The sound quality of older TOCJs

[connoisseur series500]

Don't know if this has ever been brought up before, but I'm curious as to whether the older TOCJ versions issued in the early 1990s sound inferior to later issues. I compared the 1994 TOCJ of Big John Patton, "Along Came John" with the Ron McMaster domestic version issued in the late 90s and felt the domestic version was superior sonically.

Are my ears messed up, or might this generally be true when comparing the earlier TOCJs with more up to date domestic issues? Any opinions?

[wulfman]

I have found some of these to be quieter and a little softer in terms of detail. Sometimes that works for the music and sometimes it doesn't depending on the instruments involved.

I haven't heard the McMaster of Along Came John so I can't compare the two.

[monkboughtlunch]

I purchased all three versions of Along Came John -- in the following order.

1. 1999 Japanese RVG -- early Japanese RVGs are notorious for hit or miss sonics. This transfer misses. While the bass is juiced up, RVG muddies the mid-range with excessive mastering compression.

2. 2000 U.S. McMaster -- Extremely bright and thin -- and lacking bass

3. 1994 TOCJ Japanese transfer -- Not perfect but sounds best of the three--smooth midrange, warmer highs, respectable low end.

I usually only pick up one version of a title, but the JRVG and McMaster were so poor, I kept searching.

[Kevin Bresnahan]

I haven't found any reason to replace any of my early-90's TOCJ CDs with domestic reissues unless there were extras or unless someone said the domestic was much better. I think there were only a couple... Freddie Redd's "Shades of Redd" and Tina Brooks' "Minor Move" maybe?

BTW, I have the JRVG of "Along Came John". It sounds like I should try to find a domestic copy.

Later,

Kevin

Edited February 11, 2005 by Kevin Bresnahan

[connoisseur series500]

I purchased all three versions of Along Came John -- in the following order.

1. 1999 Japanese RVG -- early Japanese RVGs are notorious for hit or miss sonics. This transfer misses. While the bass is juiced up, RVG muddies the mid-range with excessive mastering compression.

2. 2000 U.S. McMaster -- Extremely bright and thin -- and lacking bass

3. 1994 TOCJ Japanese transfer -- Not perfect but sounds best of the three--smooth midrange, warmer highs, respectable low end.

I usually only pick up one version of a title, but the JRVG and McMaster were so poor, I kept searching.

Hows that for analysis?

Great job! Welcome to our forum. Please post more often. Excellent contribution.

I will listen once again to my two versions...

[RDK]

Hey Monk - welcome aboard! I recognize your moniker from SHTV. Cool name!