Original Pressings vs. Remastered Versions: The Quest for Authentic Vinyl Sound

When purchasing old records, is it preferable to have original pressings or remastered versions? What are the reasons for this preference?

The Case for Original Pressings

It depends. Sometimes the original pressings were subpar, like many ’70s records, where the demand was so high that they were pressed on cheap material and became so thin that they were almost akin to flexi discs. In other cases, companies produce excellent remastered versions that are far superior to the originals. But there are also instances where remasters fall short, making it crucial to weigh the specifics of each record.

Personally, my preference leans toward the original pressings. They represent the artist's intended sound, and they were made with the limitations of the medium in mind. For example, when mastering records in the past, engineers had to consider factors such as the width of the groove, which varied depending on the bass content to ensure the best sound. Similarly, caveats with cassettes, such as their frequency range and noise reduction systems, also shaped the sound.

Historical Considerations

This historical context plays a significant role in understanding why certain records work better as remastered versions. Many LPs released post-CD era often use the 'on file' CD mix, which can result in a truly awful sound due to the different mixing and mastering techniques. Remastering, while popular now, often involves correcting mistakes, adding more 'wetness' to the sound, and digitally altering the spatial balance. However, this approach is less effective for LPs.

For these reasons, I prefer to listen to remastered versions on CD rather than vinyl, as remasters can sometimes fail to capture the original vinyl's rich, authentic sound.

vault of Original Pressings

Even though I have sold over 600 LPs and 45s, I still have over 300 records left in my collection. These are not for sale, but rather precious acquisitions that hold significant sentimental and historical value.

Preserving Vinyl's Authenticity

Remember that old records, especially those made before 1985, were recorded on magnetic tape. Magnetic tape deteriorates over time, with some tapes becoming completely unplayable. Original pressings were mastered when the tapes were new. Remasters, in contrast, are produced from deteriorating tapes, some of which are now over 50-60 years old, requiring extensive digital intervention to be usable.

The problem lies in finding original pressings that are in good condition, especially for albums that were extremely popular upon their initial release and were frequently played on subpar record players. If you can find a mint original at a price you can afford, go for it. Well-cared-for vinyl will offer a fresh sound that closely matches what the artist intended.