Is 45 RPM becoming the new audiophile reissue standard?

[Analog21]

I've really come to like the Analogue Productions and ORG audiophile reissue LPs that have been release the past few years. Many hard to find records in good condition make these reissue a great alternative. However, I've seen a recent tread in the past year or two where they are doing 45 RPM releases on 2 LPs rather than the standard 33 one LP pressing. I for one don't like have only 2-3 songs per side (though the sound quality may be a bit better), and have to change the record so frequently. Some of the records I'm interested (Sam Cooke, Roy Orbison), the songs are only 2.5 minutes long, so why only put 3 songs on a side? Most of the LPs I want are only on 45 2 LPs - Sam Cooke, Diana Krall, John Coltrane/Johnny Hartman, Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong, Roy Orbison, etc….. Do most people prefer this? I actually do not. Any opinions on this?

[allenh]

I do prefer the sound of 45s. Just smoother and more refined. But I like the convenience of 33 sometimes. So I will sometime buy both the 33 and 45 if they are available and play the one depending on my mood that day (lazy or Audio Nirvana only..). Fleetwood Mac Rumors is a good example.

[rockitman]

45 rpm is good for aging baby boomers like myself. It gets you off your ass much more often during a listening session. Can you imagine a digital server next to your listening chair. You would never have to get up.

[Garth]

good point I always look at the MBL ad and the guy in the low slung chair and think that has to be digital no one is getting out of that chair to change records.

[1morerecord2clean]

Only if you have room on your shelves.😏

[JCOConnell]

better sound quality is a plus but I definitely do not like the extra side changes and disc changes as well as the extra cost of the albums.

[Rob]

re SQ, given a choice between 33 or 45 rpm of the same LP i'd choose 45 all day long. if you're thinking exit strategy the 45 will appreciate far more than the price difference you paid.

[Rust]

I have a few 45 rpm pressings. They all sound better than the 33-1/3 versions, no argument there. I'd buy more 45 rpm pressings if there were more titles available that I would actually listen to. Doesn't matter how good the sound is, I like what I like and I don't like what I don't like.

[JCOConnell]

I've really come to like the Analogue Productions and ORG audiophile reissue LPs that have been release the past few years. Many hard to find records in good condition make these reissue a great alternative. However, I've seen a recent tread in the past year or two where they are doing 45 RPM releases on 2 LPs rather than the standard 33 one LP pressing. I for one don't like have only 2-3 songs per side (though the sound quality may be a bit better), and have to change the record so frequently. Some of the records I'm interested (Sam Cooke, Roy Orbison), the songs are only 2.5 minutes long, so why only put 3 songs on a side? Most of the LPs I want are only on 45 2 LPs - Sam Cooke, Diana Krall, John Coltrane/Johnny Hartman, Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong, Roy Orbison, etc….. Do most people prefer this? I actually do not. Any opinions on this?

I think one of the reasons they only put a few minutes of audio per side is to further maximize sound quality by keeping the recorded groove as far away from the label as possible. Sometimes it looks as if they recorded half a side.

[MylesBAstor]

Only if you have room on your shelves.😏

You ain't kidding. Double the shelf space I reckon.

[MylesBAstor]

I think one of the reasons they only put a few minutes of audio per side is to further maximize sound quality by keeping the recorded groove as far away from the label as possible. Sometimes it looks as if they recorded half a side.

Yes and also I think they spread the grooves out a bit more allowing for better dynamics and low end. More land.

[MylesBAstor]

Not sure if people know but RR experimented at one time with 78 rpm stereo LPs. Marcia told me that you haven't heard anything if you think 45 rpm is good So imagine getting just five minutes on a side!

[1morerecord2clean]

Not sure if people know but RR experimented at one time with 78 rpm stereo LPs. Marcia told me that you haven't heard anything if you think 45 rpm is good So imagine getting just five minutes on a side!

Haven't thought about this in years but my father had quite a few 78s when I was quite young. Can you believe he had the complete opera Aida on 78s?! Several binders with super heavy duty sleeves holding I don't know how many shellac records. Each binder must have weighed 25 lbs each. What a convenient format. 😜

[Johnny Vinyl]

I like them for the quality, but not so much the short sides. On some I find it interrupts with the flow of the music. I'll never buy a lot of them as I only buy the ones I consider must-halves and are reasonably priced, which leaves out some of Chad's pressings. It would be different if I lived in the U.S. and didn't have to deal with the exchange rate and his outrageous shipping costs for international buyers. It's a shame as he does quality work.

[JCOConnell]

To me, some album sides are sacred, think DSOTM, ABBEY ROAD. Breaking them up into 4 sides definately ruins the flow and artistry of the work.

[Johnny Vinyl]

To me, some album sides are sacred, think DSOTM, ABBEY ROAD. Breaking them up into 4 sides definately ruins the flow and artistry of the work.

I'm a bit worried about that with the new Alan Parsons Project - I Robot........although I'll probably still get it.

Good call on Abbey Road! Side 2 cannot be broken up!