Jethro Tull – Aqualung

Recently found a sealed copy (#307) at an Indie record shop priced at $99 so I was thrilled to get this. Apparently someone had turned this in from their collection so they put it in the used bin for a discount. The title track has a little bit of surface noise but it plays pretty clean thereafter. The clarity vinyl that Analogue Productions uses is NOT as quiet as the black they use for their regular gatefold double 45 lps. I will arm wrestle you over that fact. Aqualung was not an awesome audiophile recording to begin with and this UHQR does nothing great sonically to make me change my mind. And as many of you have already said the Wilson mix is the best out there. Still happy to have stumbled upon this collectable though.

Over rated if you ask me. The packaging has got to be 80 - 85% of what you're paying for here with these UHQR releases. The Sound Quality just isn't that good on this one. I find that I prefer my early 80's Mo-Fi OMR and the original US Reprise pressing to this release. It just sounds dead and the SQ is inconsistent from side to side. First one had so much surface noise I sent it back, got a replacement and it was marginally better. Honestly, save your money. It looks pretty, but it doesn't sounds as fantastic as it looks :-( Sorry, just the way it is.

Anyone know this vs classic records which better? Thank youuuuuu

Waited a long time to get this one, and it was very worth it.

I currently have the MFSL vinyl, Steven Wilson Remix clear vinyl and a UK first pressing. And the UHQR is the best by a huge margin.

Even the title track and Cross Eyed Mary sound superb, and there IS great bass to be heard. Soundstage is massive, and its very crankable.

Unfortunately, my copy (4149) has some clicks/pops on the intro to Locomotive Breath and two pops on Wind Up, so I will be returning it.

UPDATE:
Received a replacement copy 4150 which is perfect.

System:

Rega Planar 2
Audio Technica AT-740ML cartridge
Denon PMA-600NE amplifier
Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary
Cambridge Audio SX120 powered subwoofer

I forget if I’ve ever commented on this album before but I just threw it on for a spin after a long hiatus. Wow! Records have gotten so expensive and even though I own some that are expensive I don’t always agree on the insane prices… this one justifies the market price. I can tell anyone who has the financial means, a good system and enjoys this album that you should just take the plunge. Both the music quality and sound quality are equally impressive and it creates one of those albums I throw on where it almost catches me off guard how good it sounds and I catch myself smiling as I listen due to enjoyment and being so impressed. I know it sounds corny and I’m gushing but there it is.

I sold this after I bought this: https://discogs.sitiosdesbloqueados.info/release/7041910-Jethro-Tull-Aqualung-The-2011-Steven-Wilson-Stereo-Remix?ev=item-vc - SO much better ! - Not a fan of digital, but I'm comin' around eventually.....

Can anybody comment on the bass on this release? Has CB managed to bring out the buried low end?

Superb. IMHO the far better listen compared to the SW remix which seems to lose some of that feeling. The intro to Locomotive Breath being a prime example. If you have decent gear do yourself a favor. Of course each to his own taste.

I just did a shootout with a friend who got this one last week and am pretty happy with my Steve Hoffman pressing.

Beautiful presentation of one of rocks finest albums. An absolute joy to the ears. Stunning instrument seperation. Steve Wilson remix is good but it's not the original, it's a mix. This is the original and how you wanted to hear it back in 71. Been listening to Aqualung for 35 years now and have 5 copies in various guises but I've nearer heard Aqualung sounding so good. Completely silent between tracks, no rumble and I'm hearing instruments I've never heard before.
Buy it before it triples in price.