Yes Fragile- Exploring Eight Different Pressings

In anticipation of the Analogue Productions Atlantic 75 release of Yes Fragile, I had the opportunity to audition eight different pressings of this iconic album, which I reported on in a special livestream on David Bianco's Safe And Sound Texas Audio Excursion channel. Here I expand a bit on the information and listening sessions gathered for that presentation.
Four copies of Fragile made it into the final evaluation, which included:
-1971 UK Plum (Mastering engineer unknown)
-2006 Analogue Productions (Hoffman/Gray at ATM)
-2016 Rhino (Gray at Coherent)
-2019 MOFI One Step (Wunderlich at MFSL)
All very good to excellent but all sound different. In this video I'll describe what I heard, and my preference on my system.
00:00 Introduction
01:21 The Methodology
01:45 The Australian Pressing
02:29 The Second UK Pressing
03:38 The Canadian Pressing
04:31 The 2023 Rhino Clear Pressing
05:02 The 1971 First UK "Plum" Pressing
08:57 The 2006 Analogue Productions Pressing
11:29 The Mofi One Step Pressing
13:38 The 2016 Rhino Pressing
15:43 Conclusion
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Reference System
-Basis 1400 Turntable
-Rega RB300 Tone Arm
-Audio Technica AT33EV MC Cartridge
-Hana SL ML Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Pre
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-System Audio Pandion 30 Loudspeaker
-Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 Loudspeaker
-Tributaries Series 8 Interconnect
-Herron Audio Interconnect Cable
-Definitive Technology ProSound Sub
-Panamax M5300PM Power Filter
-Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaner

[@geepee280]

Hey Scott, just received the 2016 Fragile from Amazon as per your recommendation, you are spot on, is a excellent interpretation of this album, instruments are clear and separated as well as the vocals, just a great all around mix, and reasonably priced. Thanks for all you hard work, really respect your reviews, stay well

[@ThePressingMatters]

Awesome! I'm glad that you found my description on point. And that you got a great version of this classic record. Always great to hear from you - thank you for watching and commenting. Enjoy!

[@jimdalto6254]

Great review. Your analysis of the AP silver label and the MoFi One Step are exactly how I hear those pressings.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Jim! Thanks for your comment. It's amazing to me that all four of these sound so distinctly different. I'm sure I could identify them blindfolded.

[@johns126]

Have order Fragile and Close to the Edge with Atlantic 75 Series. These will be the first Yes albums in my collection- I’m hopeful they’ll be as good as The Genesis releases I have. As always, a very interesting video Scott, full of great information and insights.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks so much for watching! We will have a good indication soon when The Yes Album lands in a month or so. That one should be s stunner - I think it may be a better recording overall. I think that Chad is really on top of this series, and will make sure these are the best they can be. He mentioned recently how well the Genesis titles are selling, so I'm hoping he adds the two obvious missing titles, Wind and Wuthering and Duke.

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

Thanks for review Scott, very comprehensive, as an aside the issues you had with the Australian pressing probably relate to the failure to play it upside down ;) Lol

[@ThePressingMatters]

You know, I didn't try that! I know you often get UK plates for use in Australian releases, but that didn't seem to be the case in this one. Thanks for watching today, and I hope to hear from you tonight!

[@ashulman2008]

When I heard the Kevin pressing I knew that was the one. I later got the mofi and it’s in my sell pile. Sounds great but doesn’t sparkle like the Kevin cut. A tremendous bargain

[@ThePressingMatters]

So true, when I put on the 2016, I was shocked how much better it sounded than the MOFI. As these other pressings trickled in for the shootout, I knew it was the one for me. Airy and detailed, exciting dynamic range, open sounding, excellent bass, and manages to convey the best aspects of all the others in a complete and balanced picture. It's a thrill for sure. A steal.

[@tonynewman1694]

This I am defo looking forward to the ap 75 series for this one 😁 Great review Scott as normal

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks for watching and commenting Tony!! The Atlantic 75s are going to be epic! I'm so glad they chose Kevin to do this one and fingers crossed, I'm expecting the finest sounding edition of the original mix.

[@tonynewman1694]

@@ThePressingMatters not got the plum of yes but do have the first 3 led zeppelin on plum label and they are special but I prefer to buy new reissues as long as they are good 👍💯

[@Rigs275]

Great Video Scott, another one of my favorite albums. Have many of the pressings.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you, it's an amazing piece of work. I really enjoyed digging down and discovering the differences. Of those you own, do you have a favorite, and are you thinking of getting another, namely the Atlantic 45?

[@lawrence5368]

Great video Scott. I have four copies of this record and totally agree with you. I have a CDN og, a 1976 Japanese, the Mofi one step and the Rhino clear from last year. Kevin Grey's Rhino clear is the clear winner. It's like a vail has been lifted from that pressing and reveals so much more. It will be very interesting to see what he does with the AP 45 rpm when it's released. I assume it could only be better.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I went over these so many times and over different speaker systems because I wanted to be sure in my findings. It was undeniable that Kevin's 2016 or 2023 was superior overall to everything else. Some others did one thing better sometimes, but I think all will be left in the dust when Kevin's 45 hits the turntable.

[@marcoverges168]

Thanks!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you, Marco! I appreciate your support!

[@djjoeykmusic]

Hi Scott, great video Well done 👍 awesome

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you Joey! Great to see you tonight at the livestream. They all love you (I knew they would!)

[@cameronevanstheanalogueall7729]

Excited to see how these stack up against the Ap 75 version when it comes out. Great review!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Cameron! Great to hear from you! Thanks for watching and stay tuned for the Atlantic 75 review. Scott

[@Baz63]

Yet another wonderful review and so very informative. Many thanks Scott, for what must have been a lot of effort, even though it is obvious how much you love music.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you! Yes this one was a lot of work, and there was so much information to boil down to an acceptable length. This video focused mainly on sound differences - the music is a whole other thing which I'll talk about more when the Atlantic comes out. Thanks for watching!

[@musicisforrelaxing]

Nice review and a lot of work for you! It seems like the Rhino clear pressing is one of the more favored...Looking forward to your next review!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks for watching Ray! The next one is something really different for the channel. Stay tuned!

[@fidelios_frequency]

I remember Patrick pbthal did a blind shootout of the Plum, KG 2016 & MoFi. From his digital samples I preferred the Plum, KG, then MoFi in that order. Since the Plum is out of my reach I got the KG and I am VERY happy. I thought the MoFi was a bit too overblown in the bass. It seemed like the “vivid” filter on the iPhone!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Arnaldo. I recall hearing those samples as well and it was great that I had everything to make my own judgement. It's all subjective of course with so many variables. The KG pretty much has it all, and in my shootout was preferred. You're right about that MOFI. Vivid and overblown but a sometime guilty pleasure!

[@mikeoo437]

Funny about 1-step, in my system (full range) the base is full but snappy which hold for the full music spectrum, do not experience the 'slow' down. System dependent!? Great review as usual!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi! Thanks for watching and commenting! The One Step is a stunner, and I do love it, and I realize its character could change depending on the system. I would not want to be without it.

[@jeffbellin8224]

It's funny. When I had the 2016 in my previous system, the top end sounded bright and grainy. It sounded harsh at times. I returned it. I agree that the MoFi OneStep gets a little bit rhythmically sludgy (although I haven't played it on my newer, more resolving system), but it's not harsh or edgy, and the midrange is pretty glorious, really helped by the cutting at 45. I'll be interested to see what AP does with its 45.

[@ThePressingMatters]

The MOFI really is stunning in the midrange, very open and never harsh. It's the bass on my system(s) that is a bit overblown, robbing it on speed and clarity. Not a dealbreaker, and I love it otherwise. I think the Kevin Gray is closer to the UK Plum in terms of liveliness and energy. It could be disarming if you've only ever heard the AP or MOFI. That quality might be interpreted as bright, but I definitely do not like bright. I see it as a better version of the UK Plum, without the rounding off of the AP or the bass issue of the MOFI. I wonder if you'd feel the same about it on your latest system. I've rediscovered pressings I had dismissed before and vice versa when I went to a different system. That's why I'm leery of letting any go, and why I have too many records. Looking forward to the Atlantic. Keeping my MOFI and Rhino. Everything else was borrowed for this and is going back to the owners.

[@preservedmoose]

Good stuff Scott. I have the Hoffman AP and the MFSL. I’ll hunt out the KG copy and compare 😬 Quite a change, financially, from my recent purchases of Gaucho and The Lamb! I bought The Lamb on your recommendation (I have the Classic Records release) and listened to it for the first time last night. Wow! Absolutely stunning! I’m so glad I took your advice! Thanks again 🙂

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for your comment! Always fun to bring a bargain to light, especially in the days of high priced reissues. I'm so glad to hear some feedback on The Lamb! It is an expensive proposition, and I had to be sure my comments on sound were as accurate as possible. Very happy that you loved it, even against the excellent Classic.

[@keithfallon-norris9570]

You should try and get your hands on a copy of the 2018 Steven Wilson mix, it’s only available as part of the box set, but maybe someone can lend you a copy. It’s a terrific mix, the pressing is first class, it’s different from the Kevin Grey mix but equally as good, I love them both.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I've heard such good things about it. It's surprising it didn't get a standalone release. If I can hear it somewhere I'll post my impressions here. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@latheofheaven]

Yeah man! When I first got the KG and put it on there was NO doubt at all how great it was. There is indeed almost a magical feel to it, like you say, 'balanced' Lovely! Kind of nice to hear that it bests its very expensive counterparts 😁

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for your comment! Yes, the moment you put it on you feel the balance, clarity nd drive the best of ll worlds in my opinion.

[@mikezlotnicki6684]

I’ve loved this album since 1972’s release but man, I woke up to this video, then learned a Bernie Grundman 33.3 is coming,in addition to the AP75…a lot to process before my coffee. I’ve sold copies and have settled on the UD1S and the 2015 SW CD/BD set.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I didn't realize Bernie was cutting a new 33.3! I suppose it will be from digital? I've been hearing the remix from Steven Wilson is a good one. Haven't had a chance to hear it yet.

[@mikezlotnicki6684]

@@ThePressingMatters yeah there’s a SDE box w/ vinyl / 4 CDs / 1 BD.

[@MrLovell1971]

Scott another great one I’ve always wondered which pressing to buy of this record I was very tempted on the One Step I ran across one but passed I wished I grabbed I order the one from your store that UK plum looks amazing I bet it’s is a stunner.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much for watching. I was in that same boat, wondering which copy of Fragile to buy. I first got the Ine Step, and liked it but was curious about all these other options. Doing this shootout gave me the answer I needed. For a 33, for sound quality and value, this 2016 or 2023 will be a great one for you. I appreciate your patronage in my store! Thank you, it makes a difference. Take care,

[@taralewis9916]

Hi Scott, on my stereo, the Kevin Gray Fragile 33 RPM sounds great but the last song on the first side sounds a bit distorted. I'm thinking that this might be due to some inter-grove distortion being the last song. Maybe this would be eliminated on the upcoming 45RPM. I am blow away with The Yes Album on 45RPM by Kevin Gray that I just received.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Tara, If the new Yes Album is any indication, I have no doubt whatsoever that AP's Atlantic 75 of Fragile will beat the 2016. I am so impressed with The Yes Album. I will have a review up shortly but it beat out two pressings including a UK Plum, and it wasn't even close! I'll take a close listen to the last song on Side One of The 2016 Fragile to see if I hear any distortion there. A 45 could clear that right up if it's due to its location at the end of the side. One of the great benefits of a 45.

[@Rigs275]

I will definitely get the 45. I am like you Kevin did a great job.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I will be too of course, and covering it here. It will be much easier to do it justice now that g th he homework is out of the way. I'll do a comparison with my favorite from here and be able to talk more about the music and individual songs. Thanks again for commenting. Always nice to hear from you!

[@matthewtaylor7355]

UK plum mastered by Porky

[@aa5az423]

I liked the way you transitioned from MoFi to the 2016 KG. That was good stuff...sort of funny...sort of shock. "$24.95!"

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you, I thought that was a good moment too! Thank you for watching!

[@whitey7998]

Looking forward to this Scott. I only have 3 pressings of this. A U.K. plum label, a later U.K. press and the Rhino clear vinyl.. I know which one is the clear winner for me, look forward to this review. Cheers Ian

[@ThePressingMatters]

Great! I hope you enjoy it, even if we come to different conclusions. My fave was sort of a 'dark horse' in the comparison. There's some really good competition. The three you mention are here, and any of the four finalists were excellent though much different than each other.

[@whitey7998]

Another very enjoyable and thorough review Scott. I very much agree with your findings. My plum copy has a little noise in places therefore affecting the overall sound and enjoyment. It does sound very good though and until I heard the Rhino copy remained my go to. The Kevin Gray cut is superb. I have the clear vinyl pressing. I have also ordered the 75th twin 45 so will look forward to hearing that. I do feel lucky to have 3 excellent versions

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@whitey7998 Thank you so much for your comments. I was wondering after your first comment what your preference was going to be, and I'm delighted that you found Kevin's mastering as engaging as I did. It seems there are a few comments coming in agreeing with us there. Really great job from Kevin. I'll be using this copy as the reference when I do the Atlantic 75 video.

[@losendos8963]

Thanks for the review, Scott. Enjoyed it very much (as usual). I looked at it on the Acoustic Sounds website....there are a couple customer reviews that arent flattering. Both said the 2016 K. Grey jacket was cheap and flimsy, and the colors of the art were way off. One said his pressing was warped to the point of skipping. Any comments from you, Scott on the pressing and/or jacket quality? Aaand, does it look like your clear and black vinyl pressings from the same K. Grey metal works use the same style jacket as well? Just curious. I own the MoFi but have never opened it (putting a system together). I WILL be getting the AP 75th edition. Thanks again for all your work!!!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I bought my 2016 in the last month. I too saw those comments and wondered if I should even get it. Maybe the first run wasn't all that well pressed? Mine was fine before cleaning and superb after the Degritter. The jacket while not as heavy as the original jackets, is very nice and looks very nice as does the printing in the booklet. No warp. Heavy record, probably over 180gm. Matrix matches the 2023 Clear. Also flat and well pressed. Jacket the same except the booklet is glued in on the 2016 and loose in the sleeve of the 2023. I think those comments are early on, and don't reflect how these are coming out today.

[@losendos8963]

@ThePressingMatters Well thanks for that very thorough reply. Even though I'll certainly get the AP 75, I'd also like a "definitive 33", so I feel better about the 2016 now. I'll purchase it from your store. Thanks again!

[@Ricardo-fs1xe]

Hi Scott, great video as usual. I have the 2016 KG and the One Step. In my system, to my ears, the One Step is much better. I am sorry to desagree with you : - ( The differences to me are so big that I would say that they are not even in the same league. The soundstage in the One Step is so much larger (and taller and deeper)... and it is so much more "corporeal". Loking forward to listing to the A75. PS: I have the yes album first uk plum. It is simply fantastic. Looking forward for the June 12th to buy the Yes Album A75. Cheers!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for your comment. It is quite ok to disagree on something subjective like this. Certainly i am in agreement with you on the aspects of the MOFI you mention, mainly the special characteristics, and wonderful open midrange of the 45. As I said I would never let it go. It does offer some things the KG can't match, I think due to the 45 mainly, but also the mastering magic over at MOFI. It is one of my favorite One Steps. Where I feel it runs into problems is with the bass. I find it much more musical on the Kevin Gray. It has a quickness and depth that the One Step didn't, at least on my system. I feel it closer to the Plum in that regard, though the Plum isn't as deep. In the end, although we each prefer different copies, I think we can both look forward to the new edition which might be the one that pleases everyone. Fingers crossed!

[@Ricardo-fs1xe]

@@ThePressingMatters 👍

[@robertmorgan9205]

I’d love to track down one of those plum copies, something I’ve never seen despite living here in the UK. I have a fairly early pressing of their self-titled first album and even that sounds wonderful so I’d like to compare that to a plum copy.

[@ThePressingMatters]

They are pretty special and unique... nothing I heard sounded quite like it. Very exciting dynamic cut, hot but not distorted from it. Minor distortions here and there as there are on many original pressings. I think it takes a 45 cut to get this record to sound its best. The MOFI comes close but I'm not sure about that bass. Everything else was really special. I felt Kevin made the right compromises on his 2016. None are perfect, but I think Kevin + 45 might = the best for Fragile! We'll see!

[@robertmorgan9205]

@@ThePressingMatters I only have Fragile on CD, Scott so it’s another on my seemingly endless list of ‘must gets’.

[@VoiceofFox]

Great comparison and a nice surprise at your pick. I have the KG clear vinyl 2023 cut and it sounds terrific. I do wish it was on black vinyl as, like you, I’m not that big a fan of coloured vinyl, for classic albums at least. Curious about the upcoming Bernie cut in the super deluxe set and the AP75, though I read somewhere else that Chris Bellman is doing that rather than Kevin Gray?

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for watching! I only have heard that Kevin is doing the 75th, not sure on the Super Deluxe. I'll be covering the 75th for sure, not planning on the Super Deluxe but you never know!

[@VoiceofFox]

@@ThePressingMattersAh, from the entry for the Atlantic75 on Acoustic Sounds: “we turned to Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering to cut lacquers from the original master tape”. I mean am I totally fine with a Bellman cut any day of the week (just as I am with KG). He’s done a great job so far with the Atlantic75 Genesis releases.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@VoiceofFox Wow I wonder if that was a recent change? I'm fine with Chris too of course. Seems we'll have a version from each of them!

[@VoiceofFox]

@@ThePressingMatters I just watched the video you did on David Blanco's channel. Good to hear he rated the Chris Bellman cut of Close to the Edge at the top, as I have that too. I'm tempted by The Yes Album super deluxe that contains the Bernie cut now. I only have the Steven Wilson remix of that on Blu Ray - it's superb in 5.1 (as are all the SW Yes remixes) but I really need a good vinyl version of the original mix.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I've got a few things to compare for The Yes Album. Really excited for that one!

[@rcpsammy7186]

Exhausting...but I'll tell you right now which I think is best.... Steven Wilson's remix was a miracle in how much better this album sounded. It's my go-to copy today.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Ahh that's interesting, I'll have to take a listen. I stuck to various versions of the original mix here.

[@dirtharris]

I couldn't agree more! It's hard to listen to another pressing after the Steven Wilson Remix on vinyl.... it's that good! Same goes for all of the remixes in the Steven Wilson Yes Remixes box set. Every album from The Yes Album to Relayer sound so much better than any version I have ever heard. Tales from Topographic Oceans is a revelation! They were cut by Chris Bellman, for Rhino and pressed at Optimal in Germany .... for information.

[@rcpsammy7186]

​@dirtharris wish Steve would have gone one more and remixed, Going For The One... The box set is that good 👍

[@rcpsammy7186]

​@@ThePressingMatters let me know. I'll loan you my copy. Good video. Almost need to take notes. But yes, Kevin Gray is the man. I might bite for the upcoming AP. I have the AP you showed and always liked it, but agree that it isn't perfect. I think you're very generous with the one-step. Guess I never got over the mofi debacle. But I relented and got it because of being a lifelong fan. I guess I just couldn't resist. I've never owned a plum version. Don't know why, just never chased one, so it's nice to hear good words from you about it. I have many US pressings because I was a Yes junkie and kept looking for a better sound. Was never really satisfied... Then Steven Wilson's remix dropped. I was shocked. If you want to borrow it, I'll send it to you.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'll have to search one out. I have heard some of his work for Tull and King Crimson, and I'm certainly open to hear what he did with Fragile. Thanks for the info.

[@jeffbellin8224]

By the way, do you have a link to the other video to which you referred?

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, you can view it here: kzbin.infoTLastCWoooI?si=i8-0hbgcOcw-Q8kU

[@jeffbellin8224]

@@ThePressingMatters Great. Thanks! (And I hope you're feeling better!)

[@dgross2009]

These Yes reviews don't make much sense when the Atlantic 75 is on the horizon unless you just don't want a 45 version. Comparisons will have to be revisited when those versions arrive.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I understand your point but there is interest in the subject because of the Atlantic 75's coming, and this was an exercise to get down to a couple that I will use for reference once the AP Atlantic drops. I'm not going through all these again! Since I had all of them in house for David's shootout livestream, I figured I would share what I learned so far... it's going to be interesting!

[@surf01er66]

Thanks, one of my favorite records . Didn't order the AP because I have enough different pressings . Though..... you pecked my interest on the clear ..... thanks

[@dgross2009]

@ThePressingMatters Understood. I got that latest 33 before the 75 was announced and now am definitely getting the 75 after hearing the other releases in this series. No choice, they are pretty much all best versions

[@ThePressingMatters]

I agree. It should be the best.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@dgross2009I agree Donald, and we'll both have a nice 33 and hopefully definitive 45. No harm in having a couple of versions of this classic.