Shootout: CSNY - Deja Vu - 50th Anniversary Deluxe D2C Edition vs. Classic Records 2005 Edition

[@Sentimental_Mood]

I still have my original - and it sounds amazing after all these years! One of my all-time favorite albums.

[@derosa1989]

I was impressed that you asked Kevin directly about the speed wobble issue. The fact you didn't make a really huge deal about it was smart, not to make him defensive. His answer wasn't great, i don't think he can say all he knows, but the fact you asked him at all shows you are doing some good things for the VC.

[@tcsprincipal]

Thanks Michael...keep up the great work.

[@Big-J-8579]

Two great pressings to choose from. Both cut slightly differently and surprise, surprise, different people favor one over the other. It is awesome that there are two great choices. Thank you for another fun review.

[@davidm1675]

Thank you again Michael for your very informative and enjoyable video on a “CLASSIC” album!!!! ✌️

[@michaellourie4252]

What an amazing recording, with different types of sounds...from soft acoustic guitar and voice to screaming electric guitars and voices. Such a beautiful album. I have read everyone's reviews and have this to offer. I compared an original US pressing pressed at Monarch pressing plant, cut by AB (in the deadwax) [not all Monarch pressings' lacquers were cut by Al Brown. *Al Brown was the lacquer cutter which differs from the other first pressings*]. I also had a MFSL mastered by Stan Ricker along with the new release from the box set to compare to. Missing is the Classic Records. The original pressing required the gain controls on the power amp to be turned up in order to match the output of the other two releases. Upon doing so, the bass came Alive!! This original sounds amazing, with a very wide soundstage. The highs are very definitive, and the bass is boomy, but not overdone and not as warm as some modern day audiophile re-releases. Also the tones on the voices are really natural sounding, perhaps with a bit of that rawness and presence we sometimes find in original pressings. This version is not muddy in any way. Perhaps Al Brown really knew had to cut lacquers!! The MFSL is very warm sounding and is actually pretty good in most places on the record. I really enjoyed that listen. The new version from the box set by Chris Bellman tries to imitate the original and tries to be like the MFSL, but falls short in both attempts. Yes it is clean and flat and quiet, but it is too refrained. It misses some of the rawness, and misses with the bass. I don't know if the age of the master tape has anything to do with it or not. Given that the original I own is over fifty years old, I am assuming that it would be very difficult to find one in NM condition(none on discogs). I feel very fortunate to have one in my collection. I am tempted to try a Classic Record lp, but the price is WAY higher Michael, than you say in your video!! on discogs, and there are none on ebay!! I do have a Classic Records lp of Crosby, Stills, & Nash, but don't remember being enamored with it at the time. I hope someone finds this helpful. Thank You Michael again for your great videos. I love your channel:)

[@Michael45RPM]

Thx a lot for sharing this Michael

[@ericarmstrong6540]

Not a big CSNY fan, but this is a really good review. Thank you for taking the time.

[@clkeene]

"I will now proceed to entangle the entire area." In the early 2000's, when I was rebuilding my record collection (replacing lost and damaged copies of rock classics), I picked up the Classic release. It was the first Classic title I ever bought, and it replaced a worn original hand-me-down copy, which didn't sound nearly as good, and I suspect never did, even when it was pristine and new back in 1971. thanks for the shootout!

[@mp1450]

Hi Michael, First of all thanks to Danny from my side for the oportunity to participate on his network 👍 Second, thanks for this shootout. Was thinking of the box, but now I will try to get a 2005 version. Top video again!

[@dajmasta94]

LMAO “More papers than you’d probably need to open an embassy in North Korea” that had me dying lol you are right. I too am a little perplexed sometimes with what they will print and include in these Uber deluxe sets, as a collector it can be hard to tell what is relevant and worth keeping.

[@tinostabile3256]

Hi there. This is a sumptuous masterpiece. I hear the sound of the remaster is as incredible as the physical renewed attributes and plenty of unreleased music. That is a beauty. Rhino is a classy company that curate music reissues perfectly. Thank you for your show and tell

[@richardhedges1109]

Thanks for your inspiration, Nash & Young Deja Vu is a very good record! I listened to the recording on You Tube, I thought the sound was amazing, free to listen!! Thanks again

[@poetryonplastic]

I don’t have the classic version of this, but I have the US 77 repress (which sounds better than the original to my ears), the MoFi, and this new Bellman cut. I actually think I like the old MoFi the best, it’s a little more beefy and ballsy than the rest. It’s one of the few 80s MoFi pressings I like. The new Bellman cut is very nice though, I could easily live with it as my only pressing.

[@mikehardridge1737]

I quite enjoy watching your videos. I would love to see a video about how you organize your record collection! Those shelves always look so visually pleasing in the background.

[@jasonnicholson6386]

Hi Michael, completely agree with your review. I have both as well, the Classic Records 200 gram I purchased new when it came out and the new box set from the website I received last week. I did the same, 1st the new reissue then the Classic records. Immediate difference. The Classic has more dynamic range and soundstage IMHO and a bit darker is a good synopsis. Box set is definitely well done though. Thanks.

[@kensellick4892]

First world problems. Always enjoy what you share and your contributions to the Audiophile community. Your English is quite good, you express yourself well.

[@ChrisLee-dz3uc]

Another great comparison. It is interesting to note that many of the Analogue Productions UHQR discs have been created from the original Classic Records masters; just goes to show how great those masters really were and how they have stood up after all these years.

[@MJEvermore853]

"Enough papers to open an embassy in North Korea"... That made me laugh so hard that my coffee came out of my nose!! 👍🤣 I'm a little bit surprised that Bellman's pressing is that much different from the Classic Records version. But in this case, I'm pretty glad because the Classic version is actuality CHEAPER (for once!) than the other one. 👍 Thanks for the shootout, Michael!

[@BiggestApple]

Glad to have pointed you in the direction of the 50th and to hear that it arrived for you as quickly as it did for me. I'd certainly be interested in comparing the 50th to the Classic, but alas don't have a copy yet so appreciate your insights.

[@PhilippeAubert1854]

i have the MT2023 japanese original green and blue label. i really love it. I am not inclined to try some other "better" pressing. Deja vu is awesome and still not dated after 52 years. Intemporel as we say in France . :))

[@adamh7630]

Thanks for showing this box set! I'm still on the fence on whether to get this deluxe box or the regular edition with one LP and the outtakes on CD. I don't have the classic but I was luckly able to pick up the Mofi mastered by Stan Ricker. It sounds great to my ears. I was hoping for a one step or UHQR of this album but it looks like Neil decided to do it himself.

[@Mandibil]

I just bought an original US pressing (faux leathery cover) second hand in near mint condition for 15 eur :-) . Cannot wait to have it cleaned and give it a spin :-)

[@VagueRANT100]

I really became immersed in your excellent discourse regarding these editions Michael...even though I detest CSNY!!!!

[@lovbladkarl-olof3975]

Wow, you really do an in depth review of everything. Ok this one is not really up my street as they say, but thanks again.

[@RocknRonni]

Hello Michael I have been doing a little bit more research some folks say it's the best ever some folks say it's not so good so I might have to buy one and find out for myself Thanks for the video and your opinion my friend

[@drbryant23]

I have the Classic, and the D2C box is in transit. I am not that surprised. I am one of the few who actually prefers Bernie Grundman’s Bridge Over Troubled Waters on Classic 45 rpm to the MOFI One Step. I suspect that I will feel the same way about Tapestry. There is something about BG cutting from analogue that brings out the best in rock albums in my view. Hard to describe though.

[@classicrock7890]

I do actually think the one step BOTW is better probably influenced partly by surface noise on the SVP version. 180 gram Classic quieter but not so good sounding. The One Step does highlight recording differences between tracks which may be worse for some listeners. For Deja Vu Classic SVP is a clear winner over the 50th Anniv.

[@yannick930]

Man i love your dedication. Everybody use to tell me vinyle is superior and i wasn't convinced. After buying more than 100 new vinyl i can say honestly only 15 sounded very good. I was disappointed and stopped buying. It was worst than digital for me. After watching your gear video i was inspired and build 2 lpsu for my turntable and phono preamp. After that 50/100 vinyl started sounding really good. But I've noticed the vinyl you talked about sounded the best so now i only buy what you advices. I have no interest in bad sounding vinyl. I'd rather stream it. Specially non audiophile music. Keep up the good work 👍🏾

[@zeppearl]

What a great set they really did a awesome job !!

[@raphaelroth1456]

Great video about a beautiful Album! I have been following you for some time now and i asked myself if you also collect Originals because you only show (audiophile) remasters and reissues on your channel. And if not, why is that? Have been asking myself that for quite a while. Continue doing what youre doing! Great stuff

[@SonicFlare]

Three titans in the industry........ Kevin Gray / Bernie / Chris Bellman... funny, I almost had a feeling that the Bernie cut from 05 would better the new... the original is a bit muddy, a bit more diffuse sounding... I never got the new box set! Cheers!

[@michaellourie4252]

Hi Danny....You should read my review.....my original must be a different version than yours...not muddy in any way whatsoever!!

[@SonicFlare]

@@michaellourie4252 you have a hot poker!!! 😎

[@boogiewoogie9770]

I'm lucky to have a nr mint UK plum label copy. So dynamic!

[@Digginjim]

Me too. I could never afford any of these reissues. Mine sounds... fine. 🙁

[@DocJJohnson]

Love CSN and Y

[@theheepster]

There is an another Version of the 50th Anniversary Box Set. The Album on Vinyl and the Outtakes and other Bonus Material on 4 CDs and the same Booklet you have showed. Very nice Set for 60 - 70 Euros. I have the Classic Records Version too, but i think the difference in sound isn't so great that it makes sense to decide for the classic rock version at the high prices at Discogs. With this set you get an extremely good product for around 60 euros.🇩🇪

[@MarjetvanWiek]

It's interesting to find out how the upcoming 45rpm AP reissue will sound, especially compared to the 2021 reissue, the Classic and the original pressing. I own both the US original and the 2021 edition. The original pressing is one of the best sounding LPs I've got. But again, all versions are very good indeed. Another question is if the Deja Vu AP sacd will be release and how that version will sound. I do hope Chad and his great team will dive further in the CSNY area: Crosby/Nash (1972), Manassas (1972) Songs for Beginners), Stills (1975) and Stephen Stills (1970)... Those albums with the AP sacd / 45rpm treatment, are a dream come true ~ Marjet

[@RocknRonni]

When the classic records déjà vu premiered it was not met with very good reviews most of the folks that listened to it said that it was one of the poorer classic records editions but I was so much in love with classic records products every record that I bought was so great I bought it anyway. what do those other guys know 🤔. I do Remember the original I purchased back in 1970 did have great sound on it but I no longer have that copy and I had a German press so I compared the classic records to the German pressing and I thought the German was about the same but the classic records cover is so nice I kept the classic records. then I happened to come across a eighties issue Japanese pressing And it was so much better I was shocked. so now I have a original gramophone green Japanese press any of the early Japanese pressings will be much better and I think any OG USA press is better. Michael you may want to search one out for yourself to see what you think. I enjoyed Is the video. I have not checked to see if the anniversary edition is analogue or digital

[@franciscoop1063]

Another disarmingly honest appraisal of these pair of CSN&Y releases Michael....and no need for an apology for any limitation in your English....Ich kann bestätigen, dass dein Englisch viel besser ist als mein Deutsch!....

[@CBCDs]

"more papers than you need to open an embassy in North Korea" - hilarious

[@michaelmetcalf2427]

I borrowed a friend's original a few years ago and compered it with my classic records reissue and the classic version was vastly superior

[@bronzewound]

Just ordered the Rhino. Have the Classic from '05 so it will be fun to compare. Will also listen to my original from '70 to get an overall comparison. Thank you for the video...as always terrific!

[@amybratten8829]

Michael - interesting that in your several shootouts the older pressings seem to always win out

[@jeffreylind3739]

Another informative and engaging video! But, in my opinion, you aren't getting, or giving the entire story. If the goal is to give an opinion of the best sounding LP recording available, then you really should be listening to an original pressing as well. If it's simply between the two most recent audiophile remasters, then maybe not. But it's always a good idea to be as informed as possible, and part of that should be listening to an original US pressing as a baseline to what was originally released. I am still curious as to whether the audiophile market has had an impact on the prices/availability of NM (or close to it) original pressings.

[@dank.6942]

Amazing comment... this was quite prescient.... the answer now, 1-year later, is different than when you asked these questions. LOL Mr. 45 has destroyed the resale market for all but the best reissues and inflated the demand for OGs by doing just that. Wild.

[@cezarvasile1635]

👌👌

[@johnfredmurray]

Hey Michael. I'm on the fence on getting the box set after watching your video. I do have an original UK pressing with the textured cover and it sounds fantastic to my ears. Would you recommend getting this one regardless

[@Michael45RPM]

only of you Need/Want the Bonus Records

[@johnfredmurray]

@@Michael45RPM Thank you Michael!

[@louiscyphre2555]

I have a few early pressings of this album. I do not need any Re-Issue tbh, mine all sounds superb.

[@Jazzeum]

Although I love this album and purchased it when it first came out, $250? No, I don’t think so. Happy with the original.

[@JimMorrisonslizard]

How were the rest of the albums in the box set? Will you be reviewing each one? Thanks.

[@jazzmetalaudiophile]

The music is not my cup of tea at all, but I have to say that boxset is a piece of art. Wow 🤩

[@seanclowry9820]

Prices for a M/NM in the Classic issue are now in the $200-$500+ range.. 😢

[@Michael45RPM]

wow That was fast

[@seanclowry9820]

I have a unknown year, Richmond Pressing, but it’s in very bad shape with lots of scuffing. I do need to search for a better copy of this great album. Thank you for your review!

[@TheHanniballs]

@@Michael45RPM Don't do any reviews anymore! It's not good for the prices! ;-) Or buy up every available copy before you do a review and after the review sell them. It's like insider trading or what Elon Musk is doing with the Bitcoin!

[@MichaelBoltonsEntireCatalog]

@@seanclowry9820 There were three runs from RI for Deja Vu - 1970, 1974 and 1977. 1970 has the 1841 Broadway address 1974 has the 75 Rockefeller address 1977 has the 75 Rockefeller, followed by Warner Communications Company.

[@Jim-zf2lj]

Not sure I agree. I thought the Classic sounded like someone threw a blanket over the speakers.

[@harbars1]

More papers than you need to open an embassy in North Korea! LOL 😆

[@whatevahz531]

45 RPM Audiophile Embassy Of North Korea! (LOL)

[@Rensselaer1586]

Today I received my pure analogue tape to valve amp cutting head-mother-father-stamper ERC copy of CSN, I will clean and play it tomorrow; followed by my MoFi Ultra Disc DSD-64-DAC-cutting head-acetate-mother-stamper “one-step” 45 RPM vinyl record. My prediction is no contest, the actual-analogue ERC will blow away the digital artificial-analogue record, but you get ERC’s, would you do the comparison review?

[@stena1316]

@45 RPM Audiophile - Hey I'm not sure which Discogs you are looking at but the cheapest one I see is EUR230 - I think you are having a bad influences on prices - as soon as you mention something sounds the best the prices double:) - love your channel though but why not say these classic records sound rubbish then we can see the prices go down again....

[@leon9021]

Interesting, Fremer preferred the new one better.

[@Michael45RPM]

maybe he got a free copy 😂😂😂😂

[@roscoejones4515]

There is NO DOUBT his was free!

[@johnfredmurray]

@@Michael45RPM lol!

[@keeferdog5617]

FREMER - a “legend in his own mind”…

[@bhouser79]

a comedian in his own mind as well

[@classicrock7890]

Oh my! Is the Classic Records pressing better? You bet. More relaxed, three dimensional, better bass. The reissue has a bit more detail pushed forward but is relatively flat and dead sounding if having an analogue warmth. I've sent my standard box back for refund having had two copies with pressing issues. Not worth £62 for four CDs. This reissue can't be AAA and I would bet the source has had some digital manipulation. Can't be the same original master tape Classic Records used or something went very wrong here? Should be able to get a UK Plum label for less than the cost of the standard 50th anniv box.

[@Michael45RPM]

I agree that the classic is significantly better, but not that the 50th is that bad

[@classicrock7890]

It sounds good until you hear the Classic. I think the gap is significant and it just is less analogue sounding. I note this is a different sound than Bellman cuts for Classic Records and other reissues.

[@airwatersun]

If only your microphone was audiophile...again...waaay too low.