What Is The BEST SOUNDING Version of The Beatles Abbey Road? SOLVED!

[@moondogaudiojones1146]

Great job Andrew! Brilliant as always and full of information as always! I think you were spot on with the grading of audio. I’m always happy to hear/see your reasons for the difference in audio between formats. Again five thumbs up for this episode!!👍👍👍👍👍🍷

[@Parlogram]

Thanks Brian. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cdpetee]

I managed a used CD store from 1992-2001 and every single day I waited for someone to trade in the 'Abbey Road' Japanese CD, but no one ever did. One guy brought in a whole box of original Japanese discs and told me he was in the military and living in Japan when the compact disc was introduced. I bought Billy Joel's '52nd Street' (the first commercially available CD on the market) off him, and quite a few other black triangle discs. I asked if he had 'Abbey Road' and he said he did but he told me he loved that album and he would never part with it. Smart man.

[@marcjohnson9270]

I was going to comment best version I've heard was Black Triangle lable from Japan. On CD even..... who knew!

[@Cpayne30]

The Black Triangle disc is overhyped. Once de-emphasized, the difference between it and the 87 CD is very minimal....

[@apdavis]

52nd St is one of the best albums of all time absolutely love Billy Joel 😍

[@kennixox262]

If people may recall, the Beatles were a little late to the CD format.

[@jurgostuff]

A local doctor friend of mine invented a time machine, so we frequently travel back to 1969 London to listen to the lads recording Abbey Road. In my opinion this is hands-down the best sounding version of the album.

[@geoffreyexcellent4199]

I hear Deloreans are a bit expensive to add to your Hi-Fi system though 🙁

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

@@geoffreyexcellent4199 . He might be using "The Sugarcube" or "Blotter" method. 😏

[@chadczternastek]

Can I hang around next time you warp back somewhere? I'll bring my own Atlas fo spending money. You never know, you could be very well telling the truth.

[@wookieezzz2551]

The new 2019 mix is it for me. The whole B side sounds astounding with the new mixing

[@craigphillips6308]

Way too bass heavy for me (this is my main complaint of all the Giles Martin 'experiments'). I much prefer the 1987 remaster by Sir George Martin.

[@wookieezzz2551]

@@craigphillips6308 See for me I love the bass because you get that real nice distinction and independence in the new Mix. I also love the stero image of the new mixes like everything just sounds more full to me

[@SnapeGaveMeDetention]

Have it on vinyl it’s very nice! I love it. I wished his revolver mix was as good.

[@TheJayson8899]

@@SnapeGaveMeDetentionprobably recording limitations

[@MednaTheFox]

As much as I like the 1983 CD, I also enjoy the 2019 Mix. Although it is a bit bass heavy, it has some nice centered vocals on some tracks, and brings out some hidden elements from the recordings that I hadn't noticed before.

[@seid3366]

Octopus's Garden tho was disappointing. Surprised Giles didnt pan lead and rhythm guitars

[@craigphillips6308]

Completely agree with the bass heavy criticism, which is my main complaint of all the Giles Martin 'experiments'. For that reason, I prefer the Sir George Martin 1987 remaster.

[@athas12]

Andrew, you are one of the most important Beatles Historians alive. Thank you for all the hours you put creating this content. I am sure this is time consuming, but also, at some point, I'd love to know if you have any other interest outside the Beatles that you can can create some content on as you videos are some of the truly unbiased straightforward in the community. At this point, I don't even feel I need to double check you on anything.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Ahmed. I'm not sure I could do anything else to the same standard.

[@atomicrocker]

Maxwell's Silver Hammer is one of the best songs I ever heard in my life, great fun with fantastic bass line and unbelievable sounds of the Moog system. I hope it will be more appreciated in the future. In fact, the Abbey Road album is perfect and has no issues.

[@roachdoggjr45]

Dude I totally agree. Lots of insecure people can't enjoy a fun song.

[@colinkeane9070]

Yes I agree but I despise Sun King

[@roachdoggjr45]

@@colinkeane9070 You gotta listen to it on acid.

[@octagonseventynine1253]

I hate that song. One of the few Beatles songs that drive me mad. Same with ob la di

[@octagonseventynine1253]

@@roachdoggjr45 or maybe they just don’t like the way it sounds? The Beatles hated that song besides Paul

[@dt9344]

Thanks for the awesome presentation on Abbey Road. I'm glad you commented on how to tell the counterfeits from the genuine Japanese black triangle release. Too many people have been duped on that one.

[@stevesstuff1450]

Especially if they already owned the original 1987 UK/US CD release..!

[@MichaelPhillipsatGreyOwlStudio]

I'm glad you did this video. I wondered if I was crazy for thinking the 1987 CD sounded better than the 2009 edition.

[@georgegbalzano9239]

Being an American, and over 60 yrs old, the first version I had and heard was the original US Apple pressing (which I STILL have). Got the 1987 CD mix when it came out, and I also have the 2019 remix. Have not heard the '80s Japanese CD release, sadly. I like them all, given the differences. Like you, I too prefer vinyl, but CDs are so handy especially when driving in the car!! Thanks for what you do, keep up the good work!! Cheers!!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks George. Will do!

[@watchtheskies]

My parents were huge Beatles fans, I was 4 years old when Abbey Road was released and I have been listening to the album ever since then and I have to say, as much as I love the original (I have my parent's original UK pressing from 69), my favorite is the 2019 remix on CD, it sounds incredible, the best it has ever sounded to my ears

[@goodnightmoon]

i'm into japanese pressing CDs, i don't care if they're sound "better" than other pressings but i love how quality they are. exclusive japan bonus tracks on specific albums, japanese lyrics booklet, some jewel cases are on white which looks cool than standard black and clear ones and especially the OBI strips, which looks so beautiful

[@SGBassplayer]

This is fascinating, and I wish my ear could appreciate the nuances that make all editions special (for better or worse). Sadly, 35 years-plus of playing bass guitar at unhealthy levels without ear protection has left me with tinnitus in addition to an appreciation for the bass playing of one Paul McCartney. Kids, don’t let this happen to you; protect your ears in the clubs AND on the stage.

[@nicknikipediacaulkin5943]

Since I haven't heard 50% of these different versions before, your critique of them was extermely fascinating, Andrew! My original copy of Abbey Road was a first pressing which I always thought sounded pretty good so it's a useful yardstck to see how the other versions stand up to it, as you so ably demonstrated here. I had never heard of Pre-emphasis until now so that was a revelation! As usual, another great video, Andrew!

[@alvarosundfeld]

Finally, finally, I was able to take a listen to the black triangle. God, it’s like I am listening to Abbey Road for the first time again, it sounds AMAZING!

[@jjuzo]

I have a 1976 Japanese British flag series version, and it can be found quite easily in good shape. It sounds fantastic - clear, detailed, and huge bass that is not bloated.

[@davidreckamp8161]

We were beyond amazed when not 30-ish years ago, we picked up a UK -6/-4 Abbey Road and found that it sounded amazing. So we found another -6/-4 a few years later, and it also sounds amazing. Both are better than any other UK pressings that we have heard, including our original. This is when we learned that one can't simply write off later pressings just because they are later pressings. At the end of the day, you just don't know until the needle hits the record!

[@lucullus6127]

same here : i have a " french contract pressing, Pathe Marconi" (1973/74 ?): it sounds really good, but recently i picked up a UK -6 / -4 HTM (NM for 30 euro) and this one sounds amazing ! I don't know the release year, it could be early 80's !

[@davidreckamp8161]

@@lucullus6127 Very glad to hear it! Considering that these '80's-era pressings can still be found relatively easily and at a not-hellish price, maybe more people will search them out and also experience the same great result!

[@marcjohnson9270]

Duley noted.

[@davidreckamp8161]

@@marcjohnson9270 Look into a glass onion.....

[@NorsePJ]

I have both the UK and the Australian first pressings and both came with the -2/-1 stamping. If you want the LP version, I would suggest buying the Australian one, as it will be heaps cheaper and it's slightly heavier, and the cover is better made as far as the lamination goes. The first Australian made covers had a slight discoloration on the front. There was a touch of red on the road between Ringo Starr and John Lennon, hence the nickname "Blood Stained Cover." Having said that, I think the 2009 re-master sounds better on the high end but not as good on the low. Keep on rocking! 😃 PS: It's important to remember that although later pressings may have the same -2/-1 stamper numbers, these stampers will lose the quality as the mothers they are made from are ageing and therefore getting worn. The quality of sound will diminish with wear on the mothers. The Japanese had a tendency to only use mothers for a certain number of pressings before being changed. So, their quality control was much higher.

[@Yardbirds777]

Every time I play your videos I learn something new about my Beatles collection. I have Abbey Road on vinyl YEX 749 4. This was one of the first albums I bought. I then bought the cassette tape in 1976. Mine is in blue and has the blue Apple logo. I then bought the CD in 1987. Whew!!! I guess I chose, without realizing, very good versions🙂.

[@moreheff]

Love the observations relating to the tone of Macca's bass via the new desk. Always wondered why the bass stood out so much better on Abbey Road and specifically on Something. Being a bass player myself I can say that Macca's bass line on Something is possibly my favourite bass line by him (or anybody for that matter) as you can hear he is really feeling the song. He played with a tenderness and sympathy to the main melody that is very rarely found. Macca knocked it out of the park with Something and now I know about the mixing desk as well, that is another contributory factor to it's beauty. Great work and thank you. PS, for what it is worth Abbey Road is my favourite Beatles Album. I love others obviously but they smashed it with Abbey Road. It is a thing of utter beauty and maybe the desk is one of the reasons. PPS I have a vinyl copy of a Picture Disc release of Abbey Road that was released in the early 80's lurking in my collection. Not played it for years and the sound quality is not the greatest, but I still have it none the less. A precious thing it is....... Greta work as always 😊

[@g.christopherlyn685]

As usual, excellent video with tonnes of information. I get smarter watching these videos.

[@planetwisconsin9901]

Good I had the 1987 CD when i got my first CD player, in 1987. I also had every CD at that time from Rubber Soul on.

[@michaelraiger20]

I’ve got the Mobile Fidelity pressing and the Capitol. I just played Here Comes the Sun on both records and the sound like two different recordings. The Capitol pressing is so much louder (too loud), and I hear the smiley face sound on the MF. I should have picked up that UK pressing at that record shop in Canterbury when I was in the UK this summer. Thanks again Andrew for another brilliant video to brighten my Sunday.

[@jordipallach4185]

I m completly agree with you

[@TheSpiritingPoet]

Managed to pick up a 20A1 matrix black triangle CD for £115 excluding shipping from Japan, which I still think I paid too much for it, but the important thing is the sound quality, which is an upgrade over the sealed 1987 CD I got for £7! Plus, both look cool on my shelf next to each other!

[@joelgreenhow8702]

Great comparison! I love collecting early/rare CDs, so the Black Triangle Abbey Road was always highly sought after for me. A few years ago (after a few drinks) I pulled the trigger on one from Mike at The In Groove. Very cool piece for the CD collection and, on top of it sounding amazing, it's a really fun listen with the light tape hiss at points. I know it gets a lot of comparisons to sounding "analog" across forums, but I'd have to agree that it does, at least more so than most other CDs I've heard.

[@thomaslytle5519]

After having this on every format (except reel to reel) since the 70’s… my 1971 UK vinyl press is hands down the Best I’ve ever heard it.

[@jesserussell7242]

I’ve only heard a few versions of the Beatles Abbey Road album which is one of my favorite albums ever because I love everything that the Beatles did. I have never heard of the original pressings of any Beatles albums I like to hear them that would be fantastic. I like the 1987 CD version that was the first version of Abbey Rd., Farm bought which was fantastic at the time and I think it sounds pretty good. I love the 2009 remastered it’s very much improved and I love it it’s in my second place ranking and of course I love the 2019 remastered I love the deluxe box set of Abbey Road it is very much clear sounding and you can hear everything which is great and I love all the outtakes which was great for me. I recently bought the Beatles Abbey Rd., SuperDeluxe on vinyl it’s one thing to listen to CD version of Abbey Rd., Luxor boxer but it’s a whole Nother thing to listen to vinyl records I love listening to vinyl and hearing that warm sound not a mix. And I love the fact especially on songs like come together when the drum pattern is moved from left to right instead of standing on the left side throughout the song the whole album is fantastic it sounds more contemporary than today’s music does.

[@panslegs2773]

I always learn things watching these videos. It's funny how years ago people used to bang on about the Mobile Fidelity pressings but it seems in reality they weren't up to much. Glad I never bothered with them. I agree the overall sound of Abbey Road is still very fresh and modern. Interesting video as usual, thanks. By the way, I always admire the retro style graphics - very well done.

[@kinmunwong5130]

Agree 100%, the Mobile Fidelity were all hype. I had a big collection of them but after comparing with the originals, I sold all of them. Even the box sets went!!

[@richardlloyd5519]

Something we have lost track of: the MF Beatles Box came out in 1982. You would need to compare it to what was available to most listeners, in their particular countries, at that time. In the US, for example, British imports were not commonly available, and of course, there was no Internet to do the research. The BC-13 Box would not arrive until 1987. For most, it was the standard Capitol pressings of Beatle's albums (including those that were reverb-ed and generally messed with during Dave Dexter, Jr.'s reign). The MFSL set provided the original British album sequencing, and (arguably) better sound than the LP's you could purchase in a 1982 US record shop. The Mo-Fi's certainly have their problems (let's not even begin on Magical Mystery Tour!), and it's too bad, but it is good to remember what else was readily available to most record buyers at the time: not much, at least in the USA.

[@glengreenman3921]

A photographer once said the best camera is the one you have with you. I think that applies here as well... About the mixing desk, check out the very interesting book Solid State: The Story of "Abbey Road" and the End of the Beatles by Kenneth Womack.

[@OrangeHarrisonRB3]

The Beatles: Rock Band videogame was so dedicated to accuracy, there's a flag in the game's code that changes the model of the mixing desk if you select a song from Abbey Road.

[@CoasterMan13Official]

The Black triangle remaster is my personal favorite.

[@demonsbutterfly]

I thought the 2009 remastered version was magnificent when i first heard it. A lot depends on the System used for playback and the room. The 2019 Remix is also a delight

[@deepredson]

Stunning video. My background in production means I have been glued to the desk on this one. Brilliant stuff. Barty

[@Parlogram]

Thanks, Barty!

[@juanmarte3298]

AGAIN ,YOU ALWAYS THROW IT OUT THE PARK !.GOOD JOB .GOOD VIDEO.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks Juan!

[@turntechgodhead1268]

I’m a newer fan who just recently discovered how truest great the Beatles are. While I haven’t listened to their full discography, Abbey Road will probably always be my favorite as the first album I fully listened to. I personally listen to it digitally on Apple Music, which uses the 2019 remix. Love the video and glad I discovered this channel.

[@Parlogram]

Welcome aboard! Have fun discovering the other albums.

[@realjaxon]

Another great review. I've already pre-ordered the 'Revolver' re-release. I found an offer that I couldn't refuse. $173 after a %20 discount !

[@nrod66]

I have to go back to my versions of this album to know which one sounds better to my ears. Great video, Andrew. Nelio.

[@tonyfox7510]

Reading over the comments I notice so many different opinions on what is the best sounding pressing of Abbey Road. You all realize that we all hear sound differently so it's all subjective also we are all listening on different audio systems not to mention phono cartridges play a role in the coloring of the sound.

[@VagueRANT100]

I gifted my PRO-USE copy to my nephew recently...I agree totally with your assessment....clean clear detailed soundscape...dead quiet vinyl...I taped it before passing it on!!

[@glennogden6613]

Splendid video as ever. I picked up an early Canadian Apple label pressing recently and was very impressed with it. The bass is very well defined and deep while, overall, the soundscape is full of detail and colour. A very pleasant surprise and now my preferred playing copy.

[@hendrix9230]

I like the 2019 remix. Lot more clarity

[@joanolivella3531]

Totally agree! I own a first UK press misaligned Apple logo even with the black inner sleeve and sounds incredible! I also own several vinyl & cd copies, I consider this is the best album ever made! Even the 2019 Giles Martin mix was interesting but not as definitive as the very first 1969 vinyl pressing. Kind regards. Joan

[@hungfao]

My direct-to-disk (which I've only played twice) sounds pretty warm and sweet. $19.95 several decades ago.

[@elmolewis9123]

I came for the Beatles but also got the history of some of the software plugins I use. Great channel.

[@TommyT6219]

Great video as usual!! Thank you for including both vinyl and CD pressings in your comparison! I hope you will do this for the other Beatles albums.

[@38kob]

these are your best videos by far. fascinating and credible, they're equal parts entertainment and buyer's guide...thanks so much for your hard work

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Jakob. Glad you like them!

[@samjames2552]

It is always interesting to hear a reviewer talk about tube, based mixers, and how “warm “they sound… While admitting there is harmonic distortion present as a result of the recording! To applaud, the “warmth” of a recording due to distortion is a factor any engineer with his salt would want to avoid… And not applaud.

[@joemartucci4786]

Great video. I remember buying Abbey Road when it came out & remember thinking how good it sounded. Bass & drums sounded phenomenal.

[@robertcoley1103]

Full of information (some that's beyond me. Interesting as always and I've always loved the British original. Keep them coming Andrew.

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

Got to be the 2009 pressing for us bass lovers!

[@madteam3parents773]

Hi Andrew I just picked up the 1969 UK First pressing and to my ears sounds amazing

[@DavidSwenson-mw7zt]

I really enjoy your work - thanks for it. I'd like to add another contender for the best sounding vinyl list - the 1976 UK reissue cut by Harry Moss on October 31, 1975. All the Beatles vinyl I own cut by Harry Moss are, for me, the best sounding.

[@Parlogram]

Agreed!

[@kensileo8793]

My favorite album of all time and I must have 25 different versions. UK original is the best with or without Misaligned Apple and Her Majesty on cover/label. Pro Use is quieter and great too as is US first. Thanks for all you do for us.

[@michaelfoley3240]

Hi Andrew, fantastic video, thank you as always. You also solved a problem I've had for years. When Abbey Road came out here in the states I was 7. (Thankfully my dad and older brother were Beatles maniacs so I was immersed in their music during my entire childhood!) Years later when I purchased the CD, I could not understand why it started with Come Together and not Here Comes the Sun. Every time I hear Here Comes the Sun, I immediately thing, ooh, that's the opening of Abbey Road. And now finally I know - all those years ago we had the cassette! Too young to remember. Amazing. May have to hide under a chair now but I may swap HCTS w/ Come Together on my digital version! Best, Michael

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Michael. Glad you enjoyed it and that I was able to help!

[@timgename1989]

Great video as usual. I unfortunately have never heard the Japanese CD, Pro Use vinyl, or Malcom Davies original UK disc. I have a Harry Moss late 70’s early eighties UK recut. It’s really good. It’s my go-to copy to spin. Had it since high school in the mid 80’s. The MD must be spectacular if it’s better then that. I own the MD Let It Be and it’s spectacular. I have a few Apple, and Capitol US pressings and they are adequate and don’t sound bad. I have the MoFi and it’s decent, but not the best. The 1989 and 2009 are CD’s and great for the car. I’m intrigued to hear the Japanese Pro Use Lp. Everyone has different sets of ears, so I guess there’s no right or wrong answers. Even if someone loves some floppy thin vinyl needle drop, as long as they are fans of the album, that’s all that matters.

[@gazz_lad]

Another great video One of my favourite youtube channels now

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markearnestfromreno613]

Another excellent video, Andrew! Also: very fun How Do You Sleep reference. 😁👍🏼👍🏼

[@Parlogram]

Thanks Mark! 😃

[@erwinwolters]

Great stuff again! Tx. I really love the detailed story on the recording desks as well.

[@tbwatch88]

audionerd of the century, this chap.

[@seanfarrell6275]

I bought a UK first pressing for about £10. Sounds amazing to me.

[@vinyl_marmalade]

Awesome! Short, crisp and to the point! 🎉 I don't know that many pressings... That’s what I wrote in august 2021 on discogs on the original from ‘69 (PCS 7088, YEX 749-2 / 750-1): “Absolutely brilliant pressing, extremely great sound and amazing stage - it sounds awesome!” 😊 I am so happy with that one! I also own the 2019 Remaster (great, but didn't knock me off my chair like the UK original from 1969), the 2009 CD (headache!) and a brilliant German Pressing from 1969 (1 C 062-04 243). 😊

[@timallen2336]

My favorite pressing of Abbey Road was done in 1994 or 1995. It's on Apple with a white background instead of a dark one. I have never known the history of this pressing or why it was done when virtually no vinyl, and certainly no Beatles vinyl, was being pressed (in the US anyway). To my ears this is just about as good as Abbey Road gets. Keep up the great work and take care...

[@spinalcrackerbox]

Is it a US pressing? What's the matrix number?

[@GhostFace_OG]

@@spinalcrackerbox It's a digital US pressing done from a digital remaster in the 90's. Skip it, IMO.

[@timallen2336]

@@spinalcrackerbox It is a US pressing with a Capitol Records logo on the back with an Apple logo with a white background on the labels. The matrix number is very hard to read, and has been scracted out once on both sides. I think they are 54379-RE-1 and 54380-RE-1. I hope this helps...

[@NicolasMuñoz-p8g]

My favorite version is the 2009. With a good pair of earphones, is the best of all for me!

[@catsofsherman1316]

I like the bass on the 09 remaster.

[@truck9moon100]

I have not played my 1976 UK pressing of Abby Road in years and years, guess it is time to check it out. I will get back to you with the results. Thanks, as always.

[@dadtoz]

With my hearing going, and this being my favorite album from anyone of all time, on some recordings I can't hear the crickets at all and on some I can. As good as the original is, I really enjoy the 2019 5.1 on my home system. The only thing I miss was that Giles Martin took off the panning of "...out of college..." from "You Never Give Me Your Money". Everything else was a welcome change. It was also great to read in the book that the guitar solos on "The End" were played together live by all three and not spliced in separately.

[@EdnaMillion.]

Very interesting. I have a 1973 LP pressed by Pathe-Marconi in France for the UK market using the original UK metalwork. The UK plant was closed for refurbishment at the time. It sounds spectacular!

[@beralc]

Loved this video. It would be great to see the same for all the Beatles albums.

[@joncumber2020]

Good one. Have always thought the ‘87 CD that I picked up all those years ago was the best of that reissue campaign catalogue - a true remastering. Also superior to all the CD reissue cycles that followed. Happy to be vindicated here:) It is quite sad that ‘Sgt. Pepper’ has not received a similar proper crystalline remastering.

[@trevfarrell5483]

Love the Parlogram KZbin channel! I have the original vinyl pressing PCS-7088 (YEX 749-2 & YEX 750-1) and the Toshiba EMI Black Triangle CD which I think is my favorite version and play on a restored Studer A725QC Professional CD player which I find is a great combination.

[@johnaston3983]

I also think the use of the Moog brought The Beatles Into the 70's sound. Great program.

[@thisrozen]

So detailed. So interesting. So good. Another great video 👊🏻 I recently missed out on a UK 1st pressing of Abbey Road here in NZ. I think I’ll be pushing a bit harder next time!

[@Parlogram]

Thanks Andrew. My first copy of this album was a late-70's New Zealand pressing which had the original -2/-1 cutting. It sounded great!

[@thisrozen]

@@Parlogram Correct : ) My World Record Club NZ pressing of the album (73’ I believe) has the -2/-1 matrix. My understanding is they used UK stampers but pressed in NZ. Would that be right? Despite that, always nice to have the UK 1st pressing in the collection, the Apple misprint alone on Abbey Road makes it worthwhile.

[@red_daughter]

A relative of mine just gave me the 1987 CD version of the album. Cannot wait to replace the jewel and bring it back to looking Day 1 fresh!

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

I have a really old vinyl copy which was made in Greece. There is no Apple on the back cover OR on the centre circle. It's scratched up really bad but still plays pretty good.

[@chriscampanozzi6516]

Andrew, great information as always. Thank you.

[@edwardrussell5989]

Another great informative video Andrew. I’m away to look for the box

[@kingofallmediums2123]

Have Abbey Road on Reel to Reel tape. Sounds fantastic! 😊😊😊😊😊

[@dutchcoyote]

Hi, great presentation and lot of information, keep up the good work warm regards from the Netherlands

[@Parlogram]

Thanks, will do!

[@BritishBeachcomber]

Still got my original 1969 UK pressing. Sounds as good as ever.

[@muzzy1978]

I managed to pick up a copy of the -2/-1 vinyl (with the misaligned apple) about a month ago from my local record shop. It really is as good as they say. Abbey Road is of course notoriously hard to master on vinyl (especially Side 1) but this holds up well and is a good test for a new turntable, along with the famed RL "hot cut" of Led Zeppelin II , which I also have. Well worth picking up. Personally, I don't have a problem with the 2009 Remaster and wouldn't have put it so low. Abbey Road has always been a bass heavy album anyway. Agree about the MFSL. I have a few of those on CD and they're known for their excessive brightness and bass. The White Album has to be heard to be believed.

[@markjamesmeli2520]

My manager/boss had the "Black Triangle" CD in the old days, and when the 1987 issue came out, we all looked upon the Black Triangle issue as a "Hiss Monster."

[@asalgado4449]

I was at a used bookstore and I didn’t know about the different versions of Abbey Road. I saw the Japanese CD with the black triangle there, but I already bought the 2019 mix, so I didn’t think much of it and left it there. A couple days later, I see this video and the next time I go back, it’s already gone 😭😭

[@cbfall]

SuperCool Upload,Andrew!!!!

[@karstenpost1477]

As always a real pleasure to watch your insightful video! I‘m with the 2019 Giles Martin remix. It sounds fresh, transparent and powerful on my CD version.

[@tediarocci6629]

Hi Andrew, Love all your videos and look forward to them each Sunday. I have 6 or 7 copies of Abbey Road including the Pro Use and the -2/-1. The -2/-1 does edge out the Pro Use for me. I recently became the owner of a very good Reel to Reel Deck, an Akai GX 646. I bought a US 7 1/2 ips R2R of the Hey Jude album many years ago but until now unable to play it. I have not done an A/B comparison to the vinyl yet, but this tape sounds simply blew my mind. to my ears the high end is probably less defined than the vinyl but overall the tape has a dynamic presence that is incredible.I dont think i've have ever heard the Beatles sound so good ever!! (and I'm a 1st generation fan/collector) I almost went for a R2R 7 1/2 ips of Abbey Road today (for $150, which is a reasonable price for this)..Unfortunately I waited too long and it was gone. I was wondering if any one out there has an Abbey Road R2R and what they think of it. Andrew, I know you did a segment on Beatles R2R but all Concentrated on UK 3 3/4 ips which are quite inferior. Would be great if you can run a segment on Capital 7 1/2 ips R2R. Thanks as always.

[@Parlogram]

I will, Ted. If I can get hold of some!

[@justitgstuff5284]

My favorite version is definitely my vinyl copy of the 2019 remaster. "Because" in particular sounds amazing on a decent set of speakers.

[@Royzblitz]

Well done Andrew. Marvelous critique backed up with layman tech info. I am looking forward to Revolver review as I am in the let’s wait and see before we outlay our hard earned. Hope you would consider similar review on Revolver through the ages as well.

[@gazjones3549]

This is the content I am here for.

[@horowizard]

always thought REDD stood for Recording Engineering Design and Development. Geoff Emerick had to bring The Beatles into the Control Room for a meeting and explain that he couldn't get get the same Snare Drum sound that he had gotten previously from the old tube desk on this new desk. I believe Come Together was started in a different studio with the old tube desk on a Four Track, then transferred to Eight Track. It should also be noted that Dark Side Of The Moon was a 16 Track recording. I heard that the Noise Generator on I Want You (She's So Heavy) caused problems with the initial CD masterings, in that the software didn't know how to handle the noise and would shut down. Also, Lennon's scream clips on the 1987 CD and it sounds awful, but the clipping is corrected on the 2009 masterings.

[@gaby1945Argentina]

Toshiba Black Triangle pre-emphasis

[@dutchcanuck7550]

Of the four different copies I have, I would rank them this way: 4. 1978 Capitol Records Canada purple label (crappy vinyl, too much surface noise, bass distortion) 3. 1980 Mofi (A revelation at the time compared to the Capitol pressing, super quiet vinyl) 2. 2019 Remix (lots of detail; I particularly like The Long One.) 1. 1987 CD (Clean and straightforward) One of these days, I'll get ahold of an original UK pressing.

[@mvmmotovlogmusic2815]

Thank you Andrew for the insight and knowledge that you share. I find that the ‘system’ (turntable/cd player/amplifier/speakers/room) reproducing the audio has a bigger effect on the overall sound quality than the intricacies that differ in the media itself.

[@MattHayesVinyl]

Ah, you beat me to it! For a while now I've been thinking about doing an Abbey Road comparison video. Every now and then I do look for the black triangle CD but, of course, it's always selling for hundreds and I can't justify it. Well, I could probably convince myself but convincing the wife is another matter entirely... ;)

[@Parlogram]

Save your money Matt. Happy wife, happy life!

[@phillippope6844]

Its got to be the -2/-1 UK pressing. Its just one of those records where you can keep turning it up and it just sounds better and better. Everything on that pressing sounds immense and it truly marries great music with great mastering. I'm also a fan of the Beatles Forever Series Japanese pressing although side 2 has some strange tape issues going on, which are especially noticeable on "Sun King" and "Because."

[@bengtl331]

Of the "Original Master Tapes" that MFSL borrowed from EMI only five were the actual originals (PPM, With..., AHDN, Revolver and the White Album), all the others were remix tapes or copy tapes. Abbey Road was a remix tape archived at EMI in April 1971. I agree with you that the UK first pressing is the best.

[@MrRETEROROB]

thank you for your candid comment on the Mobile Fidelity pressings. I'd see ads for their albums in 'Stereo Review' magazine and see the albums in the stores and wonder if they really sound better. I don't remember ever seeing any reviews of Mobile Fidelity pressings of any albums, and I never bought any.

[@38kob]

8:59 i love when you drop these hammers lol

[@commanderstraker6732]

Brilliant video Andrew ! 👍

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kevinw1127]

Truly amazing! Thank you once again Andrew.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it, Kevin.

[@Spukmeyer]

Thank you for such a magnificent comparison of Abbey Road, my favorite album by The Beatles, since I got a 1971 Spanish edition cassette when I was 13 years old, over the years I have been able to get several copies on LP and CD (including the 50th box set anniversary) until more recently I was able to obtain a first edition from 1969, without a doubt for my taste it is the best I have heard.