I registered just so I could answer your question, as I am a picky audio and music consumer who tends to buy all releases of an album and then listen and pick my favorite master (and then go on the internet to see if anyone else is doing the same. ha). I already have the Mellon Collie remaster on CD, and the original release on CD, and I have A/B'd them on a decently high-end system (well several decent systems actually)
It is a very nice remaster (by Bob Ludwig). I tend to ramble but I will summarize the difference over the original release in bullet points
-enhanced midrange presence. Billy's vocals are pulled forward out of the muddy mix. This was really needed on these recordings. Intelligibility is greatly enhanced.
-enhanced sparkle. Top end is boosted slightly so cymbals are more prominent. It's a tasteful change, definitely not too bright/harsh.
-overall loudness is identical. A/B'ing the recordings there is absolutely no change in the recording level, so all of the dynamics are intact and it does not appear to have been compressed/limited from the original release.
It is definitely worth buying. I love the music on Mellon Collie, it's an album I have always liked, but the production of this album has always bothered me. It sounds better now, as good as it's going to sound w/ the existing recording. The remaster didn't turn the muddy mess of the original recording into a reference-quality disc now, but it is greatly improved and was worth purchasing.
Edited by bondospecial - 12/13/12 at 9:11pm
