Who has the newly remastered Beatles Mono Box...

This just arrived in the mail: the boxed set of mono versions of the Beatles music (The Beatles Mono Box Set), which are the versions released in the UK and typically approved by the Beatles personally. Apparently, the lads had no control over what was released in the US.

I haven't had a chance to listen yet, but I can't wait. I have started to read the booklet, which details mistakes in some of the stereo releases that ended up in the US. It describes the mastering history as an overview, not in session-by-session detail (you have to see the following for those details: The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions: The Official Story of the Abbey Road Years 1962-1970). In many cases, there is no right or wrong version, they are just different.

Has anyone else picked up some of the individual, remastered albums or boxed sets, mono or stereo (The Beatles Stereo Box Set)? Any reports on what you heard and liked, or didn't like?

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Comments: 22

Linda G. Sep 21, 2009, 5:53am EDT

I will buy Abbey Road

James B. Sep 21, 2009, 10:17am EDT

Good choice!

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Marianne R. Sep 21, 2009, 6:15am EDT

Not me. I'm not a Beatles fan at all.

James B. Sep 21, 2009, 10:18am EDT

OK. Thanks for the comment!

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TINA s. Sep 21, 2009, 9:16am EDT

not me

James B. Sep 21, 2009, 10:18am EDT

OK, TINA, thanks!

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Spartan * Sep 21, 2009, 10:08am EDT

I have quietly collected all their original analog albums over the years. Contrary to popular myth, analog audio is superior to digital audio giving a much wider tonal range. I have both the British released versions and the US released versions.

James B. Sep 21, 2009, 10:17am EDT

I won't argue with you about vinyl- I have an analog set up myself. However, I find the vinyl format to require a lot of intervention (turning over the records), so out of laziness or convenience, I don't use it as much as I otherwise would.

I do find that much of the trouble with CDs is poor mastering, as in the early days when engineers fell in love with overly-etched high frequencies, and I do have some good SACDs, but not many. I also like a lot of the Rudy Van Gelder remasters and JVC CDs for jazz.

So, do you have a clear preference for the mono over stereo here, or does it depend on the pressing, too?

Spartan * Sep 21, 2009, 10:26am EDT

I can't really say that I have a preference since I suffer from "artillery ears" ever since Vietnam. I hear "highs" OK, but many times the "lows" are lost on me. :-(

James B. Sep 21, 2009, 4:27pm EDT

Sorry to hear that. I'm glad you can still enjoy analog sound!

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Gerry Wass Sep 21, 2009, 1:02pm EDT

Interesting conversation--I wish I had the time and money for these new sets so I could really get into this.

James B. Sep 21, 2009, 3:53pm EDT

Gerry, I have to say I know how you feel. I probably shouldn't have bought the boxed set... but I did. Music is one area I try not to to cut back completely. That doesn't mean I always use good judgment.

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Kimber L. Oct 9, 2009, 11:36pm EDT

I don't have it but I like their music

James B. Oct 9, 2009, 11:59pm EDT

I still haven't been able to listen to the new CDs- my 16 year old has them... I can hardly wait to hear them. Best wishes!

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Michelle S. Nov 14, 2009, 1:47pm EST

i don't buy much music. love the beatles. -pif-

James B. Nov 18, 2009, 3:50pm EST

I've cut way back, but I couldn't resist this time. Thanks!

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Laura C. Nov 18, 2009, 1:40pm EST

I don't have it yet, but I was thinking about getting it for my brother either for his birthday or for Christmas

James B. Nov 18, 2009, 3:51pm EST

I have now heard some of the CDs and they sound great. The "limited edition" mono box set sold out so fast that they did a second printing, so it isn't as limited as it was... Best wishes!

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M. G. Nov 23, 2009, 8:40pm EST

I may get this for my son for Christmas he loves all kinds of music.
PIF

James B. Nov 29, 2009, 10:25pm EST

That would be great! I'm sure he would be delighted. The stereo remasters are available as individual albums as well as in the boxed set, but the limited edition mono albums only come in the boxed set.

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Linda T. Nov 28, 2009, 1:16am EST

My 18 year old daughter is a big fan of The Beatles. I bought her the digitally remastered White Album for Christmas. I can not wait to hear what she thinks of it. ~pif

James B. Nov 29, 2009, 10:26pm EST

A great choice! What a wonderful album. I'm sure she will love it!

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Who has the newly remastered Beatles Mono Box set (or the Stereo version)?

Comments: 22

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