Rate your QRP Doors 45's

I have all the original first press LP releases "Big E" Electra and also all the Steve Hoffman DCC on LP.

I only bought "Morrison Hotel" (my favorite Doors album) on QRP and I think it's superb. Oddly enough we had a recent listening session where everyone brought what they had, including all the QRP releases.

Short description of sonic differences between the three, the master sounds a bit fresher on the original, especially vocals and its obviously mixed to be up front presentation. This is the way I remember the Doors from when I was young so I have no complaints musically.

Negatives on the original is drastic bass cut and not as pristine (low distortion) clean as the DCC or QRP.

The DCC is the warm and pretty version and images very naturally. The Electra original is up front with vocals standing out but also a bit more dirty.

The QRP is super clean and has great bass but (in my opinion) has the deepest bass boosted on the remix board to restore what was cut off the original tape.

In other words the deepest bass is best on the QRP but seems a bit manipulated.

Last note, DCC did not to my knowledge have an opportunity to release Morrison Hotel. That was a disappointment and why I immediately ordered the QRP version.

Wow Albert- you guys went to town. Thanks for sharing that. I have what I believe is a first press (Red label) Morrison Hotel. This pressing sounds great to me, which is why I passed on the QRP. The DCC's IMO were outclassed by both QRP, and the first presses I have. I agree, they were warm and pretty, but too much so. Now that I have an original (brown label) S/T, the red label MH, and the QRP's, I am in good shape. Of course, I will always be on the lookout for clean originals. Never could find Strange Days, but the QRP is quite special.

Fjn04,

Wow Albert- you guys went to town. Thanks for sharing that. I have what I believe is a first press (Red label) Morrison Hotel. This pressing sounds great to me, which is why I passed on the QRP.

I agree, the original is great and is exactly the way I remember hearing the Doors. I believe all mine are Monarch first pressings and that does help.

The QRP is more dynamic since it's 45 RPM but the mix (EQ?) is a bit different. Still, I'm betting it will please most audiophiles.

The DCC's IMO were outclassed by both QRP, and the first presses I have. I agree, they were warm and pretty, but too much so.

I understand completely. The DCC are loved by many and I have great respect for Steve Hoffman. I'm happy the DCC were in my library for all the years when no other high quality options existed.

I have Strange Days, Monarch and DCC (SN/2353)but not the QRP.

We will likely revisit the Doors again, I need to get the guys in my group to bring the other QRP for comparison.

Albert- Agree 100% about Steve being one of the best. I still have, and enjoy, many LP's that he did. I think in some systems, the DCC Doors tonal balance may be a desirable one. He also MAY have not had the original masters to work with, which I know QRP did. This holds true for all, EXCEPT the first album.

I will keep an eye out for the Monarchs. Where does Monarch appear, on the label, or stamped on the vinyl itself ?

It's a "MR" in the dead wax. Pretty easy to see.

Forums at Hoffman site discuss this for pages and pages. Some people are really into chasing down an exact pressing and it's dizzying how many there are in some cases.

I don't know if you're a Beatles fan but the new box set is causing a flurry over there. We are planning a casual shoot out tomorrow evening with a pile of top versions.