DEF LEPPARD – Hysteria [MFSL 24kt Gold Ultradisc II Original Master Recording]
And… here’s more for DEF LEPPARD fans, as requested, the essential “Hysteria” in its MFSL Mobile Fidelity Labs 24 karat Gold Ultradisc II Original Master Recording. Regarded as the ‘ultimate listening experience”, these Ultradisc II technology discs are limited edition releases with each gold CD being mastered from the original studio master tape, rendering music reproduction as close to the actual recording session as possible.
Only for rabid completists or worth the investment?
In the Nineties, the release of “Hysteria” (as well as Pyromania) was licensed out to Mobile Fidelity Labs, who used the original master tapes to create these 24kt gold ‘Ultradisc II’. The discs are custom pressed on gold, because it doesn’t oxidize.
As the opposite with the Pyromania release, this “Hysteria” in its MFSL Mobile Fidelity Labs version does include the full production credits, all liner notes, photos and artwork from the original LP faithfully recreated.
Now, what about the sound quality?
First of all; I dig modern remasters. In most cases, the resulting beefed up sound is superior to enjoy on a wide range of players, from a car stereo to a high end system.
This Mobile Fidelity Labs release is NOT remastered, the aim is to ‘rendering music reproduction as close to the actual recording session as possible’. So “Hysteria Ultradisc II” sounds like the original masters should do.
Is it better than a regular CD, SHM-CD, etc?
Tested on a high quality audiophile rig, “Hysteria Ultradisc II” sounds terrific. But let me tell you, the Japanese SHM-CD do so.
In fact, I don’t think I’ve heard a bad sounding CD version of “Hysteria”, though the upcoming 2017 remaster might change that.
As conclusion, “Hysteria Ultradisc II” delivers a superb sound, not remastered but with a great 12 DR (Dynamic Range) and supposedly one step closer to the source material.
However, regarding this album, so much time and energy was put into its production that it’s a great sounding / recording for any pressing. Anyway, if you can afford this Ultradisc II, buy it. It’s a collectible.
In one way or another… A MUST HAVE CLASSIC.
01. Women
02. Rocket
03. Animal
04. Love Bites
05. Pour Some Sugar On Me
06. Armageddon It
07. Gods Of War
08. Don’t Shoot Shotgun
09. Run Riot
10. Hysteria
11. Excitable
12. Love And Affection
Joe Elliott – lead vocals
Phil Collen – guitars, backing vocals
Steve Clark – guitars, backing vocals
Rick Savage – bass, bass synthesiser, backing vocals
Rick Allen – drums
additional personnel:
Robert John “Mutt” Lange – backing vocals
Rocky Newton – backing vocals
Philip “Art School” Nicholas – keyboards, Fairlight programming
Out Of Print – Try Here:
www.ebay.com/itm/DEF-LEPPARD-HYSTERIA-MFSL-24-KARAT-GOLD-CD-MINT/400532487068
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