Steely Dan – Gaucho

I have this, mastered by Dennis Blackman. It is fabulous. I also have the later 1980s reissue mastered by Jack Adams. Both fabulous, but this one has the edge, but not by much at all. I also have the widely lauded Analogue Productions 45 RPM version. To me, the latter is sterile in comparison to these UK pressings. There is a warmth and cohesiveness to these early pressings that the new AP does not have. Every time I play the AP I'm left a bit annoyed for some reason. It is cold sounding in comparison to this. The detail is ALL here on the early pressings, albeit if your turntable, arm and cartridge is up to revealing it. Cohesiveness is the best phrase I can use to describe it. The AP separates, maybe more, but does not give your the fullness and togetherness of these early pressings. It's like slipping into a warm bath when I go back to this. After listening to the AP, I don't want to put it on again for a while, which to me, after all of the critical listening and pondering detail, says it all really. Just my two penneth worth.

Equipment:

Origin Live Sovereign with Enterprise arm
Hana Umami Red
Brinkman Edison Phonostage
Gryphon Diablo 300
Marten Parker Trio

I agree with other opinions. Vinyl is quiet and the sound is dynamic, spacious and smooth. Perfect pressing. I recommend!
I think that only AP at 45rpm can bring any improvement here.

This is a phenomenal pressing. Took this with me recently when I was looking for a new cartridge & boy did it shine.

If the AP UHQR due later this year can better this it will sound unbelievable.

Found a copy and compared to my US original RL cut.
There really is nothing to it, they sound near identical. I suppose both engineers knew how good it sounded and just let the tape run free. The only difference of note is that the UK runs slightly faster than the US.

Equipment Used:
Technics SL-1210GR Turntable with ATVM95ML Cartridge
iFi Zen Phono
Cyrus 2 Amplifier
System Fidelity SF-3050 Tower Speakers

I concur. I bought this UK pressing when I was 16 years old and I still have it. Even through the "battle scars" and probable numerous dodgy styli it still sounds FANTASTIC! If you can pick up a reasonable copy, please please do, as you will not be disappointed, I assure you.

Aja is often cited as the reference standard for Steely Dan. This pressing of Gaucho is also exceptionally good. It's dynamic, spacious and well pressed. Copies can be found for reasonable money too.

Worth a listen👍

Smooth UK vinyl. Bought a used copy 5-8 years ago and mine sounds great. Nice treat for the ears and the head.