Iron Maiden – The Number Of The Beast

I have us og cut by wally at capitol the 2014 usa and this 2014 parlophone and to my ears when turned up this parlophone wins. This album was not mastered very well to begin with but this parlophone copy is the best out of all 3. would like to hear a UK 1st or Japan 1st

Gear used Technics sl 1210/ Nagaoka mp-200 cartridge/ Lounge audio mk3 phono pre / Yamaha as -301 amp / Klipsch 610 towers /JBL 530 books

just found this one new still in the package at a Flea Market. Overall it's fine, it is a little bit on the muted side, nothing crazy but certainly not sharp and punchy either. If you can find it for a good price I'd say pick it up. The guitars sound nice as does the bass Bruce's voice does sound a bit compressed Not the best pressing I've heard and certainly not the worst either

It’s really interesting reading all the mixed reviews on this pressing. Mine is absolutely fine (2014 EU press)I have no complaints at all, especially for the price. The cover looks absolutely great, no warping or background noise to the record, nor does it sound muffled or flat! System played on is a rega P3, KEF R500‘s, and a Goldnote IS-1000 (150).

crank up bass & treble a bit, it sounds better. It´s a good repress, but not perfect. For the money, a good value!

Seems the cutter alignment was off or something. The balance is all over the place. When i digitized it, centering every individual track really helps the soundstage.

Had to return two copies due to heavy warping and rumbling sounds on side 2 first track,…. Number of the beast.

In 2022, the album "The Number Of The Beast" turns 40 years old. If you look back, the album and the band as a whole brought up the musical taste of several generations of fans of high-quality Heavy Metal. This is a reference classic, which received its status during the lifetime of the authors, while it sounds great, both in 1982 and in 2022 - dynamic tracks, expressive melodies and harmonies, a lot of virtuoso solos. Forty minutes of music, where there is not a single extra note.

The press of 2014 makes an ambiguous impression. On the one hand, there was information that original tapes were used for 2014-editions. On the other hand, if we compare the sound of this edition with the first press, for example, Japanese or English, then the new edition obviously sounds incomparably worse. Only the lazy one didn't write about the "flat sound" in this discussion, however, some strange compression is felt in the sound. In addition, the sound is not very well balanced, the bass is critically brought forward. OK, we all respect Steve Harris, but sometimes the bass turns into a low-frequency hum. And there is a feeling that the tracks have different volume levels, and his despite the fact that the sound of this vinyl is really quiet. Of the advantages, I will note high-quality printing, however, cardboard is not something that affects the nature of the sound. Also heavy vinyl should give some status to this edition, however, there is no benefit from 180 gram vinyl with such mastering.

Judging by the fact that the opinions of the listeners were divided, someone like the sound here after all. However, everyone has their own ideas about the "true sound" of Iron Maiden. For forty years there have been so many editions that you will ever find your sound through trial and error.

UPD: Fortunately, my copy has found a new owner...

I dont know where the bad reviews came from. I just received this disk as a Christmas gift and can tell that it sounds good especially if you mind the price you have to pay for it

Very flat, lifeless sound. Cranking the volume is not the way here. My japanese first press, in compare, sounds noticeably cleaner and has more dynamics and breath. But not a level up. I suppose, it's overall release mastering issue. But! You put this original vinyl on a plate and it plays nice just out of the box! No need in cleaning, washing and ritual dances. My advice: grab an original, while they are available. .

Mine has a sticker that states that this is a limited edition pressing.