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Last Lineage - June 26

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On that note... I was just listening to the July 19 mono Cannonball Adderley - Somethin' Else, and comparing to the Music Matters (Reflektor).  The original mono is so much bolder, it's like listening to a different album.  I really love this sound... that initial crescendo in Autumn Leaves sounds so strong and really kicks it off nicely.

This is a great album for people who are interested in getting into jazz.  If that's you, check out this rip.

Also, now listening to the Modern English - Ricochet Days from July 19.  Sounds great, and seems a bit of a change from the earlier albums and 7 inch rips that we have.  Maybe less experimental and more mainstream, but very listenable to my ear.

The Steely Dan - Gaucho rip sounds terrific, but for me, the really great pressing is the RL from Black Ice.  That one really has some punch, in my opinion.

I haven't got to the Allan Holdsworth yet, but should be interesting in comparison to the Quiex.

What are you guys hearing on the latest rips?

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JoePopenagen

Drybonz.

Thanks for your impressions. I completely understand where you're coming from.

My only issue is still the same: the low end. To my ears, the bass doesn't have enough weight or physical presence. I'm still missing that soft, warm, enveloping atmosphere that makes the music feel more alive and three-dimensional.

Overall it still leans toward the typical Japanese mastering presentation: very clean, very detailed and controlled, but a little too polite for my taste. I prefer a fuller, weightier sound with more body and a stronger foundation in the bass.

When the music doesn't let you really feel the bass, the kick drum and the groove—regardless of the genre—there's always going to be something missing. But in the end, it's all a matter of personal taste and opinion.

(((hugs))))

@pbthal

I agree. I personally don't understand the criticisms of Joe and Wow. I think these latest batches sound great and have no problem with the bass of them. Seems they prefer boomy bass. I prefer my bass to be tight, not boomy so maybe that's why.

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SRSJoePopenagen
Quote from Virtualcrane on July 20, 2026, 7:01 pm

@pbthal

I agree. I personally don't understand the criticisms of Joe and Wow. I think these latest batches sound great and have no problem with the bass of them. Seems they prefer boomy bass. I prefer my bass to be tight, not boomy so maybe that's why.

That is what happens when people who prefer solid-state amplifiers evaluate the material on its own merits, rather than as material characterized by a tube-like sound coloration.

JoePopenagen has reacted to this post.
JoePopenagen

Other than a few stragglers everything going forward will be "Step-Up" edition rips, those are the ones I am living with the....until that changes haha

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DrybonzSRSVirtualcraneecomaniacchapmanraJoePopenagen

One more thing, I am totally fine with comments on perceived sound quality, I would much rather hear that than "Real-debrid" is down or "how can I get everything in life for free", so if you hear something feel free to let everyone know, but please list specific albums/rips

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DrybonzSRSVirtualcraneJoePopenagen

Pbthal, please don't take my assessment of the Last Linage chain's audio as a criticism—not at all. What I mean is that it sounds wonderful, but for my personal taste, it lacks a bit of bass; it reminds me of those amazing Japanese pressings and masterings—that’s all.

Where I enjoy your work the most is when you’ve used that chain Answer To The Definitive Return Series 2021-2024 ;I simply think it’s wonderful, and I’m more than grateful!.

Regarding the comment about amplifiers, I use a PrimaLuna Evo 300 Hybrid;
the preamp tubes are Brimar CV 4003, from the folks at Upscale Audio.

I understand that this is all a matter of taste, and when it comes to tast to each their own; people like what they like!

((((Hugs and Peace)))

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BrenHerbVirtualcrane

Again..you fail to reference a single rip as the basis for your conclusions....

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VirtualcraneJoePopenagen

Pbthal, I listened to these records—which is exactly what prompted my comment—and songs like "Isolation," "Heart and Soul," or "Gimme Shelter" sound to me like they lack weight, bass, and groove. I’ll stick to that assessment; that’s simply how it sounds to my ears. What amazes me most is that my Wharfedale Elysian 4 floor-standing speakers usually kick like a bulldozer when reproducing bass.

Joy Division – *Closer* (Direct Metal Master, Poland)
Rolling Stones – *Let It Bleed* (UK)
Dire Straits – *Love Over Gold* (Quiex Promo)

The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World (UK Abbey Road)
THE HOLY GRAIL REFLEKTOR SERIES (April 20, 2026); while The Cure's original mix is ​​poor and the mastering is horrible, your version really salvaged it, though it still lacks bass. The bass response is flat; I don't feel the weight of the band (mind you, that's just my impression, others might not feel the same way).

am not someone who is disrespectful or fails to value other people's time and hard work. That said, I realize I am trying to offer constructive feedback based on my own listening experience—which may differ from others'.

Sending you a big hug, and thanks again for your wonderful work!

Joe.

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BrenHerbVirtualcrane

What Love Over Gold rip did you listen to? The BlackIce? That is a different mastering from the box set

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BrenHerbVirtualcrane
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