It’s definitely a gorgeous album, from the packaging to the sound. Unfortunately the golden days of buying records hit records for a few dollars seem long gone. It’s the price we pay for the resurgence I suppose.
I think I paid $5.95 at Woolworths when it came out and I'm sure this is as good or better but not by much. Who needs all the info on the pressing and that 2 lb. box, which you're paying half that 150 for.
Woolworths certainly brings back memories! I completely understand your point about packaging contributing to higher costs and taking up more shelf space. Although the boxes look fantastic, a redesign could be beneficial. The new MOFI boxes, along with Impex and Craft's small batch designs, are appealing examples. Additionally, while UHQRs not only deliver outstanding sound quality but also appreciate in value, owning a pristine original pressing would make it a tough decision to invest $150 in this reissue, unless you're a true enthusiast of the album.
I believe I heard Chad Kassem state in an interview when AP announced they would be giving the UHQR treatment to the Steely Dan (7), that they would eventually re-release the 7 titles as standard albums. Not sure if that's 45 or 33 RPM and how long that will eventually be.
I believe Geffen/UMe was doing the 33 RPM reissues, non-exclusive to AP. Could be mistaken. IF they are doing their own standard series, I may need to pick those up as well!
I guess AP will eventually put out a non-UHQR 2 X 45 rpm version when this is sold out, similar to the 'Two Against Nature" album. I wonder how it will compare to this?
There’s been plenty of internet rumors that AP will release non-UHQRs on these. However, with the 33s already being reissued under a different label, I’m not certain we’ll see a more affordable release from them. I guess we won’t know until we know. 😉
I have original pressings of much of the Steely Dan catalog and and very happy with them. I guess I'm going to eventually break down and buy the UHQR versions, but honestly the things you mentioned arent why I buy records. I dont care about art work or reproductions. Clarity is good, but it doesn't get my foot tapping. What attracts me to analog is the ineffable oopmh one gets from listening to a good record. That kind of visceral feel that connects you the music. How to categorize that I have no idea.
I think I get what you’re saying and don’t know how to describe it either. Perhaps, “deeply immersive experience” where the music connects with your inner feelings and thoughts, is the closest I can come up with. Drop the needle on the right album and you’re induced into a state of flow, feeling fully absorbed in a place where time doesn’t exist. Whatever “that” is can be magical, and you do feel that on this pressing of Gaucho 😉
Yes, sorry there are no samples! Two reasons; avoid copyright flag & I don’t have a great way to export audio from my setup. I plan to address one of those in the future 😉
Steely Dan is not my cup of tea. Sonically, I can appreciate how they sound. All their records sound great. Im just not a fan of their music. Funny how you get people dropping comments about the cost and hobby as a whole.
I can appreciate Steely Dan not being your cup of tea. This guy I worked with ages ago was a huge fan, I was in my 20s and never understood his obsession. It wasn’t up until a few years ago I started to enjoy them more. It’s also like, as my taste for jazz evolved, so did my taste for SD 🤷 Anyway, thanks for taking the time to watch and drop a comment. I appreciate it!
At the price, it might be cheaper to hire Steely Dan to play in my living room, even though Walter has passed on. This is what record companies have to do when they can’t access alternative versions, B sides and live cuts. For the same cost, I bought a Charles Mingus box set with 8 disks, bonus tracks and the familiar LP-sized booklet. If the quality is the main draw for you, I think you might be better off buying the CD. It might become a valuable release, but there’s never any guarantee that a record will go up in value rather than down - it’s better to collect because you enjoy the music.
Bringing back Walter for a buck-fifty! Now I know what the 💸 emoji is really meant for 😉. While UHQRs entry prices are steep, the pressings are considered premium due to their superior sound quality, made possible by higher precision and better-quality materials than standard pressings. They feature less surface noise and a wider dynamic range, closely matching the original master recording. Made from virgin vinyl, UHQR records offer greater durability and stability, extending their lifespan. The meticulous, often manual pressing process ensures fewer defects and higher quality, while the limited edition nature of these pressings makes them highly collectible. Enhanced with deluxe packaging and detailed liner notes, UHQR pressings provide an exceptional experience for audiophiles and collectors, justifying the extra expense. I agree it’s not for everyone, but for those who want to hear their favorite albums on the highest quality vinyl, UHQRs set the standard. Although they sound amazing, I, like you, wish they were more affordable.
I've got an OG, two OG's. Look, the OG sounds fine, but there's just too much surface noise on both of mine. This UHQR is not a 9 out of 10. I have nearly all of the UHQR titles and this one sounds the best of anything I've got. This UHQR has no surface noise; not a lowered amount, but none at all. There is a bit if sibilance in places, but it's way the heck better than an OG. There's no comparison.
...I'm sorry. Unless you're playing this on THE most expensive audiophile equipment, You're not going to get the $150.00 experience you just paid for. It's not possible.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’ve mentioned before that sound can be quite subjective. Why not give this pressing a listen? You might find it surprisingly delightful!
No. I have middle of the road Hi-Fi gear and I can tell you all the SD UHQR sound really good. You can tell the difference and you don't have to win the lottery to find out.
Absolutely, the entry fee is a bit steep, but UHQRs really hold their value and often increase significantly once they're out of print. Plus, the sound quality and packaging are truly incredible!
Apparently you don’t understand what you’re paying for. BG is probably the best sound engineer in the country. Now days an original copy of this in VG+ costs about 50 bucks
150 dollars for a record is obscene! Only for middle aged dudes with loads of disposable income to just get some miniscule improvements in sound. My orginal copy sounds good enough.
UHQRs are definitely a premium; and yes, not everyone will want to invest this type of money into a single LP when the OG sounds amazing and can be had for a lot less. But for those that do make the leap, this is the best sounding pressing of the album there is. And they are selling fast too. It won’t surprise me that these will be worth double or more by this time next year. Crazy world we live in with records today.
So.... you're saying that ignorance is bliss? You may be right that it wouldn't be worth the difference to you. But how do you know? The original Robert Ludwig 'MD-1' pressing is supposed to be excellent. But you haven't heard both. So how are you giving your opinion on sound quality when you haven't heard it?
Not obscene imo, if you want the best, the best comes with the price tag, What I would say thou, to get the best listening experience from these pressings , listen on a above average sound system, and enjoy!
Hey everyone! Thank you so much for watching! Let me know your favorite Steely Dan UHQR release in the comments below! 👇
It's a thing of beauty.....when I was collecting records "Gaucho" cost $7.50.
It’s definitely a gorgeous album, from the packaging to the sound. Unfortunately the golden days of buying records hit records for a few dollars seem long gone. It’s the price we pay for the resurgence I suppose.
@@VinylLatte Great work nonetheless - you know your music - chapeau!
@@soitra thanks so much! Truly appreciate your support! 🙏
I think I paid $5.95 at Woolworths when it came out and I'm sure this is as good or better but not by much. Who needs all the info on the pressing and that 2 lb. box, which you're paying half that 150 for.
Woolworths certainly brings back memories! I completely understand your point about packaging contributing to higher costs and taking up more shelf space. Although the boxes look fantastic, a redesign could be beneficial. The new MOFI boxes, along with Impex and Craft's small batch designs, are appealing examples. Additionally, while UHQRs not only deliver outstanding sound quality but also appreciate in value, owning a pristine original pressing would make it a tough decision to invest $150 in this reissue, unless you're a true enthusiast of the album.
It's perfection and grace. It's the smile on my face.
Thanks to Steve Khan for his guitar playing.
Great review!😊
Thanks! 😊
I believe I heard Chad Kassem state in an interview when AP announced they would be giving the UHQR treatment to the Steely Dan (7), that they would eventually re-release the 7 titles as standard albums. Not sure if that's 45 or 33 RPM and how long that will eventually be.
I believe Geffen/UMe was doing the 33 RPM reissues, non-exclusive to AP. Could be mistaken. IF they are doing their own standard series, I may need to pick those up as well!
AP can only do 2x45RPM ‘(Universl 33RPM) and the non-UHQR will only be released once the UHQR of each title is sold out of its “limited” release.
Thanks for confirming 👍
Good review, isn't it great to experience real analog superiority, throw in a tube amp and it's true audiophile heaven.
Truly a wonderful album. It sounds like you have a nice setup yourself. Mind if I ask what hardware you’re running?
I guess AP will eventually put out a non-UHQR 2 X 45 rpm version when this is sold out, similar to the 'Two Against Nature" album. I wonder how it will compare to this?
There’s been plenty of internet rumors that AP will release non-UHQRs on these. However, with the 33s already being reissued under a different label, I’m not certain we’ll see a more affordable release from them. I guess we won’t know until we know. 😉
I have original pressings of much of the Steely Dan catalog and and very happy with them. I guess I'm going to eventually break down and buy the UHQR versions, but honestly the things you mentioned arent why I buy records. I dont care about art work or reproductions. Clarity is good, but it doesn't get my foot tapping. What attracts me to analog is the ineffable oopmh one gets from listening to a good record. That kind of visceral feel that connects you the music. How to categorize that I have no idea.
I think I get what you’re saying and don’t know how to describe it either. Perhaps, “deeply immersive experience” where the music connects with your inner feelings and thoughts, is the closest I can come up with. Drop the needle on the right album and you’re induced into a state of flow, feeling fully absorbed in a place where time doesn’t exist. Whatever “that” is can be magical, and you do feel that on this pressing of Gaucho 😉
@@VinylLatte Yes, well expressed and right on the money.
Where could I get one? Is it on amazon?
Hello! This particular pressing can be found at AcousticSounds.com. 👍
@@VinylLatte thank you. Great video, by the way
@@Imightnotbereal thanks so much! I really appreciate your support. 🙏
Is UHQR Aja hype with all its distortion in the vocals?
👋 Perhaps I dont understand the question, but I’m not familiar with vocal distortion on Aja. My copy of Aja and Gaucho sounds phenomenal.
I'm surprised you didn't play any of it - there's alot of great and interesting explanation, but no examples to hear.
Yes, sorry there are no samples! Two reasons; avoid copyright flag & I don’t have a great way to export audio from my setup. I plan to address one of those in the future 😉
I think the UHQR beats the Original (which is a high bar):
th-cam.com/video/_p_s-zolgvo/w-d-xo.html
Nice comprehensive review. 👍
supposedly all the Steely Dan master tapes were lost in the Universal fire, so who knows if this release is digitally sourced
From Acoustic Sounds:
Mastered by Bernie Grundman from an analog tape copy originally EQ'd by Bob Ludwig.
Steely Dan is not my cup of tea. Sonically, I can appreciate how they sound. All their records sound great. Im just not a fan of their music.
Funny how you get people dropping comments about the cost and hobby as a whole.
I can appreciate Steely Dan not being your cup of tea. This guy I worked with ages ago was a huge fan, I was in my 20s and never understood his obsession. It wasn’t up until a few years ago I started to enjoy them more. It’s also like, as my taste for jazz evolved, so did my taste for SD 🤷 Anyway, thanks for taking the time to watch and drop a comment. I appreciate it!
At the price, it might be cheaper to hire Steely Dan to play in my living room, even though Walter has passed on. This is what record companies have to do when they can’t access alternative versions, B sides and live cuts. For the same cost, I bought a Charles Mingus box set with 8 disks, bonus tracks and the familiar LP-sized booklet. If the quality is the main draw for you, I think you might be better off buying the CD.
It might become a valuable release, but there’s never any guarantee that a record will go up in value rather than down - it’s better to collect because you enjoy the music.
Bringing back Walter for a buck-fifty! Now I know what the 💸 emoji is really meant for 😉.
While UHQRs entry prices are steep, the pressings are considered premium due to their superior sound quality, made possible by higher precision and better-quality materials than standard pressings. They feature less surface noise and a wider dynamic range, closely matching the original master recording. Made from virgin vinyl, UHQR records offer greater durability and stability, extending their lifespan. The meticulous, often manual pressing process ensures fewer defects and higher quality, while the limited edition nature of these pressings makes them highly collectible. Enhanced with deluxe packaging and detailed liner notes, UHQR pressings provide an exceptional experience for audiophiles and collectors, justifying the extra expense.
I agree it’s not for everyone, but for those who want to hear their favorite albums on the highest quality vinyl, UHQRs set the standard. Although they sound amazing, I, like you, wish they were more affordable.
Except the CD copy doesn't compare. Different masters.
💯
I've got an OG, two OG's. Look, the OG sounds fine, but there's just too much surface noise on both of mine. This UHQR is not a 9 out of 10. I have nearly all of the UHQR titles and this one sounds the best of anything I've got. This UHQR has no surface noise; not a lowered amount, but none at all. There is a bit if sibilance in places, but it's way the heck better than an OG. There's no comparison.
100% a great sounding album! I want to listen to Aja again and do some comparisons on which sounds better. Both of those UHQRs are top notch!
My RL OG I bought used has enough noise to push me to consider the UHQR also.
I could see the desire. I feel like this album needs to be dead silent. How does the RL sound otherwise?
@@VinylLatte Robert Ludwig.
@@aa5az423 Yes, thank you! I realized that as soon as I submitted. My brain was on album titles not mastering engineers 😉
...I'm sorry.
Unless you're playing this on THE most expensive audiophile equipment,
You're not going to get the $150.00 experience you just paid for.
It's not possible.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’ve mentioned before that sound can be quite subjective. Why not give this pressing a listen? You might find it surprisingly delightful!
nothing personal.
Reel-to-reel tape is the king.
Oh man, you're going into a whole new realm with reel-to-reel! 👑
No. I have middle of the road Hi-Fi gear and I can tell you all the SD UHQR sound really good. You can tell the difference and you don't have to win the lottery to find out.
Oh yes it is.
150$ ? hell no! lol
😆
$150 dollars - jesus christ.
Absolutely, the entry fee is a bit steep, but UHQRs really hold their value and often increase significantly once they're out of print. Plus, the sound quality and packaging are truly incredible!
Ha ha ha! I’ll struggle along with the “inferior” CD
Apparently you don’t understand what you’re paying for. BG is probably the best sound engineer in the country. Now days an original copy of this in VG+ costs about 50 bucks
150 dollars for a record is obscene! Only for middle aged dudes with loads of disposable income to just get some miniscule improvements in sound. My orginal copy sounds good enough.
UHQRs are definitely a premium; and yes, not everyone will want to invest this type of money into a single LP when the OG sounds amazing and can be had for a lot less. But for those that do make the leap, this is the best sounding pressing of the album there is. And they are selling fast too. It won’t surprise me that these will be worth double or more by this time next year. Crazy world we live in with records today.
Lol im 27 and buy these. Isn't obscene at all, if you want the best possible sounding version, the UHQR for this is the way to go.
So.... you're saying that ignorance is bliss? You may be right that it wouldn't be worth the difference to you. But how do you know? The original Robert Ludwig 'MD-1' pressing is supposed to be excellent. But you haven't heard both. So how are you giving your opinion on sound quality when you haven't heard it?
Not obscene imo, if you want the best, the best comes with the price tag,
What I would say thou, to get the best listening experience from these pressings , listen on a above average sound system, and enjoy!
Dude....its just paper and plastic.
Paper and plastic might not seem like much, but they make the world go round! 😂😉
A $100 bill is just paper, you going to throw it in the trash?
Ok, lots of time talking about the packaging. Fine. No sound comparison to the original pressing? to the CD? How old were you in 1980? LOL
Wait here while I watch your review…
Vinyl playback and vinyl itself sucks, CD is superior in every possible way
No it's not......my venal rig eats cds alive
Let’s keep on topic 👍
Get a real system because your analog system sucks
@@stinkenstine I’m sorry, I don’t recall you being at my house 🤷
@@michaelrovner4165vinyl sucks, vinyl is superior to vinyl in every possible way,do your homework and try understand facts and reality