Hey Kenny. Thanks for your great shoot out review. Over the years, 'The Royal Scam' has become a Steely Dan high point for me - I only rate 'Can't Buy a Thrill' higher. Anyway, these are the two that have the most personal meaning for me.
A few years back I went to Ronnie Scott’s club and saw a band with Chuck Rainey and Cornell Dupree ! Excellent. A week later I flew to Nashville and was at Victor Wootens/Steve Baileys Bass Camp . Chuck was my Bass teacher that week and yeah I was thinking let’s ask him about the steely sessions…. But he was talking about being in the King Curtis Band and other stuff and playing cool stuff so I never got around to it . Chuck is a gentleman
Chuck Raineys bass playing on AJA is cool , very slick . Walter Becker also does some cool bass on Deacon Blues and let’s face it Walter wrote and played guitar too . Incredible
I purchased the 33rpm reissue from Acoustic Sounds and it came with several glaring skips on the first side. I exchanged it, which took a month, and the replacement was also garbage. It was warped and also had a skip at the beginning of the outro on Deacon Blues. Hesitant to try and buy another..... Absolutely appreciate this comparison Kenny! I thought on my system the 33rpm album was a bit fuller sounding on my system than the 1984 CD which I have. The CD had great detail but is a bit more sterile IMO. There was a warmth in the vinyl copy. Shame they both were flawed! Anyone else had these issues with brand new vinyl and specifically AJA? My system: B&K Reference 2-Channel amplifier and preamplifier, Yamaha SACD/CD player, VPI Cliffwood turntable with AT VM95ML cartridge. Playing through Dahlquist DQ-20 speakers. I have Straightwire Serenade Interconnects and speaker wire with the exception of the turntable which is connected with a Kimber Kable TAC-Cu interconnect. And a BlueSound Node connection for Hi-Res streaming.
Thank you very much for your comments. You have a great system. I have a set of Dalquist DQ-10 speakers in my garage and I use them on rare occasions...they sound great.
@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews Thank you for the compliment! Most people don't recognize the B&K equipment anymore. I think they made great solid state products. Mine is 220w per channel at 8 OHMS, class A. Plenty of power to drive the Dahlquists. Debating changing the cartridge to a MC setup, any thoughts? My tonearm has no counterweight but VPI makes quality. My preamp switches between MM and MC if I like. Also, can't keep from eying tube gear, lol. Try to focus on the listening and not the equipment but it's hard sometimes!
I use a Whest .20 phono stage and it does have a MC/MM switch. The cartridges that I use is a Rega Apheta 3, Hana ML, Audio-Technica AT33MONO, and a Audio-Technica VM540ML. I am still breaking in the Hana ML cartridge but it sounds fantastic and it's a great MC cartridge in my opinion.
Great video! I own both the Analogue Productions and SHM versions of the Steely Dan Aja SACD, and I actually prefer the SHM. While I can’t speak to the vinyl editions, SACD has consistently been my go-to format for playback. In my experience, no single label stands out as universally superior-each one excels with certain albums over others. It really comes down to finding the specific release that sounds best to you. I won't delve into the recording and mastering aspects, as that could easily lead down a rabbit hole.
Great video, Kenny. I did the same experiment with different versions of George Harrison's All Things Must Pass. This album is always an Easter time spin for me. You have to navigate Phil Spector's production and how each format translates his wall of sound. I compared my 1970s vinyl, my 1980s CD, Spotify and my 2020 50th Anniversary DVD Audio disc. The worst one was the 1980s CD. Its sound stage was muddy and the volume needed to be turned up to match the others. Next best is the 1970s vinyl. A few clicks and pops on this one but, overall, not too bad. Next best was Spotify. It sounded really good with this source. The winner was the DVD Audio. Either in two channel mode or 5.1, this version is the cleanest and punchiest. Even Spector's production seems toned down and the instruments feel more separate. It was fun to compare.
That seems like it would be a great comparison to do, unfortunately I only have the original vinyl album. Those comparisons can be very difficult as some of the sources can sound very similar. Thank you very much for mentioning your comparison 😊
Great video Kenny! Much appreciated, as I've recently purchased a SACD copy of the album and was curious how it compared with other versions, not having the means or the desire to acquire more copies. (although Wayne Shorter and Steve Gadd's playing on Aja will never be replicated )
I have a Sony UBP-X700 4K (SACD)player and an Apple TV (Apple Music) both connected by HDMI to a Yamaha TSR700. The Sony sends the DSD to the Yamaha and it decodes the SACD. I have the AP Aja and Animals 2018 SACDs. They both sound amazing. I haven’t had a turntable since the 1980’s, and my original version of Aja was on 8 track.
Hi Kenny. Just found your YT page today and really enjoyed your Aja reviews. I believe you concluded that...apart from the super $ vinyl...the 2023 33.3 vinyl is better than any of the CDs. Yes? If so, is there a big difference between them? I, too, have a vintage CD release of Aja...year escapes me...however it's rated as a top version of the eight or so individual masterings. Great to see th DQ-10s mentioned. I, too, had a pair for many years until 1985.
With the equipment that I am using, the 2023 33.3 vinyl is better than the CDs.. its noticeably better but not by a wide margin. The detail, clarity and sound stage is better on the vinyl.
@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews Thanks for the quick reply! Now I must brace to deal with for the potentially crummy pressing. I have so much vinyl I don't by much new but I read many complaints about them in general on forums.
I’m surprised that the new AP SACD didn’t rank more highly among those choices - I don’t have it, but I would have guessed the SACD would have been a bit closer to the UHQR.
I think the 80s SD MCA CDs are going to be hard to beat for digital mastering, even with the limits of redbook CDs. AAA is a different story of course.
@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews It all depends on the source components. While I can't speak for vinyl, the way you describe UHQR is exactly how I experience SACDs.
The AjA album is a good album to go to for the exploration of testing sound quality. Originally in the state of Florida most people who lived in urban areas started out listening to A.M. radio with the static. So being that this was so when you bought songs or albums of things you were hearing on the A.M. dail, you were very picky about the quality of the way the music itself sounded. I caught the last half of the wolfman Jack days just before he retired.👍
@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews That part of my youth when I was still really young, hearing his voice on that static A.M radio dial is something that sticks with me.👍
What happens when you download and upscale the CD into the Z1ES? How does the upscaling DSD file compare? I have a Z1ES. Are you using the unit in any creative way other than the normal storage for your CD collection? Do you have it connected in the normal way? Do you know if Sony has any plans for more updates on the software, or ability to have more vendors added?
There is a moderate improvement in sound quality when using DSD remastering function of the unit. I use my player in a standard way only for playing HI-RES files. In terms of software updates, that's done automatically through WIFI although that rarely happens.
Well, you know that means; if Hemiolia Records is exalting Led Zeppelin on on 1/4"/15ips reel-to-reel, then Analogue Productions should do the same for Steely Dan's catalogue, to slake our quest for the absolute sound. Cheers.
Could the PCM tracks on the new Analogue Productions SA-CD be even better than the rest? I have the long out of print Gold MoFi CD, so I will compare them and we'll see what we get.
@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews OK, which is usually the case, but always good to check. After all this, maybe they'll find the missing multi-channel master tape and could issue that at some point.
It’s good that record people can get the 33rpm version that’s readily available(?) and have an exceptional copy. Would be interesting what you would think of the streamed version from Qobuz, Tidal but I’m thinking you don’t stream?
Tell me more about the Sony HAP Z1ES. What happens when you download the 1984 CD into the Z1ES, and upscale to DSD. How do you use your Z1ES, and are there any future plans or upgrades to this unit? Would you buy it again, is it obsolete to you?
The HAP-Z1ES sounds great to me. If it became obsolete. I probably would not purchase another unit. The Sony is a HI-RES player that plays HI-RES files and DSD, there is plenty of information about it on the internet. Thank you very much for watching my video 😊
There is nothing wrong with that opinion...everyone can't like everything all of the time. I'm sure that there is come music that you may like that I dislike...there's nothing wrong with that.
Hey Kenny. Thanks for your great shoot out review. Over the years, 'The Royal Scam' has become a Steely Dan high point for me - I only rate 'Can't Buy a Thrill' higher. Anyway, these are the two that have the most personal meaning for me.
😊Great job as always. We definitely need an SACD dac and soon.
Thank you very much ✌️
A few years back I went to Ronnie Scott’s club and saw a band with Chuck Rainey and Cornell Dupree ! Excellent. A week later I flew to Nashville and was at Victor Wootens/Steve Baileys Bass Camp . Chuck was my Bass teacher that week and yeah I was thinking let’s ask him about the steely sessions…. But he was talking about being in the King Curtis Band and other stuff and playing cool stuff so I never got around to it . Chuck is a gentleman
That must have been an awesome experience, seeing Rainey perform in person and having him as a bass teacher 👏 👍
Chuck Raineys bass playing on AJA is cool , very slick . Walter Becker also does some cool bass on Deacon Blues and let’s face it Walter wrote and played guitar too . Incredible
I purchased the 33rpm reissue from Acoustic Sounds and it came with several glaring skips on the first side. I exchanged it, which took a month, and the replacement was also garbage. It was warped and also had a skip at the beginning of the outro on Deacon Blues. Hesitant to try and buy another..... Absolutely appreciate this comparison Kenny! I thought on my system the 33rpm album was a bit fuller sounding on my system than the 1984 CD which I have. The CD had great detail but is a bit more sterile IMO. There was a warmth in the vinyl copy. Shame they both were flawed!
Anyone else had these issues with brand new vinyl and specifically AJA?
My system: B&K Reference 2-Channel amplifier and preamplifier, Yamaha SACD/CD player, VPI Cliffwood turntable with AT VM95ML cartridge. Playing through Dahlquist DQ-20 speakers. I have Straightwire Serenade Interconnects and speaker wire with the exception of the turntable which is connected with a Kimber Kable TAC-Cu interconnect. And a BlueSound Node connection for Hi-Res streaming.
Thank you very much for your comments. You have a great system. I have a set of Dalquist DQ-10 speakers in my garage and I use them on rare occasions...they sound great.
A few of my viewers have had the same issues with the 33.3 version as you had
@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews Thank you for the compliment! Most people don't recognize the B&K equipment anymore. I think they made great solid state products. Mine is 220w per channel at 8 OHMS, class A. Plenty of power to drive the Dahlquists. Debating changing the cartridge to a MC setup, any thoughts? My tonearm has no counterweight but VPI makes quality. My preamp switches between MM and MC if I like. Also, can't keep from eying tube gear, lol. Try to focus on the listening and not the equipment but it's hard sometimes!
I use a Whest .20 phono stage and it does have a MC/MM switch. The cartridges that I use is a Rega Apheta 3, Hana ML, Audio-Technica AT33MONO, and a Audio-Technica VM540ML. I am still breaking in the Hana ML cartridge but it sounds fantastic and it's a great MC cartridge in my opinion.
New subscriber. Love your passion!
Thank you very much for watching my video and subscribing 😊 ✌️
Great video! I own both the Analogue Productions and SHM versions of the Steely Dan Aja SACD, and I actually prefer the SHM. While I can’t speak to the vinyl editions, SACD has consistently been my go-to format for playback. In my experience, no single label stands out as universally superior-each one excels with certain albums over others. It really comes down to finding the specific release that sounds best to you. I won't delve into the recording and mastering aspects, as that could easily lead down a rabbit hole.
I think the Analogue Productions UHQR version of Aja is the best. I agree with you on the recording/mastering rabbit hole aspect.
Great video, Kenny. I did the same experiment with different versions of George Harrison's All Things Must Pass. This album is always an Easter time spin for me. You have to navigate Phil Spector's production and how each format translates his wall of sound. I compared my 1970s vinyl, my 1980s CD, Spotify and my 2020 50th Anniversary DVD Audio disc. The worst one was the 1980s CD. Its sound stage was muddy and the volume needed to be turned up to match the others. Next best is the 1970s vinyl. A few clicks and pops on this one but, overall, not too bad. Next best was Spotify. It sounded really good with this source. The winner was the DVD Audio. Either in two channel mode or 5.1, this version is the cleanest and punchiest. Even Spector's production seems toned down and the instruments feel more separate. It was fun to compare.
That seems like it would be a great comparison to do, unfortunately I only have the original vinyl album. Those comparisons can be very difficult as some of the sources can sound very similar. Thank you very much for mentioning your comparison 😊
Great video Kenny! Much appreciated, as I've recently purchased a SACD copy of the album and was curious how it compared with other versions, not having the means or the desire to acquire more copies. (although Wayne Shorter and Steve Gadd's playing on Aja will never be replicated )
Thank you very much for taking the time to watch my video and leave your comments 😊 ✌️
I have a Sony UBP-X700 4K (SACD)player and an Apple TV (Apple Music) both connected by HDMI to a Yamaha TSR700. The Sony sends the DSD to the Yamaha and it decodes the SACD. I have the AP Aja and Animals 2018 SACDs. They both sound amazing. I haven’t had a turntable since the 1980’s, and my original version of Aja was on 8 track.
Thank you very much for that Sony UBP-X700 4K info 👏 👍 🎶
God bless you Kenny
Hi Kenny. Just found your YT page today and really enjoyed your Aja reviews. I believe you concluded that...apart from the super $ vinyl...the 2023 33.3 vinyl is better than any of the CDs. Yes? If so, is there a big difference between them?
I, too, have a vintage CD release of Aja...year escapes me...however it's rated as a top version of the eight or so individual masterings.
Great to see th DQ-10s mentioned. I, too, had a pair for many years until 1985.
With the equipment that I am using, the 2023 33.3 vinyl is better than the CDs.. its noticeably better but not by a wide margin. The detail, clarity and sound stage is better on the vinyl.
@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews Thanks for the quick reply! Now I must brace to deal with for the potentially crummy pressing. I have so much vinyl I don't by much new but I read many complaints about them in general on forums.
I’m surprised that the new AP SACD didn’t rank more highly among those choices - I don’t have it, but I would have guessed the SACD would have been a bit closer to the UHQR.
It's not even close to sounding as good as the UHQR.
@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews Good to know, thanks - I’ll think I’ll just pass on everything then and stick to my original!
I think the 80s SD MCA CDs are going to be hard to beat for digital mastering, even with the limits of redbook CDs. AAA is a different story of course.
@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews It all depends on the source components. While I can't speak for vinyl, the way you describe UHQR is exactly how I experience SACDs.
The AjA album is a good album to go to for the exploration of testing sound quality. Originally in the state of Florida most people who lived in urban areas started out listening to A.M. radio with the static. So being that this was so when you bought songs or albums of things you were hearing on the A.M. dail, you were very picky about the quality of the way the music itself sounded. I caught the last half of the wolfman Jack days just before he retired.👍
I think I first heard Wolfman Jack sometime in the 60s...he was a great radio personality.
@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews That part of my youth when I was still really young, hearing his voice on that static A.M radio dial is something that sticks with me.👍
One of the best rock albums of all time
Most definitely 💯 🎶
What happens when you download and upscale the CD into the Z1ES? How does the upscaling DSD file compare? I have a Z1ES. Are you using the unit in any creative way other than the normal storage for your CD collection? Do you have it connected in the normal way? Do you know if Sony has any plans for more updates on the software, or ability to have more vendors added?
There is a moderate improvement in sound quality when using DSD remastering function of the unit. I use my player in a standard way only for playing HI-RES files. In terms of software updates, that's done automatically through WIFI although that rarely happens.
Well, you know that means; if Hemiolia Records is exalting Led Zeppelin on on 1/4"/15ips reel-to-reel, then Analogue Productions should do the same for Steely Dan's catalogue, to slake our quest for the absolute sound. Cheers.
Could the PCM tracks on the new Analogue Productions SA-CD be even better than the rest? I have the long out of print Gold MoFi CD, so I will compare them and we'll see what we get.
I listened to the CD layer on the Analogue Productions CD and to me it did not sound better than the SACD.
@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews OK, which is usually the case, but always good to check. After all this, maybe they'll find the missing multi-channel master tape and could issue that at some point.
It’s good that record people can get the 33rpm version that’s readily available(?) and have an exceptional copy. Would be interesting what you would think of the streamed version from Qobuz, Tidal but I’m thinking you don’t stream?
Unfortunately, I do not stream so I will have to leave that comparison to others who do.
You should be employed and then deployed to Schools to tell kids about music and to talk through pressings and to share the love of music
That was very cool 😎, thank you very much for saying that I really appreciate it 😊
Tell me more about the Sony HAP Z1ES. What happens when you download the 1984 CD into the Z1ES, and upscale to DSD. How do you use your Z1ES, and are there any future plans or upgrades to this unit? Would you buy it again, is it obsolete to you?
The HAP-Z1ES sounds great to me. If it became obsolete. I probably would not purchase another unit. The Sony is a HI-RES player that plays HI-RES files and DSD, there is plenty of information about it on the internet. Thank you very much for watching my video 😊
Sorry Kenny but I really can’t see the hype with Aja. To me it is bland that just plods along producing nothing exciting.
There is nothing wrong with that opinion...everyone can't like everything all of the time. I'm sure that there is come music that you may like that I dislike...there's nothing wrong with that.
@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews I think it's a masterpiece and would rate it higher than Rumours.