Getz/Gilberto [VINYL]

Vinyl – this is a good pressing - Acoustic sounds pressingWarp – non flat and level no edge warpSurface noise – quiet no audible surface noise no pop’s hiss or crackleNo fill – no obvious pressing defectsCover – well made nicely presented coverA good quality pressing with excellent sound qualityReview of the Verve 2014 Stereo and Mono versionsThe stereo sound stage and imaging is outstanding and aids in creating a very warm intimate atmospheric recording. The recording has stood the test of time very well and sounds as if the musicians recorded it recently. This is perhaps a tribute to the re-mastering engineers.The mono versions are worth having as they bring a very different perspective to the depth and sound stage. The mono mix sounds even richer than the stereo version. Both versions are very good, just different.I have not set out to write reviews of the music content as “beauty is in the ears of the listener”. These reviews are about the quality (or not) of the recorded sound. To read about how the reviews are done please see my profile. • Clarity – very good, open and detailed • Channel separation – very good left and right channel separation. • Channel balance – excellent a superb mix which creates a truly great sound stage • Sound Stage – excellent, very wide and detailed, instruments and musicians very well placed. This is an outstanding sound stage very warm and enticing. • Distortion – non audible • Compression – no frequency limitation audible • Atmosphere – spectacular, very warm and intimate. Personal enhanced by the stunning sound stage and warmth of the playing. The details are to revel in, or even wallow! • Bass – low frequencies – the drums are crisp and clear, the cymbals shimmer without being over bright and brittle. The double bass has a warm sensuous tone and the strings are clearly audible with good decay. Overall the bass is deep and rich. • Treble – high frequencies – the piano is well balanced with good tone and note decay. The brass has a good punch and edge. The warm softness of the saxophone is beautifully captured. The breathy edginess is entrancing • Vocals – warm, intimate, personal soft. Both male and female vocals have good timbre.As a general rule of thumb recordings from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s are nearly always better on the original vinyl. Remasters often fail to please as it’s just not possible to make a silk purse from a sows ear, i.e. the original recording lacks the necessary detail to be processed digitally and show an audible improvement. Indeed such processing can make the sound worse.Modern recordings which have been processed digitally from start to finish can be as good as vinyl. CD’s are often unfairly criticised for being poor quality. This is not the case, it is the original recording or the process which is to blame. Modern “remasters” can both enhance and degrade a recording. The statement GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out) is the limiting factor. Ignore this at your cost.

This is a great record; well pressed and presented in a superior quality record jacket. I wasn’t aware on purchase that it was imported from the US and between the initial cost and customs it ended up costing me €70 which can only be described as ridiculous for one vinyl record. The jacket was a little damaged from all the travel but the vinyl was perfect

Beautiful music and a really great pressing - price was Fairly expensive but really worth it.

This classic album has been reissued many times but this is certainly the best vinyl version I have heard.