Having compared different Bill Evans pressings on Riverside/Orpheum (I believe 2nd pressings), Milestone, OJC and Complete Riverside LPs, Ive concluded that they sound significantly different. The Riverside/Orpheum pressings from the 60s sound very natural but laid back, especially the bass which is deep in the soundstage. The OJC and Complete Riverside LPs sound very similar to each other, could be the same master. Compared to the 60s pressings, they sound more forward and punchier, the bass is brought forward and in balance with the piano and drums. The sound is drier also. The Milestone pressings are somewhere in the middle. For the money, I think the Milestones are the best value.
Bill Evans Vinyl on Riverside
As much as I would love to have the box set of the Complete Riverside Recordings---18 LPS I believe it is--it normally goes for at least $350, a nice little chunk of change around my house. On the other hand, you have the OJC pressings, which I have heard are excellent. I have a few of these and they are very good, but I have not heard the Evans.
I realize the Complete Recordings contain much more music, but I could probably live with having "Live At The Village Vanguard" and "Waltz For Debbie" (both of which I believe are available on OJC) in addition to the Evans I already have on vinyl.
At last then, the question: Has anyone compared the sonics of the box set and the OJC pressings? If the box set is substantially better, I may remain patient and wait for a deal. If they are about the same, I'll probably go ahead and get the OJC records.
Any help would be much appreciated.