Doors* – L.A. Woman

I won’t comment on the LP, as most other reviews cover it. — Instead, I want to stress how good the main CD (CD1) sounds. Much to my surprise, it is MQA-encoded, and my amp displays ‘MQA 176.4 kHz’.

Well, I’ve read a lot about the shortcomings of the MQA format, and I am quite skeptical about the technology (using 2 bits to increase the resolution — similar to what DTS did originally), but I have to admit that this particular recording sounds really (really) good.

Almost too good, in fact, and it is so different from my other digital versions that it made me stop everything I was doing and sit down to listen to it.

First, this version sounds almost new. Not only does it include two additional tracks (both outstanding and logical in this context), but it sounds, well, _different_ from previous editions, almost like a different mix. It highlights a lot of the production effects (reverb, etc — it is quite obvious from the studio rehearsals that reverb was heavily used in recording the tracks), and it sounds a lot deeper and cooler, or more 'relaxed', than most other digital versions of the record that I know (incl. the DVD-Audio, the AP SACD version, and various CD versions I have owned over the past 30 years.

My favorite digital version, the AP SACD, sounds more organic, and maybe more punchy (although not as punchy as the Warner DVD-Audio), but to my ears, it is not as smooth, deep, and detailed as this new version. The background is pitch-black, and the separation of instruments is frankly amazing for a CD. I have no idea how this is possible, but it sounds fresh and it’s quite obvious on a compatible system (I use a Cyrus CD-t drive connected to a Hegel H390, all you need is an MQA-compatible DAC or receiver, I didn’t know my amp was MQA-compatible until I played this CD ).

Maybe hardcore fans and purists will discard or hate this high-resolution version, but I think it’s a worthwhile experience, and I think it will be my go-to digital version of LA Woman from now on.

This is the 1971 original mix, so I briefly compared it to the only analog copies that I have, including a dutch 1971 first press, a french first press, and a more recent (UK?) 50th anniversary release. After listening to this MQA remaster, it's obvious that all the elements were already present in the mix on all the LPs, but they were simply less obvious, because the overall mix was not as detailed (or defined) as this new version.

About the bonus materials (CD 2 and 3) — CD 2 and 3 are also MQA-encoded, and the same comments apply. The rehearsals and outtakes also sound clear, smooth, and spacious at the same time (if that makes sense), although most of the defects and mistakes are also more apparent, because the overall sound quality makes these sessions incredibly transparent (and for me, a very rewarding experience — I think this alone makes the purchase of the box set worthwhile.).

Since all the tracks of the Workshop Sessions and L.A. Woman Sessions are present in their full format and in this higher resolution, it is an interesting alternative option to access these documents without having to change sides six or seven times, or more if you listen to all the rehearsals at once.

I am quite convinced that the analog 4 LP version will be the version of choice for most audiophiles and hardcore fans of The Doors, but this digital version is more convenient and sounds incredibly good to my ears.

As I said previously, the sound quality is almost too good to be true. But it's a lot of fun, and a must-have for any Doors fan, or anyone interested in, or curious about, the MQA format.

Overall a beautiful set, I love it.

GREAT...LP audio mixing error...around 50 seconds in the first song on side 2 L'America there is a short beep sound. Possible mix error. Indicates an overwhelming lack of quality control.

Very good pressing in my opinion, and i also really love the cover.

This is a fantastic pressing of a timeless album. The vinyl is silent between tracks, everything is wonderfully present and separated in the mix, I don't know what kind of curmudgeon you need to be to say this is anything less than top quality.

Great release. Excellent quality packaging and the Vinyl pressing is super and sounds incredible on my system, no pops, no distortion, flat Vinyl library quiet, very wide separation of Channels. The CDs are a welcome bonus. This one is a keeper!

The vinyl sounds really poor , distorted with decreased bass range . Very bad vinyl production. Please Jimmy Page tells them how the vinyl should be produced.This edition has worse sound than Germany 80’s reissues.

Beyond pleased with sound of the LP. Among the best in my collection, I’d say. Haven’t hit the CD’s yet because I keep re-spinning the wax

Can anybody tell me if I should get this pressing or the 2009 Rhino pressing

Packaging is great haven't heard the CDs but the vinyl LP sounds very clean and clear almost as good as my 2012 analog productions 45 RPM and that's saying a lot.

Does anyone know what the limited quantity is? Or is it just limited until they decide not to press anymore?