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Beatles forums => Albums => Remasters => Topic started by: Mairi on September 02, 2009, 06:07:33 PM

Title: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Mairi on September 02, 2009, 06:07:33 PM
I'm trying to decide which set to purchase. I'd really like the mono ste as it's the albums as the Beatles intended us to hear them, but they don't include the albums that were originally recorded in Stereo. I also think it doesn't include the DVD?

My sound system is good, but not amazing, so I'm wondering if I would really benefit from the Mono remasters.

What would the audiophiles on this board reccommend for a poor student who adores the Beatles? Would it be worth it to be the mono set as soon as it comes out, or wait for the stereo set to go down in price?

Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: sregis on September 02, 2009, 07:08:15 PM
i wish there was a simple answer to this!
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: titaniumman on September 05, 2009, 08:38:37 AM
Assuming you have the money, I would get the Mono Box set simply because it's limited and it will be expensive when you want it later down the line (you will, guaranteed). The stereo discs you can always get peace meal, one title at a time.

If you don't have the dough for the Mono Box, your decision is already made as you cannot get the mono discs without buying the whole box.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: tkitna on September 05, 2009, 11:36:48 PM
I'm going on record as saying,,,,,,,I think that mono sucks. I'd rather hear any music in stereo.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Mairi on September 06, 2009, 12:33:04 AM
Really? I'd be interested in hearing why you think that.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Whoeveriam on September 06, 2009, 01:38:02 AM
Poor student go mono.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: tkitna on September 06, 2009, 07:50:56 AM
I like to pick the different instruments out on the different channels and I like how the music is layered in stereo. Mono just throws everything on top of each other and sounds bland to me.

I'm siding with technology on this one ladies.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: BlueMeanie on September 06, 2009, 07:53:44 AM
Poor student go mono.

The stereo's are cheaper!
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Gary910 on September 08, 2009, 05:03:44 AM
In a year the monos will be difficult to find at a reasonable price.

Get the monos.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: nimrod on September 08, 2009, 11:13:46 PM
get both..
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Hello Goodbye on September 09, 2009, 12:19:36 AM
get both..

That's what I did!
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Hello Goodbye on September 09, 2009, 01:29:00 AM
And I did a bit more.  In addition to the mono and stereo sets I treated myself to, I bought my sister a stereo set.  I think she'll be pleasantly surprised.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: breedofrandy on September 09, 2009, 05:52:49 AM
And I did a bit more.  In addition to the mono and stereo sets I treated myself to, I bought my sister a stereo set.  I think she'll be pleasantly surprised.

well that was extremly nice of you! :)
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: bicon on September 09, 2009, 06:14:29 AM
I bought both plus the Box of Vision-big outlay but we're talking Beatles here!  :) :) :)
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Gary910 on September 11, 2009, 11:25:38 PM
I'm going on record as saying,,,,,,,I think that mono sucks. I'd rather hear any music in stereo.

So George Martin was crazy when he said that you haven't heard Sgt. Pepper until you have heard it in mono?

Hmmm....
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: emmi_luvs_beatles on September 14, 2009, 06:53:26 PM
I bought stereo!  :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: DaveRam on September 14, 2009, 07:37:45 PM
If i buy the mono CD's i'm i going to be wasting my money , the fact i'm going deaf in my left ear is making me wonder if it's a sensible move , when i listen to mono CD's i have from other artists it sounds like the music is coming out of one side of the speaker or one side of my headphones sometimes .
With the stereo Cd's i'm hearing clear sound left and right , with my hearing problem do you think it's worth the cost ?
And would i notice much difference between stereo and mono ?
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Bobber on September 14, 2009, 07:45:54 PM
I heard people willing to pay double prices for the mono box set already.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: cubanheel on September 14, 2009, 10:26:30 PM
VITALLY IMPORTANT QUESTION!!!

I need to ask you all your opinion  -  should i get the albums that were originally recorded in mono in remastered stereo or in remastered mono??? In an ideal world where mortgages don't have to be paid and kids don't have to eat, then OBVIOUSLY I'd get both entire box sets (and Rock Band, though I have no idea what I'd do with it).

However, we live in a tarnished and unfair world, so I think I'll have to get just the albums I love the most first, then work on from there.  In case you're wondering, it'd have to be Revolver and Rubber Soul first.  I think.  Or maybe White album.  Or Beatles for Sale.  Anyway, your thoughts please for a cash-strapped Beatle fan.

On second thoughts, I'll just wait for the Beatles Fairy (the tooth fairy's teenage sister) and she'll bring the box set when I've been a good girl.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: nimrod on September 14, 2009, 11:57:51 PM
VITALLY IMPORTANT QUESTION!!!

I need to ask you all your opinion  -  should i get the albums that were originally recorded in mono in remastered stereo or in remastered mono??? In an ideal world where mortgages don't have to be paid and kids don't have to eat, then OBVIOUSLY I'd get both entire box sets (and Rock Band, though I have no idea what I'd do with it).

However, we live in a tarnished and unfair world, so I think I'll have to get just the albums I love the most first, then work on from there.  In case you're wondering, it'd have to be Revolver and Rubber Soul first.  I think.  Or maybe White album.  Or Beatles for Sale.  Anyway, your thoughts please for a cash-strapped Beatle fan.

On second thoughts, I'll just wait for the Beatles Fairy (the tooth fairy's teenage sister) and she'll bring the box set when I've been a good girl.

mono IMO, I hate the stereo mixes, always have done.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: tkitna on September 15, 2009, 12:34:03 AM
So George Martin was crazy when he said that you haven't heard Sgt. Pepper until you have heard it in mono?

Hmmm....

When the f*** did I say George Martin was crazy?
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Gary910 on September 15, 2009, 05:19:18 AM
Okay, you did not say George Martin is crazy. It is just that you made the comment that I think is very strong in that you said that mono sucks.

As I quoted Mr Martin, he believes that the mono is superior.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: dcowboys107 on September 16, 2009, 12:00:44 AM
I prefer the layering that stereo provides. . .  I enjoy lying in my bed and picking out the bass line and whatever intricacies there are to be had. But there is something about the mono mixes that is hard to explain. It feels so pure and innocent I guess. Please Please Me in stereo is nice but there's something about the texture of it in mono that makes you want to love it more. Beatles for Sale same way. I love being able to hear the parts but there is something about the ealier albums in mono. Help! and beyond I prefer in stereo but still enjoy the mono.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: tkitna on September 16, 2009, 12:06:34 AM
Okay, you did not say George Martin is crazy. It is just that you made the comment that I think is very strong in that you said that mono sucks.

As I quoted Mr Martin, he believes that the mono is superior.

I do think that mono sucks. I prefer stereo. I cant help it that I like stereo better.

Just because George Martin prefers mono means that nobody else is allowed to have an opinion?
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Bobber on September 16, 2009, 12:04:57 PM
http://goodrob13.com/2009/04/26/the-beatles-mono-vs-stereo-remastered-cds-coming-sept-2009/ (http://goodrob13.com/2009/04/26/the-beatles-mono-vs-stereo-remastered-cds-coming-sept-2009/)

Great blog for comparising mono and stereo versions.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Gary910 on September 16, 2009, 03:59:58 PM
I do think that mono sucks. I prefer stereo. I cant help it that I like stereo better.

Just because George Martin prefers mono means that nobody else is allowed to have an opinion?

Of course, you are allowed to have an opinion, and you should rightly defend it. If I denied your opinion, then I would be by extension be denying my own opinion.

If you feel that the stereo is better, there is nothing wrong with that. Why do you feel that the "mono sucks"?

In referring to George Martin, I was just saying that his opinion should be weighed heavily. He does know what he is talking about. As he has an opinion that should be respected so should yours.

There are some cases where I feel the stereo is easier on the ears. As the article that Bobber referred to they are both interesting to listen to. I view each version as different. They each have their qualities. I like to hear other's opinions, I just do not like when someone makes a blanket statement without any reason behind it.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Andy Smith on September 16, 2009, 11:07:18 PM
I'm more interested in the later ones in mono being on cd at last (pepper, white album), they
sound much better to me in mono. and thinking how low the frequency on Happiness is a Warm
Gun sounded in stereo sounds much tighter and better in mono. and they have improved it on the
new Stereo Remaster.

they have done a great job with the new stereo remaster of Beatles For Sale though. :)
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Gary910 on September 16, 2009, 11:11:16 PM

they have done a great job with the new stereo remaster of Beatles For Sale though. :)

The stereo version has always sounded better. The mono version has a lot of compression on it. You can hear the space between the instruments on the stereo version. In all of the versions that I have heard, I have always preferred the stereo of this album, hands down.
Title: Wiki
Post by: Sir John Johns on November 10, 2009, 03:43:51 AM
Kind of like this analysis of the remasters despite a glaring over-site  :)

Mono & Stereo analysis (http://www.beatleswiki.com/wiki/index.php/Review:_Beatles_Mono_and_Stereo_Remasters_Box_Sets)
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: emmi_luvs_beatles on November 17, 2009, 12:56:26 AM
My desision on box sets:

Me: Hey dad! Will you buy me the Mono box set of Beatles albums?!
My dad: No. But I will buy you stereo.

So yeah. Not too much to think about there  ha2ha
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: tkitna on December 13, 2009, 01:25:36 AM
I got the stereo box set for my birthday, but I havent bothered to listen to it yet. I'll comment once I do.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: tkitna on January 23, 2010, 03:18:24 AM
I still havent opened the set yet. Isnt that horrible? I have a million things to listen to (I havent forgotten about you Rick) and just not enough time to get through them. i bought ringos new one a few days ago and only got through the first 4 songs before i got interrupted. just not enough time in the day.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: An Apple Beatle on January 23, 2010, 05:24:51 AM
I still havent opened the set yet. Isnt that horrible? I have a million things to listen to (I havent forgotten about you Rick) and just not enough time to get through them. i bought ringos new one a few days ago and only got through the first 4 songs before i got interrupted. just not enough time in the day.
Nay problemo sir...I know how it gets...if you do listen...listen from about half way! lol ;)
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Bingo Bongo on June 14, 2015, 05:43:20 PM
I like to pick the different instruments out on the different channels and I like how the music is layered in stereo. Mono just throws everything on top of each other and sounds bland to me.

I'm siding with technology on this one ladies.

I totally agree with this.  Beatles started in mono, because that was the technology they had.  North America was well ahead of them in Stereo.

Unfortunately, the first couple of albums in stereo aren't separated the best, but overall, you can't beat stereo sound, sorry.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Ovi on June 15, 2015, 09:20:03 AM
Mono up to and including Beatles for Sale, then stereo.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Bingo Bongo on June 15, 2015, 04:41:15 PM
Mono up to and including Beatles for Sale, then stereo.

 I found "Beatles For Sale" not quite as clear a recording as even the older albums. Not sure what it is, or if it's just me!  Even the US Capitol songs of "Beatles '65" (although dexterized) sound better than Beatles For Sale.

Is it just me  ???
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Hombre_de_ningun_lugar on June 18, 2015, 12:18:34 AM
Mono up to and including Beatles for Sale, then stereo.

I agree.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Bingo Bongo on November 29, 2015, 11:20:41 PM
I’ll give the new 2105 Beatles 1 a bit of a compliment.  Some of the songs that had the vocals on 1 stereo channel, have now been moved more to the centre, to sound more like the mono recordings.  Not saying they are better, just different.

You can prevue them for free in iTunes before you decide to buy!  icon_king
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: real01 on December 02, 2015, 11:26:26 AM
I’ll give the new 2105 Beatles 1 a bit of a compliment.  Some of the songs that had the vocals on 1 stereo channel, have now been moved more to the centre, to sound more like the mono recordings.  Not saying they are better, just different.
And I like when the things are different!  glassesslip
I like little surprises... The orchestra crescendos sound more clear on '1'.
And Penny Lane sounds great.  :)

Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Bingo Bongo on December 07, 2015, 04:47:03 PM
Overall, I like having both Mono & Stereo on my iPod so that I can hear whichever I prefer to listen to at the time.  Same with the N.A. CD's to hear the dexterized versions and different songs on different albums, than the U.K. versions.

Even The U.K. Stereo sounds different the N.A. Stereo, to give you diversity! ;yes

SO, THE MORE BEATLES, THE MARIER!!!!!!!!  icon_king
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: real01 on January 01, 2016, 10:49:29 AM
Well, some say mono albums, some say stereo, and some have both...  icon_cool

The only way to determine what you like better is to listen both versions of the album/songs.
You don't have to be an audio expert - just follow your taste.

Comparing the track 'Flying' - I'd say it sounds better in mono (it has more depth).
'Your Mother Should Know' - it sounds better in stereo because in mono, it is a bit 'artificial' sounding - and you don't have switching the vocals L/R like in stereo.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Bingo Bongo on January 02, 2016, 07:29:41 PM
Some of the earlier U.K. stuff in Stereo does suck on Headphones, but aren’t as bad on the Home Stereo.  If your listening the the early N.A. stereo on Headphones, it’s a little different, sometimes better, sometimes not.

Like I’ve mentioned before, if you like the true dexterized N.A. sound, you gotta get the 2004-06 Capitol CD Box sets Vol. 1 & 2. (In mono & Stereo).  The 2014 U.S. CD set does not give you that sound.

 **** That’s why you should just have it all in Mono & Stereo, U.K. & N.A.  Problem solved......  icon_cool
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Loco Mo on December 17, 2016, 11:11:30 AM
I never bought the mono set so I can't offer a good critique here.

I just about always listen on headphones because I've lived in apartments all my life so I can't risk disturbing my neighbors (because they're easily disturbed and disturbing).

I think I'm missing out because I don't even know what The Beatles sound like on speakers any more.  When I was a kid, I could play the music loud at home on speakers.  I miss that.

I was expecting a lot when I bought the stereo remasters but I was disappointed.  A lot of that separation didn't sound right to me.  It's like someone's doing it just because the technology enables it.  Maybe I need to re-listen to them and maybe I'll have a different opinion the next time around.
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Fab4Fan on December 17, 2016, 07:23:35 PM
I was expecting a lot when I bought the stereo remasters but I was disappointed.  A lot of that separation didn't sound right to me.  It's like someone's doing it just because the technology enables it.  Maybe I need to re-listen to them and maybe I'll have a different opinion the next time around.

I agree with you regarding the stereo remasters. As some others have pointed out, some tracks still sound better in stereo but overall, I now much prefer the mono versions.

And, as Bingo has posted, the North American versions also sound good to me - both in mono and stereo. Most likely because those are the versions I grew up with. 
Title: Re: Mono or Stereo?
Post by: Loco Mo on December 18, 2016, 02:05:09 PM
Thanks, Fab.  I was disappointed particularly with "A Hard Day's Night."  The mono version definitely sounds better to me but I really thought the stereo would be even better.  So, yes, I was down, really down about it.  In fact, I asked the people around me:  "How can you laugh when you know I'm down?"