SH's Who's Next JPN CD vs. Canadian CD

[Chris M]

Has anyone compared the two? Is there any audible difference outside of the hiss between tracks and the glitch in WGFA? Did I dream this or was the Canadian CD taken from an analoge copy of the JPN CD?

Chris

[lukpac]

I've got both (a few copies of the JPN, actually).

At least 3 different versions (JPN, BMG, and a particular US pressing) are clearly from the same digital mastering, but for some reason the speeds are *slightly* off. That is to say, if you try a null test, they *will* cancel, but only for a brief moment.

As far as the Canadian CD goes, I have no clue. The JPN (and variants) has peaks at 100%, and seems to have some mild clipping. The Canadian has a lower peak level, and doesn't seem to have the clipping. Doesn't stay in any type of sync, either, IIRC.

Could I tell them apart in an ABX test (ignoring the gaps and glitch)? Doubtful.

[Chris M]

I've got both (a few copies of the JPN, actually).

At least 3 different versions (JPN, BMG, and a particular US pressing) are clearly from the same digital mastering, but for some reason the speeds are *slightly* off. That is to say, if you try a null test, they *will* cancel, but only for a brief moment.

As far as the Canadian CD goes, I have no clue. The JPN (and variants) has peaks at 100%, and seems to have some mild clipping. The Canadian has a lower peak level, and doesn't seem to have the clipping. Doesn't stay in any type of sync, either, IIRC.

Could I tell them apart in an ABX test (ignoring the gaps and glitch)? Doubtful.

Thanks. That's odd about the speed differences. I'll have to ask on SH.tv if the Canadian version really comes from an analog copy of the digital tape used for the SH JPN disc. I swear I read that over there a long time ago. I'm guessing it does if the Canadian disc doesn't stay in sync at all with the JPN disc.

[JWB]

It has always been said that the Canadian was made from an analog copy of master and the Japanese was made from a digital copy of master. The Japanese is indeed louder. I still prefer it though.

I had no problem finding a Japanese. I e-mailed everyone on eBay selling a used "Who's Next". Out of 10 mails, only 4 people answered. Two people actually told me to fuck off, another had a crappy one, and lo and behold, the last lady had a BMG music club pressing of the Hoffman Master (made in the usa, not japan!). I paid 6 bucks for it, and got rid of the Canadian.

[lukpac]

I'll have to ask on SH.tv if the JPN version really comes from an analog copy of the digital tape used for the SH JPN disc.

You mean the Canadian version? I doubt anyone over there really knows for sure. I think somebody (me?) suggested that as a possible way to explain the differences. SH mentioned (I think) that he made an analog copy of some sort, and it's been *assumed* that's where this came from.

In terms of Japanese vs. US, keep in mind that some Japanese copies are *not* the Hoffman mastering, and that some US copies *are*. So far I've only ever heard two basic masterings on MCA, the Hoffman (which is around 43:26 IIRC) and the 'other one' (43:15 or something).

[Chris M]

I'll have to ask on SH.tv if the JPN version really comes from an analog copy of the digital tape used for the SH JPN disc.

You mean the Canadian version? I doubt anyone over there really knows for sure. I think somebody (me?) suggested that as a possible way to explain the differences. SH mentioned (I think) that he made an analog copy of some sort, and it's been *assumed* that's where this came from.

In terms of Japanese vs. US, keep in mind that some Japanese copies are *not* the Hoffman mastering, and that some US copies *are*. So far I've only ever heard two basic masterings on MCA, the Hoffman (which is around 43:26 IIRC) and the 'other one' (43:15 or something).

Oops, yeah, I meant the Canadian version. I edited my post. Duly noted about the various US, JPN discs. I'm going to obtain a CDR of the SH JPN disc in lieu of trawling eBay for one...

[Dob]

In terms of Japanese vs. US, keep in mind that some Japanese copies are *not* the Hoffman mastering...

Yeah, I have one of those, and it sucks IMO. Bright and congested sounding compared to my Canadian SH copy.

[lukpac]

Interesting. I never thought it was all *that* different. A bit more hiss, less separation, and slightly less bass...

[Chris M]

It has always been said that the Canadian was made from an analog copy of master and the Japanese was made from a digital copy of master. The Japanese is indeed louder. I still prefer it though.

Can you describe any sonic differences btw to CDN and the JPN SH discs outside of the WGFA glitch and the hiss btw tracks?

[Dob]

Interesting. I never thought it was all *that* different. A bit more hiss, less separation, and slightly less bass...

Well, when I got it, I was expecting the Hoffman version. I listened to it just once -- and not even the whole thing, just a minute or so of each track. So I suppose my comments are a reflection of my disgust at the time.

[dudelsack]

Interesting. I never thought it was all *that* different. A bit more hiss, less separation, and slightly less bass...

I found it to be quite different tonality-wise, but I can't recall how at this point (comparison occurred more than a year ago and I didn't take notes).