Japan early 70's Vinyl better than late 70's Japan Vinyl?

[meggy]

I've been buying a number of Japan issue LP's (and CD's), lately and have noticed with the LP's there seems to be early 70's releases as the OP and then later releases in mid-late 70's.

One specific example is the EMI label. I'm looking at Renaissance's "Ashes Are Burning" and the early EMI is EMI-Odeon and late 70's "re-issue" is EMI -Toshiba.

So in general (not just the EMI label), I'm wondering if the early Japan LP pressings are better than the later ones. Did Japan technology and materials get better or worse in in the late 70's? (and not really talking about MFSL).

 

[Dan ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ]

Most vinyl suffered in quality in the late 70's worldwide due to higher petroleum prices.
Record companies were grinding up records that didn't sell (labels included!) and reusing the vinyl.
Noisier pressings were often the result.

 

[the_nines]

I own close to 400 Japanese vinyl pressings.

I don't know when all of these Japanese records were pressed, but I can state categorically that each and every one of these Japanese records I own smokes any other 33rpm record equivalent in my inventory.

Matter of fact, I'll go one step further and say that 90% of my Japanese pressings come very close to my 45rpm re-issue equivalents. And I own both.

Regardless of the year (early 70's or late '70's), the Japanese did it right.

 

[meggy]

Yeah, I agree in general but there must be good, better and best Japanese Vinyl, like anything else. Nines, is there a certain label that stands out within your #400?

 

[KeninDC]

If I go Japanese (rather than original pressing from the band's country of origin or from the country where recorded), I try to get the original Japanese pressing. For example, the first Japanese pressing of Band of Gypsys is tops.

So, like Celt said, go early. That being said, EMI-Toshiba can sound so good. For example, my Stones' Emotional Rescue Japanese EMI-Toshiba is fantastic and reportedly the best sounding version available. It is my understanding that Japanese pressings uses less "grind," if any, than US pressings.

 

[meggy]

If I go Japanese (rather than original pressing from the band's country of origin or from the country where recorded), I try to get the original Japanese pressing. For example, the first Japanese pressing of Band of Gypsys is tops.

So, like Celt said, go early. That being said, EMI-Toshiba can sound so good. For example, my Stones' Emotional Rescue Japanese EMI-Toshiba is fantastic and reportedly the best sounding version available. It is my understanding that Japanese pressings uses less "grind," if any, than US pressings.

Earlier the better makes sense to me. I'd think it would put it closer to the original master tapes. Unless there was some technological advance or mastering technique or something along the way that improved the pressing process (of Japanese vinyl). With that being said, I wonder about the newest Japanese vinyl being put out today. Most of it's gotta be digital cut to vinyl, don't you think? Not that there's anything wrong with that, if you like it. Acoustic Sounds offers 73 labels with over 250 LP's. All new pressings for the most part.

 

[the_nines]

Yeah, I agree in general but there must be good, better and best Japanese Vinyl, like anything else. Nines, is there a certain label that stands out within your #400?

The bulk of my Japanese collection is from Toshiba EMI, with King Records comprising most of the rest. I will have to take inventory of the 3rd and 4th placings.

Regardless, any record pressed in Japan circa 70's to early 80's is a formidable contender.

 

[Ken Boyd]

Kind of ironic isn't it, the early stuff from Japan we made fun of everything from their movies to the toys and cars they produced. But boy once they got the ball rolling things sure changed! Yet when it comes to vinyl your saying the early stuff is better, figure that. I would think the newer stuff would be the better quality.

 

[Maicobmw]

The bulk of my Japanese collection is from Toshiba EMI, with King Records comprising most of the rest. I will have to take inventory of the 3rd and 4th placings.

Regardless, any record pressed in Japan circa 70's to early 80's is a formidable contender.

King Records..... :drool:

Some of my better sounding jazz records are 70's era KR Japanese reissues.