I have been trying to get a good copy of Kind of Blue on vinyl. Which is best for listening? Six eye mono, six eye stereo, a later pressing or a classic reissue? Iam not in it for an investment. Thanks, Cary

You can never go wrong with a Columbia six eye!

I like mono over stereo if the original mix was mono.

John

The stereo mix has always seemed odd to me. There were only three recording tracks and instrument placement didn't seem to have been a concern. Given the choice, I'd take the mono mix! :yes:

To each their own. I prefer the stereo mix. And the Columbia PC 8163 reissue is terrific.

The January '06 'Stereophile' (might be the Dec '05) has a nice article on the original recording sessions and subsequent reissues, with good info on the original master tapes, etc. Somehow, the original mono tapes have gone missing and only the back-up mono exists as well as the original 3-channel prime and back-up tapes. Good reading about a wonderful recording.

I have the 180 gram and like it very much. My .02, good luck

The reissues also corrected a slight tape speed error made during the mastering for the original release. Whether the corrected one is better is open to debate...

The correction of the original speed error was made by using the back-up tape rather than the prime tape. The speed error came from a mechanical problem on the prime tape deck on only the first three tracks. Before the final tracks were laid down the problem was discovered and repaired. And only on the stereo version. I'll have to listen to the original pressing and compare to the remastered to see if I am able to hear the slight sharpness in those three tracks. Don't think I've ever listened to them back-to-back.