Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo New Beatles release...

"I like the Beatles but for whatever reason I own absolutly zero beatles music."
I was in the same camp as you. I guess that being a huge Stones fan and a more British rock and roll fan I never owned much Beatles music even though I've always liked their music. My CD's should be in tomorrow. Can't wait to here them. On a side note I am going to see U2 Sunday night in Foxboro. Can't wait, it will be my 5th time seeing them. Great shows all.

I’ve only directly compared about 10 songs so far and in every case prefer the stereo over the mono. It may sound odd but in most cases the mono sounds more “natural” maybe original is a better word, however the stereo sounds “better.” And it’s not just the separation but they sound more dynamic and have more depth (front to back separation) not just wider. I’d bet if I never had heard the mono versions before the stereo would also sound more “natural” to me.

However, there is one exception to the stereo sounding better to me. That’s on the tracks like “Twist and Shout” where all the vocals are in the right channel. Sounds fine on speakers (maybe a bit of getting use to) however on headphones having the vocals in only the right channel is nerve-wracking.

I’ll update if I notice any anything different upon more listening.

/emote Pictures him trying to wear both the left and right headphones on the same ear

A couple of weeks ago I picked up the stereo boxed set. I've been working my way through the albums sequentially and I must say they do sound excellent. My first purchase was Abbey Road by itself and while I did hear improvements it was subtle.

So far, the earlier albums seem to sound a lot better. Drums have a more palpable feel and effect and their voices are much more immediate. Excited to listen to the rest of the set. Managed to get up through Help! last night.

Still want to hear the mono versions of these albums.

Put it on my Christmas List the other day.