• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Getz/Gilberto Comparison

Vintagear said:
I looked back at my rankings and I'm pleased with them after the reveal. If C is truly from a 1:1 master tape copy it confirms that what I heard in the A & D soundstage is artificial as I suspected. The soundstage of B & C are more similar telling me that B is more correct sounding than A & D. It was also pretty cool that the 45 rpm sounded less thick to me than the 33 rpm version of what seems like a very similar master.
Click to expand...

From what I understand, A and D use the original stereo mix. Vocals and echo hard panned to the left may not sound the most natural, but is expected on an early 60's recording.
 
EWarrior said:
From what I understand, A and D use the original stereo mix. Vocals and echo hard panned to the left may not sound the most natural, but is expected on an early 60's recording.
Click to expand...

I did a quick search for info on the the Speakers Corner version (B) I preferred and I found the thread below. I'm not sure if he's talking about the same one that was uploaded here but according to Steve Hoffman it is also from the original master but Kevin Gray did not add EQ or compression. If that's the case, it seems that what the mastering engineer added or did to the master in the A & D versions is what I don't like.

"For those of you who were trying to find a nice sounding LP of "Getz/Gilberto", I can now recommend the Speakers' Corner LP.

Cut flat, solid state Neumann, from the original stereo 1963 Verve master tape mix by Kevin Gray at Future Disc Systems in Hollywood. No EQ or compression added by Kevin. Astrud Gilberto's voice is on the LEFT, matching the actual master tape stereo image positioning.

It's the best version of the ORIGINAL mix of "Getz/Gilberto" you can buy."

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/thre...f-getz-gilberto-mastered-by-kevin-gray.11139/
 
Vintagear said:
I did a quick search for info on the the Speakers Corner version (B) I preferred and I found the thread below. I'm not sure if he's talking about the same one that was uploaded here but according to Steve Hoffman it is also from the original master but Kevin Gray did not add EQ or compression. If that's the case, it seems that what the mastering engineer added or did to the master in the A & D versions is what I don't like.
Click to expand...

There's also a thread somewhere on the Steve Hoffman forums where an EQ dub with added reverb is being discussed, that has Astrud Gilberto's vocals closer to the center. - Not sure if that's what we're hearing here or an actual remix.
The original stereo master is supposed to be in bad condition (hence the dropouts on samples A & D?). The 50th anniversary CD, which supposedly uses the original master tapes for the first time ever on CD) has the same dropouts and Astrud hard panned to the left.

If B & C are both flat transfers of the same tape, someone must have forgotten to turn on the Dolby when transferring C..
 
EWarrior said:
There's also a thread somewhere on the Steve Hoffman forums where an EQ dub with added reverb is being discussed, that has Astrud Gilberto's vocals closer to the center. - Not sure if that's what we're hearing here or an actual remix.
The original stereo master is supposed to be in bad condition (hence the dropouts on samples A & D?). The 50th anniversary CD, which supposedly uses the original master tapes for the first time ever on CD) has the same dropouts and Astrud hard panned to the left.

If B & C are both flat transfers of the same tape, someone must have forgotten to turn on the Dolby when transferring C..
Click to expand...
JP did post the 1/24 octave spectrum comparison of all four recordings over at SHMF showing the differences. Below is just the B (red) to C (blue) comparison using 1/3 octave smoothing to show more of the trend as opposed to detail (tracks mixed to mono for comparison) ...


k535qzU.png
 
Vintagear said:
Can you shed light or more background on what happens between the original tape master and what Super Sense is cutting on the lacquer?
Click to expand...

I cannot. There is some speculation out there, I think mainly in the recent spat videos about lacquers, but I don't like spreading speculation. I'll ask the SuperSense folks and see what they'd like to share, if anything.

peterp1 said:
Any chance they can be re-uploaded for those of us who missed the chance to sample them? (stumbled on the thread too late)
Click to expand...

Sorry, no. I was interested in feedback from people without prior knowledge of the provenance of the samples.

Vintagear said:
I did a quick search for info on the the Speakers Corner version (B) I preferred and I found the thread below. I'm not sure if he's talking about the same one that was uploaded here but according to Steve Hoffman it is also from the original master but Kevin Gray did not add EQ or compression. If that's the case, it seems that what the mastering engineer added or did to the master in the A & D versions is what I don't like.
Click to expand...

Indeed, but my copy doesn't fit either Discogs version as it has the '07 hype sticker with QR code, but the record has a 1999 matrix code, and the Speakers Corner insert was dated 2013. It was sealed when it arrived here two weeks ago.
 
JP said:
This has been up far longer than I'd intended, so I think it's time for the reveal. Pencils down.

A = Acoustic Sounds Series
B = Speakers Corner
C = Super Sense Master Cut
D = Analogue Productions 2x45

One small caveat that one of the records has an issue. I wasn't able to pick it out from the sample, nor was a friend, and none of the comments indicate anyone else did either. If I think there was a notable difference after getting the replacement, I'll note that here at that time.
Click to expand...
That was a great test for my tinnitus!! Even using just a phone with no headphones.
Thanks was a lot of information.

AG.
 
JP said:
I cannot. There is some speculation out there, I think mainly in the recent spat videos about lacquers, but I don't like spreading speculation. I'll ask the SuperSense folks and see what they'd like to share, if anything.
Click to expand...

That would be great if they provide any details.
BTW what cartridge and phono stage did you use for these drops?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom