What is an Archive Master Pressing? They are simply the best sounding version of this record I have found in 25 years of collecting audiophile grade vinyl. They are the Ultimate in Analog Audio Performance. Recordings before the mid 1980's were 100% analog in the recording chain.
This makes a HUGE difference in sound quality. I have compared many new remasters to the original 1st pressings and the sound quality is quite different. Digital sourcing has removed the depth of the original recording and many times makes a remaster sound flat and much less 3 dimensional.
I have collected them for years for my personal collection. I search through copies of the same record (always different pressings but excellent to near mint examples) to find the best. Fidelity: Frequency response from Lowest Bass to the Highest Treble. Dynamics: Quietest passages to the loudest passages and how it matches how we hear live sound.
Staging: Ability to separate instruments and clearly hear every detail of the music. Depth: 3 dimensional aspect to the music when played through a high-end 2 channel audio system. Quiet Background: Ability to play with no music or soft passages and NOT HEAR clicks, pops, etc. It will excel in all of the above categories.
It should be the best version of this record you have heard. I have thousands of records from my personal collection and from collections I have bought to go through to find these Archive Masters. They all go through an ULTRASONIC Machine Cleaning plus a 8 step STEAM cleaning process that takes about 20 minutes per record.
I have the cleaning method described below if you are interested. If you are a collector of original records and first pressings, Cleveland Vinyl is your store! I specialize in original pressings that are cleaned at a level that is unprecedented in the vinyl collecting world.
The result is amazing quality music and an investment that will continue to rise in value through the years. They will be collector's items for years to come and each one comes with it's own certificate with the date it was cleaned and with the ability to get it professionally cleaned by me anytime you wish! Just send it to me and I'll clean it and send it back for free!
Please check my feedback for previous customers comments on the sound quality. John Lennon (The Beatles) - Mind Games - Japan Analog 1st Press. Re cord Grade: Near Mint. Cover/Sleeve Grade: Very Good+ with book and insert.Sou nd Quality: Audiophile level sound quality. Strong dynamics, excellent fidelity, and a very quiet background.
Music erupts from a black background. Excellent depth with a 3D aspect to the music. The ultimate version of this album I have found!- Vinyl Record, CD, Tape, FLAC. If you compare this record though a properly set up turntable /cartridge with the CD, you will be AMAZED with the difference!
Notes: 1973 Apple EAP-80950 Toshiba Japanese 1st Press. 100% Analog in the recording chain. Everything pictured is what comes with it. This one s ounded better than the eight pressings I have. Excellent investment, It will continue to rise in value.
It's the ONLY version in the world to have the 8 Step ULTRASONIC Cleaning done on each side of this LP! Compare the sound quality to ANY version of this LP for the price! L ast Time Cleaned and Anti-Static Treatment applied: April 19th, 2022 using my 8 step process. Ultrasonic Machine cleaned plus fully steam cleaned cleaned on my VPI Modified cleaner.Anti Static process done using the ZEROSTAT gun. I use an ULTRASONIC cleaning machine that I use in conjunction with the VPI vacuum machine.
It has resulted in the cleanest and quietest noise floors EVER! They clean at a MICRON level and achieve a sound quality when playing that vacuum machines cannot. It improves soundstage, dynamics and a very quiet background. Here is my latest record cleaning method-Marquard Method 6.Step 1 -Use a pre-cleaner to remove the largest particles and get the record base ready for a steam cleaning. Step 2 -Vacuum the record, both sides, using my VPI vacuum Cleaning machine. Step 3 -Use Steam from Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs PURE Water to clean the vinyl grooves-3 rotations each side.
Use DAK Brush to get steam into the grooves. Step 4 -Vacuum the record again, both sides-4-5 rotations until completely dry. Step 5 -Using one of my two Ultrasonic machines (Audiodesk and Ultrasonic V-8), I run them through a 10 minute cleaning cycle where it removes all the dirt the VPI machine could not. It also removes smoke remnants and detergents from past washings.Step 6 -Using MFSL Pure Water, rinse record using a different MFSL Velvet brush and let it spin for 3-5 rotations. Step 7 -Vacuum the record a final time, both sides until bone dry. Step 8 -Use the Anti-Static gun twice on each side of the record for removal of any static electricity. I grade as accurately as possible!
Thank You for looking at my Record Store. I have been an avid vinyl collector for the last 20 years.I have thousands that I must go through and sell to make room for new ones. Over the years, I have tried many methods of cleaning them and found the best way through trial and error. I can clean any amount of records you like from your personal collection through the link above. I follow the Goldmine Standards for record grading, Here are my categories.
You will seldom see me grade records mint. NEAR MINT -Usually the highest grade, plays like new. Will have little or no background noise when clean.
No marks, scuffs or scratches on the record. The cover should be in like new condition with little or no wear. Records over 20 years old in this condition are rare and therefore demand a premium price when they are truly in NM condition.EXCELLENT -Almost like new, maybe a mark or two on the record, but it should still sound like new. Vinyl looks shiny and clean. Dynamics, Clarity and Fidelity should all be excellent on the vinyl. The cover may have some wear, but certainly no ring wear or major marks or damage on the cover.
VERY GOOD ++ A Beautiful Album, Some wear on the record. Some marks, scuffs or light surface scratches, certainly no skips or constant ticks when playing. Fidelity and Dynamics should be excellent. The cover can have some light wear, ring wear or bruised corners.VERY GOOD + Has some marks, scuffs and light scratches on the vinyl. Will play through without any skipping or major constant "ticks".
Well cared for records, but evidence of playing them many times are there. Fidelity and Dynamics are still good, but maybe some light background noise between songs.
Cover has ring wear and bruised corners, but overall front and back are in good shape. Some shine to the vinyl still.
VERY GOOD Well worn record, has scratches, "ticks" and surface noise. Maybe a skip or two, nothing major, but would not be a collector example. Deeper scratches and noticeable shine gone from the vinyl. Will play with fidelity, but background noise will be present. GOOD Lots of wear to the record, skips and scratches are certain.
A record that has seen better days! Record still plays, but gone is the fidelity and dynamics that make vinyl magical. Cover has ring wear, seam splits, and writing sometimes.
Not a cover you would want to frame. Only to be bought to sustain a need until a better example is found.
AUDIO GUYS, please check out my Ads, Reviews, and Brochures section of my store for THOUSANDS of pieces of audio literature from 1950 to present! Check out the "ME" page next to my feedback for more information on my store!