Re: OT: 2014 Sgt. Pepper Mono Reissue
Date: May 1, 2018 03:30
That depends. If you want to have a pristine new and full analog cut, it doesn't get any better than the 2014 mono. Word is that it is even better sounding than an original UK 1967 first press. I have one (have the whole mono vinyl box), at it is really an organic and well-balanced experience. It is cut from the original tapes but you can't hear that the tapes are 50 years old. In fact, as described in the boxed set's book, they used vintage machines and a fully analog cutting process from machines with focus on getting every detail from the original tapes, which consequently makes the 2014 mono editions reveal more than the originals.
An original (or early) US copy, is a bit different in sound, not because of the music, but because of the machines used at the time. Some say it is a bit more 'muffled' than a UK copy. Original US copies also lacks the 'inner groove' nonsense that is on every european copy.
So, if you're in for a clean quality pressing for the future, then get the 2014 mono. If you are just interested in the music, then you have a fine alternative already.