/59.2/90.2/79.0/76.9
E’G/Virgin 0777 7 086480 2 4 EGCD6 Matrix: DADC AUSTRIA EGCD-6 22 A2
This 1991 Picture CD appears to be the same as the Black Triangle but with Virginia Plain inserted.


FOR YOUR PLEASURE

Mastering 1: 76.7/86.8/70.2/74.0/80.8/85.3/86.8/72.5
West Germany EG 823 018-2 / Matrix: 823 018-2 02 # (small Polydor logo near bottom of the disc, not on the artwork)

Mastering 2: 99.8/95.0/84.3/98.5/89.9/99.9/100.0/100.0
UK Virgin/EG 0777 7 86534 2 4 EGCD 8 / Matrix: 786534 1 EMI SWINDON
E’G/Virgin 0777 7 86534 2 4 EGCD8 Matrix: DADC AUSTRIA EGCD-8 14 A3 1991 Picture CD

Mastering 3: 88.9/84.7/75.1/87.8/83.9/91.1/100.0/98.6
US Reprise 9 26040-2 matrix: SRC=03

Mastering 4: 99.9/100.0/99.9//98.7/98.7/98.7/99.7/99.2/98.1
EU Virgin/EG 7243 8 47449 2 2 ROXYCD2 (HDCD remaster) / Matrix: EMI UDEN 8474502 @ 1

Mastering 5: 88.6/84.8/74.7/87.4/83.5/90.5/100.0/98.6 (peak levels always within 0.6% of #3)
Japan 32VD-1104 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?


STRANDED

Mastering 1: 100.0/77.4/99.4/89.7/100.0/94.9/100.0/78.3
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86481 2 3 EGCD 10 / Matrix: 786481 2 @ 1-2-5 NL
US Reprise/EG 9 26041-2 / Matrix: 1 26041-2 SRC+03
Japan 32VD-1061 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?
E’G/Virgin 0777 7 86481 2 3 EGCD10 Matrix: DADC AUSTRIA EGCD-10 21 A2 1991 Picture CD

Mastering 2: 66.8/42.4/74.1/72.7/76.9/65.5/76.9/62.3
West Germany Polydor/EG 823019-2 / Matrix: 823019-2 01
UK EG EGCD10 Matrix: 823 019-2 02 * Barcode UPC 5 012985 301022


COUNTRY LIFE

Mastering 1: 99.6/91.1/94.6/98.5/99.8/92.6/61.4/95.9/85.4/100.0
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86482 2 2 EGCD 16 / Matrix: 786482 @ 2 1-2-12-NL

Mastering 2: 79.4/81.8/75.7/85.7/83.6/82.5/68.7/89.1/77.3/88.3
UK Virgin/EG ??? / Matrix: ?
West Germany Polydor/EG 823 147-2 by Polygram / Matrix: 823 147-2 01 # M

Mastering 3: 79.3/71.3/74.6/78.2/79.5/72.7/45.4/75.8/66.1/80.4
Japan 32VD-1062 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?
US Reprise 9 26042-9 matrix: SRC+01


SIREN[/b]

Mastering 1: 85.6/57.5/80.7/80.5/80.5/65.5/71.3/69.1/76.9
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86960 2 5 EGCD 20 / Matrix: 786960 2 @ 1 1-1-17-NL
West Germany EG 823 020-2 by Polygram / Matrix: 823 020-2 01

Mastering 2: 100.0/69.2/97.0/96.8/94.5/78.8/85.7/83.0/90.4
Japan 32VD-1105 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?

Mastering 3: 99.2/99.1/99.1/99.2/99.8/99.2/99.2/99.2/92.5
EU? Virgin/EG HDCD Remaster / Matrix: ?

Mastering 4: 100.0/86.9/100.0/100.0/100.0/98.0/100.0/100.0/100.0
US Reprise 9 26043-2 matrix: SRC+01


VIVA!

Mastering 1: 98.7/91.0/95.6/50.4/84.6/99.9/89.9/90.2
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86354 2 0 EGCD 25 / Matrix: 786354 2 @ 2 1-1-14-NL
Austria Virgin/EG 5 012985 402521 EGCD 25 / Matrix: EGCD-25 12

Mastering 2: 96.6/92.6/100.0/50.0/84.0/99.8/87.7/90.1
US Reprise/EG 9 26044-2 / Matrix: 1 26044-2 SRC+01


MANIFESTO

Mastering 1: 73.5/77.5/81.2/84.6/70.6/97.9/86.8/82.6/87.5/86.1
West Germany Polydor/EG 800 031-2 / Matrix: 800031 2 02
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86355 2 9 EGCD 38 / Matrix: 786355 2 @ 5 2-1-3-NL
West Germany Polydor/EG 800031-2 Red face / Matrix: 800031-2 02

Mastering 2: 84.5/79.0/85.8/75.1/74.5/94.0/89.1/95.6/89.1/93.8
US Reprise/EG 9 26046-2 / Matrix: 1 26046-2 SRC=01

Mastering 3: 100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0
Japan 32VD-1053 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?


FLESH + BLOOD

Mastering 1: 99.9/99.9/99.9/99.9/98.5/98.5/96.7/98.5/98.5/98.5
EU Virgin/EG 7243 8 47459 2 9 ROXYCD8 (HDCD remaster) / Matrix: EMI UDEN 8474392 @ 1

Mastering 2: 87.8/88.7/91.7/90.1/63.6/73.6/86.7/87.2/72.6/70.9
Japan 32VD-1052 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?

Mastering 3: 100.0/100.0/95.0/88.6/59.7/72.3/92.7/79.8/63.2/70.9
West Germany Polydor/EG Silverface 800 019-2 / Matrix: 800019 2 02

Mastering 4: 100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/73.0/84.5/99.5/100.0/83.3/81.5 (apart from first 4 songs a level adjusted copy of #2)
US Reprise/EG 9 26075-2 / Matrix: 1 265075-2 SRC+01


AVALON

Mastering 1: 98.7/100.0/100.0/96.4/99.9/97.6/97.6/99.9/99.9/86.6
EU Virgin/EG 7243 8 47460 2 5 ROXYCD9 (HDCD remaster) / Matrix: EMI UDEN 8474382 @ 1

Mastering 2: 99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/58.9
EU Virgin 7243 5 83871 2 4 (redbook layer of SACD) / Matrix: 50735137/UNIVERSAL 583871-2 01

Mastering 3: 99.4/100.0/99.4/98.1/97.1/86.5/87.6/81.6/85.9/50.7
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86374 2 4 EGCD 50 / Matrix: 786374 @ 3

Mastering 4: 82.5/100.0/91.9/89.4/82.6/100.0/86.1/75.7/77.4/38.6
West Germany Warner/EG Target 9 23686-2 / Matrix: 800 032-2 03
West Germany Polydor Red Face disc / Matrix: ?
E’G/Polydor 800 032-2 Matrix: 800 032-2 03# Made in W Germany by PolyGram

Mastering 5: 80.6/97.7/89.8/87.4/80.8/97.7/84.1/74.0/75.6/37.7 (level adjusted copy of mastering 4)
Canada EG/WEA CD 23686 by Cinram / Matrix: ?

Mastering 6: 66.8/67.2/64.4/63.7/64.5/66.3/64.9/67.1/61.7/33.8 (wrong tracklisting)
Mastering 6 with tracklisting corrected: 66.8/67.2/63.7/64.4/64.9/66.3/67.1/61.7/64.5/33.8
Japan 32VD-1051 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?

Mastering 7: 79.8/96.3/89.5/87.5/79.9/98.1/83.2/74.0/75.9/37.6
US Reprise/EG 9 23686-2 / Matrix: 1 23686-2 SRC+05


STREET LIFE: 20 GREAT HITS

Mastering 1: 75.1/97.1/82.3/94.8/75.5/83.8/97.4/66.0/100.0/94.4/91.7/81.2/82.8/86.7/96.8/95.6/81.6/91.3/95.2/100.0
UK Virgin/E'G 0777 7 86356 2 8 EGCTV 1 / Matrix: 786356 2 @ 2 1-3-21 NL / Manufactured in Holland

 

I have another remaster of "Roxy Music"; it's a CD replica of the gatefold vinyl edition, it does not include "Virginia Plain". It's made in EU, disc is HDCD and remastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Studio, Portland, Maine.

ROXY MUSIC
99.7/99.9/98.6/99.9/99.9/95.1/99.1/99.6/79.2
ROXYCDXI Virgin 7243 8 47448 2 3
Matrix #: EMI UDEN 8474482 @ 1 1-1-2-NL IFPI L04┐

 

Thanks; actually I sort of get this (although not how to parse these numbers in any meaningful way). What I don't get, and I'm not trying to be willfully dense here, is why not say for instance "the West German Polydor with the red label is the best sounding version of Stranded" rather than list all the peak levels, which don't really speak that much to sound quality?

 

Your right, levels aren't the last word in a quality master. Some people prefer the all 100% American mastering of Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here over the quieter 1986 black face Japan for Great Britain issue on Harvest. I just bought an $8 used early DADC issue of the former former and need to compare to the latter.

The nice thing about comparing levels in the case of Stranded is that the numbers reveal that the premium priced Japanese Black Triangle issue has the same mastering as the run of the mill US E'G/Reprise issue. Recently a Black Triangle issue sold at the Hoffman Marketplace for $55 while a used US E'G/Reprise issue is $1.38 at Amazon.

To me it's kind of like knowing that the engine under the hood of a Toyota Matrix GT-S is the same as the $50,000 Lotus Elise. To any Lotus owners I know how much re-engineering Lotus has done to the to the Toyota engine so please don't stone me.

Cheers, Michael

 

Yes, but, with the car analogy, there are quite a few more differences than the stock block - the engine is tweaked (as you say), and also the rest of the car is not the same - clutch, shocks.... upholstery.

With the case of these CD's and masterings, I highly doubt that a different disc with the same mastering peak numbers will be any different to another with the same peak levels - even if they say they were mastered at different ends of the planet.
I also doubt that one CD is in some way inferior in build, and likely to de laminate or something horrific, I've not heard of that happening to shop bought pre-burnt CD's - although its possible - its more of a cheapy CD-R/DVD-R thing.

Interesting discussion though, very much enjoying the reading.

 

a heads-up to UK readers - FOPP in London have all the 99 remasters for £3 a pop at the moment!

 

Amazon.co.uk £3.00 each
HMV.co.uk £2.99

Amazon are buggers because they have their ASIN number, not a proper catalogue/barcode/product number. So it's a catalogue number that is really only Amazon specific, and some other companies that are now using ASIN numbers too.

HMV do actually put the barcode number on their site, and have the RXYCD# or FERRYCD# donation too.

Just for anyone in the UK interested - by the way I was in a second hand record store in my local town and they were selling the HDCD Remaster of flesh and blood for £4.95 - a whole £1.95 more than a new one, including free shipping!!!

 

"Quality" is entirely subjective. One benefit to posting peak levels is you can see whether the same mastering was used for different issues (US, WG, Japan, etc) of a particular album. Of course, as you can see from this thread, it appears that all of the masterings are different (with some artists, the CD's released worldwide all had the same mastering). The peak levels don't say anything about the quality of the mastering.

But since you asked, the WG Polydor "Stranded" sounds fantastic.

 

I'd love to elaborate on the pressings with all the info but no longer have most of them. The two that stand out are the first pressing for "Country Life" (manufactured in W. Germany) which had a huge volume drop in the middle of "All I Want is you" which could have been related to damage to the tape used or someone messing with the playback equipment during the transfer.

"Siren" had the beginnings (same thing--first pressing EG w. Germany IIRC) which had the beginning of "Whirlwind" clipped off.

"Manifesto" (again, first pressing W. Germany EG label I believe--keep in mind I'm doing this from memory mind you so I don't know how valuable the info is) had the disco version of "Angel Eyes" NOT the original version.

As for the first three--actually "Stranded" sounded pretty good as did "For Your Pleasure". "Roxy Music" I can't recall what the problem was at the time.

For the record my favorite ones are the Warner remasters of these titles where they corrected some of the flaws mentioned but I also enjoyed the HDCD titles as well although I wasn't too keen on how loud Ludwig remastered them.

As far as "Flesh + Blood" as I only ever had the Warner version of the title and enjoyed it (it's not my favorite Roxy album and was last on my list to update).

The original "Avalon" IS hard to beat but I like the SACD version with the bonus track of "Always Unknowing" (although that's available on the boxed set and also on Steve's "Miami Vice II" where it sounds quite nice on CD).

Sorry I couldn't give more info on each but I haven't had them in a couple of years. I did keep some of my Warner remasters though that sounded better than the HDCD's including "Stranded" and "Country Life".

 

Avalon
Warner Bros./EG Made in Japan "Target Disc" 9 23686-2
Matrix: Manufactured by Sanyo Japan 23686-2 A6B23J
82.5/100.0/91.9/89.4/82.6/100.0/86.1/75.7/77.4/38.6

Looks to be the same mastering as #4

 

Adding Mamouma

Marcello, thank you for adding Mamouma to the list.

Wayne, thank you for digging into your memory and typing out your recollections comments on the Roxy Music CDs. On a related note, I just received my West German E'G/Polydor issue of Let's Stick Together. I did a quick test and and I believe that it may suffer a bit of snipped horns on the title track. My Pioneer DV-48AV transport misses just a little bit of that initial horn when I compare it to the same song from Street Life 20 Great Hits. My player is hooked up via coaxial digital. The horns are a little less abbreviated after listening to lossless files on my iPhone, but they are still snipped. Perhaps my recievers digital to analog converter just can't keep up or perhaps the author didn't add enough 'blank' space to allow the disc to get up to speed and the digital chain to synchronize completely? Further, the song Let's Stick Together is much brighter on Streetlife 20 Great Hits than on the early West German CD. Maybe drbryant could compare his?


THESE FOOLISH THINGS

Mastering 1: 73.7/37.1/73.9/74.8/72.1/65.6/76.6/84.4/70.0/70.1/78.6/66.5/69.4
E’G/Polydor 823 021-2 Matrix# 823 021-2 01 # Made In W Germany by PolyGram

Mastering 2: 84.7/39.2/83.2/77.2/83.5/81.5/83.5/80.0/73.7/77.6/78.9/78.4/79.4
E'G 32VD-1076 "black triangle" (Japan Toshiba) Matrix: 32VD-1076 1A1 TO


ANOTHER TIME ANOTHER PLACE

Mastering 1: 99.8/84.0/99.4/100.0/97.0/95.0/90.2/100.0/86.1/100.0
US E’G/Reprise 9 26083-2 Matrix# 1 26083-2 SRC+01 Manufactured by WEA Manufacturing

Mastering 2: 74.4/71.2/77.1/81.5/73.5/76.7/74.8/74.6/72.9/81.7
E’G/Polydor 813 654-2 Matrix# 813 654-2 04 Made In W Germany by PolyGram

Mastering 3: 79.0/67.9/72.2/77.0/70.2/76.6/71.1/79.9/72.9/79.3
E'G 32VD-1077 "black triangle" (Japan Toshiba) Matrix 32VD-1077 1A1 TO


Let's Stick Together

Mastering 1: 97.5/82.1/98.9/100.0/99.6/96.7/76.6/91.6/82.8/100.0/94.8
US E’G/Reprise 9 26084-2 Matrix# 1 26084-2 SRC-01

Mastering 2: 86.5/75.3/90.0/86.2/64.8/76.1/56.9/71.9/59.8/72.5/65.0
E’G/Polydor 821521-2 Matrix# 821 521-2 01 Made In W Germany by PolyGram

Mastering 3: 90.9/82.1/89.1/89.5/88.9/99.8/79.7/100.0/89.3/99.9/96.9
E'G 32VD-1078 "black triangle" (Japan) Matrix: 32VD-1078 1A1 TO


IN YOUR MIND

Mastering 1: 68.0/74.6/67.3/82.5/76.6/69.3/62.7/78.3
E’G/Polydor 823 146-2 Matrix# 823 146-2 01 # Made In W Germany by PolyGram (blue rings)

Mastering 2: 99.8/95.6/97.3/100.0/99.3/90.5/91.6/99.2
US E’G/Reprise 9 26085-2 Matrix# 1 26085-2 SRC+01


THE BRIDE STRIPPED BARE

Mastering 1: 94.9/100.0/85.1/65.2/68.2/91.9/81.1/57.1/77.9/51.4
E’G/Virgin EGCD36 Matrix# 821 127-2 01 # MADE IN W GERMANY BY PDO HANOVER

Mastering 2: 96.4/100.0/100.0/99.9/83.2/100.0/98.0/53.7/99.9/79.0
US E’G/Reprise 9 26086-2 Matrix# 1 26086-2 SRC+02


BOYS AND GIRLS

Mastering 1: 91.2/86.8/91.3/47.0/82.1/88.5/84.1/71.6/77.0
US E’G/Warner Brothers 9 25082-2 Target Edition MADE IN WEST GERMANY BY POLYGRAM
E'G/Polydor 825 659-2 Matrix# 825 659-2 02 Made In W Germany by PolyGram (blue rings)

Mastering 2: 97.6/97.6/97.2/85.7/97.2/97.6/99.3/90.8/90.8
US E’G/Warner Brothers (need spine/matrix Information) 1999 US HDCD re-master
UK E'G/Virgin FERRY CD6

Mastering 3: 99.7/99.7/99.7/98.0/99.7/99.7/99.1/99.7/99.7
EMI/Virgin 7243 8 6683 2 3 Red Book CD layer of 2005 Hybrid SA-CD

Mastering 4: 100.0/73.8/80.4/50.9/77.5/76.9/100.0/62.7/64.0
US E’G/Reprise 9 25082-2 Matrix# 1 25082-2 SRC+06


BETE NOIRE

Mastering 1: 99.1/92.4/92.4/91.6/60.8/99.9/99.9/99.8
US E’G/Reprise W2-25598 Matrix# 1 25598-2 SRC+09 Manufactured by WEA Manufacturing (Record Club edition)
US E'G/Reprise 9 25598-2 Matrix# 1 25598-2 SRC 03


TAXI

Mastering 1: 98.8/98.8/98.8/99.9/98.8/98.8/97.3/98.8/98.8/98.8/71.4
US Reprise 9 45246-2 Matrix# 1 45246-2 SRC+01 Manufactured by WEA Manufacturing


MAMOUNA
100.0/97.7/97.7/100.0/100.0/100.0/98.7/97.7/97.7/97.7
Virgin 7243 8 39838 2 7 CDV2571 Matrix # 839838 2 @ 3 Made in Italy


DYLANESQUE

Mastering 1: 100.0/100.0/98.5/100.0/100.0/100.0/99.1/100.0/97.1/99.8/100.0
US Virgin 0946 3 83891 2 5 Matrix# A 7301 094638389125 E70116-05 Manufactured by Virgin Records America[/QUOTE]

 

Added nine track mini lp edition of the S/T debut and a Japanese Target of Avalon

Marcel, thank you for contibuting your remastered nine track edition of the self titled debut.

RD, thank you for your Japanese Target of Avalon.


ROXY MUSIC

Note that discs with 10 tracks have "Virginia Plain" added to the original album, those with 9 have the original tracklisting.

Mastering 1: 92.8/77.3/76.2/(95.4)/60.9/71.4/54.2/83.1/74.0/74.3
UK Virgin/EG 0777 7 86480 2 4 EGCD 6 / Matrix: 786480 2 3 EMI SWINDON
US Reprise 9 26039-2 matrix: SRC=04

Mastering 2: 95.7/95.9/94.6/(95.7)/95.9/95.9/91.3/95.2/95.6/76.0
HDCD Remaster EU?

Mastering 3: 88.2/75.9/88.1/(68.5)/71.9/92.8/45.5/84.8/60.9/71.8
West Germany Polydor/EG 821522-2 / Matrix: 821522-2 01

Mastering 4: 98.1/81.7/81.2/65.0/78.0/59.2/90.2/79.0/76.9
Japan 32VD-1103 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?

Mastering 5: 98.1/81.7/81.2/75.1/65.0/78.0/59.2/90.2/79.0/76.9
E’G/Virgin 0777 7 086480 2 4 EGCD6 Matrix: DADC AUSTRIA EGCD-6 22 A2
This 1991 Picture CD appears to be the same as the Black Triangle but with Virginia Plain inserted.

Mastering 6: 99.7/99.9/98.6/99.9/99.9/95.1/99.1/99.6/79.2
Virgin ROXYCDXI Matrix; eEMI UDEN 8474482 @ 1 1-1-2-NL IFPI L04┐
Nine track, no Virginia Plain, mini gatefold edition. HDCD remaster by Bob Ludwig


FOR YOUR PLEASURE

Mastering 1: 76.7/86.8/70.2/74.0/80.8/85.3/86.8/72.5
West Germany EG 823 018-2 / Matrix: 823 018-2 02 # (small Polydor logo near bottom of the disc, not on the artwork)

Mastering 2: 99.8/95.0/84.3/98.5/89.9/99.9/100.0/100.0
UK Virgin/EG 0777 7 86534 2 4 EGCD 8 / Matrix: 786534 1 EMI SWINDON
E’G/Virgin 0777 7 86534 2 4 EGCD8 Matrix: DADC AUSTRIA EGCD-8 14 A3 1991 Picture CD

Mastering 3: 88.9/84.7/75.1/87.8/83.9/91.1/100.0/98.6
US Reprise 9 26040-2 matrix: SRC=03

Mastering 4: 99.9/100.0/99.9//98.7/98.7/98.7/99.7/99.2/98.1
EU Virgin/EG 7243 8 47449 2 2 ROXYCD2 (HDCD remaster) / Matrix: EMI UDEN 8474502 @ 1

Mastering 5: 88.6/84.8/74.7/87.4/83.5/90.5/100.0/98.6 (peak levels always within 0.6% of #3)
Japan 32VD-1104 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?


STRANDED

Mastering 1: 100.0/77.4/99.4/89.7/100.0/94.9/100.0/78.3
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86481 2 3 EGCD 10 / Matrix: 786481 2 @ 1-2-5 NL
US Reprise/EG 9 26041-2 / Matrix: 1 26041-2 SRC+03
Japan 32VD-1061 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?
E’G/Virgin 0777 7 86481 2 3 EGCD10 Matrix: DADC AUSTRIA EGCD-10 21 A2 1991 Picture CD

Mastering 2: 66.8/42.4/74.1/72.7/76.9/65.5/76.9/62.3
West Germany Polydor/EG 823019-2 / Matrix: 823019-2 01
UK EG EGCD10 Matrix: 823 019-2 02 * Barcode UPC 5 012985 301022


COUNTRY LIFE

Mastering 1: 99.6/91.1/94.6/98.5/99.8/92.6/61.4/95.9/85.4/100.0
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86482 2 2 EGCD 16 / Matrix: 786482 @ 2 1-2-12-NL

Mastering 2: 79.4/81.8/75.7/85.7/83.6/82.5/68.7/89.1/77.3/88.3
UK Virgin/EG ??? / Matrix: ?
West Germany Polydor/EG 823 147-2 by Polygram / Matrix: 823 147-2 01 # M

Mastering 3: 79.3/71.3/74.6/78.2/79.5/72.7/45.4/75.8/66.1/80.4
Japan 32VD-1062 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?
US Reprise 9 26042-9 matrix: SRC+01


SIREN

Mastering 1: 85.6/57.5/80.7/80.5/80.5/65.5/71.3/69.1/76.9
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86960 2 5 EGCD 20 / Matrix: 786960 2 @ 1 1-1-17-NL
West Germany EG 823 020-2 by Polygram / Matrix: 823 020-2 01

Mastering 2: 100.0/69.2/97.0/96.8/94.5/78.8/85.7/83.0/90.4
Japan 32VD-1105 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?

Mastering 3: 99.2/99.1/99.1/99.2/99.8/99.2/99.2/99.2/92.5
EU? Virgin/EG HDCD Remaster / Matrix: ?

Mastering 4: 100.0/86.9/100.0/100.0/100.0/98.0/100.0/100.0/100.0
US Reprise 9 26043-2 matrix: SRC+01


VIVA!

Mastering 1: 98.7/91.0/95.6/50.4/84.6/99.9/89.9/90.2
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86354 2 0 EGCD 25 / Matrix: 786354 2 @ 2 1-1-14-NL
Austria Virgin/EG 5 012985 402521 EGCD 25 / Matrix: EGCD-25 12

Mastering 2: 96.6/92.6/100.0/50.0/84.0/99.8/87.7/90.1
US Reprise/EG 9 26044-2 / Matrix: 1 26044-2 SRC+01


MANIFESTO

Mastering 1: 73.5/77.5/81.2/84.6/70.6/97.9/86.8/82.6/87.5/86.1
West Germany Polydor/EG 800 031-2 / Matrix: 800031 2 02
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86355 2 9 EGCD 38 / Matrix: 786355 2 @ 5 2-1-3-NL
West Germany Polydor/EG 800031-2 Red face / Matrix: 800031-2 02

Mastering 2: 84.5/79.0/85.8/75.1/74.5/94.0/89.1/95.6/89.1/93.8
US Reprise/EG 9 26046-2 / Matrix: 1 26046-2 SRC=01

Mastering 3: 100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0
Japan 32VD-1053 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?


FLESH + BLOOD

Mastering 1: 99.9/99.9/99.9/99.9/98.5/98.5/96.7/98.5/98.5/98.5
EU Virgin/EG 7243 8 47459 2 9 ROXYCD8 (HDCD remaster) / Matrix: EMI UDEN 8474392 @ 1

Mastering 2: 87.8/88.7/91.7/90.1/63.6/73.6/86.7/87.2/72.6/70.9
Japan 32VD-1052 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?

Mastering 3: 100.0/100.0/95.0/88.6/59.7/72.3/92.7/79.8/63.2/70.9
West Germany Polydor/EG Silverface 800 019-2 / Matrix: 800019 2 02

Mastering 4: 100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/73.0/84.5/99.5/100.0/83.3/81.5 (apart from first 4 songs a level adjusted copy of #2)
US Reprise/EG 9 26075-2 / Matrix: 1 265075-2 SRC+01


AVALON

Mastering 1: 98.7/100.0/100.0/96.4/99.9/97.6/97.6/99.9/99.9/86.6
EU Virgin/EG 7243 8 47460 2 5 ROXYCD9 (HDCD remaster) / Matrix: EMI UDEN 8474382 @ 1

Mastering 2: 99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/58.9
EU Virgin 7243 5 83871 2 4 (redbook layer of SACD) / Matrix: 50735137/UNIVERSAL 583871-2 01

Mastering 3: 99.4/100.0/99.4/98.1/97.1/86.5/87.6/81.6/85.9/50.7
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86374 2 4 EGCD 50 / Matrix: 786374 @ 3

Mastering 4: 82.5/100.0/91.9/89.4/82.6/100.0/86.1/75.7/77.4/38.6
West Germany Warner/EG Target 9 23686-2 / Matrix: 800 032-2 03
West Germany Polydor Red Face disc / Matrix: ?
E’G/Polydor 800 032-2 Matrix: 800 032-2 03# Made in W Germany by PolyGram
Warner/EG Target Made In Japan 9 23686-2 / Matrix: Manufactured by Sanyo Japan 23686-2 A6B23J

Mastering 5: 80.6/97.7/89.8/87.4/80.8/97.7/84.1/74.0/75.6/37.7 (level adjusted copy of mastering 4)
Canada EG/WEA CD 23686 by Cinram / Matrix: ?

Mastering 6: 66.8/67.2/64.4/63.7/64.5/66.3/64.9/67.1/61.7/33.8 (wrong tracklisting)
Mastering 6 with tracklisting corrected: 66.8/67.2/63.7/64.4/64.9/66.3/67.1/61.7/64.5/33.8
Japan 32VD-1051 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?

Mastering 7: 79.8/96.3/89.5/87.5/79.9/98.1/83.2/74.0/75.9/37.6
US Reprise/EG 9 23686-2 / Matrix: 1 23686-2 SRC+05


STREET LIFE: 20 GREAT HITS

Mastering 1: 75.1/97.1/82.3/94.8/75.5/83.8/97.4/66.0/100.0/94.4/91.7/81.2/82.8/86.7/96.8/95.6/81.6/91.3/95.2/100.0
UK Virgin/E'G 0777 7 86356 2 8 EGCTV 1 / Matrix: 786356 2 @ 2 1-3-21 NL / Manufactured in Holland

 

Think this might be one that has not been mentioned/listed!?

Boys & Girls
32VD-1049
EGCD 62
Matrix: 32VD-1049 1A2 TO

Track 1
Peak level 100.0 %
Track 2
Peak level 86.8 %
Track 3
Peak level 91.3 %
Track 4
Peak level 47.0 %
Track 5
Peak level 82.1 %
Track 6
Peak level 98.7 %
Track 7
Peak level 96.3 %
Track 8
Peak level 77.4 %
Track 9
Peak level 81.7 %

 

Michael,

You're very welcome. Glad to have been of of help

Anyway I would like to point out a mistake of mine:

It is ROXYCDX1 instead of ROXYCDXI

 

Flesh + Blood Polydor/EG Redface does have the same matrix of Silverface (Mastering 3) and match completely.

 

Adding Winopener's Redface E'G/Polydor Flesh + Blood

Winopener, Thank you for the E'G/Polydor redface Flesh + Blood. Could you please post or pm the spine catalog number and the matrix.

Marcel, thank you for the correction.


ROXY MUSIC

Note that discs with 10 tracks have "Virginia Plain" added to the original album, those with 9 have the original tracklisting.

Mastering 1: 92.8/77.3/76.2/(95.4)/60.9/71.4/54.2/83.1/74.0/74.3
UK Virgin/EG 0777 7 86480 2 4 EGCD 6 / Matrix: 786480 2 3 EMI SWINDON
US Reprise 9 26039-2 matrix: SRC=04

Mastering 2: 95.7/95.9/94.6/(95.7)/95.9/95.9/91.3/95.2/95.6/76.0
HDCD Remaster EU?

Mastering 3: 88.2/75.9/88.1/(68.5)/71.9/92.8/45.5/84.8/60.9/71.8
West Germany Polydor/EG 821522-2 / Matrix: 821522-2 01

Mastering 4: 98.1/81.7/81.2/65.0/78.0/59.2/90.2/79.0/76.9
Japan 32VD-1103 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?

Mastering 5: 98.1/81.7/81.2/75.1/65.0/78.0/59.2/90.2/79.0/76.9
E’G/Virgin 0777 7 086480 2 4 EGCD6 Matrix: DADC AUSTRIA EGCD-6 22 A2
This 1991 Picture CD appears to be the same as the Black Triangle but with Virginia Plain inserted.

Mastering 6: 99.7/99.9/98.6/99.9/99.9/95.1/99.1/99.6/79.2
Virgin ROXYCDX1 Matrix; EMI UDEN 8474482 @ 1 1-1-2-NL IFPI L04┐
Nine track, no Virginia Plain, mini gatefold edition. HDCD remaster by Bob Ludwig


FOR YOUR PLEASURE

Mastering 1: 76.7/86.8/70.2/74.0/80.8/85.3/86.8/72.5
West Germany EG 823 018-2 / Matrix: 823 018-2 02 # (small Polydor logo near bottom of the disc, not on the artwork)

Mastering 2: 99.8/95.0/84.3/98.5/89.9/99.9/100.0/100.0
UK Virgin/EG 0777 7 86534 2 4 EGCD 8 / Matrix: 786534 1 EMI SWINDON
E’G/Virgin 0777 7 86534 2 4 EGCD8 Matrix: DADC AUSTRIA EGCD-8 14 A3 1991 Picture CD

Mastering 3: 88.9/84.7/75.1/87.8/83.9/91.1/100.0/98.6
US Reprise 9 26040-2 matrix: SRC=03

Mastering 4: 99.9/100.0/99.9//98.7/98.7/98.7/99.7/99.2/98.1
EU Virgin/EG 7243 8 47449 2 2 ROXYCD2 (HDCD remaster) / Matrix: EMI UDEN 8474502 @ 1

Mastering 5: 88.6/84.8/74.7/87.4/83.5/90.5/100.0/98.6 (peak levels always within 0.6% of #3)
Japan 32VD-1104 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?


STRANDED

Mastering 1: 100.0/77.4/99.4/89.7/100.0/94.9/100.0/78.3
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86481 2 3 EGCD 10 / Matrix: 786481 2 @ 1-2-5 NL
US Reprise/EG 9 26041-2 / Matrix: 1 26041-2 SRC+03
Japan 32VD-1061 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?
E’G/Virgin 0777 7 86481 2 3 EGCD10 Matrix: DADC AUSTRIA EGCD-10 21 A2 1991 Picture CD

Mastering 2: 66.8/42.4/74.1/72.7/76.9/65.5/76.9/62.3
West Germany Polydor/EG 823019-2 / Matrix: 823019-2 01
UK EG EGCD10 Matrix: 823 019-2 02 * Barcode UPC 5 012985 301022


COUNTRY LIFE

Mastering 1: 99.6/91.1/94.6/98.5/99.8/92.6/61.4/95.9/85.4/100.0
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86482 2 2 EGCD 16 / Matrix: 786482 @ 2 1-2-12-NL

Mastering 2: 79.4/81.8/75.7/85.7/83.6/82.5/68.7/89.1/77.3/88.3
UK Virgin/EG ??? / Matrix: ?
West Germany Polydor/EG 823 147-2 by Polygram / Matrix: 823 147-2 01 # M

Mastering 3: 79.3/71.3/74.6/78.2/79.5/72.7/45.4/75.8/66.1/80.4
Japan 32VD-1062 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?
US Reprise 9 26042-9 matrix: SRC+01


SIREN

Mastering 1: 85.6/57.5/80.7/80.5/80.5/65.5/71.3/69.1/76.9
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86960 2 5 EGCD 20 / Matrix: 786960 2 @ 1 1-1-17-NL
West Germany EG 823 020-2 by Polygram / Matrix: 823 020-2 01

Mastering 2: 100.0/69.2/97.0/96.8/94.5/78.8/85.7/83.0/90.4
Japan 32VD-1105 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?

Mastering 3: 99.2/99.1/99.1/99.2/99.8/99.2/99.2/99.2/92.5
EU? Virgin/EG HDCD Remaster / Matrix: ?

Mastering 4: 100.0/86.9/100.0/100.0/100.0/98.0/100.0/100.0/100.0
US Reprise 9 26043-2 matrix: SRC+01


VIVA!

Mastering 1: 98.7/91.0/95.6/50.4/84.6/99.9/89.9/90.2
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86354 2 0 EGCD 25 / Matrix: 786354 2 @ 2 1-1-14-NL
Austria Virgin/EG 5 012985 402521 EGCD 25 / Matrix: EGCD-25 12

Mastering 2: 96.6/92.6/100.0/50.0/84.0/99.8/87.7/90.1
US Reprise/EG 9 26044-2 / Matrix: 1 26044-2 SRC+01


MANIFESTO

Mastering 1: 73.5/77.5/81.2/84.6/70.6/97.9/86.8/82.6/87.5/86.1
West Germany Polydor/EG 800 031-2 / Matrix: 800031 2 02
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86355 2 9 EGCD 38 / Matrix: 786355 2 @ 5 2-1-3-NL
West Germany Polydor/EG 800031-2 Red face / Matrix: 800031-2 02

Mastering 2: 84.5/79.0/85.8/75.1/74.5/94.0/89.1/95.6/89.1/93.8
US Reprise/EG 9 26046-2 / Matrix: 1 26046-2 SRC=01

Mastering 3: 100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0
Japan 32VD-1053 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?


FLESH + BLOOD

Mastering 1: 99.9/99.9/99.9/99.9/98.5/98.5/96.7/98.5/98.5/98.5
EU Virgin/EG 7243 8 47459 2 9 ROXYCD8 (HDCD remaster) / Matrix: EMI UDEN 8474392 @ 1

Mastering 2: 87.8/88.7/91.7/90.1/63.6/73.6/86.7/87.2/72.6/70.9
Japan 32VD-1052 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?

Mastering 3: 100.0/100.0/95.0/88.6/59.7/72.3/92.7/79.8/63.2/70.9
West Germany Polydor/EG Silverface 800 019-2 / Matrix: 800019 2 02
West Germany Polydor/EG Redface / Matrix:

Mastering 4: 100.0/100.0/100.0/100.0/73.0/84.5/99.5/100.0/83.3/81.5 (apart from first 4 songs a level adjusted copy of #2)
US Reprise/EG 9 26075-2 / Matrix: 1 265075-2 SRC+01


AVALON

Mastering 1: 98.7/100.0/100.0/96.4/99.9/97.6/97.6/99.9/99.9/86.6
EU Virgin/EG 7243 8 47460 2 5 ROXYCD9 (HDCD remaster) / Matrix: EMI UDEN 8474382 @ 1

Mastering 2: 99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/99.8/58.9
EU Virgin 7243 5 83871 2 4 (redbook layer of SACD) / Matrix: 50735137/UNIVERSAL 583871-2 01

Mastering 3: 99.4/100.0/99.4/98.1/97.1/86.5/87.6/81.6/85.9/50.7
The Netherlands Virgin/EG 0777 7 86374 2 4 EGCD 50 / Matrix: 786374 @ 3

Mastering 4: 82.5/100.0/91.9/89.4/82.6/100.0/86.1/75.7/77.4/38.6
West Germany Warner/EG Target 9 23686-2 / Matrix: 800 032-2 03
West Germany Polydor Red Face disc / Matrix: ?
E’G/Polydor 800 032-2 Matrix: 800 032-2 03# Made in W Germany by PolyGram
Warner/EG Target Made In Japan 9 23686-2 / Matrix: Manufactured by Sanyo Japan 23686-2 A6B23J

Mastering 5: 80.6/97.7/89.8/87.4/80.8/97.7/84.1/74.0/75.6/37.7 (level adjusted copy of mastering 4)
Canada EG/WEA CD 23686 by Cinram / Matrix: ?

Mastering 6: 66.8/67.2/64.4/63.7/64.5/66.3/64.9/67.1/61.7/33.8 (wrong tracklisting)
Mastering 6 with tracklisting corrected: 66.8/67.2/63.7/64.4/64.9/66.3/67.1/61.7/64.5/33.8
Japan 32VD-1051 Black Triangle / Matrix: ?

Mastering 7: 79.8/96.3/89.5/87.5/79.9/98.1/83.2/74.0/75.9/37.6
US Reprise/EG 9 23686-2 / Matrix: 1 23686-2 SRC+05


STREET LIFE: 20 GREAT HITS

Mastering 1: 75.1/97.1/82.3/94.8/75.5/83.8/97.4/66.0/100.0/94.4/91.7/81.2/82.8/86.7/96.8/95.6/81.6/91.3/95.2/100.0
UK Virgin/E'G 0777 7 86356 2 8 EGCTV 1 / Matrix: 786356 2 @ 2 1-3-21 NL / Manufactured in Holland

 

Adding Dam's 32VD edition Of Boys And Girls

Dam, thank you for adding you 32VD edition of Boys And Girls to the list.


THESE FOOLISH THINGS

Mastering 1: 73.7/37.1/73.9/74.8/72.1/65.6/76.6/84.4/70.0/70.1/78.6/66.5/69.4
E’G/Polydor 823 021-2 Matrix# 823 021-2 01 # Made In W Germany by PolyGram

Mastering 2: 84.7/39.2/83.2/77.2/83.5/81.5/83.5/80.0/73.7/77.6/78.9/78.4/79.4
E'G 32VD-1076 "black triangle" (Japan Toshiba) Matrix: 32VD-1076 1A1 TO


ANOTHER TIME ANOTHER PLACE

Mastering 1: 99.8/84.0/99.4/100.0/97.0/95.0/90.2/100.0/86.1/100.0
US E’G/Reprise 9 26083-2 Matrix# 1 26083-2 SRC+01 Manufactured by WEA Manufacturing

Mastering 2: 74.4/71.2/77.1/81.5/73.5/76.7/74.8/74.6/72.9/81.7
E’G/Polydor 813 654-2 Matrix# 813 654-2 04 Made In W Germany by PolyGram

Mastering 3: 79.0/67.9/72.2/77.0/70.2/76.6/71.1/79.9/72.9/79.3
E'G 32VD-1077 "black triangle" (Japan Toshiba) Matrix 32VD-1077 1A1 TO


Let's Stick Together

Mastering 1: 97.5/82.1/98.9/100.0/99.6/96.7/76.6/91.6/82.8/100.0/94.8
US E’G/Reprise 9 26084-2 Matrix# 1 26084-2 SRC-01

Mastering 2: 86.5/75.3/90.0/86.2/64.8/76.1/56.9/71.9/59.8/72.5/65.0
E’G/Polydor 821521-2 Matrix# 821 521-2 01 Made In W Germany by PolyGram

Mastering 3: 90.9/82.1/89.1/89.5/88.9/99.8/79.7/100.0/89.3/99.9/96.9
E'G 32VD-1078 "black triangle" (Japan) Matrix: 32VD-1078 1A1 TO


IN YOUR MIND

Mastering 1: 68.0/74.6/67.3/82.5/76.6/69.3/62.7/78.3
E’G/Polydor 823 146-2 Matrix# 823 146-2 01 # Made In W Germany by PolyGram (blue rings)

Mastering 2: 99.8/95.6/97.3/100.0/99.3/90.5/91.6/99.2
US E’G/Reprise 9 26085-2 Matrix# 1 26085-2 SRC+01


THE BRIDE STRIPPED BARE

Mastering 1: 94.9/100.0/85.1/65.2/68.2/91.9/81.1/57.1/77.9/51.4
E’G/Virgin EGCD36 Matrix# 821 127-2 01 # MADE IN W GERMANY BY PDO HANOVER

Mastering 2: 96.4/100.0/100.0/99.9/83.2/100.0/98.0/53.7/99.9/79.0
US E’G/Reprise 9 26086-2 Matrix# 1 26086-2 SRC+02


BOYS AND GIRLS

Mastering 1: 91.2/86.8/91.3/47.0/82.1/88.5/84.1/71.6/77.0
US E’G/Warner Brothers 9 25082-2 Target Edition MADE IN WEST GERMANY BY POLYGRAM
E'G/Polydor 825 659-2 Matrix# 825 659-2 02 Made In W Germany by PolyGram (blue rings)

Mastering 2: 97.6/97.6/97.2/85.7/97.2/97.6/99.3/90.8/90.8
US E’G/Warner Brothers (need spine/matrix Information) 1999 US HDCD re-master
UK E'G/Virgin FERRY CD6

Mastering 3: 99.7/99.7/99.7/98.0/99.7/99.7/99.1/99.7/99.7
EMI/Virgin 7243 8 6683 2 3 Red Book CD layer of 2005 Hybrid SA-CD

Mastering 4: 100.0/73.8/80.4/50.9/77.5/76.9/100.0/62.7/64.0
US E’G/Reprise 9 25082-2 Matrix# 1 25082-2 SRC+06

Mastering 5: 100.0/86.8/91.3/47.0/82.1/98.7/96.3/77.4/81.7
EGCD 62 Matrix: 32VD-1049 1A2 TO


BETE NOIRE

Mastering 1: 99.1/92.4/92.4/91.6/60.8/99.9/99.9/99.8
US E’G/Reprise W2-25598 Matrix# 1 25598-2 SRC+09 Manufactured by WEA Manufacturing (Record Club edition)
US E'G/Reprise 9 25598-2 Matrix# 1 25598-2 SRC 03


TAXI

Mastering 1: 98.8/98.8/98.8/99.9/98.8/98.8/97.3/98.8/98.8/98.8/71.4
US Reprise 9 45246-2 Matrix# 1 45246-2 SRC+01 Manufactured by WEA Manufacturing


MAMOUNA
100.0/97.7/97.7/100.0/100.0/100.0/98.7/97.7/97.7/97.7
Virgin 7243 8 39838 2 7 CDV2571 Matrix # 839838 2 @ 3 Made in Italy


DYLANESQUE

Mastering 1: 100.0/100.0/98.5/100.0/100.0/100.0/99.1/100.0/97.1/99.8/100.0
US Virgin 0946 3 83891 2 5 Matrix# A 7301 094638389125 E70116-05 Manufactured by Virgin Records America

 

My Pleasure!

 

It would be interesting to catalogue actually sound differences with these as well as the peak, barcode, binder info etc.

But I guess for that, it'd be a case of the 'comparer' having access to a few different version of the one recording. I for one am looking around second-hand shops to see what I can find to compare with my HDCD remasters - for interest and in the hope of finding more mastered to my taste - quieter.

This is really getting quite comprehensive! Well done everyone.

 

Are you playing them back with HDCD decoding? They do sound quieter that way.

 

Well, yeah that is true - attenuated by 6dB infact (which can be heard, seen and calculated in the digital data packets, so I have read.

Last thing that I have done is actually get the 16bit file (because all of the decoders available to me output nothing different to the 16bit, just a 24bit -6dB file) and drop it 6dB in Cubase - output as 16bit/44.1KHz .WAV - Burn it.

I could use the 24bit .WAV decoded file instead and just burn that - but I don't think my CD-R software does 24bit WAV to CDA.

Play the Marantz CD-R and the peaks are really low down (as you'd expect from dropping it 6dB). They do sound better being lower volume - but - I think they could sound better still if there was a lower general part of the music (if it was ever mastered that way on earlier releases). That way I get high peak and quiet overall music like most of my collection (and the Avalon EG CD50) - yes visually more dynamic, but there could be, more importantly, an audible increase in quality.

Hence why I am on the lookout. I don't think it is something, at the moment anyway, that would start making certain masterings of these discs "collectable" and all the expensive price hikes that follow. I am just intrigued to see if there is a seemingly less compressed version about - I don't know, but I hope so.

For the record (excuse the pun), we played the 1992 CD of Metallica's Black Album and that wasn't loud. Apparently this album had been quite compressed and also driven into digital distortion on the recording (how much one can hear with that type of sound is questionable). It sounded Hard, yeah, Aggressive, yeah, but not loud. We could still have a conversation over it if we wanted without having to shout. I change nothing except the disc, to one of my shop bought 1999 remasters and we have to shout to hear each other. I'd never really come across this before.
Obviously I don't buy music to talk over the top of it, but its the best way to describe what I hear/experience as a difference.

Without going into detail with HDCD standalone players. I read that they were supposed to drop the level of non-HDCD discs played in them as to not have HDCD discs sound 'inferior' comparatively. Surely then, playing one of these 1999 HDCD discs compared with say my non-HDCD black album or Avalon EGCD50, it'd still sound louder.

I'll have to poke about to find a Joni Mitchell HDCD cheap. Apparently they have easily noticeable 'extras' that after decoding really stand out compared with playing just the non-HDCD decoded 16bit stuff. Least it'll let me test my methods for attempting to decode and see if I am missing something. I saw a list somewhere of ratings for various HDCD content on its effective differences when played on an HDCD decoding machine - interesting stuff...Roxy/Ferry remasters were under the 'no apparent difference' category.

But yeah, sorry, I am going down 'that HDCD' road again....

 

I have just managed to see a couple of CD's on ebay, so, shall post up my peak/numeric info and my audible findings when these arrive.

I've bought:
Flesh and Blood EGCD46 - Barcode: 5012985304627 (UK/German?)
Boys and Girls - Barcode: 04228256592 (West German/Polydor?)

Also, from Amazon:

Bryan Ferry - Street Life: 20 Greatest Hits - £4.55 cheap!
That one looks like it has never been remastered

I dl'd this album as MP3's (apparently ripped using EAC) and it sounded good, like our vinyl recordings, and so much more full of life than the HDCD versions I have. Unfortunately it only has a few tunes that we were really after, although there's a few nice bonus ones that aren't on F&B and B&G, that are on Manifesto and there's Jealous Guy too.

So, should be some fun having a good listen to this lot. At least give us a good chance to burn in the new Amplifier we just bought (poor old 16yr old Yamaha makes crackles every time we touched a button!). It's just a good job, for us, Yamaha still have kept that lovely warm tone - very subtle difference from the old one, slightly tighter and cleaner sound - yummy.

follow up to follow...up

 

OK, so Flesh and Blood has arrived:

EGCD 46
E'G Marketed By Virgin
5012985304627

Track == 01 ---- 02 ---- 03 --- 04 --- 05 --- 06 --- 07 --- 08 --- 09 --- 10
% Peak = 100.0 - 100.0 - 95.0 - 88.6 - 59.7 - 72.3 - 92.7 - 79.8 - 63.2 - 70.9

Comparing with the '99 HDCD remaster - no competition. This new (old) cd is soo much more civilised.
Comparing with our CD-R vinyl recording (from Street Life Greatest Hits or from Atlantic Years), this CD is actually a little muffled sounding when A/B-ing. It is not muffled in its own right, however. Should I really say the compilation versions are over sharp?

I was quite shocked when playing EGCD46, I haven't skipped a single song yet, and I absolutely hated some of them on the HDCD remater!
This in itself demonstrates how over compression and 'loud' mastering can have an adverse effect on the actual taste of the listener. The song hasn't changed, but, when someone isn't beating me about the head with it, it's kinda nice!

Thanks to all on this forum, and others - I now know what is needed to get something I can happily listen to.

 

FLESH + BLOOD

Mastering 3: 100.0/100.0/95.0/88.6/59.7/72.3/92.7/79.8/63.2/70.9
West Germany Polydor/EG Silverface 800 019-2 / Matrix: 800019 2 02
West Germany Polydor/EG Redface 800 019-2 / Matrix: 800019 2 02