Great timing on this one Kevin, just received my UHQR in the mail. I’ve been a recording engineer for 30 years and always use Babylon Sisters to hear a room or speakers for the first time. I know I’m not the only one😂 My first play of this disc will be while I roll my reel to reel to capture it on tape….just because.
Another great test/demo LP is Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture from Telarc. It was produced I believe in 1979. It was a huge undertaking back then. Would still be today! Anyway, the recording includes real cannon shots. I think the initial sound attack is around 6Hz. You can plainly see the shots in the grooves on the album. The stylist and even the whole tonearm will violently shutter trying to track the shots! Telarc even warns about damaging speakers with too much volume! But it's a well done recording if you want to blow the dust out of your speakers and enjoy one beautiful overture.
I sold thousands of $$ worth of gear using Supertramp's "Crime of the Century" and "Crisis? What Crisis?" albums. Lots of space and clarity in the arrangements and quality engineering. I'm unfortunately unaware if any high quality vinyl pressings are available. Thanks for the video.
I agree that UHQR are in a class of their of own. My wife got Hotel California UHQR for my 67th Birthday and after a upgrade from a AT PRO 11E to a Ortofon Blue on my Garrard DD-455, I could tell a significant difference in playback, channel separation and sound quality over any other vinyl recording before.
Hey Kevin, a couple of other great sounding jazz-funk albums to check out are David Sanborn ‘Upfront’ and John Scofield’s ‘A Go Go’ with Medeski, Martin and Wood. So many wonderful tones, grooves and details on both!
Oh, I got something from it. I got the itch to acquire some high-quality equipment and listen to vinyl. I am so old, my go-to records were Original Master Recording and Nautilus Super Disc. Which were played by an Empire cartridge on a LT5V Mitsubishi through 315-R Cerwin-Vegas. I saw someone mention Telarc; I have some of their CDs but have never seen an LP. But I would like to!
DVD-Audio and SACD in surround are sensational Gaucho demos. Like in another of the comments I sold a lot of hi-fi in 1975 using Crime of the Century as a demo. And much later Two Against Nature on DVD-Audio.
A friend and I went to audition some speakers. They had a CD of 'Gaucho' there and I reached for it. This Album, and in particular 'Babylon Sisters' has been our go to when trying a new setup or a change to our system.
Hey Kevin, Thanks for doing this one, I Agree, this Album is one that I use as well to test systems to see where they excel & fall short. Although I do not have the UHQR Version, I Do have a Near Mint version of the first pressing. Crime of the Century is Another good one, as well as 'Doors' Greatest Hits Album, some great engineering on a that one. I recently purchased the MOFI 'Aja', Used that seems to be in Very Good + by Visual inspection, but I have been to busy to Clean & Listen to it, so really looking forward to that one as well. Also, you mention the R 2 R, 2 Track Recordings, Yeah, those are the bomb! I even restored a Teac A3300S, 2 track, Loved it big time, but sold it to get a 4 track, because I Had to accept the reality that unless I Win the lottery, I will never be able to afford those tapes & the 2 tracks are not as economical with tape. But hey, maybe one day! LOL! Keep up the great work! P.S. Love that Poster in the background, Thanks for the exposer, hope you are enjoying it ; )
Glad to see ya' back!! Nice rig for some serious listening!! Did you ever hear of Shffield Labs records? They are "Direct to Disc" recordings. They are amazing, give them a listen if you stumble across any. The Harry James ones are excellent. Cheers!
Your comment about pops and clicks for the OG album was interesting. I saw the date 1980 on the label which is when it was released. I used to use headphones a lot to listen to my music back then and I noticed that the new albums had more of that. They were also thinner than the 60's and '70's albums I had. I also wonder about vinyl quality and pressing quality as vinyl started fading from the scene in the 1980's with cassettes and CD's on the rise.
Just wanted to put a plug in for AudioSphere Research speakers. Probably I just haven't heard enough other folks' speakers, but if you ever come across these Canada-made speakers ... I think they're the best I've ever heard (note above qualifying comment). I bought mine in a foolish money toss circa 1985 in Winnipeg. Onkyo tuner, Onkyo tape deck (now deceased), Yamaha t/t ... and these fantastic 3-way speakers. If I could include a photo, I would. 13" wide, 12" deep, and 23" tall in their wooden cabinets, they are things of audio beauty.
Kevin not a big fan of Steely Dan but your right on bringing out the full range of your system. So i had to record it to my Tascam Da-30 as i don't have the album 😂 thanks
Had a GF in college that was heavy into Gaucho. She had a Garrard turntable with a repeat function and we'd ball for hours. I usually got off during Babylon Sister. Good Times!
Bought a Pioneer PL- 15D- ll a 1975ish turn table for 50 bucks in its original box packaging , so I thought wow , but had it looked at , needs a stylus a newer needle , got that , but now when I pick up the arm to play an album nothing , so now I gettn it serviced next week, but for 50 bucks it looks like a brand knew piece , it’s gorgeous, ima save it
Thanks! I guess it’s time to buy this record again even though it’s been one of my top favorites for 44 years! It would be great to own UHQR versions of Gaucho, Aja, Kamikiriad, So and Brother In Arms for prime listening.
I had a pristine (half speed or direct to disk, don’t remember) that I played ONCE without cleaning before I played it. Regretted it. Dust embedded into disc with annoying pops and clicks. Luckily, that was back in the 90s, the pressing was still available.
I totally get what you are saying about playing a record that doesn’t necessarily have to be a great or well known song, but the recording and engineering work when done well results in a record that can easily show off the sound reproduction of any stereo system. I do the same thing as you do when testing a receiver for instance that I just restored using The album by Sade Love deluxe. No ordinary love , kiss of life sound incredible on just about anything. If you’re gear doesn’t sound good play these two tracks, then you gear sucks basically. Love your channel and keep up the good work.👍😎
Bought this new in 1980, and even back then this was in my top 5 for Sound, Aja much much better song writing but sound quality goes to Gaucho. Big big Steely Dan Fan. This Band was very popular in the 1970's, much much Air play. 1970's FM Radio was the Internet for Music, everybody listened to it, was a wonderful Time.
I have a few of those 45 rpm box sets, such as Eagles. The problem I found, was that it was hard to relax and just enjoy the tunes, when I had to get up to flip the records over more, due to how fast they were done. I dont buy them any more.
Great album, i bought it in 1981 and enjoy it till today. Even more, when i see that i have to pay 200 Euros in Germany for UHQR, i enjoy listening high res streaming. Works well with my marantz 2275 ;-)
It does sound great!! But you to clean the record first. Spin cleaner or record cleaning machine. Yes it is new but, still has stuff on it from record making the process.
I am trying to buy a Panasonic, but not want to spend a million dollars. Using KEF Q950, could you suggest something that is warm-sounding??? thank you, love your site, you are honest.
I should have bought a copy at AXPONA. I love that album so, maybe I will reach out to Chad and get a copy. I do have a first pressing and the MOFI Gold Ultra Disc CD version, which sounds great. I am going to dig out the OG copy and listen tonight. Thanks for sharing your thoughts my friend.
Hi Kevin great vid, I went to your shop and noticed you don't have the Gaucho UHQR for sale. Are you out or not offering it as a selection? I should have waited until the end of the video!! LOL
Is a pair of Bose-901 speakers worth 400 bucks , they sound amazing but do not have the leg stands with um an Carousel music in gaffney sc backs them up an they have been serviced checked for proper condition , cabinets are great shape an speakers look great , any info on are they worth it would be appreciated by anyone
Have there been any studies to show if ultrasonic disintegrates or deforms vinyl? It would seem that it might based on my understanding. It even eats metal..
@@chrislj2890 can't see my previous posts, here goes again... Definitely 👌 I posted Ruby Baby on my wee channel four weeks ago, in the hope of introducing it to people that have never heard it.😉 Jim 🏴🙂
@@skylabsaudio Yeah there's a thousand other bands with equal or better sound quality and what makes them even better is you don't have to listen to Steely Dan. 😉 Audiophiles act as if Steely Dan are the only band on the planet
@@crazyprayingmantis5596any particular songs/bands you would suggest? I’m not much of a SD fan in general, but the recording quality and dynamics of Gaucho are undeniable top-tier. I’m always interested in more suggestions to try out my equipment with.
The original Mo-Fi gold CD of Gaucho will give the UHQR a run for its money. And the gold CD cost a lot less when I got it in '90. No snap/crackle/pops and no chance of that type of noise occurring in the future. Yes...I do play vinyl and have MOST of my Steely Dan recordings on vinyl.
... Ummm ... You prefaced this video by saying what pressing would you get out to demo gear to people with. Ain't no way I'm getting out a UHQR every time to demo gear with. But hey, I'll be right in to give it a listen 😂
Turntables are works of art and I'm glad folks love their vinyl. I haven't bought a record since 1985 when my wife surprised me with a CD player for my birthday. Back in the 70s every stereo store used Black Cow by Steely Dan to show off their systems, or Pink Floyd.
Thanks for the review I appreciate it it keeps me inspired just for fun if you can find a copy of Grace Jones nightclubbing album number 90093-1 yeah it's a mind blower incredible sounding record good for testing speakers are systems I highly recommend this one she must have really cared about song cuz this thing's in mind blower have a great dayThe only way I can describe it it turns your stereo into a 2000 horsepower big block Chevy
Great timing on this one Kevin, just received my UHQR in the mail.
I’ve been a recording engineer for 30 years and always use Babylon Sisters to hear a room or speakers for the first time. I know I’m not the only one😂
My first play of this disc will be while I roll my reel to reel to capture it on tape….just because.
Very cool!
Another great test/demo LP is Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture from Telarc. It was produced I believe in 1979. It was a huge undertaking back then. Would still be today! Anyway, the recording includes real cannon shots. I think the initial sound attack is around 6Hz. You can plainly see the shots in the grooves on the album. The stylist and even the whole tonearm will violently shutter trying to track the shots! Telarc even warns about damaging speakers with too much volume!
But it's a well done recording if you want to blow the dust out of your speakers and enjoy one beautiful overture.
I sold thousands of $$ worth of gear using Supertramp's "Crime of the Century" and "Crisis? What Crisis?" albums. Lots of space and clarity in the arrangements and quality engineering. I'm unfortunately unaware if any high quality vinyl pressings are available. Thanks for the video.
One of my favorite Steely Dan albums. Everything is so perfect and the tunes resonate and stick in your mind long after listening. A true masterpiece!
I agree that UHQR are in a class of their of own. My wife got Hotel California UHQR for my 67th Birthday and after a upgrade from a AT PRO 11E to a Ortofon Blue on my Garrard DD-455, I could tell a significant difference in playback, channel separation and sound quality over any other vinyl recording before.
Hey Kevin, a couple of other great sounding jazz-funk albums to check out are David Sanborn ‘Upfront’ and John Scofield’s ‘A Go Go’ with Medeski, Martin and Wood. So many wonderful tones, grooves and details on both!
The UHQR pressing from Acoustic Sounds is one of my favorites. Made in Salina Kansas, just a short drive away, I've visited their facilities.
My favorite track on GAUCHO is "Time Out Of Mind." I am a big Steely Dan fan. RIP Walter Becker.
For me, what makes Time Out of Mind so good is Mark Knopfler's guitar work!
I saw Steely Dan live in Toronto in the late 90's !Amazing show! I was thinking of getting the UHQR of Aja. Thanks for the review!
Oh, I got something from it. I got the itch to acquire some high-quality equipment and listen to vinyl. I am so old, my go-to records were Original Master Recording and Nautilus Super Disc. Which were played by an Empire cartridge on a LT5V Mitsubishi through 315-R Cerwin-Vegas. I saw someone mention Telarc; I have some of their CDs but have never seen an LP. But I would like to!
DVD-Audio and SACD in surround are sensational Gaucho demos. Like in another of the comments I sold a lot of hi-fi in 1975 using Crime of the Century as a demo. And much later Two Against Nature on DVD-Audio.
A friend and I went to audition some speakers. They had a CD of 'Gaucho' there and I reached for it. This Album, and in particular 'Babylon Sisters' has been our go to when trying a new setup or a change to our system.
Hey Kevin, Thanks for doing this one, I Agree, this Album is one that I use as well to test systems to see where they excel & fall short. Although I do not have the UHQR Version, I Do have a Near Mint version of the first pressing. Crime of the Century is Another good one, as well as 'Doors' Greatest Hits Album, some great engineering on a that one. I recently purchased the MOFI 'Aja', Used that seems to be in Very Good + by Visual inspection, but I have been to busy to Clean & Listen to it, so really looking forward to that one as well. Also, you mention the R 2 R, 2 Track Recordings, Yeah, those are the bomb! I even restored a Teac A3300S, 2 track, Loved it big time, but sold it to get a 4 track, because I Had to accept the reality that unless I Win the lottery, I will never be able to afford those tapes & the 2 tracks are not as economical with tape. But hey, maybe one day! LOL! Keep up the great work! P.S. Love that Poster in the background, Thanks for the exposer, hope you are enjoying it ; )
I have this and Aja.....totally amazing !!!!! The UHQR's & One-Step's are another level ......
Steely Dan is always great sounding! Love all their music. This may sound different from most folks but I think Pretzel Logic is my favorite.
Absolutely , studio masters 😊
I put the Cisco and UHQR Aja on REEL. They really sound amazing, even being a vinyl transfer. First play always gets recorded. Great video as always.
Glad to see ya' back!! Nice rig for some serious listening!! Did you ever hear of Shffield Labs records? They are "Direct to Disc" recordings. They are amazing, give them a listen if you stumble across any. The Harry James ones are excellent. Cheers!
Walter and Donald always hired the best people in the business especially the engineers. It shows in all their recordings.
Your comment about pops and clicks for the OG album was interesting. I saw the date 1980 on the label which is when it was released. I used to use headphones a lot to listen to my music back then and I noticed that the new albums had more of that. They were also thinner than the 60's and '70's albums I had. I also wonder about vinyl quality and pressing quality as vinyl started fading from the scene in the 1980's with cassettes and CD's on the rise.
Steely Dan will make "any" stereo sound better. Justa fact.
So many people crap on Gaucho, but I love it and I'm a huge Steely Dan and Fagan fan.
Just wanted to put a plug in for AudioSphere Research speakers. Probably I just haven't heard enough other folks' speakers, but if you ever come across these Canada-made speakers ... I think they're the best I've ever heard (note above qualifying comment). I bought mine in a foolish money toss circa 1985 in Winnipeg. Onkyo tuner, Onkyo tape deck (now deceased), Yamaha t/t ... and these fantastic 3-way speakers. If I could include a photo, I would. 13" wide, 12" deep, and 23" tall in their wooden cabinets, they are things of audio beauty.
Kevin not a big fan of Steely Dan but your right on bringing out the full range of your system. So i had to record it to my Tascam Da-30 as i don't have the album 😂 thanks
Had a GF in college that was heavy into Gaucho. She had a Garrard turntable with a repeat function and we'd ball for hours. I usually got off during Babylon Sister. Good Times!
Bought a Pioneer PL- 15D- ll a 1975ish turn table for 50 bucks in its original box packaging , so I thought wow , but had it looked at , needs a stylus a newer needle , got that , but now when I pick up the arm to play an album nothing , so now I gettn it serviced next week, but for 50 bucks it looks like a brand knew piece , it’s gorgeous, ima save it
Definitely a Favorite Album for Sound and Content
Thanks for the Great review
Yup. All it takes is someone to play vinyl with a large over weight setup a few times and the disc will no longer sound good on a real setup.i agree
Thanks! I guess it’s time to buy this record again even though it’s been one of my top favorites for 44 years! It would be great to own UHQR versions of Gaucho, Aja, Kamikiriad, So and Brother In Arms for prime listening.
Kamikiriad needs it. Could happen if these sell well enough.
A friend and I compared Gaucho UHQR against the SACD version and the SACD version blew it away in every sonic parameter.
“My Rival!” That melody is Absolute Loveliness.
Gaucho, Elvis Approved! Morph the Cat Or Snowbound to demonstrate sub-woofers
I had a pristine (half speed or direct to disk, don’t remember) that I played ONCE without cleaning before I played it. Regretted it. Dust embedded into disc with annoying pops and clicks.
Luckily, that was back in the 90s, the pressing was still available.
I totally get what you are saying about playing a record that doesn’t necessarily have to be a great or well known song, but the recording and engineering work when done well results in a record that can easily show off the sound reproduction of any stereo system. I do the same thing as you do when testing a receiver for instance that I just restored using The album by Sade Love deluxe. No ordinary love , kiss of life sound incredible on just about anything. If you’re gear doesn’t sound good play these two tracks, then you gear sucks basically. Love your channel and keep up the good work.👍😎
Agree on Sade
Yep - agreed on Sade, too.
Bought this new in 1980, and even back then this was in my top 5 for Sound, Aja much much better song writing but sound quality goes to Gaucho. Big big Steely Dan Fan. This Band was very popular in the 1970's, much much Air play. 1970's FM Radio was the Internet for Music, everybody listened to it, was a wonderful Time.
You said it! Those were the days!
I have a few of those 45 rpm box sets, such as Eagles. The problem I found, was that it was hard to relax and just enjoy the tunes, when I had to get up to flip the records over more, due to how fast they were done. I dont buy them any more.
Great album, i bought it in 1981 and enjoy it till today. Even more, when i see that i have to pay 200 Euros in Germany for UHQR, i enjoy listening high res streaming. Works well with my marantz 2275 ;-)
Definitely gonna be a fun one
It does sound great!! But you to clean the record first. Spin cleaner or record cleaning machine. Yes it is new but, still has stuff on it from record making the process.
Not really a Steele Dan fan, Gaucho is the exception! Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching!
upvote for the drum knowledge. Definitely a fun video.
I am trying to buy a Panasonic, but not want to spend a million dollars. Using KEF Q950, could you suggest something that is warm-sounding??? thank you, love your site, you are honest.
This feels like a bonus video.. very very cool.. thanks!
Your OG has capital letters for the side indicators. That was not the case on early pressings. Just check how it was done on the UHQR
Thanks for the review; great information. I also prefer Aja to Gaucho; both excellent albums
Me too.
Best wishes from Scotland.
I should have bought a copy at AXPONA. I love that album so, maybe I will reach out to Chad and get a copy. I do have a first pressing and the MOFI Gold Ultra Disc CD version, which sounds great. I am going to dig out the OG copy and listen tonight. Thanks for sharing your thoughts my friend.
It's so guuud, Ed!
Great video and first review of a fabulous album. Based on it I might "break down" and spend silly money for one.
Do I give a mouse poop about Gaucho? Not really.
Am I always interested in what Skylabs has to say? Absolutely.
Meat Puppets "Up on the sun" is a great HiFi audition LP. The title track is an eyebrow raiser.
Local guy said he uses a Janice Ian lp for sound test due to different dynamics on it
Got this recently .. amazing.
Hi Kevin great vid, I went to your shop and noticed you don't have the Gaucho UHQR for sale. Are you out or not offering it as a selection? I should have waited until the end of the video!! LOL
Thanks, but Chad is a great guy- but one from him :)
Do you have the Robert Ludwig cut? I hear it’s close but like you said, the UHQR is the quiet one
The OG is the RL
Thanks, man!
Can I use a graphic equalizer to make it better?
Is a pair of Bose-901 speakers worth 400 bucks , they sound amazing but do not have the leg stands with um an Carousel music in gaffney sc backs them up an they have been serviced checked for proper condition , cabinets are great shape an speakers look great , any info on are they worth it would be appreciated by anyone
also Donald Fagen Nightfly
Agree 100%
Have there been any studies to show if ultrasonic disintegrates or deforms vinyl? It would seem that it might based on my understanding. It even eats metal..
It's just distilled water dude.
@@skylabsaudio And cavitation.
Gonna risk it :)
Kevin how do get one of those Maxell hurricane T-Shirts???
👍 Skylabsaudio.com/shop
…and The Nightfly!
Yip! Fantastic.
Best wishes from Scotland.
One of the best albums EVER !!!
@@chrislj2890 very true my friend. I Nighfily up four weeks on my wee channel.
@@chrislj2890 it sure is 👌. I put Nightly up on my wee channel four weeks ago, to hopefully introduce it to more people.😉
@@chrislj2890 can't see my previous posts, here goes again... Definitely 👌 I posted Ruby Baby on my wee channel four weeks ago, in the hope of introducing it to people that have never heard it.😉
Jim 🏴🙂
Babylon Sisters..... Shake it! So fine, so young, tell me I'm the only one..🎵🎶😛
Do you have a link to your ultrasonic cleaner?
Unless you "need" to clean 10 at a time, I would look at Hummin Guru amzn.to/49UTcuv
Ours is an Isonic amzn.to/4d9dymy
Does Shure still make high quality cartridges for about $450 US, perhaps less?
NO. Those are ALL unsold "old stock" or pre-owned from third party sources.
@@johnnytoobad7785 Thanks
Kevin we need UHQR for The Brian Jonestown Massacre! Am I right?
I would love it, but I doubt many audiophiles would appreciate those low-fi recordings :)
I would love to see Tool get the treatment.
@@skylabsaudio Tool would be outstanding!
What is it with Audiophiles and Steely Dan? 😂
Sound quality
@@skylabsaudio
Yeah there's a thousand other bands with equal or better sound quality and what makes them even better is you don't have to listen to Steely Dan. 😉
Audiophiles act as if Steely Dan are the only band on the planet
@@crazyprayingmantis5596any particular songs/bands you would suggest? I’m not much of a SD fan in general, but the recording quality and dynamics of Gaucho are undeniable top-tier. I’m always interested in more suggestions to try out my equipment with.
Chad rocks
The original Mo-Fi gold CD of Gaucho will give the UHQR a run for its money.
And the gold CD cost a lot less when I got it in '90.
No snap/crackle/pops and no chance of that type of noise occurring in the future.
Yes...I do play vinyl and have MOST of my Steely Dan recordings on vinyl.
... Ummm ...
You prefaced this video by saying what pressing would you get out to demo gear to people with. Ain't no way I'm getting out a UHQR every time to demo gear with.
But hey, I'll be right in to give it a listen 😂
Turntables are works of art and I'm glad folks love their vinyl. I haven't bought a record since 1985 when my wife surprised me with a CD player for my birthday. Back in the 70s every stereo store used Black Cow by Steely Dan to show off their systems, or Pink Floyd.
Where did you find the sleeve for the UHQR? Will they also fit the Mofi ONE Steps. I loved the way you did this this comparison!
But who *IS* the Gaucho, amigo?
UHQR pressing is the definitive version of an album... In other news, the sky is blue and the pope is Catholic.
Touche'
I'll have to take your word for it, because I will not spend that kind of money for a album.. at least not until I become a millionaire. LOL
Sometimes you just gotta treat yourself :)
@@skylabsaudioI think you're right, maybe someday I will.
I also have an early pressing of Gaucho. It’s also unbearably noisy and unlistenable.
It would have been better to have listened blind so you did not know which you were listening to.
You're not the biggest Steely Dan fan? Why bother with anything then? Really!
I don't know how to respond because that doesn't make sense at all.
Thanks for the review I appreciate it it keeps me inspired just for fun if you can find a copy of Grace Jones nightclubbing album number 90093-1 yeah it's a mind blower incredible sounding record good for testing speakers are systems I highly recommend this one she must have really cared about song cuz this thing's in mind blower have a great dayThe only way I can describe it it turns your stereo into a 2000 horsepower big block Chevy
That Grace Jones album is fantastic. I've played it on my wee channel.
Best wishes from Scotland.