The Verdict
- 0th place: -2/-1 version (Denmark). In places it stays beneath its possibilities, but as an overall “most rounded” experience of tracks with very different-sounding characteristics it is probably the best common denominator between sounding powerful, while being delicate and clear. The downside: it’s not very easy to find one at a reasonable price in a near-mint condition (which is important for low-volume songs).
- 1st place: a tie between the Japanese AP-8815 from 1969 and the 2nd Australian pressing from 1979. Both have slightly extended low and high ends. Side B seems to sound slightly better on the Japanese one, while the Aussie has slightly better midrange clarity on Side A. As for availability: the Japanese is way easier to find in NM for reasonable money.
- 2nd place: 1st German version (1C 062-04 243). It has great midrange and treble resolution, but seriously lacks in the bass region.
- 3th place: 1981 German version (1C 072-04-243). The bass droning overpowers just everything, in quite a disturbing way, too. Not really pleasant to listen to.
Legacy Shootouts