Excellent summary and review of the legendary Aja album reissue. Well done!

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Thank you very much I really appreciate it ✌️. Thank you for viewing my video 😊

I'm very impressed that I still find new subs for my interests. Nice explanations and informative. I am a new fan Sir.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for saying that I appreciate it very much 😊 ✌️

Thanks for the review Kenny! Glad you like the new Aja. A couple of thoughts here strictly about the 33.3 2023 reissue of Aja. First it is established that, yes, the new version is cut by Alex Abrash from a digital file that was taken from the analogue mastering of Bernie Grundman that is from an non-eq’d analogue copytape. That much is known. But what is not known is what changes that digital file was put through when that digital file hit the lathe with Alex Abrash making whatever moves he made in the cutting. I think the confusion sometimes happens when folks think that the cutting is not going to affect the work of the mastering by Bernie. It doesn’t always *have* to until it *has* to or *can* In other words Bernie runs the tape makes mastering moves (adjusts eq etc) and those results, that “mastering” is transfered to a digital file. Technically that is Bernie’s mastering. However, since some folks do not understand that cutting a record can introduce different mastering the results then get blamed on digital. “Oh it is harsh sounding, digital ruined Bernie’s mastering!” This is an error in thinking or not understanding what cutting an lp involves. Instead the question should be: Did Alex Abrash have and follow the notes from Bernie when cutting the 33.3? Did Alex Abrash introduce new mastering as he cut the lp? The latter Id say is true. It is not an exact well done analogue to digital hi rez digital file that is causing the harshness in the newest 33.3 lp “Cant Buy A Thrill” as compared to the UHQR. Nor is a hi rez digital transfer responsible for what you may or may not like in the 2023 “Aja” when you compare it to the original or the upcoming UHQR. Folks get blinded by this idea that digital is to blame all the while not understanding that what Alex Abrash has done in cutting can and will change the sound unless he is following Bernie’s mastering notes. But, here is the real stickler: Can Alex Abrash even do that considering Bernie is cutting to 45 and the other is cutting to 33.3? I would not think so. Conclusion: It is the cutting and changes made during cutting that is making the difference between the new Steely Dan 33.3’s and UHQRs. Has zero to do with a digital file, unless that file is somehow compromised by the operator, method or poor digital. I think we can safely say that Bernie knows how to do an outstanding digital transfer and has the equipment and hi rez digital capabilities to do so. So whatever comes out of these new 33.3 versions is on Alex Abrash and what his moves were or were not to lathe. People may want AAA and that is fine but that bias should not then turn into it sounds this way (good, bad or inbetween) due to it is a hi rez digital transfer. The sound of these new Steely Dan 33.3 lps should not be attributed to digital.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Well said and greatly explained so it's easy to understand. I sincerely appreciate the points that you described as it's something to seriously consider when judging vinyl sourced from digital...I sincerely appreciate you bringing up the topic ✌️

Top 10 all time album. Thanks Kenny. You rule!

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

7 ай бұрын

Thank you very much and thanks for viewing my video 😁

Before hearing about this album just recently from many KZread creators i felt inspired to stream it. I was pleasantly surprised. Its amazing. How i missed such a masterpiece is beyond me. Ive been considering buying a vinyl version. Thank you for your advise on the subject. Great video ❤

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

7 ай бұрын

Thank you very much an thank you for your comments. The album is great

Strange coincidence, but yours is the first KZread video I watched after listening to the 2023 remaster from start to finish. Side 1 was flawless, and I heard maybe one or two clicks toward the end of Side 2. I have no doubt the UHQR will sound better - 45 rpm alone would ensure that - but I'm with you: this sounds very nice indeed. I get all the licensing issues, but it's a shame that the Steely Dan catalog isn't being released with the same love shown to the Blue Note Tone Poets - AAA mastering, tip on jackets, unseen photos (well, Blue Note had Francis Wolff for that kind of magic). Dreaming in colour, I know. Thanks for doing this, Kenny...

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I agree with you on the quality of the jacket and unseen photos..this is a legendary record and there must have been extra photos and additional information that they could have added. Perhaps they wanted to keep the cost/price down and/ or maximize profits?

Thanks for sharing! Happy listening!!!

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Thank you very much ✌️

@mjm5081

8 ай бұрын

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews ✌ ❤ 🎶

On my humble debut carbon evo- schitt mani 2- and elac bookshelves we agree. The aja new release sounds fantastic!

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Oh yeah...its fantastic for sure 👏 👌...thank you very much for viewing my video 😁

Hi Kenny, this is a pressing mastered from a DSD file, not directly from analogue tape. From the UMe release notes: “All albums are being meticulously remastered by Bernie Grundman from the original analog tapes. . . Lacquers for UMe’s standard 33 1/3 RPM 180-gram version will be cut by Alex Abrash at his renowned AA Mastering studio from high-resolution digital files of Grundman’s new masters and pressed at Precision. They will be housed in reproductions of the original artwork.” Also, there were two concurrent pressings done of this very album, one for the US market pressed in the USA under supervision of Geffen/UMe and the Worldwide reissue pressed at Record Industry plaint in Netherlands under supervision of ABC Europe (both the Geffen and ABC are owned by Universal). Both the US and European/Worldwide pressings reportedly used lacquers cut by Alex Abrash from DSD file and cost the same ($30),

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

7 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for the information ✌️

Appreciated this review (and your videos always). Thought I'd mention that I made the mistake of ordering the last of a limited DG original masters LP around the time when ordered a heavy set of dado blades from Amazon. The record was shipped in a large box without any protection from 5lbs of steel tossed in with it. I was stunned, badly damaged of course, and no replacement available. Meanwhile, I'll get 4 dollar LPs from eBay or Discogs packed with extraordinary care.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

7 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear that...

It’s good to hear that a re-issue can sound better than the original album. It gives me faith that our hobby and love if vinyl can live on. Thx for the review and happy new year from down under.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

5 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for your comments and watching my video. I hope that you and your family have a great new year 😊

@paulpavlou9294

5 ай бұрын

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews FYI, I just ordered a copy of Aja, based on your review thx.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

5 ай бұрын

I hope that you like it 😊

Just discovered your channel, great review I'll probably pay the $30. to get it but wouldn't mind getting a used CD copy as well for my iTunes library and iPods. Looks like you have an awesome collection. I worked part time at the Torrance Tower Records when it was still opened. Mainly a classical guy but love all the music I grew up with in the 60's and 70's. Used to work at the Record Plant Recording Studios here in LA back in 1976. Got to work with the likes of Stevie Wonder (both of my older brothers are listed as assistants on the "Songs in the Key of Life" album) My oldest brother Rick was also Frank Zappa's favorite engineer at the Plant in the mid 70's. Rest of the family still in music industry, and my younger sister Candace now manages and runs East West Recording studio at 6000 Sunset (formerly Western Recorders) and Cello when it was open (same location). I live in Inglewood and my favorite local record store closet to me is Sound Stations in Westchester. If you're in the area would like to meet some time. Keep up the great work. Peace

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

You and your family have a awesome musical background....that's cool, thank you very much for sharing that. I used to go to a Tower Records store a lot in Torrance back in the day and in the general area there was also a Warehouse record store (they may have been across the street from each other) that I also would frequently go to....they may have been in the general area of the Del Amo mall if I recall. It was great because both stores were open until midnight if i recall correctly. Thank you very much for your kind words and watching my video ✌️

Kenny, I bought the reissue Aja based on your recommendation and am quite pleased with it, thank you. I also have the OG AB-1006. I can’t justify $150 for the UHQR. Even though I’m a capitalist and believe in letting the market decide, I don’t think the UHQR is worth it. Those guys charge that much because they know people will pay it.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

7 ай бұрын

You make a great point about the cost of the UHQR sets. I am glad that you like the new reissue of Aja.

I have an OG AB-1006 and just got my Aja 2023 reissue, I love the new copy, the main takeaway I got was that it just sounds fresher, all sounds are still there but with a newer polished sound, I imagine I’m in the 70s listening to the record for the first time on an old school hi-fi system😎👌

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

😊😁...I'm glad that you are enjoying the new 2023 version 🎶 ✌️

@KoolKatDave

7 ай бұрын

Nothing wrong with the ‘23 reissue to my ears and my system! And a straight up bargain compared to UHQR.

@leonsam12

7 ай бұрын

@@KoolKatDave gonna be cracking open my UHQR tonight 😎👌

@KoolKatDave

7 ай бұрын

@@leonsam12 enjoy. I just wonder if it’s really $120 better than the reissue.

@leonsam12

7 ай бұрын

@@KoolKatDave I will let ya know, I have AB-1006, reissue and UHQR, gonna listen later tonight 👍

I had a AA1006 copy and it too was a little thin sounding. I picked up a AB1006 and it blew the AA out of the water. If you find an AA copy but the deadwax shows a scratched out B, it’s the same as the AA

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info...my AA version is a bit thin.. if I ever run into a AB version, I will definitely check it out.

My suggestion to all Steely Dan fans is to just listen to the music. ✌🏽❤️

thank you so much for posting the review! i'd be very curious on how the UHQR will end up comparing, but i still found a lot of value in listening to your opinions here alone. as a cynic who doesn't wanna buy too much 'stuff' i felt skeptical about buying the rerelease now when the album's original release has its 50th anniversary later this decade; i was assuming this rerelease would end up more as a cash grab compared to whatever they inevitably have planned to commemorate this masterpiece in 2027. excited to hear the audio actually seems to be an improvement over the original, i might look to see if i can buy a copy for myself now! :)

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I appreciate your opinion and perspective especially when it comes to buying more stuff and thank you very much for bringing up a potential 50th anniversary release as I really did not think about that.

My arrived from Amazon on the 30th of September. Skipping on Black Cow and Aja. Started a return and received a replaced the next day on October 1st. Same skipping on the same songs at the same point of the song. Sent them both back on Monday. Now the priced went up!!

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Two times!!!!!.. That's highly unfortunate, sorry to hear about that. I hope the third attempt is better.

@67Pepper

8 ай бұрын

It could be your cartridge is mis-tracking. Can you play it on a friend's TT? See if it skips.

@jameshogg11

8 ай бұрын

I had the same issue with Can't Buy A Thrill. Pressing defect in the same place on the replacement. Gave up after the second copy.

@yorkemar

25 күн бұрын

No problems with my dan reoresses..cbat, aja and goucho. .. altho mine euro. Sl1210mk 2 with red m2 and project vac cleaner. Nagoaka sleeve.

Stumbled on your vid. I have the Cisco issue a few years back and also an early original of Aja. My setup has a Vpi turntable Magnapan.7i Paraound P5 preamp Cary Audio Design sa 200.2 power amp. The Cisco is superior across the board. Thanks for your interesting takes on this channel

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I appreciate your comments and thank you very much for taking the time to watch my video ✌️

I agree with you. I have the OG and just finished playing the re-issue. I have a similar system . Rega P8 with the Ania pro cart. Rega amp and phono stage. The original is very good but this re issue is slightly better. Dead flat 180 gram very quiet vinyl too. $30 well spent for one of my all time favorites.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

6 ай бұрын

I glad that the reissue is working well for you 😊...thank you very much for posting your comments ✌️

I picked mine up yesterday at my local record store. The only thing I have to say aside from the paper inner sleeve is that it lacks the original lyric inner that came with the original! I hope they reissue Katy Lied and The Royal Scam

@R3TR0R4V3

8 ай бұрын

They will.. All whole studio catalog is being reissued

Interesting to hear that the 2023 version is better than the original. It would be interesting to hear what Bernie did different this time. Or is it just related to different mastering equipment? A lot of shoot outs typically favor the originals...

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I agree, it would be very interesting to hear what Bernie Grundman did different with this version

I just subscribed to the channel. I have the same AJA version as you do and it's been a benchmark in high quality audio for me for a long time. I got the 2007 30th anniversary release by Cisco Records and it betters the original with the bass output. It was mastered by Kevin Gray. I suspect the bass output is boosted over the original. And it doesn't surprise me if Bernie Grundman has done the same on the UHQR or latter masterings.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I have been hearing from several people that the Cisco version is the one to have, I'm going to have to check it out at some point as I do plan to purchase the UHQR version as well. Thank you very much for subscribing to my channel.

Kenny, screw those paper sleeves! Carefully tear them open and free your records with zero additional friction rubbing. Then you can throw those shredded sleeves into the fireplace.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Amen 🙏

Thanks for the review. I’m surprised that there hasn’t been more dialogue about this release in particular since it’s viewed by many as the pinnacle of engineering. I’ve been tossed up about the +/- of this latest version. I feel like the changes from this album vs. the other releases have been much more subtle and wonder if that was intentional or conservative. Philosophically do you approach like Giles Martin did with Abbey Road and really try to create a modern technological version from what exists or say that Aja is already nearly perfect so clean up the edges? Personally, I was a little disappointed because I was expecting a greater leap but I think I need to give it a few more listens and evaluate from a fresh perspective.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

To me the reissue sounds great but it is a strong possibility that your stereo system and ears are much better than mine thus revealing different results. It is possible that some people are saving their comments for the UHQR release of the album. I really appreciate your comments 😊 ✌️

@chibafamily

8 ай бұрын

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews Thanks! I appreciate your approach to your reviews. Keep up the good work!

the new steely dan reissues are from a digital source mastered by gundman but cut by someone else I really enjoy my original press been thinking about getting the reissue on sacd since uhqr is so expensive

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

The SACD is a great option...I may get that at some point also.

@douglasdunn4809

8 ай бұрын

I agree on UHQR

Hey Bro! One question. What do you use to video your recordings and what lighting do you use. I'm thinking of changing my format from faceless to me getting in front of the camera. Wish me luck with that Bro. Be BLESSED!

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I simply use my cell phone camera to do my videos, its not the best quality but thats the best that I can do. I use natural sun light coming through a window in my room when doing a video during the day. For night lighting I use the light that I have in my music room. If it's late at night and the light that I have in my music room is not bright enough for video, I use a selfie ring light that I purchased at Walmart. I hope that helps. I hope that your videos are great ✌️

@AlbumInsights

8 ай бұрын

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews I'm not sure how I'm going to do it, but right now talking into my phone mic and transferring it to text for my video is starting to get a little too much when I can just get in front of the camera and say what I have to say and be done with it. I like creating the videos and coming up with ideas though, So somehow I need to try and incorporate this.

@AlbumInsights

8 ай бұрын

Stay BLESSED my friend and thanks!

It was VERY hard to concentrate with that beautiful Pharoah Sanders recording in your background. I like Steely Dan ok but LOVE that Pharoah record. Almost ambient in quality it definitely is a cornerstone in his discography leading up to the wonderful period on the Evidence label culminating on 'Journey to the One' IMO. Is that a new reissue as well that you are showing in both vinyl & CD? Please share your thoughts - curious as to sound quality and if any bonus material. Thanks for sharing!!!

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for noticing those awesome Pharoah Sanders sets in the background of my video. I do not have an original pressing to compare the album to but it sounds very nice. The LP box comes with a reissue of the original LP and a bonus LP called "Harvest Time Live 1977". The set also comes with a very nice booklet as well. The CD set contains the same items as the LP set. Both sets can be purchased at luakabop.com. The LP set is $54.99 and the CD set $29.99. A fabulous youtube channel called "WCB Jazz Vinyl Collector" did a awesome review of the record set and that is how I discovered the set. The link to his video is below and you should definitely check it out as it is great: kzread.info/dash/bejne/f6php7WviLHNdbg.htmlsi=KX_TLKbqae13S2R0 If the link doesn't work, please look for his review on is channel. God Bless ✌️

Thank you for your assessment of this latest reissue of Aja 2023. You would be correct this release is from a hi-res digital file from B.G.'s new master. The UHQR will be analog sourced from a 1 off tape-copy. 1/2" tape at 15ips for the UHQR. Subbed your channel.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Thank you very much, I appreciate your comments 😊 ✌️..thank you very much for subscribing to my channel, I really appreciate it 😊

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I have been a fan of your channel before I even started making youtube videos, so i am honored that you watched mine. I really like the style of your videos and your system is totally awesome and amazing

@thevinylmuseum2958

8 ай бұрын

You are the man, Kenny. I appreciate the kind words. I took a break for about 5 months from posting any videos after my dad passed in March. I was not feeling inspired any longer at that time.. Take care.

The LP has been remastered by Bernie Grundman from an analog, non-EQ'd tape copy and pressed on 180g vinyl.

@drazenbabich

7 ай бұрын

DSD digital file was used as a source for the lacquer cut.

@SmallPersonRoo

6 ай бұрын

The non-EQ’d tape comment on the label websites is a mistake. Bernie Grundman confirmed that it’s from his original AB-1006 tape with the original mastering on it.

Thanks for the review! I have a NM/M- copy of the 80's Mofi pressing and it's excellent, plus an 80's reissue (that has that sort of thin, brittle sound) and is pretty much abused at this point. I bought this $30 remaster/reissue pressing to use as my "everyday" copy to limit plays of my Mofi LP. It kills the 80's copy for sure, and gets darn close to the Mofi, IMO. For $30 this LP is worth every penny and then some.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

7 ай бұрын

Thank you very much and thanks for the comparison of the new reissue to the 80s Mofi and the 80s pressing, I really appreciate it ✌️

“The LP has been remastered by Bernie Grundman from an analog, non-EQ'd tape copy and pressed on 180-gram vinyl.” I got the above quote off the AP website. Stay BLESSED my brother. BTW a lot of records pressed in the early and mid ‘70s because of the Vietnam War were pressed on thin vinyl. I was enlightened to that fact while in Okinawa and the main reason why I have over 400 Japanese pressings in my collection. They used the same stamper in some occasions too. Great job as usual.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Always good to hear from you and thank you very much for your kind comments ✌️

I won’t spend $150. for the UHQR version. I bought the original in the 1970s and will stick with that version.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

The 1977 version album is cool....so is that image of Don Adams (Secret agent 86, Maxwell Smart)...I have been a huge fan of the show for decades ✌️

I ordered this from Acoustic Sounds and it's supposed to arrive Monday unless FedEx changes the delivery date for a third time. It is a 180 gram LP and Acoustic Sounds says it's "remastered by Bernie Grundman from an analog non-EQ'd tape copy." I'm really looking forward to this one.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I hope that you enjoy the album when it arrives on Monday 😊

@chrislj2890

8 ай бұрын

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews Thank you, I'm sure that I will.

steely dan reissues in australia retail at $70. that's a lot of money for a glorified CD ! I'll keep playing my AB1006 - still going strong.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I don't blame you if you have the AB1006 copy...$70 is a lot.

Uhqr are all analog. Geffen copies are 24/192. Same source but different equipment on geffen copies to cut lacquers and pressed in 🇨🇦.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info 👍 ✌️

Aja has been meticulously remastered by Bernie Grundman from an analog, non-EQ'd, tape copy and will be pressed on 180-gram black vinyl at 33 1/3 RPM,

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

The UHQR release is mastered by Bernie Grundman and it will be all analog. The 33 1/3 version is a different story. Below is part of an article written by Michael Fremer at analogplanet.com The stats are these: Aja has been remastered by Bernie Grundman from an analog, non-EQ’d, tape copy - we’ll explain the reasoning behind the “tape copy” nomenclature here in just a moment - and the Geffen/UMe LP will be pressed on 180g black vinyl and spin at 33 1/3rpm. Lacquers for the Geffen/UMe’s 180g 1LP version of Aja will be cut by Alex Abrash at his AA Mastering studio from hi-res digital files of Grundman’s new masters, and these particular LPs will be pressed at Precision. They will also be housed in reproductions of the original artwork.

Those SD re-issues were mastered from analog tapes, save one, but those masters were digitized then cut from those digital files, 24/192. I swore off those reissues after listening to the first one, Can't Buy a Thrill, it was so bright and harsh that it hurt my ears. Really. I thought that perhaps I was just having a bad day so I listened again, same result. And yes, I have an all tube audiophile sound system.

@goodknight37

8 ай бұрын

Good to know👍

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Appreciate your comments 🙏

@FleagleSangria

8 ай бұрын

Why do you think the newest 33.3 CBAT turned out as you described it?

@jeffbellin8224

8 ай бұрын

The AA-1006 was not actually the original, from what I understand. What you want is the original which has AB-1006 (not the AA-1006). It's better sounding.

@machavez00

8 ай бұрын

I have read that all of the Universal represses are from digital sources. AP re presses are from the tapes, if possible.

I did not like the digitally remastered version but I don't have an older version to compare it with. But I think I bought my Aja a couple of years ago.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I appreciate your comments 😊....thank you very much ✌️

Is this Lp really from original master? The tapes from steely dan was destroyed in the UMG fire 2008.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

The original source is a non EQ'd tape copy

I got my Aja remaster Tuesday. I have a AB Pitman 1st pressing, and a 1980 Mobile Fidelity Aja. The remaster is definitely quieter than those 45 year old records, which I would rate both as VG+. In my opinion, the OG is the most forward and dynamic, the Mofi has the best soundstage and instrument separation, but the bass is a little muddy. I think the remaster is a nice balance of the 2, not forward, very clean sounding. But if you pressed me to pick a favorite, it would be the Mofi.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I assume that Mofi at the time, had access to the original master tape ?.....as the origin of the soon to be released UHQR will be from a back up tape copy.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I do not have the AB pressing I have the AA variant and I noticed that the reissue was more forward and dynamic....I have been hearing from others that the AB version is the OG version to own.

@kemosabe551

8 ай бұрын

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviewsit actually sounds like you have the AB version, Kenny. The B is crossed out, and an A is added before the lettering to convert it to AA-1006. This is the same AB-1006 metal work, but modified to AA for pricing reasons. I have it too, and quite pleased with it. I also think the re-issue has more dynamic range. However, i did receive my first copy that had bad crackle in the left channel and had to return it. The replacement copy had one crackle that occurs between tracks, so i can live with it. Thanks for the review!

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Thank you too...I really appreciate your comments 😊

I don’t have the reissue, but I’ll ask the question other people will probably want to ask: Kenny, does your original say “AA-1006” in the deadwax like it says on the label? Many people say the FIRST pressing with “AB-1006” on the label and the deadwax is significantly better than later pressings. And there are some that have “AA-1006” on the label (like yours) but scribbled out the “B” in “AB-1006” in the deadwax and I’ve heard those are the same mastering as the first pressings.

@kevinmosher6027

8 ай бұрын

Yes the AB-1006 has a much better dynamic range. Head and shoulders above the AA-1006. Much better Bass.The Cisco reissue is my favorite, super tight bass, crisp highs. Some people say that It’s little more sterile than the AA- 1006.I don’t plan on getting the new reissue. Not sure about the UHQR at this point.

@goodknight37

8 ай бұрын

I’ve heard the same. Deadwax is what matters. I’ve got the AB and it’s sounds fantastic

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I thought that there could be some sonic differences due to pressing variants that is why I said in the video that side A on has AA 1006 (RE-3) -A stamped in the dead wax.

@jamesnash7262

8 ай бұрын

…my 1977 copy reads 1006-Ax (the x is not crossing anything out, the x is written up at the shoulders of the letter A as if A to the x power) ?, side two reads 1006-B…

@jamesnash7262

8 ай бұрын

…ps, this copy manufactured and distributed by GRT Canada…

Bernie Grundman mastered the OG and the re-issue. I think over the years Bernie has mastered with more of an emphasis on bass response, lately I've noticed some of his cuts have borderline too much bass. Kevin Gray has a more balanced approach, IMO. I only have the Cisco pressing because I don't need more than one pressing of Aja. Enjoyed yuor review.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I have been hearing from others that the Cisco pressing is awesome. Thank you very much for watching my video ✌️

@67Pepper

8 ай бұрын

@@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews My pleasure Kenny!

I tried buying the reissue but received (2) and they both had skips and had to be returned. Thinking of buying the UHQR.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

18 күн бұрын

Sorry to hear about that...a couple of my viewers had the same issue.

I agree with you, Kenny. The reissue is better top to bottom than the original. To me, it's no contest. Kenny, to avoid scratching the record with paper sleeves, tear the paper slightly from both sides. Grab the middle of the paper sleeve and pull it to the bottom, and pull your record right out.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I'll be sure to use that method to remove the sleeve next time for sure. Thank you very much for watching my video ✌️

Hey Kenny. Amazon started double boxing records, but not all the time. My Woody Shaw Blackstone was double boxed with packing paper too, but my copy of Aja was in a box with no inner cardboard over the record and no packing paper or bubbles. It had a small crease in the jacket. I hate returning records but I did pay for a NEW record. Frustrating.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I have had one negative experience with Amazon similar to what you described...it would be nice if their shipping practices with albums was more consistent.

@rfmcqueen72

8 ай бұрын

Aja was my FOURTH non-double-boxed LP that I received from Amazon and the only one I’ve kept. First was City To City (bent corner), then replacement of City To City (again, bent corner), then Face Value (totally wet and saturated from rain), finally Aja (no damage). I’m seriously considering having my LPs delivered to a UPS store and paying more to a LP merchant that knows how to pack vinyl. I’m thinking it’s time to move away from Amazon and just pay more for a more quality experience; kinda like I moved away from fast food in my 30’s. I’ve got a $200 box set preordered for December and I’m just not willing to roll the dice anymore with Amazon’s lack of quality control. 🤘🏼

@EddieJazzFan

8 ай бұрын

Me too. I will order from Acoustic Sounds only in the future. A bit more money but absolutely zero aggravation with their shipping.@@rfmcqueen72

@wwz1011

8 ай бұрын

Amazon shipping is very erratic for sure. The saving grace is their easy return policy. Someday, maybe they will establish a best practice and apply that to all LP shipments. Until then, check your order carefully!

Bernie Grundman is probably one of the best sound engineers in the business and even though the original sounds amazing the technology available today can’t compare to the 70s

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

3 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for your fantastic comments 👏 👍 🎶

Get yourself a AB or AB (B scratched out) copy. The AA's can sound "wonky".

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I am going to be on the lookout for that version and hopefully I will be able to get it.

If this is a digital copy what is the point?

I you permit.: - you are probably right. A little bit thin. The old one. But you are comparing pears and oranges. Suggest you borrow a system from the seventies?! Place it in your room and then compare. Its over 40 years between. They might have mastered for the system people had back in the middle ages? What is the main difference between seventees speakers and now? Back then most were not that bright. Even less detailed. Warmer and/or destorted? Can’t remember but some can tell you about this and the thin issue will be explained?

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

That's a very interesting point of view and perspective that I did not consider....I appreciate your comments very much.

I'm not planning to buy this reissue, I have 2008 Back to Black reissue which sounds pretty good to me. I'll wish I have a good original.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

😎 cool...thank you very much for watching my video 😊😁

My copy of the 2023 reissue sounds really veiled on the high frequencies. Mids are very revealing and lows are a bit bloated. I have studied this album critically over the years and was not satisfied with this version. Deacon Blues in particular sounded awful. I have cancelled my UHQR pre-order and will begin searching for a clean AB1006 copy, or the Cisco version. Mine also had enough warp for the needle to jump. It will be going back to Amazon. Project Debut Pro (Raineer cartridge) Onkyo P-304 Onkyo M-504

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

I hope that you enjoy the AB1006 or Cisco versions when you obtain them...I appreciate your comments ✌️

their asking for an outrageous amount of money for these re-issues and they give you that crappy paper sleeve every time it's just unbelievable!

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

8 ай бұрын

Totally agree 👍

With the price of all this new vinyl you think they would at least give us a polylined sleeve.

@kennysaudiophilerecordreviews

7 ай бұрын

I agree totally 💯