Nick Drake – Pink Moon

Want to have Nick play right in the room with you? Look no further! Excellent pressing and the sound quality is simply superb.

Thorens TD-125 w/ SME 3009 s2 unimproved
ATOC9XML
Lundahl LL1933 SUT
Darlington Labs MP-7
Rogue Cronus Magnum II w/ NOS Amperex Holland Bugle Boys
Harbeth Compact 7ES-3
Rel T5/x

The LP sounds great and the packaging with lyric sheets etc is nice. Not sure what the deal is with the codes though, the CD (IMCD 94) sounds much better. Have to laugh at "24/96 mp3 files" considering the maximum sample rate ed by mp3 is 48 kHz. Even the FLACs just don't sound good though.

My understanding is this pressing is exactly the same as the other 2013 back to black pressing. The only difference being the extra stuff you get.

A superb reissue! I was looking for a 1st UK press but prices are quite insane these days - so instead of robbing the bank I have decided to get this. Of course, master tapes were 40 years old at the time of this release but still it was possible to use them to cut an AAA release. Usually I'm not really into boxes but this one is a pleasant surprise. I love the (facsimile) handwritten lyrics, the photos of the master tape and the note from John Wood. The 'normal' non-box EU edition is the same thing (cut from the same metalwork) as I've heard, so if you're just looking for the music alone, go for that one.

This is the version to own. I owned the 200 gram Japanese press and immediately sold it after hearing this version. Great mastering and a great pressing. Another reviewer based his opinion about the quality on an album he hadn't heard before..which I find odd, and then summed it up to it being the way Nick Drake sung..lol. I cant speak to the newer press that isn't in a box, but I've heard it is not the same master and most likely a digital transfer.

My first impressions is mostly just alright. Granted Ive never heard another issue before but on its own it doesnt seem very "audiophile" to me. With the exception of maybe "Know" Nicks voice doesnt seem to possess enough presence in my listening room.
Ive usually associated Sean McGee negatively since his work on Black Sabbath so neither can I say that I anticipated superb quality. Some are even mixed on these recordings not being of audiophile quality as well which was my first instinct when listening.

On second Impressions I think I realize why most of it sounds so bloated and not very hifi. I think it comes down to how close Nick sings into the microphone. On most tracks you can hear the little imperfections from that with puffs of air getting picked up and some sibilant parts. However on Know he is likely sitting further back, giving a more spacial sense in the listening experience and less bloating.
If this is all true then its a great oversight by the recording engineers but pertains to all releases. For what it is its still a really nice package and the vinyl is quieter than the static hiss of the recording so thats all good. It probably is the best version with the exception of possibly an original so for a fan who is willing to pay the price then by all means. The extra content is fabulous.

Equipment used:
Rega RP1 with Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge
Cyrus 2 Amplifier
System Fidelity SF-3050 Tower Speakers
Custom made HQ Speaker Cables

Heavy 180g audiophile grade vinyl. Cool extras but if the Box Set was lost or stolen I would just by the Standard LP version instead. Minor complaints would be that the vinyl is placed in cardboard inner sleeve. I had to get replacement because the first one arrived with a chip in the spindle hole.

Pricey, but worth it. Sound quality is beautiful, very nice packaging.