Led Zeppelin 1 - LP / CD - old / new - in comparison

First, to compare construction: LP US original pressing 1969 (mint), 2 x LP 180g and CD Remastered Deluxe Edition 2014 CD 1994 2 x LP and CD "Remasters" 1990. Old Equipment (DUAL 1219 REVOX B 795, McIntosh C 8 / MC 30 and SONY TA-1130 on BOSE 901-1, BROWN L 710 and 72er Klipschorn) and current (T + A pre and power amps, LP & CD player at T + A Solitaire, B & M Line 30 and Klipschorn AK 5 ).

The well in just 30 hours during three weeks debut this now legendary group was remastered by Page personally; So not only good technician / producer, but the person who knows the work far better than others. The LP was one of the first to be published exclusively in stereo. In addition to other Page grabbed microphones in a few meters distance from the usual and so had a much more spatial sound as was customary, which also contributed to increased Bonham with his drums sat.

In contrast to the commercial success of the reviews of this blues-rock mixture with bonds at the then-new heavy metal were initially negative. The "Rolling Stone" wrote, for example, Led Zeppelin offers nothing new and Rod Stewart was far more "exciting" than Robert Plant. The FAZ stated that Page was not an outstanding guitarist and Plant is a loudmouth who can not fill with soul his roar. Not only these publications later changed their views.

To anticipate in the comparison: The best impression was made by the new LP to date equipment; Although slightly different depending on the connected speakers, but always much warmer, comforting and airy than the new CD, which is worlds better than the 1994 and also known as the "Remasters" CD (where songs it exists). However, the CD leaves something mechanical refrigeration at all precision and spatiality.

When you sit LP with the band in cozy armchairs at a comfortable temperature, drinking lukewarm red wine and duzt itself. In the CD, there is a leather sofa in the beginning of autumn, a cold beer and "you". I am the chair prefer.

Although the original LP on old investment returns in the 55+ group memories, but is objectively on current equipment as well (slightly) overwhelmed as the 2014er LP is unchallenged in the oldie-conditioning.

For each song you have to say much; They are all known for decades, the ruling varies personally - and that's a good thing. After rousing start with "Good Times Bad Times" is the very strong folk adaptation "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You", the first for "Stairway to Heaven" something had to resign with me. Here are stylistically very different, some "serious" songs, so that one could not speak of a concept album. Overall, the combination of instruments and vocals in 2014 reached a new level of perceived clarity, presence and precision.

The second CD / LP: Of course it's sonically under present conditions no revelation - but that is my opinion, not at all. From 45 years of age live analog recordings can not make more than here - as well as a 45 year old horse with best Doping no Derby winner will be longer.

Here, it depends on the performance, the powerful voice of the young Plant, Page's creative guitar playing and the great achievements of Bonham and Jones. Not without reason have Led Zeppelin in particular the fans can convince them otherwise the mostly negative reviews of their live performances and co-founded their cult status. And I doubt very much that it will have "better" is one more than perhaps 10% of concertgoers on site.

Conclusion: In better quality there was no Led Zeppelin 1 so far; Therefore a buy recommendation for hardcore fans - priced I think it is appropriate.