Fleetwood Mac ‎- Rumours - Vinyl LP Review And Comparison What Version Is The Best?

Summary

In this video, Mike from Ingram in Phoenix, Arizona, reviews various pressings of Fleetwood Mac's iconic album *Rumours*. He compares different versions, discussing their sound quality, from the less impressive Nautilus and Japanese pressings to the surprisingly good Dutch white vinyl pressing. Mike highlights the best-sounding versions, including the Japanese first pressing mastered by Ken Perry, and recommends the 45 RPM all-analog reissue by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman as the top choice. He advises viewers to be cautious when buying used records and shares tips for identifying the best pressings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nautilus Super Disk pressings of *Rumours* are considered poor quality by the reviewer, with digital mastering and an overall disappointing sound.
• 😀 German first pressings of *Rumours* are solid, but they rank lower compared to other versions due to missing elements in the sound quality.
• 😀 Japanese pressings, particularly the later ones, suffer from quieter mastering with a lack of punch and energy, despite having high-quality vinyl and packaging.
• 😀 UK first pressings of *Rumours* are visually appealing but fail to deliver great sound, making them less valuable compared to other options.
• 😀 The white vinyl pressing from Holland is a surprising standout due to its quiet and clean sound quality, making it an unexpected winner among colored vinyl pressings.
• 😀 U.S. first pressings of *Rumours* can be hit or miss due to manufacturing inconsistencies and worn-out stampers; however, when they’re good, they’re fantastic.
• 😀 For the best sound quality in U.S. pressings, look for those with the “Mastered by Capitol” in the dead wax, as these feature the work of Ken Perry, a key mastering engineer for *Rumours*.
• 😀 The Japanese first pressing mastered by Ken Perry, with the Capitol mastering in the dead wax, is the top recommendation due to its superior sound quality and high-quality vinyl.
• 😀 The 45 RPM double-disc pressing mastered by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman is considered the ultimate version of *Rumours* for audiophiles due to its dynamic range and minimal distortion.
• 😀 The Palace pressing (33 RPM) mastered by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman is a close second in terms of sound quality, offering a great all-analog version at a more affordable price than the 45 RPM pressing.

Q & A

What is Mike's overall opinion of the Nautilus Super Disk pressing of Fleetwood Mac's *Rumours*?

Mike is not a fan of the Nautilus Super Disk pressing, describing it as a poor attempt at an early audiophile release. He finds the sound quality lacking and considers it a waste of money compared to other options available.

What are the issues Mike identifies with Japanese pressings of *Rumours*?

Mike mentions that while Japanese pressings of *Rumours* are high quality in terms of vinyl and cover, they suffer from poor mastering choices. He finds the sound anemic in the lower frequencies and lacking punch overall.

Why does Mike not recommend the UK first pressing of *Rumours*?

Although the UK first pressing of *Rumours* looks better than some of the other pressings Mike reviewed, he finds something missing in the overall sound quality. He feels it doesn’t stand out as one of the best versions, making it not worth the price.

What surprised Mike about the Holland white vinyl pressing?

Mike was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality of the Holland white vinyl pressing, as it exceeded his expectations. He notes that while colored vinyl often sounds inferior, this particular pressing was quiet and solid, making it one of the better versions he reviewed.

What specific factors contribute to the inconsistencies in early US pressings of *Rumours*?

Mike explains that due to the massive production run of *Rumours*, the stampers used in the pressing process were often worn out, leading to variations in sound quality. This results in some US pressings sounding great, while others are subpar, requiring buyers to go through multiple copies to find a good one.

Which pressing of *Rumours* does Mike recommend for buyers seeking consistency in sound quality?

Mike recommends the Japanese first pressing of *Rumours* as the most consistent and reliable version. It combines the excellent mastering by Ken Perry with the high-quality vinyl and presentation typical of Japanese pressings, making it the ideal choice for buyers.

What is the advantage of the Japanese first pressing mastered by Ken Perry?

The Japanese first pressing mastered by Ken Perry is highly recommended by Mike because it combines the best aspects of both the US and Japanese pressings. The mastering by Ken Perry ensures a solid sound, while the Japanese vinyl offers premium quality and presentation.

Why is Mike a fan of the 45 RPM double disc version of *Rumours*?

Mike highly recommends the 45 RPM double disc version of *Rumours* because it offers greater dynamic range and a higher quality sound. Spreading the content across two discs allows for more surface area, reducing distortion and improving overall audio quality, especially in the inner grooves.

What are the differences between the desirable and undesirable European pressings of *Rumours*?

Mike distinguishes between the two by the hype sticker. The desirable version, which is mastered by Palace and features the mastering by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman, sounds excellent. The undesirable version, without any mastering information on the hype sticker, uses inferior digital mastering and lacks the same audio quality.

How does Mike feel about the current availability and pricing of *Rumours* pressings?

Mike notes that *Rumours* is still widely available but is becoming more expensive due to the growing demand in the vinyl market. The prices for high-quality pressings, such as the 45 RPM version, have already risen above retail, and he predicts that they will continue to increase as availability decreases.