Comparison - 5 different pressings of Led Zeppelin’s debut album on vinyl

US AR Pressing, George Piros
www.discogs.com/de/release/41...
US Monarch Pressing, George Piros
www.discogs.com/de/release/40...
German STRAWBERRY pressing
www.discogs.com/de/release/46...
UK Plum label pressing
www.discogs.com/de/release/98...
German Two For One pressing
www.discogs.com/de/release/21...
#vinylcommunity
#ledzeppelin
#vinyl
#ledzeppelinvinyl

[@thoronmetal108]

I found an even earlier German Strawberry which sounds better than the one presented here...might be my favorite sounding Zep debut 🙏

[@nigelbrooks6756]

I recently bought a ATL 40 031 (SD 8216) RS Alsedorf strawberry in the matrix , sounds awesome thanks for the video 👍

[@thoronmetal108]

@@nigelbrooks6756 Fantastic value for money 🙏

[@papoosee]

Yes! I agree. I just picked one up and was blown away by the sound. Unfortunately, it’s not in great condition, but it’s hard to find these clean

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Just subbed Thor! Love your whole presentation! Great job my man!❤❤❤

[@thoronmetal108]

Thank you very much 🙏

[@lifeofvinyl3003]

Nice video thanks for making it. The best sounding version I have heard is the 1974 UK (K40031) with BILBO BOPPA! / BILBO MASTER ROOM in the runout. I have several pressings including a UK first Plum label (which is EX) but to my ears the 1974 cut beats it in every way - better bass, more dynamic and overall less harshness to the sound - it’s a much better listen. Median price on Discogs is around £40 take care cheers

[@The_Music_Sanctuary]

Nice review Thor, I like your honesty and opinion on the albums. I only have my OG from back then, but like other people's thoughts on other album versions...cheers.

[@NickP333]

Hey, hey, Thor! Fantastic comparison of Zeppelin pressings. Patrick has helped me out a ton with pressings, record cleaning, and his livestreams are a blast. I’ve sent him a good amount of original or good sounding records to rip. I looked it up, and “AR or ARC = Allied Record Company. ARP or 𝓐𝓡𝓟 = American Record Pressing” As we know, we already agree on the .Piros cut. lol. Killer vid, man. 👍🔊😊🎶🎵

[@thoronmetal108]

Many thanks.

[@rachelsghost]

Subbed and in for this rather interesting shoot out. Patrick is top notch - You're off to a great start. George Piros cuts are highly regarded indeed. I have a 1975 Canadian press of Zep's debut and it sounds very good BUT... it's not going to compete with some of the pressings you have shown here. Nicely done. Zep is my No. 3 fave band of all time! 😎🤘

[@thoronmetal108]

Thank you. 🙏

[@thomaslytle5519]

Perfect video for me. I have had the ‘77 AR pressing Cut by George Piros (no info on who Mastered it), which I’ve always loved, but my review of the sound would match yours exactly. I’ve always wanted to know if there was a better sounding version. I found a 1974 Monarch pressing Mastered And Cut by George Piros for $100 on Discogs and it’s supposed to be in near mint condition. The seller has a 100% rating and is said to have spot accurate record grading. So I’m super excited for it to arrive in the next couple days. After watching this I’m even more excited. Thanks for your review and have a great day

[@blackquicksandmusic2365]

Nice review.. Thanks

[@marcoandrade2257]

Congrats Thor for Thor's Vinyl Tube; great video. marco

[@thoronmetal108]

Thank you.

[@joelinvirginia5198]

Nice review Thor! I have the 1973 Piros mastering, same matrix etchings in the deadwax but done a bit earlier than the '74s --- I also agree as to its sound, it happens to be my go-to for LZI (but I don't own the Classic Records version!). Fantastic balance on every instrument and vocals, sounds rich and clear - Piros did a great job, much better than the original 1st pressings from 1969. I found mine for US $32 just a couple years ago, but people are catching on how great the Piros cuts are, so prices have been inching up for these. Get one while you can, they are wonderful! [Note: for those looking around, check Discogs, and look for the AT/GP or @GP script in the deadwax -- mine also has the "CC-REPL" etching in the deadwax with the catalog number, which is something to look for as well -- if you find one with those, you are set!]. Incidentally, for LZII, while I have the two sided "RL" cut that is the best overall, I also have a 1977 George Piros cut which is actually VERY close, to my ears, to the RL. The RL has a better overall balance, and a slightly better soundstage, but the Piros is fantastic. Those are also inching up in price. I bought mine from a neighbor in 1979 for $2. :)

[@richardgrant418]

Important that you mentioned your system is Naim ie very good = better able to judge the differences

[@dgross2009]

It's so hard to find originals in playable condition. It's a shame that reissues never match the original sound quality. The latest releases are from digital which unfortunately is a trend and probably a necessary reality given the limited life of the original tapes

[@manolokonosko2868]

Theoretically, if they’d make a non eQ’d, flat, plain digital copy of a properly prepared master tape - the tape already fast forwarded and rewound to avoid sticky passages, the playback head accurately azimuth aligned, and that it’s played at the proper speed ( check pitch, for example, compare with the original record), you’d end up with an exact replica of the master tape that could be equalized at mastering, to try and match the best sounding record. For this they may have to play that tape multiple times and cut lots of acetates until they get it “right”. Unfortunately, mastering plants have a backlog of work and there is no time for trial and error, so this is why new remasters sound like crap. Hollow, lifeless, cold. Records were not treated kindly by either the owners or those heavy tonearm record players. Sometimes people would put coins on top of the cartridge so that the needle wouldn’t skip on a dirty record. These would be stacked in metal racks, sleeveless…. That’s why old pressings are all scratched up and command a mortgage payment or two. No amount of Discwasher will ever fix the damage.

[@thomascars1]

Hi Thor! I’ve owned 2/5 of these. One being a UK plum with the second 8 crossed out, and a US George Piros mastering. I also had the opportunity to hear a first German pressing, and I also own the 2000 Classic Records reissue. As a bonus, the 2014 Page Remaster’ Here are my observations: Though fun, the Jimmy Page remaster is digitally sourced. In a field in which all other records are fully analogue, it feels unfair to throw it in the batch. For $20, it sounds awesome. However, you could get better for either the same price, or even less. The UK Plum is actually quite harsh. I wonder if the uncorrected matrix sounds any better. Its harshness is most prevalent on Bonham’s cymbals and especially Robert’s voice. It also leaves the bass a lot to be desired. I was quite shocked by how much I didn’t like the UK Plum, considering how many people have praised it. You can tell which pressings are good based off “Dazed and Confused” and “Black Mountain Slide.” Both tracks were very muffled and sounded like crap. It ranks low for me. The first German pressing is a good sounding record. Retains the harsh Plant vocals but cleans up the cymbals on Bonzo’s drums. Also, Page’s guitar sounds great. Not 3D, but great. The 1977 George Piros cut I own sounds marvelous, especially considering its wide availability and how cheap it is. Bonzo’s drums are clear and so are Robert’s vocals, you can hear him spit into the microphone during “Dazed and Confused.” I do have only one complaint, being the acoustic guitar does not sound as clean as it could’ve. However, it’s not muffled like the bottom 2 records were. I highly recommend the George Piros cut to anyone who wants this album in its true form. The Classic Records pressing cut by Bernie Grundman is the best I’ve ever heard this album. It has the crystal clear vocals I was dying for, the loud and hard hitting snare and kick, a piercing and 3D guitar, and finally some good bass! JPJ really shines on the first 4 albums. As mentioned, Black Mountain Slide sounds absolutely beautiful here. An acoustic never sounded so close to me without actually being in front of me, and the vinyl is really quiet! However, the price is what lets it down. I still advise everyone to find a George Piros cut. But if you have the money and want this album to sound the best it can, buy the Classic reissue

[@thoronmetal108]

Thank you. I agree and will look for a classic reissue... ❤️

[@lucullus6127]

@@thoronmetal108 The Classic (200g) is a great one; BUT : when you really turn up the volume on How Many More Times, the cymbals sound TOO BRIGHT ! If you have a neutral, and revealing Hi-Fi system, the Classic is just too bright. I have sold it. I've also sold my UK Plum 1st (too crude)Still have two copies : the Monarch Piros (one of the best) , and a HOT STAMPER, purchased from Better-records years ago : it is exactly the same German Alsdorf Strawberry you mention here ! It is variant 2 : with GB etched on side B ( GB = for the Great Britain market ?? )This is the best of all ! I probably have had more than twenty versions in the last 30 years. The Israel 1st pressing was also a "hot" one. 😉

[@audiotomb]

Good job on the German RL II side one I have one because my RL has too may pops on side one

[@Huffy1001]

Danke👍

[@xxfxezr]

AR = Allied Record Co., Inc., Los Angeles, CA

[@VIDSTORAGE]

I had one from the 70s a long time ago but I played it on a Garrard Table with a heavy tone arm and wore it pretty bad but it was an American version and did sound great while it lasted.. I have a cassette version in very good condition. and it sounds as good as any thing else I have heard ..

[@VagueRANT100]

Hello Thor!.....I have the STRAWBERRY cut....it is almost perfect IMO

[@paularmstrong6078]

Just purchased a near mint still in shrink copy of the Strawberry pressing for £20 I have '74 UK press in NM condition so looking forward to doing a comparison. TreateTempted by the RL press on the twofer but slightly too expensive just for one side of wax.

[@tiborosz1825]

Gonna take a wild guess that AR means Atlantic Records.

[@thomaslytle5519]

The AR stands for Atlantic Recordings

[@stuarttacey]

It stands for Allied Records, the plant where it was pressed.

[@asmallwhitedog0479]

I have a PR fisrt pressing but I may try to find a MO and see for myself because the PR version is pretty awesome.

[@adamlangley6033]

My label is all red with black letters

[@AngeloKellyOfficial]

Nice one! I found a first Irish pressing of this album in a store here in Ireland a year ago. It's not the best sounding but they did'nt make much of them so it's rare.

[@thoronmetal108]

Thank you so much. Glad you found a rarity.

[@thoronmetal108]

The German Strawberry pressing is IMO the best value for money 🙏

[@thoronmetal108]

www.discogs.com/release/4602758-Led-Zeppelin-Led-Zeppelin

[@AngeloKellyOfficial]

@@thoronmetal108 It's now in my wantlist. Thanks 😊

[@roadURon]

I haven't heard the original UK pressing but my favorite is the 2005 Classic Records 200 gram QSV mastered and cut by Bernie Grundman.

[@sjakovics]

There seems to be 3 different 1977 MO showed. Do you know what accounts for the differences and is there a 77 MO issue which beats the other 77 MO issues? I've read that maybe the "CC" version is tops?

[@thoronmetal108]

It should have GP in the wax. George Piros.

[@bryfar6178]

Vinyl pressing ratings are very helpful for those of us who have upgraded their analog systems. I can no longer listen to many of my old fav lps. My system is so transparent the best and worst of recordings come through. Thor, if you could post your ratings in the info drop down that would be helpful for refetence. Color, country, dead wax codes. Thanks!

[@martythemusicmonster6772]

Love your dedication but I can not be like that I wouldn’t say obsession because I was the same way trying to find best pressings of records it made me insane and end up with multiples of each record and I couldn’t just keep one copy I am 52 now I can not do it because I buy so many records that I just try and find a clean copy of a US UK German Japanese

[@missewe]

Miss Ewe watched this 👀 😊🐑

[@robertwoodward9231]

What does the strawberry mean. I have the Page produced one with Gly John's and Peter Grant engendere.Is this the one you talk about? Also what are the matrix numbers?

[@thoronmetal108]

Strawberry is a pressing company with locations in France, UK and Germany.

[@robertwoodward9231]

@@thoronmetal108 Thanks. You didn't mention the Gyn John's engineered one but pretty good to my ears anyway..

[@audiotomb]

How about the Classic Records and Purple Lable 1st pressing?

[@thoronmetal108]

I have the UK Plum 1st pressing...not the Classic.

[@ergloo6660]

Vinyl is what records are made from, they are LP's, records, albums etc. Do you also collect clear polycarbonate plastic substrate, with a reflective metallic layer, and a clear protective coating of acrylic plastic ie cd's?

[@thoronmetal108]

Nope.

[@gfy4476]

Maybe you should include in the classic records version & the last reissue overseen by Jimi Page himself! That’ll affect your ranking as well, heck maybe even throw in the UK strawberry cut too!!! 😅

[@thoronmetal108]

I can only rank those which I have.

[@gfy4476]

@@thoronmetal108😄 true, but as long as you are actively searching, you may just find the rest, you’ll never know! Best of luck!!

[@UfukDirim]

AR = Atlantic Records whould be a logical guess.

[@robinbailey3052]

AR Atlantic Records

[@david.leikam]

I would assume AR is Atlantic Records.

[@tiborosz1825]

I love how audiophiles claim vinyl is how the artist intended the music to be heard and then there is 20 versions of vinyl ranging from good to crap. So badically a CD will give you the closest quality to the master tapes.

[@thoronmetal108]

Agree to disagree. 🙏

[@thoronmetal108]

I am most certainly not an audiophile

[@tiborosz1825]

@@thoronmetal108 my mistake. I seem to be in the minirity of not buying 5 versions of an album on another question I'm thnking of buying the new rhino lp version of this. Is it worth it? Jmy Page remastered it.

[@thoronmetal108]

@@tiborosz1825 I have the remaster too. Not super exciting...

[@tiborosz1825]

@@thoronmetal108 thnx!

[@davidmorgen4558]

Do you own the mono copy as well? ( rare )

[@thoronmetal108]

Nope

[@davidmorgen4558]

@@thoronmetal108 Its out there.maybe just uk Im not really sure thiough...good luck

[@mmmbbq]

That's just a collectors item, really. They just made them for AM radio and I guess a few folks who didn't yet have a stereo setup. It's downmixed from stereo, the way God intended with this record. They are SUPER expensive, though.

[@phillipanderson7398]

3:02 Wouldn't AR stand for " Atlantic Records" ?

[@RichardNixonsHippieRemoval]

Allied Pressing

[@josephdonato8154]

Plum label. Doesn’t that signify MONO?

[@thoronmetal108]

Nope

[@jay4vice]

I got two copies when they came out. Today they are like flat pieces of plastic.

[@psantos5573]

I just recently bought a copy which has yellow text on the cover. It's a 1984 Club Edition, Reissue, Columbia House, Carrollton Pressing. It sounds absolutely horrible. Very muddy. no life and no presence. Avoid this one unless you are out to collect the worst pressings of this title.

[@91pastor]

I am sure the AR is Allied Record Company.

[@91pastor]

Click on the second link!