[high figh]

Just curious. What do you all think is the best sounding Led Zeppelin II version on vinyl. The MFSL version, the classic quiex, the Ludwig hot mix or any other entries. Im talking any actual side by side experience. I just won an original rl ss hot mix and my mind started wandering. I dont know if this has been covered before, but here we go.
Thanks.

[J-Pak]

Just curious. What do you all think is the best sounding Led Zeppelin II version on vinyl. The MFSL version, the classic quiex, the Ludwig hot mix or any other entries. Im talking any actual side by side experience. I just won an original rl ss hot mix and my mind started wandering. I dont know if this has been covered before, but here we go.
Thanks.

1841 Broadway RL SS is my favorite one, nice pick up. I have heard the Classic and several other later pressings. I haven't heard the MFSL.

[orthobiz]

I have posted several times about the Robert Ludwig version of Led Zep II, finally found one for six bucks and I am happy. However, I have only compared to a regular non-RL version which is vastly inferior.

I like LZ but not enough to pursue further vinyl, like the MFSL or Classic.

BTW, I had never heard "hot mix" used in the description before...

Paul

[high figh]

Hello, I have heard mixed reviews on the classic series. I have a few mfsl albums and have been very pleased with them. As for the term hotmix, its put in the verbage of a lot of ebay ads for the album. Legend has it that Mr Ludwig was told to mix it hot. I cant verify that. Its either a term that mastering engineers use or total b.s. I should have my copy by Friday.

[Rclark]

Thanks for the heads up, I have yet to put together a serious LZ collection, but it's on the list.

[J-Pak]

Hello, I have heard mixed reviews on the classic series. I have a few mfsl albums and have been very pleased with them. As for the term hotmix, its put in the verbage of a lot of ebay ads for the album. Legend has it that Mr Ludwig was told to mix it hot. I cant verify that. Its either a term that mastering engineers use or total b.s. I should have my copy by Friday.

Just a warning that this record was notoriously difficult to track properly back in the day given how loud/dynamic Robert Ludwig cut it. As such many have groove wear. It's why mint copies from reputable dealers can cost several hundred bucks.

[orthobiz]

I lucked out on my used RL copy. A few crackles but great sound! I would rate it Mint (-) for sound. Cover is only VG or less because the owner WROTE HIS NAME ON IT!!! But, for me in this case, it's all about the sound.

Paul

[vinyl_guy]

Cover is only VG or less because the owner WROTE HIS NAME ON IT!!!
Paul

That was a pretty common practice when I was in college and law school in the mid to late 60's and early 70's. Also common was putting your name or initials on the label. It helped minimize the chance that your favorite album would "disappear." Now that I am more serious about my collection, I don't like it either.

Back on topic, I have two versions, an RL (CTH) and one with the initials AT iin the dead wax. I have not compared them.

Laura

[blakep]

Have not heard the Classic but the Classic II is not held in particularly high regard from what I've read.

I did own an all red label Canadian pressing many years ago and it was quite good. I've compared an RL to a UK first and both of them are quite good. As my UK first is in perfect condition and the RL was not, I've kept the UK and I'd have no desire to pay any serious amount of money for the RL.

They are different but both very good. In many ways I prefer the UK first but if I had a great RL I could certainly live with that as well.

[Miney]

Took a chance on a minty import - lookie like this... 



Fantastic IMO - I'm set!

[Toni Rambold]

Bob Ludwig tells about the mastering of Led Zeppelin II



There are at least three essential pressings with RL ss in the dead wax on both sides made at Monarch(MO),
Columbia Terre Haute(CTH) and Presswell(PR).

Take your pick ! ... 

[high figh]

Thats interesting about the codes for where it was pressed. The one I bought thats coming has the code (SP). It looks like a rl. It has the small deadwax area on side two and the rl ss on both sides.

[Toni Rambold]

SP = Specialty Records, Olyphant, PA