The Black Keys

I actually think that 'Brothers' sounds better than 'El camino', at least on my system.

Thank you, Curtisbaby. It does help. I had the same impression sampling "Brothers" and "El Camino" on youtube. Great music, but definitely a bit rough producing job, "Brothers" more raw than "El Camino." You confirmed my expectations.

Incidentally, I also have a VPI (Classic) and Rogue amps (99 and 180s) so your feedback was even more relevant. Greatly appreciated. Happy New Year.

Since Attack & Release, their actual "studio" stuff became much more polished because they were working with Danger Mouse as their producer. Subsequent albums became better quality, but are kind of of a type of music that really doesn't lead itself to too much polishing. On that note, Brothers was self produced in studio so it sounds a bit rougher than El Camino, which got Danger Mouse back producing. They're both great albums, just not really audiophile quality. I own their entire catalog and find them much more at home on my 1200mkii than on my Scout but still play it through my Rogue Tubes and Vandersteens. I don't find that it's anything I'd do any critical listening to. I'm pretty sure they weren't pressed immaculately either though you can find them on 180g.

Hope that helps.