Led Zeppelin - II - LP Review And Comparison What Version Is The Best

[@adamwilson1691]

"im not a fan of digitally sourced records". yes you are, you just didn't know it yet.

[@travisweigand9982]

Really appreciate that you've done this for Zep I & II. Would love to see the same for Zep III & IV

[@MelindaMurphy]

I really love your videos. I have the RL SS on both sides hot mix. My copy is probably VG but it sounds great. It doesn't skip and I rarely hear pops. It is one of my favorite albums of all time so thank you for letting me know that I have a great press. Have a great week.

[@rudestrudedog]

The German half Ludwig is insane! I found a very clean copy and when you flip it you can tell that side 2 is not as punchy. Thanks for all the info.

[@leavingharvard]

I just pulled a near mint columbia pitman double RL SS. I had a classic 200g, but this is my reference copy.

[@utub1473]

I love watching these videos, just love them

[@Beetlehair]

How about Love Forever Changes?

[@Luckywrench]

I just cannot say enough great things about your "shoot out videos" it's like taking a class in how ALL releases go using a very well known example. So much covered, stays focused, gets to the "real" point (condition, in this case) All explained in a nominal time... You're great. Thanks for all.

[@michaelrogers8126]

Mike, what is your honest opinion on the 2015/15 Page remasters. I think they sound good. I don’t know why a lot of people crap all over them

[@MrLovell1971]

Mike this is on the money i finally found VG+ a RL SS on both sides mine is very close to near mint only flaw some one wrote Mark Dewalt on the label Page acoustic on "Ramble On" is sensational it's like hes in the room with you Bonham drums is upfront and slammin' I know you really get the best out the record with you gear .I had a MoFi it was clean this RL killed it i sold the classic immediately

[@digitalzomby]

That was really cool to see your Zep 2 collection and thanks for all the info you have shared with us.

[@GD-bf5pn]

Great video, thanks. Ever come across the early canadian pressing?. Mine has RL on both sides. A little easier to find I think.

[@richardb2682]

One record that i think would be really interesting to compare would be Queen II. The reason being is that its quite a challenge to get a decent sounding copy of this.

[@tomashill7703]

notinto records so much but my brother got a player for his bday and i wanted to get this album on it to jam out, was wondering if RL cut is the same as this gentlemens 1st choice pick? this is the description... any help would be much appreciated Vinyl, LP, Album, RL Cut, Terre Haute Press, Gatefold

[@MJEvermore853]

Yes, as long as the seller mentions the "RL cut" (the Robert Ludwig mix), you're good. To absolutely make sure, stand by a bright light or sun and look at the dead wax at the end of the record. You should see a tiny "RL" engraved on it. It can be a little difficult to see sometimes.

[@rjonzun5828]

Bob Ludwig said that the records with his initials on one side and a different engineers initials on the other side are still his mastering. He said sometimes acetates would get damaged but he and the other other engineer would still master the replacements at the same levels from the notes they had.

[@robertandrewhale]

I maybe a little late in commenting on this video, but… I have just found a near mint RL SS Presswell copy, took me a lot of years to find… no scratches, nothing…. it came from Switzerland to me here in England, I have a reasonably decent system, Kef reference 5 meta’s, Mackintosh MA 7200, Mackintosh MT5, Ortofon Quintet Black, I am an extremely happy man, it’s glorious…

[@around-about-recordsllc4243]

The RL is a sonically brilliant album, definitely my favorite record out of the 1,000's I own. Both my copies are VG-ish, but they still sound amazing.. If youre a Zeppelin fan, this is a must get.. Thanks for the info Mike!

[@aaronsmith8265]

Absolutely love this album, have a 1977 George Piros in -NM and absolutely love it!

[@joelinvirginia5198]

I have the '77 Piros too, also in NM-, and I think it just rocks - sounds great! I also have a solid VG+/VG++ RL Presswell, which I would say has a slight edge for overall power and balance, but highly recommend the Piros to anyone not wanting to spend the money you'll need for an RL. To my ears, if the RL is the 10.0 overall, then the Piros is a solid 9.0, and on some songs probably more like a 9.5. Really, really good!

[@vinylrichie007]

The George Piros is the best pressing for Led Zeppelin l. The RL is the best for Led Zeppelin ll. The George Piros Led Zeppelin ll is very good. Just as good as a UK pressing.

[@billgross2097]

I actually worked at Columbia, Pitman in New Jersey and have many first releases.

[@sammencia7945]

If NM- worth 1000 apiece

[@danielcombs3207]

Nice a lot of my favorite artists were on Columbia. I’d love to have Dylan’s albums on the early label especially Blonde On Blonde.

[@billgross2097]

​@sammencia7945 some are not even opened.

[@billgross2097]

​@danielcombs3207 don't have a first release of thar. I've got many zep before they went to their own label. Steel Dan, one of the first copies produced and many others. Many I have copies of and are unopened to this day. I've been offered a lot of money but just can't part with them. They're like part of my legacy now and will probably passed down to family.

[@danielcombs3207]

@@billgross2097 I understand how you feel about passing it on to your family. I started gifting my records to my children a few years ago. Usually at Christmas time. They have their own music taste and I try to find artists they would hopefully like. My son loves The Beach Boys for instance and my daughter loves Reggae music. I held on to these records for decades now that they are adults and I’m a senior I think it’s time to let some of them go.

[@Claude1Rochon]

You Sir ...are one heck of a Ressource. NOBODY dares do what YOU do. Thank you so much. I just found out about the real worth of my NM-NM copy.

[@Nplags]

Love this series! Very interesting facts! Keep 'em coming!

[@howardgreen2613]

Will you do a video for LZ III? I made my first Discogs mail order purchase tonight, a 1977 Monarch Mastercraft pressing (I believe). Did I do reasonably well?

[@joncarpenter984]

What’s your thoughts on the jimmy page releases on vinyl on led 1-4

[@hammer3921]

Apparently not worth mentioning

[@floydteter4323]

I own the Jimmy Page remix for II. Love it, sounds amazing to me.

[@joncarpenter984]

Floyd Teter I love mine too that’s why I was surprised he had nothing to say about them. I love mine too. Apparently he hasn’t listened too them at all

[@and1424]

I believe those are digitally sourced. See the Led I video he has..

[@joelinvirginia5198]

For the record, Mike dismisses anything and everything that uses digital remastering sources, and usually doesn't even have any thoughts on actual sound quality, instead acting as if you'd have to be an idiot to buy an LP that used a digital mastering source. I have several of these 2014 Davis/Page remasters, and although none would necessarily be my "best version of this LP", I think all were well done, and several fix some problems I believe have always existed with original recordings/masterings. [and...if it's cost you're worried about, these are solid bang for the buck]. If you watch some of his other videos, he also simply dismisses any version using digital mastering sources for those LPs/artists too, "they're digital, so garbage" and just moves on to the next version without talking about any real sound nuances in comparison. There are play tests out there if you hunt for them, where folks are easily "fooled" in blind tests thinking the 2014 Davis/Page LZII has "incredible balance, clarity, soundstage, etc" - and are "shocked" to learn it's a digital mastering. I guess Mike's ears are apparently the best in the world, so the rest of us who think these pressings sound pretty good are among the dregs of society. I've been doing this for 40 years, and I'm as anal as anyone in listening to every nuance of every LP....every tape....every CD, I've ever owned. But there are 1,000 variables in between those grooves and your ears. I've heard folks go from hating a specific LP mastering, to it being their favorite years later - different system, different room, different turntable, different brain processing....Everything's relative. I've seen the whole set of these 2014 remasterings go for $160 or so at various times -- which to me would be a great deal for some vinyl that overall sounds really good in comparison to MANY other pressings of the same albums.

[@dundee12]

Before the "RL craze" was a thing, I bought a 1st pressing of LZ II many years ago. I put it on --whoa! The sound = kick ass. A couple years later I looked in the dead wax and saw the RL, so the hype is justified.

[@thomasmoher9089]

Mine meets all the RL criteria, it hasn't been played since around 1970. It looks to be in great shape. I've been trying to find time to sit down & revisit it, just can't find the time. I'll keep you posted.

[@Vuchswax]

My first album after winning my turntable on eBay a year ago was Led Zeppelin II. It's my favorite LZ album and I thought it should be the first album in my collection. I bought a 1977 NM Club edition from Discogs not understanding all of the details regarding pressing, etc. About six months ago I ordered a VG+ RL from Discogs and when I got it, it skipped and was probably in Good+ condition. The seller was gracious and took it back. Several months ago I saw a VG++ - NM copy on eBay for crazy money. It was a 'make offer' so I offered but got rejected. About a week later we settled on an acceptable price north of my initial offer. The vinyl is NM, the jacket VG+. It's RL SS on both sides, Presswell Press. I was a little nervous watching your video but relieved in the end! The record brings me a lot of joy.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

The problem for me with owning something like that is I'd be scared to play it. I have original Australian alber "blue too" copies of AC/DC albums and I end up playing the beat up copies I have instead, because I want to preserve the condition of them (I don't do this with any other albums except for expensive originals in great condition) So it would be a waste of money for me to grab that album, I'd wrap it in cotton wool.

[@josephwilber4129]

I'm brand new to the vinyl collecting and I love your channel. Its a real help on what to look for when buying albums!! You have a new subscriber here, thanks for the hard work and hours you put in to make these vids!! Keep up the great work 👍 👏

[@JaSon-qv2ko]

I haven’t noticed you testing any Australia pressings yet?

[@georgeandmyself7696]

PLEASE DO MORE "What Version Is The Beast" by far one of my favorite series on KZbin!!!!!!!!

[@krystaltee9769]

You're the best. Please keep doing these awesome videos!👍

[@lauher21]

I got a 77 copy with five digit numbers and it is near mint I paid 17 dollars sounds great

[@rawheadjim]

I really appreciate you laying out some options, since the RL pressing and other high-end copies are escalating out of reach for most of us. How do you identify a George Pieros copy? Mine has what looks like a small cursive gp I think. It also says HT (PR)p, W, AT ST-A 69171 J. You can spend hours researching these on discogs and still not be sure!

[@lucullus6127]

This is the matrix info for the Piros (1977) copy : ST-A 691671/72 - x @ GP (PR) ; "Presswell" - Atlantic SD 19127. I could compare with the german version RL side 1, and i can say: the Piros is very very close .If the RL is 10, the Piros is 8 (from 1 to 10)

[@daveclark2507]

I have saved my Zeppelin collection from every catastrophe you can think of. My old best friend passed a lot of his vinyl down to me. He's American from Virginia and Moved here to my home and still current town of Montreal, Canada. That means a lot if not most were purchased in the States. I have 3 copies of Led Zeppelin II and the first one I pulled out for this video was his and guess what? *****A DOUBLE RL!!!!!!

[@dbob3405]

I have owned the mofi pressing and have not played it for years-i recall liking it. I got the big 45rpm box when it was first released and i don’t think it has ever been opened. Shocked to see what this thing is going for now. Plan to a/b the mofi and 45rpm when my new airtight opus 1 cart arrives in a few weeks-my old cart had an accident. Enjoy your show-don’t always agree but always informative-thanks

[@professorblack40]

That wood artwork is so eclectic and interesting. I'm an audiophile and no offense to anyone but I immediately thought that you would be somewhere like Boston but Phoenix was soo surprising. You bring about pleasant head trips! I wish you the best.

[@MikeTeixeira-k6i]

feeling blessed. I snagged a RL SS in Oneonta for $5!!!! it was in VG condition and th man had no idea what he had. I cleaned it up and it sounds/plays great!

[@reichfrog2]

I found a 1976 reissue Atlantic (KSD 19127) is that ok? Its the Canadian pressing.

[@DrTomoculus]

You should be checking them to see if first pressings glow under ultraviolet light. Or more correctly, display markings that look like marble. RCA, Capitol, Sire, Atlantic, King, Motown all did it, but never bothered telling the public "put your albums under a black light and be amazed." That record companies in competition would share a practice, and NOT capitalise on it, is pretty remarkable. But finding a 1st pressing Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band that glows under ultraviolet light gets pretty easy once you know the system in which it was done. Just because it's a 1st pressing doesn't mean it will glow. BTW -- don't bother checking non-USA copies. This was pretty isolated to the USA, UNLESS it was distributed through West Germany to the rest of Europe.

[@robertwoodward9231]

I bought an LZ I and ll in Europe in 1971. Sounded great to me and have never saw another. I let my sister borrow it for a few days; went to get it and she left it lay in hot sunlight. Needless to say, it was a very bad day. I always wondered if that copy was a very collectible.

[@ralfwalter3923]

Cool video! Mine is a Ludwig CTH (Columbia Terra Haute). Probably EX to EX+ and paid $200. Worth it. When I described the sound difference to my wife she said "how different can it be?". So I played it. She said yeah sounds like what I remember. Then I played a standard US 70's version for her. She told me to throw it out. lol The difference is huge.

[@BedPanAlley]

I have 3 near mint double RL SS copies (all are still in the shrink), the Classic I bought new, the ‘80s MoFi I also bought new. I disagree that the 2014 digitally sourced version isn’t good. I think it sounds great and it’s worth buying if you want a clean copy and not want to spend a lot of money. It sounds a bit better compared to the digital version which doesn’t make sense since it’s the same source. The vinyl has bass that’s a bit more present. It’s only noticeable if you do an immediate a/b comparison with the levels perfectly matched. Regardless, it’s not “bad” - it’s a solid quality pressing and mastering.

[@alexandermikhailov2481]

I've always had a German pressing and the sound is rich and full. Years later I bought a sealed Canadian version and the sound is flat and lifeless lacking energy whatsoever. I wondered why and now I know thanks to this video!

[@DavidLee-rx6uo]

Yes I picked up a few Led Zepplin lps in Germany they sound great

[@asmallwhitedog0479]

I bought a RL/VG++ copy many years ago when it was still affordable.It is alive. Soooooooogood.

[@nephrodoc4120]

Great video! Was the 1st Japanese press (MT1091) included in your shootout?

[@bluzmanmitch]

How does the sound quality of the Robert Ludwig mixed LP's compare to the sound quality of the remasterd CD's? Wouldn't the CD's sound better?

[@paulboudreau3754]

So a guy in my town has a copy that he says is VG+. Has RL on side 1 and RL SS on side 2. Cover is looks to be strong VG. What do you think a fair price would be for it?

[@gkjs2003]

I have an original Japanese pressing from ‘69 and it sounds WONDERFUL. I don’t typically buy Japanese records but I had to check this one out. Look for the blue / green Atlantic label!

[@berniebobbie]

I have an Australian green label green photo gatefold version..how does this one rate?

[@ZalMoxis]

This was insane to listen to..... only VG+...?? well people played them back in the day because it is a great LP. I still always hear stuff i hadn't noticed before when i listen to Led Zep LPs..

[@Reverse_engineer314]

Hi I have a copy with dead wax markings ST-A-691671-Y. I think it has EAST around the spindle hole, but I can only see the “T” clearly. Other weird things - it starts out CSD ST-A..., but CSD is scratched out. It’s also initialed EJ or E2. It’s a very clean copy! Can u tell me more? Anyone? Discogs does not have this version in their database. Thanks!

[@sueblue3523]

True about how many trashed rl copies that are out thete...but 2 years agi i had a copy come in that still had the shrink on it and it was buried in a collection of generational records... elderly couple selling them... it was the only rock record they had...i said to them that this seems out of place...said it was probably their daughter's... the vinyl was so clean that i heavily doubt it ever got played... by far the best copy I'll ever see

[@Tonefiend]

Used to buy every “Broadway Zep II I came across in VG++ NM. I’ve given away a bunch to most of my friends who are into records. I’ve got about 8 copies of II. One RL Monarch and one with RL on one side only.

[@midnightmover2329]

What do you think of the Super Deluxe Box set version?

[@Liebermann2012]

Hi Michael I suggest the following titles: Electric ladyland Led Zeppelin IV Beatles White album Cheers

[@utub1473]

Electric Ladyland would be an amazing one as well as the white album.

[@TheTigersfan20]

For the White Album, I’ve heard good things about the White Vinyl edition. They were a limited edition and go for a lot of money, but the consensus seems to be one of the best.

[@utub1473]

@@TheTigersfan20 Apparently the capitol SRC pressings from the 80s are also very good. From capitol... I know. I'm shocked too.

[@MJEvermore853]

@@utub1473, are you talking about the releases that have the maroon/wine/purple-ish colored Capitol labels? I have one copy of that version and it sounds excellent.

[@utub1473]

@@MJEvermore853 I think it's actually a rainbow pressing from when the rainbow label returned briefly in the 80s.

[@NorsePJ]

Have a listen to the original Australian pressing on the green Atlantic label from 1969. A fantastic issue of this great LP. It has a different artwork as well in the centre of the gatefold. But hard to get beyond VG+ but not impossible.

[@user-sw4qd2up2s]

I just bought the 2014 version (R1-535225) without knowing anything about it. It's NM and I paid $20 (used) I didn't play it because I'm in-between stereos right now. I've read and watched a few reviews and they were not good. They say it's digital and compressed and is missing the magic of this album. They also said their was a bonus disk, and I don't have one. I'm pissed. Did you mention this press? Was it the first one you showed? You didn't specifically say the 2014 press. At least not so far...I'm still watching the video. I'd love to hear what people think of the 2014 press. Should I try to return it? I got it at Disk Replay. I dunno if they do returns... shit.

[@vmvlev]

yea i back that up i sold my classic records NM after comparing it to my RL VG + ... for the other pressings the classics are really good ... but i still cant wait for analouge productions to get the right ´s and use all the mettal parts and reissue it as 33 adn 2x45 rpm ... .. its really possible they did it with other stuff b4 :-) cross fingers

[@richardb2682]

SKATAN you’re dreaming man! 🤣

[@vmvlev]

@@richardb2682 like total recall or more like vanilla sky ???

[@vmvlev]

@@richardb2682 let me guess .. you have listend to a RL version on youtube and compared it to your Jimmi Page remaster on vinyl at home ??

[@richardb2682]

SKATAN haha funny man, try loosening up a bit during the lockdown 🤣🤣🤣

[@joedepoto]

By far the best researched and honest record reviews on KZbin! Will you be doing any future episodes comparing early 1980s West German and Japanese Target CDs compared to American pressings?

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Somehow, I've managed to score two double RL US OPs in the past year, both in bulk buys. Paid maybe $1 for each of them. Kept the Monarch VG+, sold the VG for $99.

[@marvingonzalez6891]

I just received 5 boxes of records for free and in them was a double "RL" copy of LZ II ( vg +) I never thought I would ever find one

[@thevinyltruffle]

It would be great to hear your thoughts on The Mars Volta’s “Deloused in the Comatorium” on vinyl. It’s rare and expensive and hard to find and it seems shop owners come across them more. It had 2 or 3 differant versions. A pic disc, and a colored MOV press. Maybe one more. If your a fan that is.

[@matthew4155-h6e]

What about a recommendation for best bang for your buck?

[@boogiewoogie9770]

I have a minty A5/B4 UK 3rd press (Killing Floor on label) which sounds phenomenal! It has the oomph and the grit but also a huge soundstage and especially on Whole Lotta Love! Super dynamic mastering and if all other early UK pressings sound as good as this then they are def not overrated. Mine has really quiet vinyl too - UK Polydor pressings from this period are normally top notch and on virgin vinyl. Hard to find a copy on Excellent upwards cond however.

[@notmanatee2445]

I saw a LED Zeppelin 2 album on vinyl at half price books,never got it, but don't know what pressing it is,it could be a newly mastered,first pressing,second pressing or whatever.but i never came across any japaneese pressing of this album or other albums when i was building up my collection.

[@lucalone]

nice gear you got there by the way. only thing that is missing is a Studer A807 Tape machine^^ cause that would be the machine of my choice if I had the money to buy one^

[@gregoryirwin263]

I recently became aware of the robert ludwig mix of this record so I decided to go digging through my collection the very first record I ever bought was zep 2 I paid 6 dollars for it back in about 94 or 95 so I look at the dead wax sure as hell it's the robert ludwig mix but what's more exciting is that it's in great shape I've always took really good care of my LPs I'm about as stoked as a man can be for a record right now its really clean and here it was sitting in my collection unknown to me I have had a jewel just sitting there and the fact that it was the first album I ever bought for basically nothing has got me rather excited

[@calder13]

Any experience with the RL/LH cut? The LH side is purported to be equivalent to the RL, maybe a tad lower in volume but still hot. The back story circulating (from an email from Ludwig himself) as to how Hulko's initials got on this one is interesting. This version only came from CTH.

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

Great video man! Thanks for sharing this with us, very information. I have a early us pressing I am happy with but want to upgrade sometime. Thanks and stay safe

[@wesleymantooth8016]

I LOVE your shop! Easily the best in Arizona. Are you guys back open yet?

[@realmackle]

Got a presswell variant 2. To those hunting, stop worrying about the deadwax other than the RL. RL, RL SS, LH SS all sound good. Mike said it best when he said worry about condition first.

[@Itsthevinylfrontier]

Just found a copy in the wild this past week. It’s a VG at best and Mike isn’t kidding. This lp sounds amazing.

[@adkinneyam]

The new remaster is a really great sounding album and likely to be the only one anyone can find that plays clean for under $300-500.

[@ronmartin4212]

I had an Ampex clear reel(white label on the reel)copy and wondered if Robert sent a master to them for the first reel tape configuration of Zeppelin 2.

[@gotham61]

The first album I ever bought with my own money, at nine years old. I still have it, a UK plum pressing. A customer played my his white label promo RL on his ultra high end system. A pretty mindblowing experience.

[@sammencia7945]

WLP stereo of RL SS is $5k.

[@gotham61]

@@sammencia7945 He might have paid that. This guy had a $500k+ system.

[@francescborrull9342]

Awesome video of an essential album. Thanks for posting! What is the exact copy mentioned in 10:28? Does anybody has a link to discogs? Thanks!!!

[@TheInGroove]

www.discogs.com/Led-Zeppelin-Led-Zeppelin-II/release/1125994

[@francescborrull9342]

@@TheInGroove Thanks! But it looks like your link takes me to the Classic Records release. I meant the other one, the one you mentioned before ... you say 'I rather listen to (lodwick???) than the Classic records'. Sorry, English is not my first language... Thanks!

[@francescborrull9342]

@@TheInGroove I think I found it: US 1969 US 1st pressing, featuring Robert Ludwig's "hot" mastering on both sides. Am I right? Thanks!!! www.discogs.com/Led-Zeppelin-Led-Zeppelin-II/release/4088425

[@MJEvermore853]

@@francescborrull9342 yep that's one of them

[@francescborrull9342]

@@MJEvermore853 Thanks ... hard to find a decent copy ...

[@MeAffordable]

What about the Classic Records 180 gram version. Is that the same stamper as the 200 gram?

[@TheInGroove]

Yes.

[@skylardickson5201]

Could you do a comparison video with The Doors debut album?

[@MJEvermore853]

I'd love to see a vid done for that record. It's a masterpiece

[@Dbriskit]

Hey Mike, Question on the 4 x 45rpm Classic Records pressings: Have you ever had any luck removing these ubiquitous "dish warps"? Like with a Vinyl Flat or other device? Acoustic Sounds had a used 4 x 45rpm of Sonny Rollin's - "Our Man in Jazz" for 20% off on the weekend, and I couldn't resist. On it's way to me in Oz as I write. Cheers buddy, Dan

[@robstandish6814]

Very curious, have you ever heard a reel to reel version at 7 1/2 fps? I hear it's better than any vinyl.

[@neydrus]

...*ips......

[@mad4vinyl802]

I have a pressing with the SD 8236 catalog # There is a sticker on the back - Licenses to Record Club of America. Does anyone know the date of this release? How does the sound quality on this release compare to others? Ty

[@joelinvirginia5198]

Generally speaking, record club releases tend to be completely different lacquers cut by different engineers, pressed on cheaper vinyl, and don't usually sound all that great. The one exception, with some, but not all, LPs is RCA (Record Club of America), who apparently had contracts to use many of the same lacquers and pressing plants that you'd find on "normal" pressings - so you'll find folks all over the place who have Record Club of America pressings that sound great, and occasionally a diamond in the rough will emerge where an RCA pressing will turn out to be a real hidden gem because of that, where no one has focused much attention on it, and it's very cheap compared to more "desirable" pressings (though in recent years, with so much attention on "best of" vinyl pressings, everyone everywhere is digging for and sharing "best of" finds....so they get harder to find over time!). All that being said, I'm not 100% familiar with your pressing, but there were no RL cuts/lacquers ever provided to record club pressings ever, though you might have something that sounds very comparable to the non-RL original presses. I've heard that some of mastering engineer George Piros stuff can be found on the occasional Record Club of America pressing, if so you'll usually still see his characteristic AT/GP or @GP etchings in the deadwax. If you have something like that, it's probably a keeper, his stuff is universally outstanding.

[@chev3893]

How can we know about the VG thing on the records when searching for one?… is it only on the wax? Or is there other way to know this info ?

[@carrion_man3700]

I actually really like the MFSl version a lot. I listen to it on my KLH speakers and it seems to have enough kick for me. The 2014 digital version actually doesn't sound as bad as some say, but it is anemic. I'd say I love my MFSL and George Piros versions the most. Do not have a RL copy, though.

[@JAW114]

Yeah I agree that the MOFI pressing is great. A different sound than the Classic and RL but not bad by any means.

[@Livewire91]

What about reel to reel LZ II?

[@Persistentsungsil]

100% agree with #1. Though I am not agree with you everytime. Fortunately, I obtained "RL" press in Pour condition with moisten cover. It is much better than other 70s pressing and 90's CD. But I could't sure by myself. Thank you for this Clip.

[@billkeon880]

Where would 2014 Page remaster rate?

[@cameronstevens4176]

Hey Mike, did you prefer the Ludwig side two that had the narrowest deadwax? For the Piros cuts (which usually have narrow side one deadwax), have you come across any that weren't -RI copies pressed at PRC Recording Industry? Unfortunately all Piros cuts I've come across from that pressing plant, have been on noisy vinyl. Ever seen a Piros from Specialty or Monarch?

[@joelinvirginia5198]

I have a '77 Piros from Presswell that sounds amazing, it's only my #2 because I have the RL as well.

[@davidwald2938]

I bought a new old stock Piros. Had PR in deadwax if thats where pressing is indicated. Is noisy on side 1 but side 2 is better. Piros no longer a secret and paid a high price. Had ultrasonically cleaned by Perfect Vinyl Forever and it helped quite a bit. Sounds great now. I also have a double sided RL that is so chewed it was a waste of money and a German RL on side one thats pretty decent (better after cleaning). I'm done chasing Zep 2s after spending a small fortune. When all said and done the JP digital remaster album for $30 is really not that bad in comparison. My hi res streaming is consistently better sounding than chasing ridiculously over- priced albums being sold as vg+ or near mint minus with defects, pops and crackles (referring to some sellers on Discgogs and Ebay but not our video host to whom I am extremely grateful and is providing an awesome service to the community with his reviews)

[@RobGordon35]

Hi Mike, love the video. Would love to hear you do one on the many versions of Cream - Disraeli Gears. (I have four different pressings) ~Peace

[@bbutler5090]

This is very helpful. Thanks. If you're taking requests, please consider doing the same with Physical Graffiti.

[@maryseal7343]

Do you like the Robert Ludwig copies?

[@fts81]

Great video. I have a few of them, however, I’d like to hear what people think of the 69 SP cuts and the record club, which I find quite ok. Thanks!

[@idc7305]

Great video! Please do a similar review for LD’s Physical Graffiti. Thanks!

[@RixVSpinner62]

Great comparison Mike. I know the reason the Zepp II RL copies were re-issued and sounded bad is because the average record buyer played it on crappy turntables. Chance are the rest of their audio system was also poor but the turntable is the source so that's where the garbage in garbage out idea is apparent. The old conical turntable cartridge stylus rode on the shoulders of the groove. This was before the subsequent eliptical stylus (v shaped tip), that could track right in the groove became available to the consumer. As such, Warner Brothers(WB) had many copies returned because they skipped. Yes, the great Robert Ludwig mastered first issue of Zepp II skipped because the so well defined groove modulation was just too much for those crappy tables. So, WB reissued an inferior sounding version which lacked the heavy bass modulated groove which caused the skips. The label forfeited sound quality just so no one would return their copies. $$ The buck wins out even when it comes to great truly classic records like Zepp II. Robert Ludwig was not happy about this but he was a mastering engineer who had no say in what the behemeth WB could do about this. Greg Calibi did the next best mastering for Zepp II. It's more or less like the Ludwig mastering.

[@russellthechemist8291]

Good video. I like the current reissue. Imagine spending £9K to get the box set of single sided Zep and then finding they are all warped.

[@dangatton7138]

I have 8236 1969 Atlantic the album has a -MO after the Label number. do you know what the MO is?

[@fbt25]

The MO stands for "Monarch". It's said to be the best pressing plant for Warner and affiliated in the US.

[@ethanoreilly2002]

An original UK press still packs a punch I must say

[@komalkumar9073]

Beautiful Video Brother 🌹🌹🌹

[@hemantishwaran5741]

Another amazing review!! Sadly I feel it’s just not worth the price for a RL cut when VG is about what you can get without totally breaking the bank. 😭😭😭

[@galus14436]

The VG looking sound more like VG+ due to how loud the music is.

[@MJEvermore853]

@@galus14436...very true. I'm listening to my RL copy and at best, I'd give it a VG minus. But you just can't tell the true condition because the music is SO powerful. I am never letting go of this copy!

[@edyoung6573]

so funny I have 2 RL's of this album (Zeppelin is my favorite band) I have cleaned them 5 times, still noisy in between tracks but once the songs start the noise is gone and Zeppelin just punch's you in the face!! Robert Ludwig's "Hot Mix" Blows anything i have away! Great video!! You nailed it!!

[@erikmolnar6585]

I got a new copy at Wal-Mart the other day. Right before coming down with Covid. Maybe I'm just happy to still be alive but the new one sound fantastic. Much better than the old Gold Seal copy I have which sounds flat on its face. Maybe it's my garbage equipment; AT120, Reloop Ortofon Concord Cart, going through a Pioneer DJM900 mixer to a cheap poor man's Yamaha amp and Klipsch Icons? Anyway, your setup is incredible. I have a scientist friend in West Austin who has all Makintosh or however you spell it? And B and W speakers. I'm not rich and music isnt much more important than audiobooks these days but I do like a decent poor man's sound nonetheless

[@lamchiy]

Can you please give a review of Led Zeppelin IV?

[@plato801]

A KZbinr Steve Guttenberg audiophiliac did a review of a pair of Klipsch Jubilee speakers. He said that led Zeppelin II sounded amazingly full bodied and dynamic.

[@johnvincent4048]

I have a Zeppelin II RL I play on my vintage Klipsch La Scalas with all tube amplification. Sounds amazing!

[@plato801]

@@johnvincent4048 Hello John I upgraded from La Scala's to Klipschorns and too use full tube pre and power amplification.

[@vagpap85]

i have the 1977 US press with ST-A 691671-X @t GP (PR) ST-A-691672 X @t GP (PR) on matrix,It sounds superb to my ears. It has dynamics cut loud,bass and drums are thunderous,but i would like of course an RL copy.

[@joelinvirginia5198]

I have the '77 Piros Presswell - agree, it's amazing, love it - 2nd only to my RL. There's a difference, and if you have a good system, you'll notice it. If you don't have a very good system, you may not -- they are actually fairly close, but my system shows the RL takes the edge - every instrument just sounds...better...and the overall balance across all frequencies just that much better. I recognize that many other folks probably would NOT recognize much difference......