THE LAST LINEAGE VS. ANSWER TO THE DEFINITIVE RETURNS LINEAGE

#1 · July 16, 2026, 2:03 pm

Hi everyone,

I've been comparing rips made with both lineages, and personally I find myself preferring the ones made with the Answer to the Definitive Returns lineage.

For reference, this is the system I'm listening on:

USB external hard drive
HiFi Rose RS151
PrimaLuna EVO 300 Hybrid (Brimar CV4003 tubes)
Wharfedale Elysian 4

For example, with The Rolling Stones – Let It Bleed, the sound of The Last Lineage is absolutely incredible. The level of detail, instrument separation, and soundstage is simply on another level.

However, to my ears and in my system, it reminds me of some Japanese masterings I've heard over the years. Everything is incredibly clean, precise, and beautifully defined, but I personally miss a little of the bass weight, the groove, and that enveloping sense of foundation that a fuller low end can provide.

Please don't take this as criticism or disrespect in any way. It's simply a personal listening impression based on my own taste and on what I hear through my system. I know that everyone hears things differently, and that's one of the things that makes this hobby so enjoyable.

Once again, I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to PBTHAL for the amazing work and dedication over all these years. We are truly fortunate to be able to enjoy these outstanding transfers.

Hugs from Buenos Aires!

((((Hugs))))

Joe

snappy53, ꧁ŞîŁîçØňe țØąÐ꧂ and 3 other users have reacted to this post.

#2 · July 16, 2026, 3:59 pm

Hey Joe... I mentioned (somewhere around here) that I think the ATV150 era and before were a little bass-ier and that after that the bass sounds tighter, to me, with everything becoming crisper and clearer from Black Ice up to present. They all sound great to me, and there are a lot of factors, such as my listening room is probably a little smaller than most people are using, so I may be noticing changes in low end more. There are also some rips of the same pressing in different era's that sound pretty similar to me, but some I hear a great improvement. The main thing is that all these rips sound much better and richer to me than if I compare them to a 24 bit hi res digital store release. Anyway, these are just my thoughts, I'm no expert and I'm sure some will disagree.

꧁ŞîŁîçØňe țØąÐ꧂, StaffInfection and benf have reacted to this post.

#3 · July 16, 2026, 4:59 pm

Drybonz.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I completely agree that the listening room plays an important role, but in the end, our ears are the final judge.

If you ever get the chance to compare these transfers using a good pair of headphones, I think you'll notice that the differences become even more apparent.

Personally, I love original first pressings. I'm simply not interested in remasters—I prefer to hear the music as close as possible to the original artistic intent captured on those first editions. That's the sound I'm always searching for.

That said, PBTHAL's work is simply extraordinary. His dedication, passion, and commitment to preserving these recordings are something I deeply appreciate, and I feel very fortunate to be able to enjoy these amazing transfers.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!

(((Hugs from Buenos Aires y Argentina Campeon :D))))

Lance Uppercut, Fichin and 3 other users have reacted to this post.

#4 · July 27, 2026, 11:27 pm

Most of my favorite rips are from the AT33PTGII era...My favorite albums, I downloaded every rip Pat did on them. And, listened to them all to choose my personal favorite. It's all personal preference in the end...

JoePopenagen has reacted to this post.

#5 · July 28, 2026, 6:15 am

I agree 100%; it’s all a matter of taste, and everyone likes what they like.

black05hemi has reacted to this post.

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