Beatles Remasters: Mono vs. Stereo Debate Thread


On September 9th, the entire Beatles catalog will be released in both mono and stereo remastered versions.

The issue of this thread is simply mono or stereo, and why? I only have the stereo CD versions that were available in the mid to late 1990s. I am too young to remember the original releases.

Until the albums are released, I'd like to get your take on the issue based on what has been on the market up to this point. After they are released, I'd like to hear from people who purchase either the stereo, mono, or both of the new reissues.

What are the pros and cons of the different mixes? Which do you plan on purchasing, if any? Discuss.
blackstonejd
In my last post I should really say more natural LESScompressed sound of the older material - because they were already using tubes and analog tape recorders to perform audio compression - even in those days!
Shadorne, I would think it would have to be a band or artist that could appeal to a large enough fan base. Maybe it might encourage some of the newer artists to put out both stereo and mono versions of their work. My opinion is that the recording industry may raise an eyebrow regarding the Beatles Mono sets, but they won't take any action.
Either way the artists and the record companies should use the Beatles reissues as a standard for quality. We need dynamics to be put back into the music. At least the origial should keep the dynamiics so later when they realize loadness is old hat, they will have an origial they can work with.
I bought the mono set and a few stereo discs. I haven't listened to the stereo Pepper yet, but I just listened to the mono, and...wow. I can only echo what others have said: the sound is fuller, the detail is finer, and it really hits you.

The mix is different, and it has its odd moments. But different/odd does not mean worse. It's a revelation.

Anybody else notice the weird mix at the end of "...Mr. Kite"? The back sounds lower.
i purchased both the Mono and Stereo box sets on the 9th.....and have been playing around for the last week listening to many of them. the recording notes have been facinating. i've done some comparisons between the mono and stereo versions as well as to the late 80's CD's. just tonight i did drag out one of my MOFI reissue Lps for comparison.

first; i've really enjoyed re-immersing myself in the whole Beatles catalog. i'm 58 years old, my first Lp ever was Beatles 65' when i was 14. i graduated from H.S. in 1969, so the Beatles were in the sweet spot for me when i was coming of age. and i'm a total fan on many levels. my kids (who are now in their 30's) became Beatles fans as they grew up. i now own three different Beatles Lp sets as well as assorted other pressings.

anyway; the new sets are somewhat better to dramatically better than the 80's CD's. overall i prefer the Stereo set; but there is a magic to the Monos which i like. my recommendation would be to purchase the Mono set and then fill in the last three Stereo cds. (there are 2 Albums in the Mono set which also have the stereo tracks; Help and Rubber Soul. it's interesting to be able to very quickly switch from Mono to these stereo tracks).

oh and by the way; the MOFI Lp (of the White Album) absolutely wipes the floor with the Mono Cd of the same. not in any way close. OTOH the music is great in any format.