Late, late update. I did get the UHQR and I would say the Geffen vinyl (which I also have) gets you maybe 90-95% of the way to the UHQR. Bernie Grundman mastered both versions, the digital version being used for the hi-res versions for streaming/download and for Geffen’s vinyl release.
I had an issue with Countdown to Ecstasy on UHQR, but was able to pick up a replacement for the first disc in person. (There was a faint “whistling” sound in the background, and we’re thinking it may have been the screw drive for the cutting head needing lubrication, as it is a “mechanical” type of whistling which sounds like it’s caused by something rotating.) I haven’t yet gotten the Geffen LP for this title yet but sonically, this never was a great sounding album (it has always sounded very “stuffy” to me, no matter which version I’ve owned) and the UHQR really doesn’t improve much on it.
I’m leaning towards Pretzel Logic on UHQR–haven’t decided yet. But it’s available. Aja looks like it’s up next and that one I’ve preordered (late September release, I think). Even if I end up selling the others, Aja is a must-own. Gaucho appears to be coming out in December, and Katy and Scam next year.
Just received Pretzel Logic and was very disappointed. The sound quality is nothing special and there’s some surface noise. Hoping for a refund from Music Direct. Love SD but finding great recordings is very tough. Countdown is very good and Can’t Buy a Thrill is also a keeper. At $150 a piece these need to be pretty special.
Yes, I passed on PL due to the bad reviews it got and bought an original instead which sounds great. The other UHQR are first class. Chad thought he has to tame highs on PL…bad idea…sometimes no one hears what the mixing/mastering engineer or producer hears…that’s to avoid.
A buddy of mine said this morning that he didn’t care for Pretzel Logic but liked the first two. It’s interesting to come here and see the same types of comments.
Having given all this some thought, and still being underwhelmed by Thrill and Countdown, I’ll probably get Aja on UHQR, sell off the two UHQRs I have, and get SACDs of the whole series. I got ahold of Thrill and Countdown on SACD and through the AirLens they are so close to the UHQRs that I really see no reason to continue. Even the SACDs sound nly marginal better than other digital versions I own.
Can’t fault the pressing quality or packaging but sorry Chad, I clearly can’t find $150 in value here, nor even half that. The packaging is a complete waste since I have no room to keep it on the shelves, and dealing with it for regular play is a clumsy mess. Time to pass mine on to someone who will appreciate them.
