Soundgarden – Superunknown

I was curious to hear this pressing after such mixed oppinions here on discogs. I actually enjoy this press and don't agree with most critcisms on here.

I don't think that the mastering is inconsistent as many say, all songs meet the same quality for me. Even though the sound isn't mindblowing, this record sounds really good to my ears with decent dynamics and nice soundstage. This copy is my preferred way to listen to Superunknown at home (owning the original EU CD and lossless streaming).

Also really nice gatefold and booklet.

People who listen to this on bad gear, don’t be surprised if it sounds bad — the sound is amazing, but only on proper equipment.

After such a proper packaging I thought the music would be on the same level, well I was wrong, like others have said - mastering is not very good.

Bought this thinking it was the "made in Poland" version https://www.discogs.com/release/25791373-Soundgarden-Superunknown - as seller listed this under the wrong issue (facepalm). I see what people are saying. Some songs sound great, but overall it's quite compressed and not very dynamic.

Presentation is ace, love the artwork, gatefold and inner lyric and credit booklet. Anti-static inners as well, just a shame the sound quality isn't exactly what they advertised as "audiophile".

It is a hot album, but the original CD sounds more dynamic and clear to my ears.

There is too much bass on the remaster and everything else is muddy and squashed, and also found a fair bit of sibilance on Black Hole Sun which sounds pretty bad, and then I heard She Likes Surprises oh my lord it is sibilant and extremely distorted. Some songs like Let Me Drown and Like Suicide sound alright. It's not the worst I've heard though and it's the only affordable option as opposed to an original.

Oh jeez, Marcussion loves to botch a lot of masters and remasters, just listen to Primus' Tales from the Punchbowl 2018 vinyl reissues and the original master of Stone Temple Pilots' No. 4 on CD.

Presentation: 5/5
Pressing (pops, skips): 4/5
Mastering (audio source): 3/5
Sleeve: White Anti-static Inners

Setup (turntable, stylus): AT-120XUSB, AT-VM95ML

I actually owned almost all the variants of this 2014 reissue just because I wanted to make sure I have the best version of the remastering. Unfortunately, the mastering on this one is quite disappointing. It’s not uber compressed but it is a fatiguing experience. I have tried this on both my MP110 and VM95ML, still difficult to tame the harshness sometimes. However, this is just my subjective opinion and I don’t mean to disregard others who are enjoying this reissue.

I recently bought Down On The Upside (Optimal/German press. Please avoid the US pressing). It sounds amazing in terms of stereo image and dynamic range. I was not a big fan of that album but the mastering for vinyl was the tipping point for me!

Right after listening to that record, it reminded me how badly we need a good mastering of Superunknown. One day, some day…

Mastering on some songs is pretty bad, sounds compressed and flat on other crisp clean. Overall pretty good

Not sure why is everyone so excited about the sound of this pressing because it simply sucks ass. Too much bass, too crispy highs, zero guitars and all the '90s feeling is gone.

2nd disk, track one on both sides scrathed. Also the disc is warped! Check it before taking it home.

This, FEAR INOCULUM, my 2017 Chelsea Wolfe, and the 8-LP NEVERMIND 30th boxset, prove that GZ can press flawless records when they want to. This is a stunning pressing of one of my most treasured albums. Flat, heavy, dead silent, with wonderful separation. Some occasional muddiness in overdrive.

Get it while it appears to be abundantly available. Even the 1st pressing of the WHITE ALBUM seemed ubiquitous and infinite in 1968.