John Coltrane - Blue Train: Tone Poet vs. Analogue Production vs. MMJ SRX + Stereo or Mono? Or Both?

[@markusschulzbro]

Thank you! Ordered mine and can’t wait for delivery.

[@earl007]

I just have to say I love the way you say Mono with your German / English . Love your show. Cheers

[@DanielHog13]

It's Sunday; in celebration of this GREAT album release by Blue Note, it's a fantastic day to watch the wonderful "Chasing Trane" documentary. Denzel narrating, tons of expert & family commentary about his life & career, WONDERFUL music throughout. Available on Hulu, (prob) KZbin, a few other sites. We've watched 7-8 times. .....your welcome! 👍

[@weldonjenkins15]

I watched yesterday on Hulu...fantastic. really appreciate the man more now.

[@DanielHog13]

@@weldonjenkins15 Fantastic. 👍

[@goodknight37]

Wow thanks. That’s funny , I always wished for a Coltrane film, and imagined Denzel Washington playing him.

[@DanielHog13]

@@goodknight37 Assumed you've watched Clint Eastwood's (lifelong jazz fan) "Bird" staring Forest Whitaker? Good coverage on Charlie Parker. Won Oscar for Best Sound. There's great documentaries of the 🎷🐐 too but Clint pays respect IMO w/ his directing in the Hollywood movie.

[@rastheike4329]

Michael, A very valuable comparison you made. Your receipt for the incoming train. Affirmation. For something that is already yery good. For the best train, take the ticket in Stereo. For the return journey, take the train in Mono. The journey will always be fantastic. Michael GORGEOUS. ❤️Heike

[@frederickclanahan1]

Another great video from you! My Stereo version of this fantastic Tone Poet arrived a few days ago and from the moment I first played it I was blown away. Great release!!!

[@kyles7087]

So happy to hear that! It’s my birthday today, and I’m waiting for my copy to arrive this week in Australia. Both versions. I’d love a 45 copy still, but I’ve spent an awful lot on records this month, ahh but maybe someday!

[@Yeastextract]

Perfectly happy with my Classic Records mono, if I was buying new then there’s some great choice available.

[@astolatpere11]

Just ordered the Tone Poet stereo lp of this album, should come on Monday. Thanks for your review. Most helpful.

[@davidlawrence79]

Thanks for the review Michael! I ordered both and they’re on the way but haven’t arrived yet. They should be here on Monday!

[@playbackamusicloversjourne8620]

Looking forward to receiving the stereo version once the BN site sends it! Thanks Michael for the compare.

[@myles7522]

Wonderful video… now I’m eagerly awaiting my stereo copy next week…..thanks for another great and interesting video…👍

[@chelillingworth9466]

I'm pretty sure. Kevin Gray said that he preferred the stereo in the interview that I saw, thanks for the excellent review, I'm so excited that my stereo version will be arriving soon.

[@deeg8849]

0:02. To the left and to the sky

[@donsounds]

Danke schön Michael! Can’t wait to pick this up at my local record store…

[@sararibeiro4034]

Very nice to have the opportunity to have these 2 fantastic sounding discs. Great to hear your appreciation. Thanks Michael

[@johntyndall1373]

I'll be getting both the mono and the stereo. Thanks, Michael, for a great video.

[@jasonarsenault3791]

Couldn’t wait to hear your take on this. So glad I went with the stereo now ha! Another few days til it arrives in northern BC 🙂

[@mpw116]

Michael, so happy to hear your recommendation. I ordered the mono but when I opened my package today, it was the stereo! Haha. I got the mono at KG’s preference but hearing this review, I’m very glad Amazon dropped the ball.

[@SpyderTracks]

Amazing, lovely summary as always, Michael, I pre ordered the stereo purely for the booklet and outtakes, so pleased to hear about the quality. Currently on holiday but back on Tuesday and it should arrive Wednesday I hope.

[@timhernandez9413]

It’s always the most recent or most expensive pressing that gets all the love. Look it up.

[@IvanMusicMan]

Thks I will get my stereo version next week 😍

[@Big-J-8579]

Finally received mine today. I ordered directly from Blue Note because I wanted the stereo LP and the 2-CD addition. Great album!

[@Pinoynoir7]

Thank you for your video! I'm looking forward to trying out the stereo version when it arrives next week. I own the Music Matters mono copy pressed on blue vinyl released in 2016 that is my current reference.

[@TheHSIHP]

I have one copy of this album and it's the mono Tone Poet. Sounds amazing

[@markcarrington8565]

Hey Michael, great video! I returned from holiday to find my copy of Trane, Stereo version. It’s my first copy of this record and I am thrilled, it sounds absolutely stunning!

[@latheofheaven]

Lovely Michael, thank you! 👍

[@brianlewis5042]

Great overview. I have OG copies of many 50’s/60’s jazz releases and Blue Train was not in my father’s 🙏🏾 collection. So this will be the first for me. I am glad it has been reissued and I will have both the stereo and mono versions in my collection. I am excited to spend the time to listen to both versions, of course after I get them in mail. Cheers

[@VoiceofFox]

Everything about the stereo Tone Poet release is glorious. One to grab before it's gone and $$$.

[@MaxLedZep]

Ciao Michael! How are you? The train has truly arrived !! I have bought the Mono version and I'm listening to it right now. How it plays wonderful and amazing!!! It's absolutely amazing.... I have rarely heard a record sound like this one. The did a great job on the jacket too, so glossy, heavy and gatefold. Fantastic!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@stephenperera7382]

As a designer (33 years and counting!) with 'design for print' being my background plus also having a LOT of scanning experience (drum scanners et al), I can comment the difference in contrast with the loss of midtone detail is typical of NOT using a scan from the original negative. For the booklet images etc, interesting to know if they have gone 'full colour black and white' lithography - a thing we did back in the late 80s and 90s or printed in black ink with like a cyan added for punch.....if you have a loupe try and see what dots you can see in the printing

[@recordpirate]

+1 for the Stereo version 👏🏻.

[@musiclassica]

Danke, Michael! I’d have loved ordering the stereo but paying 20 eur extra for the extra LP with outtakes that don’t interest me, there’s a reason why they were never published in the previous 65 years, is not worth it to me. At the moment i have the 2CD, because of the original LP configuration (5 tracks instead of the usual 6). I’ll use the mono option on my blu-ray player to have an idea how that sounds. I hope a 1LP stereo edition will be released soon. Keep up the good work you’re doing! Grüssen aus Antwerpen, MC

[@alitabbal9529]

Thank you Michael for another great review, I bought the Mono version and its exactly like you described. I was not planning to buy the stereo version, as a have 2 copies of the Blue Note reissue from the 80's which sound very good especially on the first track. Now you convinced to by the Stereo Tone Poet because the mix seems better the horns of Morgan, Trane and Fuller are not so seperate, so what the heck I will spend the extra 65 euros also for the nice booklet since the photos are really beautiful. Great interview with Chad yesterday, it kept up until 2am since I was at a concert of Joachim Kuhn solo piano last evening here in Paris, magnifique!!!

[@Digginbehindthedikes]

Up till january of this year I had 4 different versions on the shelf. An original mono in debatable condition, a sleeveless Liberty, a Japanese mono and the SRX but decided to sell them all in order to fund an original clean mono copy and now this comes out 😅

[@jamesoloughlin]

I just love your channel Michael. Excited to pick one of these up hahah tough decision but love the variety.

[@clarence8485]

I am so happy that we have both the mono and stereo good releases from tone poet for blue train. I got the stereo version and never regret it. Not necessarily for the additional lp but for the additional surprise that differ from the mono release that we have heard many times before. I agree with your pick that we have to definitely go for the stereo if given the chance to pick between the 2. Both are good but there is a good reason for a stereo release. Thanks for the review again!

[@shengjiewang2683]

This is the way.

[@Envaco1]

Excelente, i LOVE this descriptions, i buy versión stereo Three horas long ago. Beautiful video, congratulations.

[@paulspanbauer4125]

I have the AP 45 version. Killer LP without question.

[@miguelramalho8792]

I have just ordered the stereo version yesterday and I found your channel today. I love how passionate you are in the way you describe this album and the way you talk about the different versions. Thank you for putting this video up and enjoy all the versions you have of this incredible album 😊

[@jodygoeler586]

The stereo version is truly stunning.

[@JimmyV1530]

Great video Michael / I can only afford one & I went with the stereo release for the exact reasons you stated / booklet & the extra outtakes. Still waiting for mine to arrive from Mike at the In Groove...it's in route...can't wait !

[@liammolyneuxmusic]

Fantastic comprehensive over view of this classic jazz title Michael 👏🏻. I have a stereo Blue Note from 2008 from the analogue masters done by Ron McMaster more famous for his Friday Music mastering. Sounds fabulous don’t think it will be in same league of what you’ve shown. Brilliant these two new versions are out.Mono is tempting me. After watching your video so is the stereo 😂. I have to weigh up haw many times I will play this or any other jazz title. I love my jazz but in small doses. Thanks M 👍

[@londonrecordlover965]

Hi Liam I have the same stereo release you mention and have always been impressed with the sound quality. That is part of the reason I am leaning towards picking up just the mono Tone Poet. I also like the idea of having a high quality release of this iconic album in a presentation that is more true to the original (ie mono, single disc without extras). But with all due deference to Michael’s valued opinion on the sound quality - if I buy the mono I will do so in the knowledge that the stereo Tone Poet is the ‘better’ / more audiophile listening experience. Decisions, decisions…

[@liammolyneuxmusic]

@@londonrecordlover965 brilliant I’m feeling the mono too 👍

[@jonathanmackenzie2570]

As ever Micheal, thanks😊

[@Michael45RPM]

My pleasure Jonathan

[@fts81]

Nice video Michael, I felt the same. The mono is a more familiar presentation to me, but the stereo was really surprising. It has a natural separation but blending at the same time, panning was really well done. Kudos to the team involved, excellent. The book, on top of it, is outstanding. Regarding the session photos, they’re the same in both TPs but they differ from the SRX, which I found a nice touch, showing attention to detail. Or perhaps copyright stuff.

[@RaviNewfarm]

Ah, I have a tp stereo waiting for me in my local shop. But unfortunately I am on holiday for another week 😣

[@recordspree]

Stereo release ordered a minute ago. In Michael we trust! :)

[@spindoctorandhisvinylmayhem]

Very well said. I think really it all just comes down to price, the Tone Poets are more affordable and more easily accessible. All sound great so it comes down to what you can afford and find! Very excited to a have copy of this amazing record! Thanks Michael!

[@Joooools5000]

I only had the 75th to compare to (and it was one of the better 75ths) - needless to say I was very impressed with the upgrade! Morgan and Fuller really stand out in comparison to the digital version. Very happy indeed with my stereo copy. I think it was the other way around with KG and JH: KG preferred the stereo, in fact I saw him say on one video that he prefers the stereo over the mono on every Blue Note where RVG was dual recording.

[@1999zrx1100]

Just comparing my New Stereo Version to the 75th digital, I find I’m hearing a little more reverb or echo which may be more of the room sound ie. what people call Transparency I think. So hard to put into words but also I’m more aware of Chambers bass throughout the entire album. It’s not an O My God difference but there certainly is some improvement. My 2 cents. 😎

[@georgeholoubek6600]

This would sound great coming out of a transistor radio, imho. The musicianship is just superb. The alchemy that develops between these players is astounding. There is a lot of hyperbole out there in the "VC" to describe tons and tons of recordings, but in this case, all the hype and accolades are well-deserved. Blue Train is a remarkable achievement by any standard.

[@makimakipapura7543]

Sound quality is debatable, but you can't deny the extras you get with the Tone Poet Stereo issue at a reasonable price!

[@contemporaryhomeaudio]

I have them both coming and am glad to see you like them so much. I would have preferred a 3 Lp set instead of separate stereo and mono releases. I'm just nitpicking at his point though.

[@Schnauzer-2]

Michael, thanks for your video. Like it ! As I am a new subscriber, it would be very interesting to see you with your system and know you more by looking how you have configured your gear.

[@Michael45RPM]

just look 5 sm down on my channel there is the Equipment Video :-)

[@Schnauzer-2]

@@Michael45RPM Thank you Michael, but I am lost. Can you help me with the name of your video or a link ?

[@jazzbumschris979]

Great comparison Michael. I can't wait for Universal to deliver mine. Not sure if they have even shipped yet.

[@HallertauRogue]

I just wrapped up a comparative listening session of my Analogue Productions 45rpm stereo and the 33rpm mono Tone Poet this morning. Now I have this lovely video to watch. I am eager to see if we have similar thoughts....

[@r423fplip]

Both ! What a fantastic album, showcased at its best. Well done to everyone involved.

[@tanyet]

I like the 45rpm a little better. It’s a little bigger on the bottom end and seems a touch warmer. Both are fantastic.

[@NotedArchived]

i have the original Music Matters Mono 33rpm and (soon) the TP Stereo. historically in my listening preferences, i usually opt stereo over mono - but we will see! lovely overview as per usual, herr Ludwigs. XX

[@christopherrigby2798]

Great video Michael. I did buy the Blue Note two cd stereo set of this and that sounds just wonderfully balenced. I would recommend it to anyone wanting this fantastic album in cd form.

[@zackamania6534]

Michael buys every single release. Every single one. Consumerism is what turns me off to the “vinyl community.” Nothing personal. Mazzy does it too. They buy every release, no matter how expensive or how many copies one owns.

[@KeeganTaylor121]

What does it matter though?

[@kaypat]

great video! i hope you do a video on the new mars volta record, it’s wonderful!

[@tweakerman]

I only have the stereo version & it sounds wonderful, I also have a version on blue note 75 series, I'm going to do a video on both soon, great video, nice to hear your options 👍

[@dgross2009]

No question on this release you need them both. Only had a chance to listen to one side of the mono and it's great. I'm sure anyone with a mono cartridge will pick up the mono version.

[@VagueRANT100]

Great video of the quintessential jazz album Michael....regarding the album cover...my 2nd press MONO from early 1958 has an overall darker moodier appearance than these facsimiles

[@greencraig8570]

Very nice conversation with Chad yesterday. You get the best guests. Chad gets trolled and sometimes gratuitously criticized, but he still hasn't addressed why the thousands of record labels on Acoustic Sounds sell digital records. Chad has the clout to demand the SPARS code from all labels.

[@danielb8877]

Interesting timing as yesterday I just started trying to work out what on earth would be the best version/release to get. I have found it very confusing to try and find the "definitive" version.

[@lovbladkarl-olof3975]

Ok i just got them both yesterday. I do have the AP one and the old mofi cd. So let me see

[@Smokej620]

I didn’t pre-order thru Amazon as I was waiting for your review but unfortunately I missed them and the price shot up. I thought the pre-order prices were still very high based on it being only 1 and 2 lps. I do have the Music Matters version but was considering buying as I was going to potentially sell all my 33 rpm Music Matters but maybe not.

[@marcbegine]

Hi Michael, great video. What Mono Cartridge do you use for the mono “Blue Train”?

[@Derfunkmeister]

Well Michael, as I understand it, Chad mentioned that he preferred Stereo over Mono at some point. However I don't understand the rule that Tone Poets can't be released if Music Matters did it. First, Music Matters has been sold out and from a Business standpoint as Tone Poets has been such a success I think Don was should release them too. I didn't get on the Music Matters Train and now they are just ridiculous crazy expensive and I am not paying those prices people ask for them. Call it supply and demand if you believe in that but the demand is there but just not at those prices as I see them stalling in the pages they are being offered. so it's in my book not supply and demand but music made for the 1 % only which is crazy. So I hope that the Tone Poet Series will continue forever and why not? Why kill a good Business model? The same goes for The Classic Series.

[@jeffreybarr2386]

Thank you Michael! John Coltrane is my favorite musician in the universe. Blue Train isn’t in my top 5… but I love it so! I’m hoping Chad does a UHQR of Coltrane some day.

[@davidbarnes3232]

Nice video as usual. Thrown into confusion here. I have a Blue Note stereo which is perfectly fine. So I assumed, if I get another it should be the mono. But you speak so enthusiastically about the TP stereo….. do you see what you have done 😊

[@Michael45RPM]

:-)

[@fts81]

This TP record in stereo is absolutely amazing

[@davidbarnes3232]

@@fts81 no doubt. I will give mine a listen. I had promised myself to stop buying duplicate issues of the same title and move forward

[@fts81]

@@davidbarnes3232 I know how you feel, I've been doing the same, but opened an exception here: for being a completest, I had to have all the TP, because I am following the collection. Honestly, I have been purging duplicates and going very focused on Discogs to get what I really like and want. I won't even mention how many dark side of the moons I have lol

[@dilbyjones]

Thanks

[@1999zrx1100]

Like many others have said you really can’t judge the Mono pressing until you listen to it with a Comparable Mono Cartridge, I’ve order both knowing at some point I’ll have a Mono cartridge. Looking forward to comparing them to my Blue Note 75th anniversary issue. Thanks Michael 🙏

[@deepgrooved]

Having owned a mono cartrirdge for many years...I totally disagree....modern mono releases sound wonderful with a stereo cartridge...plus the tone poets are cut with stereo cutting heads...mono cartridges do nothing for a modern mono record.

[@Harobed1967]

The mono sounds superb on my stereo set up

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

Conclusion: Music Matters is STILL better (Artwork Print and Sound Quality), I agree, I also have both.

[@markwood4427]

Hi Michael, the sound is great, just one question, is the balance on your copy putting most of the solo instruments more to the left of centre? My copy of the vinyl does have a slight edge warp so I was concerned I haven't got a good copy. I'm assuming it is meant to sound like this because side two is more balanced across both channels. I really enjoy your videos I wish I could afford all the albums!

[@washline]

I think to really ascertain any differences between the two mono versions, you really need to hear them on a mono cart. It's a much different experience hearing the music in mono.

[@yanivshef]

Michael , how’s the Blue Note Records 75th Anniversary Stereo release in comparison, if you have it ?

[@Michael45RPM]

sorry Yaniv i dont have it

[@omie1]

4:02 you can see Coltrane's nostrils clearer on the SRX cover. 😊It's almost as if the picture was taken at a different angle.

[@michaelgallay]

thanks for that great review! did you also went back to blue train blue note 75th and compare?

[@Michael45RPM]

i dont have that

[@Cripplecreekcarl]

Hmm. So these upgrades to KGs cutting system that he has been praising are not even noticeable?

[@AsTheTableTurns]

Very thorough review. Now you just have to get an original. Haha!

[@frankkortstee9877]

Hi, just got the 2 TP BT. I know you got vinyl storage solutions for you sleeves, as I do. Question: how did you sleeve the stereo with this glued booklet?

[@Michael45RPM]

i left the innerside open

[@frankkortstee9877]

Sooow, if I understand correctly, you cut the strip part of the inner (right) sleeve? Yeah, that might work, smart thinking.

[@drb3nway]

If the two stereo mixes would be a tie, I'd give it to the 33. My logic being you only have to flip it once. =)

[@markh.9822]

And you get a MUCH better package

[@gustavoricci3940]

Thanks for the video! One question: do you have the 2008 AP or the 2013? Do they have a difference?

[@Michael45RPM]

i have the 2008 do not know if there is a difference sorry

[@DJ88in2003]

the pictures inside the jacket are not the same between my versions of Tone Poet mono vs stereo.

[@Michael45RPM]

ups i have to check that

[@davidjurney]

I went with the stereo because of the extras. I do plan on picking up the mono eventually. As I think it will be fun, to have the two to compare.

[@johndeuble64]

Yo Mike. Thanks for the comparisons. I have all 4 also. Question… how will you handle the attached booklet in the Stereo version with the VSS sleeves? Will you trap it behind the sleeve or try something inventive? I’ve been losing sleep over this important issue… :) John

[@Michael45RPM]

i keep them open at the innerside John

[@johndeuble64]

What a great idea‼️ Do you mean that you don’t pull the tape off on the adhesive on the inside, or do you actually cut the flap off?

[@cgarci19]

🧐Súper important Real-world problems! 😂🤣🤓

[@deadquietvinyl]

@@Michael45RPM are you using the 12” or the 13” dual resealable outer sleeves?

[@johndeuble64]

DQV… I’m assuming you’re asking Mike this question? I’m pretty sure he’s using two 12” dual pockets. So am I. The gatefold using two 13”x13” would be swimming around.

[@frankkortstee9877]

Hi Michael, I had to send back the mono and stereo (JPC), some hish sound and 2 of the 3 LP's (cleaning no results). Got new one, mono ok now, stereo again hish sounds especially on 2nd LP at beginning and end of both sides. Checked my setup, no change. Am I the only one with this pressing? Is this normal for a high quality record?

[@steverobinson939]

Hello Michael - What protective sleeves do you recommend that can be used for the Blue Train stereo version with the booklet in the middle?

[@Michael45RPM]

Vinyl Storage Solution

[@steverobinson939]

@@Michael45RPM I use them for the "normal" gatefolds and single LP's, but do they fit the Blue Train stereo with the booklet?

[@Billysrecordsalon]

I know it’s nit picky but I wish they hadn’t put “the complete masters” on the cover. Maybe a hype or small print on the back but it kills the fun replica appeal they achieved in part by the stereo sticker.

[@Michael45RPM]

Details are very Important Billy !!!

[@londonrecordlover965]

I had exactly the same thought! Why bother to replicate the ‘Stereo’ sticker if you are going to change the actual sleeve design?

[@MackeyWilliams]

Did zie Trane arrive on time like a true German train?

[@miguelramalho8792]

Do you have a link to this interview you talk about with Joe & Kevin? I would love to watch this. Thank you.

[@earl007]

Do you ever sit down and think to yourself “ am I becoming so obsessed with purchasing different version of the same album that I am losing the love I once had and that is actually listening to music without being so analytical about which release I am actually listening too”? I love your videos even though I am CD only because you have introduced me to so many albums and artists that I have looked up and played. How different we are. I am spending my time and money tracking original releases of CDs of artist because I want to listen to what they released before the remastering got stuck in. Mostly they are artists that I have only got a remastered copy of. Don’t get me wrong some new remastered releases sound fantastic and of course all your vinyl coming out has the added benefit of not being true analogue.

[@Michael45RPM]

No Earl i dont think that, because its just fun to listen to this music and it doesnt get lost

[@scottwheeler2679]

Pretty sure the AP 45 rpm was mastered by Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray together.

[@Michael45RPM]

correct Scott

[@jazzsounds1607]

From my point of view I have to disagree with some findings, at least they are much clearer for me. Compared it to the AP45 and the Classic Records one sided 45. The old AP has slightly richer horn tones and maybe a bit more reverb there, but the bass is a bit muddy and unclear in comparison to the other two and depth differences and transparency in mids/highs are inferior. The cymbal work is glued together in comparison. The CR with a wider panning has even more refined cymbal work than the Tone Poet and similar better bass and transparency than the AP, but the Tone Poet rules in terms of transparency, has similar, even better panning than the AP (wider/deeper extended) and a full horn tone between both others. This Tone Poet is the one to go for, killer. The CR45 is also great, partly a little better, partly little worse, the AP45 just rules when it needs to be laid back in dynamics, highs and transparency. All are sounding great anyway, those differences are on a high level.

[@cameronleehorace]

Is it best to get a Tone Poet of Blue Train and drop the cash or get this title on CD? I have already spent about £50 on records this month and also have one on order at my store. I am not even working right now waiting for the next job, why is this addiction so strong? I have a thing now that I buy CDs for when records are too expensive and I don't want it that bad, yet Jazz is my area I feel is a must on vinyl.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

To land a copy of the Stereo here in Australia I'm looking at $120 Aud 🥴 I'm a casual Jazz fan, I'd love to own a nice copy of these types of Jazz albums but I've never paid $120 for an album not even for an og psych grail, so there's no way I'm paying that for this album, I don't care how good it sounds.

[@jackiepuppet9289]

Hell no. I’m in the US and don’t even want to pay the 55 USD. Don’t care about the extra LP. Maybe I’ll just get the mono for $35

[@alexram375]

michael. excuse my ignorance but what kind of camera do u use? thanks

[@Michael45RPM]

sony FX

[@cezarvasile1635]

👌👌