Sony Legacy Master Tapes: BIG disappointment!

[@eamo1729]

I think the first problem is a lot of the original masters of famous albums are not been preserved and stored properly by music labels. The second problem is when a studio decides to remaster an album they don't give it the love and attention it deserves. Music companies will have to wake up to the fact that the is a huge demand for high resolution music and high quality analogue music that is remastered properly. Studios should preserve the source material with a lot of love and care so future generations can enjoy it

[@ageispolis6960]

Absolutely agree!

[@felinoaaron846]

Do you know that most master tapes are wandering in some flea markets. all around the world... and do you know most master tapes already are just trash. sadly but true.

[@rfc4172]

By analysing the linked files and comparing the spectral fingerprint of background noise in the LP and Tape versions we could speculate whether this claimed Legacy Master is merely a copy of the last generation tape used for mass production instead of the real 1st generation master tape. This hypotesis might also be supported by the fact that the CD version, being declared to be AAD, does not show that nasty level of noise that the Legacy Master does. Anyway, we cannot exclude that some sort of digital hiss removal filter had been used in the CD production.

[@shuntachi]

Just listened these tracks once, I like the track 2 (tape) sound the best. It has more soundstage depth and width and each instrument is crystal clear compared to the other tracks. And follows the track 3 (CD), it has dynamics. Least favorite is the track 1 (LP), somehow it’s flat. But they are all digitized, compressed, and streamed through KZbin. And converted back to analog, amplified and played by speakers in my room. Everyone has different gear and settings. So, it’s just my opinion.

[@birgerolovsson5203]

I thought the same as you. 👍

[@runepedersenDK]

Agree fully. Both in description and ranking.

[@Andersljungberg]

There is the risk there is with Sony Music because there was a person at that record company who said that there is no difference in the sound That the digital copy sounds the same

[@andreasklindt7144]

While listening to the blind test I guessed No. 2 correctly as the tape, because it sounded the best. But guessed 1 and 3 wrong. To me No 1 sounded the worst so I assumed it must be the CD! And I was sure No 3 is the LP... It's amazing how your own bias can change your perception.

[@antoinegx]

Thanks man, I love these blind test sessions. I am always amazed by the difference between YT and the digital downloads - they are really needed to compare. Have a nice weekend

[@anadialog]

Thx!

[@knockshinnoch1950]

A great comparison. Those large reels are sexy! It takes me way back to 60s when my dad had a Grundig R2R. An audiophile and his money are easily parted.... I know I am one! Seriously, this highlights just one of the many rabbit holes audiophiles can fall into. The cost of that reel is just outrageous. Any perceptible improvement in the sound - real or imagined- from the vinyl to the CD and the Reel is certainly not worth an additional $400. Anyone who thinks it is has more money than sense. Of course there are lots of factors at play- the quality of equipment- turntable, cd player reel 2 reel amp and speakers is key. The quality of the original recording and the mastetapes. One major factor often overlooked is the quality of the listeners HEARING! I'm 62, I still have good hearing but I'm aware that hearing deteriorates with age. Audiophiles are on a continuous journey towards perfection. Perfection is forever just a few steps ahead in the near future tantalisingly just out of reach. There is so much snake oil and BS floating around in audiophile circles from those who can smell an analogue recording from 100 paces after hearing just a few bars... until they were humiliated and exposed by MoFi Gate.Its easy to forget to ask that basic question- are you listening to the quality of the music or the quality of the system. I admire your common sense and honesty in these reviews.

[@bpabustan]

That is why I learn to be content with a not so pricy stereo system that plays CD and Records. I know when I get old, my hearing will get less... by the way, the LP sounds best compared to the master tape copy and cd of Dalla.

[@bpabustan]

@Erwin de Wit but you know at the end of the day, we are just nitpicking as what is the superior format when what what really matters most isTHE MUSIC.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

it's about expectations ................the format and the pricetag............yeah one may have those expectations !...................but those do not allways fullfill what you dreamed about ...... Clearly track 2 was for me the better but not up to the point to let the others miles behind ( at least on YT )...........For the financial investment I would be dissapointed also.....but still tape runs the show by a margin varying between subtle and dramaticly superior . Some time ago I repaired my PR99 and get a go with a reel I reecorded from my turntable in the eighties on a B77 II.............4 decades later to become alive again and I kept on listening with amazement of the forgotten beauty .............yes , it is still something real on a reel ! Happy to never have sold my tape machines collection ...............G36 ( tubes and amazing sounding machine ) some B77 II , the PR99 and K7 Nackamichi CR7E...........they give a happy feeling when pushing the button PLAY even after the format is forgotten .....

[@ernesttricarico6402]

As always you keep it interesting. This is a project I was not aware of and as you stated not a real success. I thank you for your channel and the approach on music and equipment

[@robvdc]

Nice video 🙂.1 seemed to be the vinyl due to a slight scratch at 7:17 on the left channel, but on re-listening the fault is present on the other tracks. 2, with the earphones and the treble a little pushed, we feel the hint of breath from the tape with the impression also of a minimal distortion. On number 3, the dynamics stand out as the drums progress. Hello from Belgium 🙋‍♂️

[@anadialog]

Thanks for your analysis!

[@automatedelectronics6062]

You got it right! Thank you for the video! You start with the session tapes, mix them to other tapes. Then splice them all together and then make an album master tape. 3 generations right there! No matter the speeds of the tapes, with each successive generation adds the previous tapes hiss to the next tape(s). By the time you get the tape you got, it's a 3rd or 4th generation copy. You also have to take into consideration the quality of the tape formula used. For starters, CBS was re-recording over the session tapes, so the original session tapes don't exist anymore. Then you have to consider the degradation of the master tapes over the years, and, yes, magnetic recording tape degrades.

[@theonl1128]

But decrading takes a long time, 30 - 50 years and I know....I play already 60 years all kinds of tapes on very good machines. 😊

[@automatedelectronics6062]

@@theonl1128 Whatever decrading is? Or maybe not paying attention to that wonderful computer feature call spell-check? Assuming you were trying to spell degrading, tape degradation can be affected by what the tape was made out of and how it was stored. Everytime a tape is played, a few magnetic particles are rubbed off the tape. Should the tape heads be carrying a magnetic charge, the information on the tape can get scrambled a little bit. This is why the Beatles' master tapes have remained in the vault and digital copies have been used to make new records and CD's plus the finished product can be streamed. I personally know of master tape which have degraded so much, in maybe 20 years, that they are no longer useable.

[@rfc4172]

I personally know the man who's behind this reissue operation. He is not a Sony employee but an external wealthy amateur and definitely mediocre technician. A lot of people here in Italy curse the day that they asked him to overhaul their Studers. I am definitely not surprised that the result is mediocre as well.

[@anadialog]

I consider myself a gentleman and I did not want to use my channel to talk negatively about someone "because I can" but I can say that I know exactly who you are talking about since he did a disaster with one of my machines as well. Terrible rude person.

[@rfc4172]

@@anadialog I have to be honest and say that, at first sight, I was very tempetd to buy this tape, expecially after the test published on a famous italian HiFi magazine, where it was played on a Studer A810. Fortunately, when I found out who it was from, my base instincts chilled out.

[@MacXpert74]

Interesting comparison again. I downloaded the files and listened to them. To my ears the vinyl and tape are extremely close with only a small hint of extra detail in the tape. The CD does sound a little brighter or 'colder' to me (some might say 'more digital'), although at the same time it did seem to have just a little bit more detail in the highs, but then again lost in warmth and depth of the bass compared to both the vinyl and tape. Overall I did find the tape to sound the most pleasing, but if the arguable small difference with the vinyl copy is worth the high price is questionable. Another observation was that the vinyl copy and your turntable have such high quality, that i really couldn't spot that this was the sound of the vinyl. I did correctly guess listening to the examples on youtube which one was the CD however. Apart from all of this, I did actually found all of them to sound pretty good and what I would expect from a recording of this time period.

[@anadialog]

Thanks for the analysis and for downloading. That is surely the way to go.

[@DelmarToad]

As Maestro would say: “Provvidenza!” Wow I guessed 100% correct on the first listen! Like you said I could sense greater resolution, space between the notes, in track #2.

[@anadialog]

Bravo!

[@bertheeren7250]

Great comparison! I had them right. LP: i heard that typical roughness of vinyl, the roughness you have most at the innergrooves. It was slight but was there audible in tje voice Tape: a slightly duller/softer for my feeling CD: was the cleanest. It was as bright as the LP but without that slight roughness All slightly, no big obvious problems To be honest and non popular opinion, but if the CD comes from the same master tape, I doubt there is much information lost. Playing reels on the other hand is a magical experience just because the feel of it!

[@montynorth3009]

Agreed. Number 2 was the worst. For me, number 3 (CD) was the best, and number 1 (vinyl) was second. The CD stood out because it sounded the most dynamic, clear and sharp, particularly the voice.

[@jon4715]

I thought so at first too, same ranking, but I was cleaning the room. Upon close listening, I find 3 more punchy and less detailed. It's tough on youtube and over airplay however

[@RandSilva79]

Great song! In sound quality to me is clear: Best one is the LP version, the second goes to CD and third the tape. It can happen because it's a third generation of an old degraded tape. I think that a DSD file from the first tape generation with some digital restoration would sound best (and waaaay cheaper).

[@anton88ist]

Thank you for this interesting comparison! I compared the three examples, using the downloads, listening via headphones. My conclusion is that the LP and the Copy Tape sound very, very similar. Buy a Mint or Near Mint LP edition and you will have the sound of the Copy Tape. The CD sounds a bit louder, although you normalized it, and in my opinion is mastered somewhat differently. You can see that in a spectrogram. I softened it a bit and suddenly I prefer the CD version, it sounds really nice. Before that I preferred the LP/Copy Tape version. So I guess, it is all in the mastering. But the most important thing is that you do not have to buy a Copy Tape to get close to the original sound, if you find a well mastered edition on CD or LP.

[@anadialog]

Thanks for your input. I must disagree on the last part. Everytime I am able to put my hands on a quality tape copy of an album the difference in quality is huge. Nevertheless, this could be that rare case in which that is all the tape has to offer.

[@anton88ist]

@@anadialog I see the problem here with the Record Labels. If you transfer one of your Tapes into the digital domain and use a good Digital Recorder, I am sure the sound of the Digital Copy will be almost 100% identical to the sound of the Tape. If Record Labels would offer us musiclovers Hi-Res downloads of 1:1 transfers of certain Master Tape Copies (instead of offering expensive Tapes, like Sony does here) musiclovers would finally realize how nice the "Originals" sound, if certain Mastering engineers stop compressing/destroying music they master for CD.

[@markwalsham7115]

Thanks for this video, really interesting. I think we all would love to get a version of a favourite album that is comparable to the studio master to hear that extra dimension etc. I have used inexpensive through to moderately expensive equipment and the thing is this. I would love to have a 50k system, but like many that is just a dream, so it leaves me with one truth. Find the music you love, in a version you love and just enjoy the music. I will never get to hear the studio master from Queen’s News of the World or ABBA’s The Visitors - and that is OK. I resign myself to finding the best I can and enjoying it. How many times have I run down a rabbit hole (yes DSD, MQA) only to find disappointment? Too many times! And don’t get me started on “Remastered” versions that tend to be universally terrible! Enjoy your music now and stop chasing what might well be something that is not attainable (or possible real). If only I had a Time Machine to go back to the days in the studios to hear The Police, The Who, Queen, Eric Johnson etc at full resolution! That would be great, but day dreaming again!!!

[@anadialog]

I hear ya!

[@stereofidelic67]

FYI - there's a blip in the recording at the 00:00:10.664 mark. Most noticeable on the CD and vinyl version but also present on the tape too.

[@anadialog]

Interesting

[@endria7152]

I’m really surprise, I just did one listening. And my preference order is : Sample 1, sample 3, sample 2. So when you gave the results I was really surprised. First, once again, the LP, a mechanic medium, not expensive, is impressive. And a CD, from a good master, with a properly trained engineer for analog to digital conversion can be great. But obviously the guitar at the intro and the bass are the best on the LP, to my ears and brain …

[@scottstrang1583]

I tried the download. I liked the reel and cd; both sounded pretty good. The tape had a good lead. Also I was amazed that the LP sounded as good as it did. I bet a hi res digital download dubbed to 15 ips .50 track would sound just as good.

[@anthonysmith4449]

Using a working copy is general practice. No one is going to let you run the master copy hundreds of times. For one reel, it is a little pricey. Lpr35 is the same as sm911 formula but the duration is not as long. Better to use 2 sm900 or sm911 reels.

[@anadialog]

Indeed, didn't say the opposite. But I think it is important to underline it since many don't know and the tile Master Tapes could create ambiguities. For instance in the Quality Certificate I show it says "Direct Copy from the Master Tapes" and that is simply not true.

[@mahabkhatib9377]

Hi, I thought 1 was richer sound then 2 and 3, maybe I’m getting used to the sound of vinyl more and not as familiar or forgot the sound of tapes.

[@PhilipvanderMatten]

If you put in the description of the video an index like this: 6:35 track 1 7:53 track 2 9:11 track 3 It is clickable. It is easier to skip to the tracks to do a comparison.

[@anadialog]

Yes, I always do that if you check my other similar videos. I had to edit and publish this while traveling. Completely forgot. Now solved. Thanks for pointing that out!

[@PhilipvanderMatten]

@@anadialog happy to help

[@edsavage6214]

Hello there, at very first glance I felt I slightly preferred n.2 over n.1 and 3 feeling a little less captivating. So I guess it kind of reflects expectations. In any case a few days ago I listened to both albums "Lucio Dalla" and "Dalla", I have them both first pressings, hadn't listened to them in a long time. I have to say after listening to "Lucio Dalla" "Dalla" felt a bit underwhealming in terms of sonics, not as clear or punchy, not by a lot but it was perceivable. I don't know if it's to do with my particular copies but perhaps "Dalla" is not the most hi fi record of his, though as I said I might be wrong. Anyhow I think if you think it sounds better than the Vinyl and the CD you shouldn't be too bummed out, in the end is a great album and now you have the best copy of it on the market.

[@anadialog]

Yes, it's better, but for the price it's just not worth it. Other editions on r2r that I have blow me out of the water they are so much better!

[@edsavage6214]

@@anadialog I'm sorry to hear, as I said it might be that the original master in this case isn't that spectacular to begin with, or that the pressing is really good and therefore there's very marginal differences.

[@macadoum]

I must admit that the difference between the Master Tape and the two others is not apparent contrary to your full test of "Dark side of the Moon" where the Master Tape was cleary above all of the others.

[@lucabattanta9246]

I was looking at the link below the video. Has Sony Italia stopped producing the Legacy master tapes? I can't find them anymore

[@anadialog]

Omg! You're right! I haven't noticed it. I am afraid the video gave them the coupe de grace!

[@jeandejazz6426]

From my end, just listening on a very good quality Hi Fi sound bar: #1 sound quality is the tape, followed closely at #2in sound quality by the CD and in #3 is the LP. My experience is that a master tape copy always wins against any other format. Even when a tape is transferred "as is" to a digital medium it usually wins out . Thanks for the comparisons. And salutations from Canada my Italian brother! 🥳

[@user-jn9dl9px6r]

This video already debunk your claim, tape better than lp.

[@jeandejazz6426]

@@user-jn9dl9px6r Only if the tape is no longer in pristine condition, because tapes deteriorate over time...

[@martirazzo]

Thanks for the nice test! I played the files trough my Mytek Brooklyn, and the cd was the most dynamic. This is also visible when opened in Sound Studio. On Tidal the album is available in MQA 24bit 44.1khz , but I wonder what the source is? According the album art, it is the cd. What cartridge and preamp was used on the turntable?

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU! The Stratos recently reviewed, an amazing cart, with yhe Auditorium 23 hommage step-up transformer with a Audia Flight FL phono preamp.

[@Destetado.Antes.De.Tiempo]

El numero uno se lleva el premio para mis oidos, aunque las frecuencias medias y altas me resultan similares en los tres, el sonido de los bajos resulta mas envolvente y de mayor riqueza en el vinilo. Muchas gracias por la comparativa.

[@tzahy4968]

i new that no. 2 is the master tape! :-) the track 1 sound good. the cd track 3 sound afoul! little bass, a bit compressed. overall the master tape sound very good! don't be disappointed!

[@LetThereBeSound1]

I actually liked the CD as the best. Tape second. LP third so go figure! Just to be clear, this is as presented in this video and through my MacBook Pro. So not exactly the best way possible. I may download the files and have a proper go with those through the main rig. Cheers! Oz LTBS

[@paolorams767]

Grazie Guido, è stato un video molto interessante davvero, ma ormai il tuo canale è sempre una garanzia! Meno male che almeno in Italia non c'è stato blocco Copyright

[@anadialog]

Grazie! Blocco no ma come sempre perdo tutta la monetizzazione...ma va bene così

[@critical_listening]

My blind preference was Track 2, then 1, and finally 3. To my ear track 3 (CD) was substantially inferior to the other two. Vinyl and tape were close but I immediately noticed more details in the lower registers on track 2. Definitely enjoy the blind tests, unfortunately I didn’t use my main listening system, so that deserves an asterisk, but I’ll try it that way next time. Interesting to consider how one can judge analog audio quality via a compressed audio KZbin stream. I’m sure we can’t appreciate all the subtlety but some differences do seem to remain. Enjoying your content.

[@GuitarDan73]

You have your numbers mixed up and you might have meant superior not inferior? either way your numbers are jumbled

[@critical_listening]

No I guess you just misunderstood my words. In the first sentence I said my preference was 2, which is tape, then 1 (vinyl) and finally (inferior) the lowest preference is track 3. So it does say what I intended. Thanks

[@GuitarDan73]

Ohhh yes sorry...i thought you kep changing your mind and settled on 3 (cd) lol

[@anadialog]

Thanks! :-)

[@FasuloA]

Oof. My ranking best to worst was 3-1-2. I was shocked to find #2 was the master tape. I really appreciate that you do these blind tests, when so many others just tell us their opinion and we are forced to use our imagination if we would agree or not.

[@edmondoviselli3672]

Why can't you hear the rustle of the stylus on the LP version?

[@anadialog]

Because the LP is in great condition and my system is up to it...but it's rare.

[@edmondoviselli3672]

@@anadialog Thank you for the response.

[@TrueStereo-]

WOW! I picked the LP as best. The master may be worn or the Sony equipment is out of wack. Way too much money for the tape.

[@sidesup8286]

For many people who don't have lp or cd playback gear anywhere near the quality of yours Guido, they might be really impressed by the sound of tapes such as this. It's all relative I guess. Sony didn't take you up on your offer. I wonder if DS Audio would let you review their top of the line light beam phono cartridge. It costs $60,000 the last I heard. It works without any magnets or coils. The bottom of the line light beam cartridge which costs under $3,000 has had reviews, I would say pretty good reviews. After the Mofi scandal, you would think Mofi would have changed to making analog instead of DSD copies of masters. I will say that my cd playback is sounding SO analog like these days. I keep working on it. The other day I greened the outer perimeter of a cd. It's like the last tiny vestiges of digital sound totally disappeared. Sweeter and more natural, less edge, more open. The last time I greened a cd, my system was not as good. It made the same kind of improvements; but by about 5% instead of the near 10% I heard the other day. What is it about tape that always seems to have warmth galore?

[@anadialog]

Could be...I would love to test one of them. I am surprised about the greening, people get they knives as soon as you mention that. If you like CDs and have time to optimize for a further 10% you should get the Auric illuminator (perhaps you already have it). Here is a video I made on CD tweaks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnS3dWl7nLB6a9U

[@ciocanxxl]

I have the feeling that the tape was recorded from digital, a lossy one, it has more basse, but on the high frequency range it sucks...

[@peepers4763]

Interesting. On the iPad, the differences were evident. I’d have rated them 2, 3 then 1. 1 sounded too hot, 2 was smoothest. Old ears, KZbin and cheaper equipment…. What cartridge was used when playing the LP?

[@anadialog]

The Pure Fidelity Stratos I recently reviewed

[@epaminondasgaveras8717]

Hi, relevant to my opinion is not only the cost of the medium itself, but also the cost of the reproducing front end. Could you give us a comparison?

[@anadialog]

A reasonable request. Who follows me knows but I understand. R2R: Studer A810 LP: Kuzma Staby R table with 4point 9 arm and currently using the Stratos cart I recently reviewed fed into the Audirorium 23 hommage step-up transformer which then goes on an Audia Flight FL phono preamp. CD: I bit-perfect ripped the file. All fed to my Mastersound Spettro preamp and then recaptured (analog signals) with my Blacklion Revolution soundcard (nothing amazing but decent). Cables are all OCC copper or OCC silver.

[@epaminondasgaveras8717]

@@anadialog Thank you for the info. It is remarkable that, to achieve the results you recorded, the front end investments vary from almost nothing to 25k€! If you take this in account, the digital files have an unbeatable performance to price ratio! (Don’t get me wrong, I’m a vinyl lover myself, too)

[@anadialog]

@@epaminondasgaveras8717 I see your point! But I think it's actually a proof that all versions are at their limit, the same limit. If "more" was on the LP and tape it would have came out.

[@stephaned.557]

Hello Sir, I did found the Tape being more detailed than the LP and CD. Not sure if it should be more than that though. Always fun those comparison. Can you recommend some other Italian artist you like, I need some gift for my Italian dad. Thank you

[@anadialog]

I am planning to do a dedicated video! Can't go wrong with DeAndre, Battiato or early Branduardi.

[@pablohrrg8677]

The vinyl was distinct, but I thoght the second was the CD because it sounded more compressed. The third option sounded clearer (through KZbin anyway). May be the masterings were the differences, but a "Master Tape" shouldn't.

[@vdochev]

I bet if they bring you out the original copy from the vault, you all still not be happy, LOL!

[@derrikc9961]

I'd love to hear in a studio the difference between the Master, Working Copy and the Final Tape. Seems to me flat would be better for an audiophile version because if they made it louder at all audiophiles wouldn't like it as much.

[@derrikc9961]

Unless you meant flat pitch. I was thinking you meant flat EQ.

[@anadialog]

Yes of courses! We don't want eq. Flat I mean no depth and soundstage and homogeneous dynamics (pitch as you said)

[@KeatingJosh]

Being English I don't know much about Italian popular music but I discovered Stadio a few years ago and there are similarities with Lucio Dalla in the vocal sound.. is there any link between the two?

[@anadialog]

Several! They supported Lucio in several tours and the musicians played with Lucio a lot.

[@Rockin_Kat]

I like the second track a little more than the first, and I didn't like the third one at all (the stage is too narrow and there is not enough low frequencies).

[@latheofheaven]

Yep, even listening on KZbin (I didn't bother this time to download the lossless versions) and through my secondary system, to me it was very clear that the 2nd file you played did not have any where near the dynamics or the sound extension of the 1st or 3rd one. Interestingly, I found when the piano came in more strongly in the intro, the CD or 3rd file actually had a bit more punch, a bit of a surprise. But, yes, the reel to reel was by far the inferior copy. Sorry you put out the money for it Bro 😕 But, by contrast, the one you did a video one previously from the Italian company, wow, that one you could hear the excellent quality. I was actually quite surprised by that one.

[@anadialog]

Thanks for sharing your analysis! The CD has some emphasis on the higher notes that some like and some dislike...I find it also a little dry but overall is quite good.

[@bpabustan]

What I am interested to hear is Premiata Forniera Marconi. I read in an article of Steve Stevens in Guitar World recommending this band.

[@anadialog]

Indeed. Storia di un minuto is very good. Italian Prog Rock is among the best out there. I am afraid we are better off with a good LP version though....but you never know. If Sony wants to convince me they just need to send some tapes for evaluation.

[@bpabustan]

@@anadialog I hope to gain access to those recordings here in our country. A lot of stuff that is so common in US and Europe is quite a challenge to find here in the Philippines.

[@axelviarhilmarsson6317]

For me the CD sounded best ... the voice. But then there is the equipment I'm listening with), the equipment used to play the files on (your site) and at last our ears. So this is complex, but I agree that the tape does not stand out in any way.

[@daanherreman8161]

What a surprise I must say. For me order is CD, vinyl and tape . The tape just sounds very flat in my ears. Really disappointing indeed, but big thanks to you to save us all the 450 euro we would have spent 😀 Love your channel, keep up the good work!

[@anadialog]

Thanks Daan!

[@Luci-fd6ny]

Bit of an off topic question but i was wondering if you had any idea where i could order parts for my r2r from, I got an old grundig tk-41 and well the rubber drive wheel i think it's called decided to crumble so yeah lol. Would be great to have another one to get this machine running

[@anadialog]

Hard to say ,plus I live in Italy so my labs and people are more local but in any case it's hard to find replacements of lesser known models. Labs (good ones) have more chances.

[@mundoanalogo-MH]

It seems these tapes are only available in Italy. From the US, where I am, I can{t reach the Sony Italy website...pity.

[@anadialog]

Yes. But you can use a VPN, there are also free versions if you hunt...but I don't recommend the purchase. Other people who bought other tapes told me they are even worse.

[@mundoanalogo-MH]

@@anadialog yes, but I don't think they ship to the US. Anyway, I'm just curious about the PFM edition. Those records have a great sound! Thanks, and please keep posting these videos.

[@cobar5342]

Sorry that you were disappointed. It should have had that 'wow' factor in accordance with the promise and the price

[@zambrano966]

Excelente video, seria bueno que dijeras en que tocadiscos y con que capsula se reprodujo el disco de vinyl igual con el Reel to Reel y el CD Player. Yo se se que posees muy buenos equipos. A mi también me parece así, los primeros CD que salieron sonaban mucho mejor, que las versiones mas nuevas.

[@anadialog]

A reasonable request. Who follows me knows but I understand. R2R: Studer A810 LP: Kuzma Staby R table with 4point 9 tonearm and currently using the Stratos cart I recently reviewed fed into the Audirorium 23 hommage step-up transformer which then goes on an Audia Flight FL phono preamp. Speakers: GoldenEar Triton Reference CD: I bit-perfect ripped the file. All fed to my Mastersound Spettro preamp and then recaptured (analog signals) with my Blacklion Revolution soundcard (nothing amazing but decent). Cables are all OCC copper or OCC silver. These are the main elements tied to the tape.

[@zambrano966]

@@anadialog Yo te sigo desde hace algún tiempo, soy fanático de los Deck, y te ubique cuando hiciste el review del Nakamichi Dragon y el Revox B215, también soy fanático de los tocadiscos, no me gustan mucho los CD. Pero si tengo mis cuantos discos. Gracias por tu respuesta. Gran canal.

[@Wildknaap]

Thanks for introducing Lucio Dalla, the album “Dalla” oozes the 1980’s. Being Dutch I cannot understand a word, but the compositions and voice is beautiful. Going to order the CD and make my own copy on a B77.

[@anadialog]

Glad to hear that!

[@thechuckster6838]

The LP sounded best. The CD sounded second best, although I could hear a bit of harshness from the CD. The master tape was the worst of all. I too would be disappointed. Keep in mind that the tape may be a direct transfer with no mastering. LP's and CD have improvements added in general.

[@DavidslvPT]

How do you keep these tapes stored? One of the things that I'm afraid of with jumping back to cassettes and tapes is past experience with them being so sensitive to environment conditions that I had a whole lot of them unplayable years ago. Reading on google, it seems that in good conditions they should last about 30 years but can at any point become unplayable. What do you do to mitigate this in a home environment?

[@anadialog]

You must avoid moisture and clearly extreme temperatures. That it is why it's a good idea to keep them in plastic bags IF they don't present any problems, otherwise they will get worse. 30 years? The tape of the 50's are perfect!

[@TheFilm2011]

Thank you, always great to hear your thoughts on everything your review and discuss.

[@bodhiveeren]

Funny thing the 3 rd track started my foot tapping and I started to enjoy the track any more detail is for me not required to enjoy the music so don`t get obsessed with "detail " it is a trap thanks for making this vid! Yes non remastered CD´s sound very good . I thought that all Sony master tapes are stored as DSD files now are they trying to squeeze the last money out of their written of copy masters?

[@anadialog]

🤷‍♂️

[@Andersljungberg]

perhaps would compare with the oldest source with the recording, for example on vinyl

[@anadialog]

I did! The video includes a comparison with the original LP and old CD!

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR CHANNEL,GUIDO 👍🤗💚💚💚

[@anadialog]

Thanks ad always but I hope you truly enjoy the content!

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

@@anadialog 🤗👍MOST OF IT …not everything is in my budget 😁💚💚💚

[@s.t.e.r.e.o.]

Oh this brought back memories my sister brought his albums back from Italy after being there for a year. We wore them out!

[@s.t.e.r.e.o.]

I did guess the tape. It was the bass that gave it away. Could your disappointment come from the others being so good that the tape copy is unable to wow you as expected?

[@anadialog]

Could be, but as I mentioned any inherent case I recall, when you get a copy of a copy of the source the jump is nothing less than huge.

[@MatthewNorthArchive]

If this spool is a flat transfer then it's going to sound close to the cd esp a cd of that era that would have been taken from the same source the duplication tape for the cd is probably 1 fro the master maybe 2 depending on where the cd was encoded and pressed. An unmastered tape will sound flat compared to a mastered album that you would have been used to. The bottom like here is that 450 euros on a tape Sounds no different to a 10 euro cd. Save your money is the moral of this story. Who knows the person dubbing the tape might just be using a cd and not telling anyone. I mean nobody noticed mfsl were using digital masters until it got out :)

[@anadialog]

Yes, several are saying this bit in my experience a goodbtape copy is very different not just better, and much more dynamic. MOFI? May be a coincidence but I have around 6 or 7 lps and most of those are old. I just don't like MOFI's sound. Nevertheless, a quality digital copy can be amazing. I have no problems in stating that especially if a flat trasfer as you correctly pointed out.

[@pedrojmorais]

I think the tape is clearly better, the vinil is bit dull, the cd lacks resolution but hides it with powerful presentation, the tape has good start stop and natural clean dynamics, also more resolving power.

[@georgeprice4212]

I couldn’t really tell a difference…but I like the song! Too bad Lucio didn’t break here in America with the track as is…or at all.

[@slim5239]

Track 2 was the best for my ears, followed by track 1 and track 3. As soon I listened to the second track, I felt that this was a tape, and I liked the tape's unique delicacy. Of course, listening to KZbin directly on the iPad may not be accurate.

[@bletheringfool]

My order was Tape LP and CD so I was surprised by that

[@larryshaver3568]

what do they mean when they say tape is tensilized?

[@anadialog]

I think it's referred to scotch tape

[@mden2490]

The Reels maybe sexy as someone else commented but in this case the LP sounded much better. It was more open, had better instrument separation, sounded more live. The Reel was muffled. I bet you are quite disappointed, more then you led on I suspect. I too would be disappointed especially because of the cost of the reel.

[@anadialog]

☹️

[@AngeloKellyOfficial]

Awesome video 👍

[@kwd-kwd]

you didnt say what gear your system is made up of, what deck did you play it on? what is your Amp/pre amp etc?

[@anadialog]

A reasonable request. Who follows me knows but I understand. R2R: Studer A810 LP: Kuzma Staby R table with 4point 9 tonearm and currently using the Stratos cart I recently reviewed fed into the Audirorium 23 hommage step-up transformer which then goes on an Audia Flight FL phono preamp. Speakers: GoldenEar Triton Reference CD: I bit-perfect ripped the file. All fed to my Mastersound Spettro preamp and then recaptured (analog signals) with my Blacklion Revolution soundcard (nothing amazing but decent). Cables are all OCC copper or OCC silver. These are the main elements tied to the tape.

[@nyquist5190]

So, let's see: Sony could have made a digital copy of the true master tape and released it on cd. The price of the cd would have been perhaps 10€. To most audiophile listeners the cd would have sounded identical to the original master. Perhaps the cd in this video was it? But what we have here are third generation analog copies of the original, each analog generation adding noise and distortion inherent in any analog technology. And we are supposed to pay 45 times more money for it. What am I getting wrong?

[@anadialog]

I agree, LP and CD all day long...

[@intell2OOO]

Not all tape recorders sounds good. In my opinion last good sounding studers was A80 & B62. A800 series has very flat and simlified percussion and brass sounds, so for good copy better use A80 or B62. And even better - to use external tube play (and record) electronics without feedback.

[@tremot7143]

I think the tape sounded better by quite a discernable margin. But Sony with all its resources must have done an amazing job with the LP master and digitisation for CD to get it to sound that close. I think the tapes are more than a novelty and for those affluent enough to have a truly high-end system and treated room they are sure to deliver an experience worth the asking price.

[@anadialog]

I think my logo says it all. Tape is my food and I have a very high-end system. I can tell you that this tape is very bad and compressed. In fact, shortly after the video the production of this series ceased, after only two years from the introduction.

[@tremot7143]

@@anadialog Thanks so much for the reply and the additional information about this series. Being a tape aficionado with a wonderful system, I'm sure you know full well what is possible from tape and it's a pity this one was such a let-down. I do wonder if there was something in the transfer process which caused the result to be so underwhelming, or if there was not much more to be excavated from the orginal recording. If so, it would have been better if they had more carefully curated which records were fit or unfit, because expectations run high and customers deserve something truly special at those prices.

[@castigcastigcastig]

The CD sounds best, ar least in my sistem. I was surprised the tape was the worst sounding as it normaly should sound the best. In 1980 the CD wasn't comercial yet, so this album must have been recorded in tape in the studio. The LP and CD were produced based on the original tape. They should sound less good then the LP and CD. The only way a "master tape copy" când sound worse then the other media, is by using a worse copy as a working copy to multiply.

[@Andersljungberg]

You should simply ask Sony Music if the tape is from an analog master or if it is from a digital copy. An interview with the person responsible for publication perhaps

[@anadialog]

They have already stated that it is from analog and apart from that, after my video (and other people complaining) they closed the production!

[@RodrigoAlves-bc8qq]

I've picked tracks 1, 3 and 2. Too much nitpicking, too much hair splitting. For the "actual" sonic difference on these 3 sources, the CD is enough. C'mon, 450 euros for something just as good (or insignificantly better), it's a non-brainer. In these situations, making some charity, help other people out or help the animals will make you feel a whole lot better.

[@anadialog]

Charity aside, that is the point of the video

[@alessandrograldi4334]

Did i win something? I guessed it all!! Naturally by a listening via YT there is a certain tolerance but the feeling i had it’s that the CD AAD it’s a winwin facing the other two cause it has the original analog sound but more fresh and fast, but the sensation i had about the second it’s kind of boxer sound in the middle frequencies, lows similar, not better than vinyl, high near to the Cd version, first listening not deep and concentrate. Nice the reels but at that price i would get a higher performance.

[@retroaria]

This launch made me think: if there is still production of magnetic tapes of this size then is it also possible to produce blank compact cassette tapes? Greetings from Seoul, Tito Questo lancio mi ha fatto pensare: se c'è ancora la produzione di nastri magnetici di queste dimensioni allora è possibile produrre anche cassette compatte vergini?

[@anadialog]

Yes there is and of very high quality by Recording the Masters, tape snd cassette.

[@torugonza]

For me, number 3 is the best you say it is the CD ! Wow

[@epoxyexpert]

Clearly the second sounded much better. The third has some ringing at the back. Listening from tablet and headphones.

[@MechWarriorBK]

i didint guess quite right , 1-for me was best (was thinking its cd), 2 - i know it its tape i had no doubt it was worst from all 3 , 3- i was thinking its viyl , i had my doubt 1 and 3 , i lisen to song again and in my mind i told myself ,1cd,2tape,3vinyl , but was wrong switched cd and vinyl with places, u think u can make your own copy from that vinyl or flac of this song on lpr 90 and it will dound better , that this ''master tape''

[@TheSoundrookie]

Hi Guido. Jesus Christ man. I was listening to the video in my cordless (rf) headphones, while doing other stuff. I don't consider them being hifi, but not entirely bad either. They are quite acceptable for house cleaning etc. I'll start by saying that to me number 1 sounded the best, but I seriously thought that number 2 was the cd, since it sounded the worst in my opinion. Number two and 3 are closer to each other, but 3 is a tiny bit better. At least according to these headphones. I'm sure there will be other opinions, but I bet we can all agree that this isn't just disappointing - It's down right shocking. Sad you spent all that money, but thanks for the warning. Grotesque what companies have the guts to throw on the market to coax money out of people these days. Stay cool Mate. Ps. Are you also impatiently waiting for the new Orbital album to be released on the 17th?

[@TheSoundrookie]

Downloaded the files, and listened on my gear for music production. Some will say that since all three files are digital recordings that it is a fairer basis for comparison, while others will say that it is not because the analogue sources lose that edge. Personally I'll say that we shouldn't go into that at all, and just go with what we got. Otherwise we'll also end up debating gear etc. But listening to better gear my ears still rank 1-3-2, which make me think that the price for these tapes makes them an attractive item for scammers. Can it with absolute certainty be ruled out that the tape is not a poorly made clone?

[@anadialog]

Unfortunately we can't...there is a certificate but the sound tells me otherwise

[@TheSoundrookie]

@@anadialog That was what I feared, and the certificate is just a printed piece of paper which can easily be copied. Can you return it, and get your money back?

[@bvzpao]

Are Sony still selling it?

[@anadialog]

Nope, shortly after the video they shut down the project. I was probably the final kick of a series

[@VinylPro]

BUT!!!! "Dalla" is great !

[@charleshuguley9903]

I preferred the tape, followed by the CD. The main differences seemed to be in the kick drum and the bass guitar.

[@filmnarr163]

I own some of old Dalla LPs myself and never felt, that they were extremely good (or audiophile) recordings to begin with. ...a little bit hard, a little bit shrill. So...maybe we have to live with it, that there is not that much hidden in the master as You hoped for. I for myself, preferred 2 from the first moment, but You are right - the difference is not really worth the money. AP etc. mostly chose always (the same) "save bets" for their tapes, as they do/did for their vinyl releases, but for every "Folk Singer" or "We Get Requests" there will be 100 mediocre recordings in the vaults... Of course: If You pay 450€ it's clear, that You expect a lot, and are disappointed now, but nevertheless it could be, that You are very near to "as good as it gets" - it's 1980 as well. My thoughts.

[@anadialog]

Could be. I thought about it too. But in any case a cope of a copy of the original master tapes should be much more rich. I think the recordings are rather good for being pop.

[@filmnarr163]

@@anadialog ...very foggy this issue (no pun intended :)). Will be interesting to hear, what others will have say about other titles.

[@mattharwood4413]

First, thank you for exposing me to Lucio Dalla. I must have this album. I have never seen it in the US. He's not even on Qobuz! Second, that was super interesting/informative. I reversed the CD and the LP. After listening again, I could hear the difference. Third, I would never want you disappointed in me! Your disappointment was palpable! LOL! As always, another fantastic video. ❤

[@nicolapiga4278]

I have Qobuz and I can find the album on it. Maybe they can't stream it in the US?

[@mattharwood4413]

@@nicolapiga4278 I found it! Thank you Nicola! It would not come up on my laptop through Audirvana bit it did on the Qobuz app on my phone. That has happened a few times before.

[@kevinmcgrath3591]

CD slightly louder, otherwise not much difference, I imagine the CD is the cheapest, thats fine with me, (sennheiser 650s used)

[@kas-hifi]

Bummer. Ha ha, i am trying to fix my old reel to reel, but it does not take ten inches, only seven, i would be happy if i can make it work again, and tape my vinyls. Then i would probably share my paternal grandfathers shared hobbies, sadly he passed away, years ago, when i was kid. He had only like mine. 😢❤

[@beosliege]

Blind test on my hifi: First choice was #2 Second choice was #1

[@fabricehaesendonck196]

i prefered the n2,sorry ...take care buddy!

[@anadialog]

Me too, but not as much as it should be.

[@vincenzoliguori5834]

Give a try to battisti, to me is a superior experience and definitively the best edition of il mio canto libero.

[@anadialog]

👍

[@LanciaD50]

Thank you very very much for this video!!

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU!

[@micolibrino]

I agree with you. The trackk number 2 - from tape - is quit poor. I hear that clearly. :/

[@volkhardruhs7662]

Right. Listening only on YT I heard this slight advantage of the Reel. Than I would choose the CD over the LP. But you are absolutely right. 450 Euro? Sadly, doesn’t seem to be worth the afford.

[@yanivshef]

I though the best track was the last. I only heard once. Maybe the cd plays better on a digital platform like KZbin. I honestly don’t see the advantages of R2R but in any case if you pay 450 dollars for “audiophile” material it should sound at least! as good as 45 rpm audiophile vinyl. Also if it’s only 3rd gen from the master it shouldn’t cost that much IMO. What’s so hard in coping a tape ? Cheers

[@anadialog]

I can only add that, as others have pointed out, when doing copies that always use a working copy so they minimize the wear on the original and it makes sense for preservation.

[@ObnoxiusBrat]

I think CD and LP copies of this album are already great so difference between them and master copy won't be big. In other cases when regular copies are weak master copy is a godsent.

[@anadialog]

Could be, can't exclude it but my experience says otherwise also because, as explained in another comment, things are not only better in a tape copy they are also different, while here...

[@joeyjustin6895]

LOOK. IM ALREADY INTO THIS VIDEO 1:28. AND I KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. BECAUSE THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS. ALWAYS. WITH EVERY TAPE MEDIA. PERIOD. IT DIDNT SOUND ABSOLUTELY RIGHT BUT YOU DON'T KNOW WHY. ITS THE SAME REASON IT ALWAYS IS. YOU HAVE TO ADJUST THE AZIMUTH ON EVERY SINGLE DIFFRENT TAPE YOU PLAY BECAUSE EVERY SINGEL RECORDING HAS A DIFFERENT AZIMUTH 😠😠😠. THATS JUST THE WAY IT IS. PERIOD. I LOVE TAPE. ALLLLL I LISTEN TOOO BUT I GET OUT MY LITTLE SCREW DRIVER AND ADJUST THE AZIMUTH TO EVERY TAPE AFTER IT STARTS PLAYING AND THEN. TTHHEENNNN IT SOUNDS AMAZING. YOALLL GOT IT NOW

[@anadialog]

Surely that is the way to go but the difference isn't THAT enormous. Better? absolutely! Night and day? No. Also you can just hear that there is nothing else there. The tape is slightly better than what you find on the LP and CD, but in reality when you get your hands on a true master tape copy things not only get better but change, a lot.

[@kobezcarz4558]

Thanks for this review

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU