Japanese pressings - What's the real deal?

[The Black Adder]

Hi all.

I've got a few Japanese pressings of various genres and I've always thought that they sounded 'nicer' than the UK or even US pressings.

My first ever copy of Queen's A Night at the Opera is a Japanese pressing and in comparison to the UK press which I also own the sound is softer and not as loud. Some say that the Japanese pressings were pressed using a copy of the master tapes, but if this is so then why are they in such high demand and why do people swear by the sound quality.

Now, Japanese pressings are becoming more and more collectable especially the early ones from the 60's/70's. And even with the Obi strip (Sash) present the prices seem to jump up even more.

The quality of the vinyl is something to go by but what is your take on the difference (generally) in SQ between a UK press and a Japanese press?

Thanks
Jo

[struth]

Ive a few jap ppressings and most of the ones ive heard are super quality imo. I like to get obi as well. Ive heard occasion one that i thought not so good and not sure why but overall they are a bit like a 45 recorded lp. Even obi cds are great. They seem to set the sound at better levels for me

[Barry]

The few I have tend to have less background noise (i.e. none at all) compared with UK and US pressings. They are also flatter and free of any eccentricities. Regarding sound quality I don't think they are necessarily any better, it just seems as though the Japanese take more care with the manufacture.

The 'obi' band is just an annoying affectation IMO.

[Marco]

The few I have tend to have less background noise (i.e. none at all) compared with UK and US pressings. They are also flatter and free of any eccentricities. Regarding sound quality I don't think they are necessarily any better, it just seems as though the Japanese take more care with the manufacture.


Indeed, and simply because they wouldn't tolerate the crap we often have to put up with from so called 'audiophile quality' pressings, from the UK and elsewhere! :rolleyes:

As ever, Japanese audiophiles are perfectionists and demand the best, so produce the best, and get the best, simples!

Marco.

[Virtual-Symmetry]

The best albums ive owned were Japanese pressings. The Pink Floyd ones sounded so good.

[Rush2112]

I think I would agree with Barry I have several Japanese, Mobile Fidelity, Sheffield Labs etc and I would say that much can be said for the care and attention taken in pressing etc I have a number of German and Dutch pressings from the 80's and these are certainly quieter than UK ones of the same period.

[The Black Adder]

Thanks chaps.

I've always found the differences interesting. I suspect that they are (or were) pretty critical of the master tape SQ too even though they were most likely copies of the originals.

[Virtual-Symmetry]

Not just the pressings but the super thick super good quality covers.. In about 1984 i bought the full set of Floyd Japanese Super Cut LP's.. I think i paid about £20 each for em back then..

[YNWaN]

My own experience is that one Obi is not necessarily like another - that is to say that they are no guarantee of similar quality. Some are simply very nice pressings whilst others are remixes of the original masters and the overall balance in the mix can be quite different to the original.

[Stratmangler]

The vinyl they use was developed for video playback, which might account for the records sounding different.

[Virtual-Symmetry]

The vinyl they use was developed for video playback, which might account for the records sounding different.

& the SHM/HQCD CDee poly is means for TV Screens

:)

[The Black Adder]

The vinyl they use was developed for video playback, which might account for the records sounding different.

Really!... I never knew that.

[Stratmangler]

& the SHM/HQCD CDee poly is means for TV Screens

:)

I didn't know that :)

[struth]

Not a lot of folk do know that.:lol: