Sony to release mono Miles Davis set

[Scott Dolan]

It depends. Just like discussing the Live Trane box set the other day.

If I had to choose between the box, which is in mono, or the original CD releases that were in stereo, I would take the mono box hands down. And it wouldn't even be close. But that has to do with the fact that those recordings were very poorly recorded. So yes, sometimes the mixes are indeed better.

But, at the end of the day, the majority of music any of us listens to is in stereo. And it's not because recording in mono was cost prohibitive.

[jazzbo]

Not necessarily true. When I am by myself and listening to what I want, there are periods of time when I listen to music for days on end that are not available in stereo. Mono can be fantastic, better than stereo in some instances. And sometimes the mono mix is significantly different enough that I'll prefer it to mono and not reach for the stereo.

So I know you love to be right, but for me this statement often really isn't: "But, at the end of the day, the majority of music any of us listens to is in stereo. And it's not because recording in mono was cost prohibitive. ;)"

Edited January 29, 2014 by jazzbo

[Stefan Wood]

I've been listening to a lot of stuff in mono lately. Not the Miles, but some jazz and especially classical. I might get that mono box, but at a cheap price. There are too many other things that grab my attention.

[sidewinder]

Very late in the day but finally picked this up at a nice price. Very impressed with these mono mixes.

Edited November 13, 2015 by sidewinder

[David Ayers]

On 13 November 2015 at 22:45:05, sidewinder said:

Very late in the day but finally picked this up at a nice price. Very impressed with these mono mixes.

Notwithstanding the sneering from the usual quarters, it's a revealing listen. 

[erwbol]

The MoFi hybrid SACDs are the real sonic revelations in the Miles Davis catalogue: e.g. Milestones (mono), Sketches of Spain (stereo), Nefertiti (Teo Macero mix), Bitches Brew (Teo Macero mix). 

And now Filles de Kilimanjaro (order placed, hopefully will arrive soon).