Led Zep Reissue on vinyl

General consensus is that these are from digital sources. I picked up Zep 1 in Montreal this week, and will soon be comparing it to my Classic pressing. Then in my hunt at the next vinyl shop, they had the pressing with the live music for around $50. I don't expect the sound to be on the level of a first press or the Classic, but it would have made sense to get the dlx set w/ the live stuff. The HMV had Zep 3 in stock fwiw.

I compared Zep 1 to the Classic 180gr. The new remaster appeared to be about the same weight, so it's a nice slab of vinyl. Many times vinyl that's NOT all analog sounds better than the actual digital version. I bet that's true here, if your analog rig is up to snuff with your digital. BUT, it still doesn't have that analog like flow, which Harry Pearson describes using the word, Continuous. The Classic sounded better to my ears. It was bigger, and more open. Everything sounded more natural, including Plant's voice. Whatever they did with the new one makes for an interesting listen. It sounds quite fleshed out, with details appearing a bit more obvious. It's just a tad sterilized to my ear. They made great music, just wish it was recorded better. I'm glad to have my Classics, and my 1st US press of Zep 2. I will continue to look for early presses including the more elusive Original UK's, which I have yet to find.

Nice job by Mr. Fremer. You have to give him credit for telling it like it is. Darn, if I could only afford the 45 set. I have the Stairway to Heaven 45 that came w/ the 200gr box, and it's fantastic. If the other 45's sound as good, the box must be fantastic! In the mean time, I will have to keep my eyes peeled for a UK first press. Does anyone know how one distinguishes these MONARCH presses?

Mine also has a surface scratch on one side. I noticed this when initially unwrapping it. It doesn't affect play, so it's not a huge deal.... I will just have to lower my price when I get around to selling it.