Do 45 rpm 12" LPs really sound better than 33 rpm?

Agree with Mike L...if all else is equal, the 45rpm will typically sound better. However, is all else is not equal, then all bets are off! As an example, i own several excellent Music Matters Blue Note reissues on the 45 and the 33 label. The 33 in many instances sounds better than the 45! The reason, is that Music Matters changed their studio/recording cabling when they did the 33 reissues, and to my ears, this made a significant and beneficial difference! Therefore, in this instance and with these particular pressings, the 33 sounds better than the 45 issue.

@edgewear  You posted what you did seconds after my post, which i think addresses why MM did what they did. I don't think MM went back to 33 to reduce cost, but I do think they did this to allow for more people to buy the titles ( not everyone can playback at 45) and because the original LP's were all done at 33. With their new cable loom, it would be interesting to see and hear what the same album would sound like at 45. I suspect it would be even better than their original release. Problem is that they apparently have ceased all releases at this time. BTW, owning several of the original Deep Groove RVG Blue Note pressings, I don't think they are actually superior to the MM's. In one way, they are VERY inferior ( at least mine are..and I would bet yours are too) that is...they are far noisier than the new vinyl.