Peter Gabriel – So

Terrible pressing. Surface noise throughout even with a good ultrasonic cleaning. Track two came damaged with a defect that looks like someone dropped a sledgehammer on it.

This pressing is a must have for all audiophile lovers… I have never heard “Don’t Give Up” in this way before… unbelievable…, I am at a loss for words.

With so much going on in Peter’s music, this master has great separation of all sounds on the soundstage

Meine Anlage und DR-Wert

Hifi System:
Rotel A12 - PreAmp + DAC
Coax: Cordial, Opt. Oehlbach
Cinch: Neo by Oyaide

KSD C8 Reference Active LS
Powercord: Isotek EVO V3
Cinch-XLR: Neo by Oyaide

Technics SL1210 MK7
ATVM95ML (2.2g)
AVM PH 30.3 - MM/MC Pre
Cinch: Cordial, Oehlbach

Sonic Tools - DR avg. is 15.0db

Etwas wellig aber noch OK, Top Sound und Dynamik!!!

My first review was a bit negative, but after more cleaning and a break in of my stylus I’ve updated it.
I am able to A/B between level matched, iTunes lossless.
Compared to the 2012 digital remaster this vinyl sounds different. More deep bass, nothing muddy. Peter’s voice is mixed a touch lower but the high end sounds a bit nicer than the digital.
It graded an A- for noise on the Waxwing.

While this is not the most silent pressing in the world, the music will always stand out and it still sounds great. The blue is definitely a vibe but that’s pretty much the only reason to choose this pressing over any other. 4.5/5

Quality control appears to be an issue with this release. Both copies I purchased had visible and audible scratches on the vinyl out of the box. Pop and crackle completely ruined the high-hat opening of side 1, with noise in quiet spots throughout the album. Half of the CDs and DVDs had fallen out of their sleeves in the package and were sliding around in the box. I returned both and don't think I'll try again. If I'm paying over $100 primarily for a single audiophile pressing of an album, I expect much better than this. Too bad, the mix and mastering are very good.

This reissue isn't bad, but my 2016 EU 1 LP (half-speed, cut by Matt @ Alchemy) was the clear winner in an audio shoot-out (AT VM540ML). This one was a little noisy (mostly on Side A), and the soundstage seemed a tad confined in comparison... the 2016 had more presence and was more dynamic to my ears.

I am rating this 5/5 a masterpiece IMO. PG is at the top of his game here, which is saying something. I’m going to rate the sound quality of this pressing though a 3/5 with hearing what others have expressed concerning the sibilance being rough. Especially on side A. I may end up picking up a new reissue print asap.

This also came in a black shell variant with silver lettering, otherwise identical in shape and design with the white shell.