Do Modern CDs Sound Better than Old Ones?

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

David, thank you so much, per my request, for this video. So informative and interesting and I really appreciate it. The sound difference is phenomenal. 😊

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

You're welcome. Glad you liked it.

[@user-um5cl8xi9e]

Hi David thanks ❤, Daniel.

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Thanks Daniel.

[@SuperAtlantis1]

The second example I heard was the punch to my ear . That one I liked.

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Good stuff. Thanks for watching.

[@ADH81]

K2 is so clear and mastered beautifully, blu spec sounds about the same to my ears. Of course having the right cd player and laser can certainly add or subtract from the sound overall. K2 all the way for me.

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

I agree - I can't make out any difference between the K2 and the BSCD2. Thanks for watching.

[@theelviscupguy56]

Thanks ⚡️⚡️

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Cheers, Cup Guy.

[@nickelias5321]

Hello, Dave--Return of The Rocker for me !! Great video !

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Yeah, me too. Thanks for watching.

[@johncoleiro3043]

Return of the Rocker, by far the best sounding.

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

That was my favourite too. And it's the oldest one!

[@haraldtrittner4396]

THIS Episode is mind blowing...thank you David👌 The Info on K2 & BluSpec is very informative (i have the japanese SHM "ELVIS" with the white Barcode). But what's really interesting, especially in the mid 1980's every Country used different "Elvis Masters". As an example: "Elvis Is Back": The german, japanese and the US first Pressings sounding totally different. In the 1980's the US reversed the Stereo-Channels on their BMG CD's. So imo it's always have been a difference who was the "executive BMG Producer" on some of the CD Releases (Greg Geller comes on my mind on BMG/USA). The reasons for the "Long Box" Format in the USA was 1. To store it in the "empty" LP/Vinyl Boxes in the Music Stores 2. Not to crap the little CD Format and "forget to buying it"😉! Meanwhile sealed US Long Box CD Editions are collectible! Thank You David ... btw "Return Of The Rocker" is still a 100% favorite of mine:, if it's the US or Jap Pressing; both CD's sounding perfectly👌

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

I didn't know that about the different masters. Perhaps each country outside the US went back to the copies they'd received earlier for vinyl use. There's always something interesting to find out about the music, and the list of things to buy gets longer the more you learn.

[@kerrydavidsadler980]

As always a very informative video, have to pick THE RETURN OF THE ROCKER it just sounds better. Now will have to find a copy on cd of THE RETURN OF THE ROCKER ( thanks David lol ).💓🙌🇺🇸

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

I was surprised at how good that old CD sounded. You should be able to find a copy in the US quite easily. Be aware that there's a fault at the beginning of Make Me Know It. The piano is distorted for a couple of seconds.

[@tcbsince73]

I find it hard to detect the difference in most cases. But there comes a point where you just can't improve it any further.

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

I certainly can't hear any real difference between the K2 and the BSCD2 but Return of the Rocker sounds different, and better to my ears. Cheers, Steve.

[@liorb5625]

Hey David my dear friend :) how are you ? great informative video, the best sound and my favorite is the RETURN OF THE ROCKER 1986 , love it , cheers ;) your friend: Lior

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Hi, Lior. How are you doing? Yes, "Return" seems to be the clear favourite. I'll be in touch later. Cheers.

[@malwalsh]

A very interesting video my friend, I have only ever collected official Uk/FTD CDs with the occasional US one thrown in, and I find that the sound difference on the variations is very minimal on my modest Denon cd player! Even though I have enjoyed re collecting my Elvis vinyl collection, the ease and sound of playing Elvis on CD is amazing! cheers mate!

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

CDs are great when I want to put the music on in the background. If I want to sit and listen, I enjoy the experience of playing vinyl more. Cheers, Mal.

[@martiglesias60]

The Rocker version pf litlle Sister sounds very clear, especially the bass.

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

You're right. The bass really pounds in that version.

[@andrewhaddon7689]

Funny you should mention this as I was listening to 'For L.p Fans Only' c.d from the 1980's in glorious mono and was pleasantly surprised just how good it sounded.

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

After playing the video back, I was so surprised at how good "Return" sounded, I went looking for more old CDs and picked up a cheap old German copy of GR2 for less than $4.00. Thanks, Andrew.

[@sturmgewehr70]

Very interesting and informative, sir! I must say, as someone who owns both of those beautiful Japanese boxsets you showed, the “Return of the Rocker” sounded the best.⚡️

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Have to say I agree. Thanks for watching.

[@elvispresleycollectorsgroup]

Fantastic video David! I really enjoy your videos and the in depth knowledge. I also enjoy good Hi-Fi and comparing releases so I can play the very best versions. That Rocker sounds poor on the stereo separation (I play my pc through my hi-fi system) and sounds pre-everything going load! K2 upped the levels and stereo a bit. BSCD2 was similar, but I thought the stereo effect was a little wider still and probably the best here. La Legende sounded awful ;0) Look forward to the next one!

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

That's interesting, Adam. Another viewer mentioned the separation (see Grant's comment below) so maybe you guys are on to something. Thanks.

[@henryfong3471]

Great insight on all the formats. Hoping that Elvis gets the MQA x UHQCD formatted. As the Carpenters sold out like hot cakes. Plus another fair next week for me at a pub😁

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

I'm jealous of all the fairs you get to go to. I hope you find something good.

[@henryfong3471]

@@ElvisPresleyInJapan I'm jealous that you have the golden era of Jp lps where you live. Plus missed out on another fair last weekend. Called the Glebe Fair. Venue is inside a indoor basketball court😁

[@theelvisway7269]

Return of the rocker sounded the best if it was the first song little sister

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Yes, first one was Return of the Rocker. Seems to be the most popular so far. Cheers.

[@johnp5333]

Great video as always Dave. 🙏I personally prefered the first one, it sounded airy and crisp at the same time without too much compression. BSCD2 sounded a bit clearer and better than the K2.

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

I'm with you. I was surprised when I played the video back for the first time to hear how different it was, and better.

[@josipjoeybosnjak]

Hey Dave! Another fantastic and very informative video regarding the CD releases. I have collected majority of US pressings but with your help, you definitely give new insights for collecting into Japanese releases. Take Care my friend! Greetings from NY 😁☝️ TCB ⚡️⚡️😎

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Hey, Josip. Glad to see you got the Burning Love set. Nice one!

[@josipjoeybosnjak]

@@ElvisPresleyInJapan Thank You Dave! It is amazing album. Enjoyed it very much. 😊🙌

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

@@josipjoeybosnjak I managed to order a copy from a Japanese website without going to a record store!

[@josipjoeybosnjak]

@@ElvisPresleyInJapan Nice! Congratulations David on your copy! Hope it will arrive soon my friend and you will enjoy it for sure. 😁🙌😊⚡️⚡️

[@MJL3764]

Hi David to my ears there was nothing wrong with The Return Of The Rocker C.D in fact I thought it sounded the best, the K2 and BSCD2 I thought sounded very similar, ( I only have the vinyl of "Return" ) thanks for the video and all the best.

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

When I play them on the CD player, the newer ones sound better, but through the PC Return of the Rocker sounds better. Funny that. Cheers.

[@grantbaensch9726]

Thanks for another very interesting video David. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Return of the Rocker album as I think the sound overall is pretty good. Little Sister sounds great but to me it’s a mono mix. However I still love it!!

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Hi Grant. I don't think it's in mono. Or at least it's not supposed to be 😅

[@grantbaensch9726]

@@ElvisPresleyInJapan yes I’m sure it’s not supposed to be but it’s very narrow stereo at best. I’ll be playing the CD of it I have tomorrow. It’s an album I really enjoy. Thanks again mate and email coming to you this week🙂

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

@@grantbaensch9726 I'll have to get the headphones out 😅 Talk to you later.

[@goodiesguy]

That first K2 sounds the best, better balance with decent midrange, those first samples are far too compressed, sound like cassette copies and have no mid-range.

[@ADH81]

My thoughts exactly, TCB :)

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Interesting. Thanks.

[@elvisonwax]

I am so happy that you brought up Return of the Rocker. I find this a most curious album. Back in the day I spurned it as yet another ordinary compilation and didn’t buy it, sorry. Back then there so many reissues. I finally brought home a European vinyl copy last year which I picked up for about 25 euro. I might have put it aside for later as a collection filler (in spite of the incredible cover) had it not been in very clean condition.. and.. I was amazed. The tracks on this album appear to be mixed/mastered in some radically different fashion from anywhere I have ever heard them. They are more dynamic by orders of magnitude; the bass, drums and percussion are elevated in the mix and they don’t drown the vocals. Is this album a cousin to I Was the One, I wonder? Do you have any thoughts or information on this album? I am a fan of I Was the One, by the way. The British version is splendid.

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

I think Rocker was a successful release so they tried to repeat thr formula. I don't know anything of the album's background, unfortunately. I do know that there's a problem with the piano intro of Make Me Know It. It sounds distorted for a second or two. It happens on all versions I've heard, vinyl and CD. It's not there on subsequent releases of the song so presumably it wasn't a problem with the master tape. But, of the CDs I listened to, I preferred the sound of Return of the Rocker. I listened to I Was the One recently and quite enjoyed it. The sound was great and the new overdubs were not over the top.

[@ErnstTCB]

The older cds definitely sound better. The newer ones have a harsher sound. I've been told thar they have too much compression on them now.

[@nigelwilson1957]

Hi David true do cool video my friend Return of the Rocker” sounded the best out all the cds look forword more cool video David take care for now

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Thanks, Nigel. Much appreciated.

[@nigelwilson1957]

thankyou so much for what you do for us elvis fans David

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

The K2 mastering process is of Almost, almost of the quality and engineering as that of DMM mastering in Europe, (Germany) done with some of The Beatles albums and they sound outstanding, superior to K2. I actually prefer the sound of the original 1986 “Return Of The Rocker” cd version better than the K2. Less harsh frequencies and balance and of course, Bass.

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Return of the Rocker sounds a bit muddy on my CD player but fine in the video.

[@lukeroberts3784]

Can tracks can also be called chapter like chapters in a book 📕 📖📚 📖 Dave like example track 1 chapter 1?

[@tonyjones622]

Hi Dave a never really got in to the early CDs started buying them later but not in great quantities like a used to with vinyl ,a do look out for the early ones now av managed to pick up a few recently,personally a don’t really see much difference in sound from the early eighties ones to the latest ones ,the ones you featured here a thought the last one sounded awful ,muddy,muffled and maybe a bit low as well ,the others sounded great ,some o the vinyl tha producing now sounds superb av a few albums form acoustic sounds 200 G vinyl at 45 RPM they sound phenomenal in fact a think it’s the best sound av heard ,vinyl and CD ,a wonder how long they’ll be producing CDs for now a suppose as long as there’s a market they’ll remain ,av heard recently cassette tapes are making a bit of a comeback ,what about that Dave do you see that where u are ,the early CDs I have sound really great but the vinyl sounds just as good for me better in some cases ,great piece Dave really interesting ,take care tony 🎹🎶🎸

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Hi Tony, I didn't get into CDs until about 1990. I regretted selling off my records back then so I'm not going to make the same mistake with CDs. I'm happy to have both. Not too many cassettes for sale over here now. There may still be millions at the backs of drawers and closets up and down Japan just waiting for a cassette tape revival. But who knows, maybe most of them were thrown away. I have a few that I keep as curios more than anything else. I have one 45rpm album (GR3) and it's superb. I have Blue Hawaii coming as well. Looking forward to that. Cheers, Tony.

[@ROCKINGMAN]

I was aware of CDs from the mid 80's due to publicity. A local hi-fi store were demonstrating the new format. I thought they were 'user friendly', pressing buutons to operate and select tracks. Didn't think they sounded better or worse than records, wasn't keen on the 'plastcky' look though. I was really put off when seeing CDs, at that time, sold in a local market. They looked cheap and nasty, just 'best of' well known and not so well known artists. Until re-mastering, alternate versions, box sets etc I was interested and never looked back after that. First two 'Little Sister' tracks superior. Vocal and instrumentation balance is right. Instruments are clearer and most defined. Tracks 3 and 4 are muddy and lack clarity.

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

I remember seeing the Legend 3-CD German box set when it first came out in the mid 1980s and nearly bought it even though it cost a fortune and I didn't have a CD player. It was my, at the time, wandering lifestyle that made me switch to CDs in about 1990. I just couldn't stand moving boxes and boxes of records around London every few months. Yes, I think everyone so far has preferred the "Return" version of Little Sister. I think I'm going to listen more closely to some of my other older CDs and compare them to more recent ones.

[@ROCKINGMAN]

@@ElvisPresleyInJapan Same here, bought Elvis live albums, but, didn't get CD player till later.

[@curtissimpkins]

great video my friend i think they sound good to me lol

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Thanks, Curtis. I know you love your CDs.

[@curtissimpkins]

@@ElvisPresleyInJapan yeah i love them love to get some more cds from Japan to

[@myronhelton4441]

K2 is much much better than the rest. K2 is much less brighter than the rest of them.

[@ElvisPresleyInJapan]

Thanks for your watching and commenting.

[@chrisrees7054]

I don't like Elvis so it doesn't matter.