I have their Miles Davis Kind of Blue Stereo/Mono and it sounds pretty good. Strangely enough the internet reviews of this label seem to fall into two camps; the audiophiles connoisseurs who are dismissive and the regular record owner who is quite happy with the product. I keep reading the audio is sourced from cd's, but the real question is whether it's cd or sacd which par to dsd64 makes it the same source quality as MOFI records (lol). And as for the pressing, how many pressing plants are there in EU? I'll be surprised if these records are not pressed on the same plants other major labels press their records.
Not Now Music is yet another European grey market reissue label. I've got lots of experience with their releases, since a few years ago these compilations were pretty common in my local department stores. Not Now Music has three types of releases: various artist compilations, single artist compilations and classic album reissues. Majority of these releases are blues, jazz or rhythm & blues titles. Quality of these releases varies drastically.
Those classic album reissues are easily best sounding ones. I've compared some of their jazz reissues with Columbia, Blue Note etc. CD remasters, and they sound pretty much identical. Apparently these reissues are sourced from readily available commercial CDs. Quantity of discs doesn't seem to affect here. Their 2CD, 3CD and 5 CD classic album reissues have equal sound quality.
On the other hand, sound quality of their compilations seems to be totally random. Most of their 2CD sets are ok. These releases may be a bit too compressed and muddy sounding. However, for some odd reason their 3CD compilations are really awful. These 3CD sets are heavily compressed and harsh sounding. There's also audible sizzle, echo and distortion. Overall volume may vary from track to track. Apparently mastering isn't their strong point.
Not Now Music's vinyl releases are dreadful. These releases are definitely digitally sourced. These pressings sound extremely thin and they're cut way too hot. Distortion and sibilance are huge issues. Pressing quality is bad.When it comes to Not Now Music's vinyl releases, loud pops and clicks seem to be rather rule than exeption.
laboiss
October 7, 2022