Fantasy K2 remasters

[Big Wheel]

Prompted by the K2/SACD thread in the reissues forum, I thought I'd start a thread on the sonics of the various K2 series titles. I'm considering buying a bunch of (domestic) K2s, and while they're only a couple more bucks than the regular OJC CDs, I figured I might as well not spend more money if the sonic benefit is only marginal.

So, which K2s are a big step up? And which ones are worse or at least not significantly better than their OJC counterparts?

Edited July 6, 2005 by Big Wheel

[neveronfriday]

Coleman Hawkins. The Hawk Flies High.

I only have this one, but it must be a step up from all other issues.

Simply love it.

Edit: Superb sound, of course!

Edited July 6, 2005 by neveronfriday

[J.A.W.]

As I posted in the other K2 thread, many people prefer the older OJCs to the 20-bit K2 remasters (both domestic and Japanese), because the OJCs are flat transfers/remasters whereas the K2s are usually mastered brighter.

To my ears the best sounding OJCs are the reissues of Contemporary and Stereo recordings, and there are relatively few K2 remasters of Contemporary and Stereo material (Stereo was a Contemporary imprint).

Edit: I realize this doesn't exactly answer your question.

Edited July 6, 2005 by J.A.W.

[Chuck Nessa]

As mentioned elsewhere, the K2 of Monk's Music is a huge improvement but you might want both editions since the K2 is from the mono masters and the OJC is (poor) stereo.

[jazzbo]

Oddly enough, I find that the domestic OJC of "Wide Open Spaces" remastered by Kirk Felton sounds BETTER than the K2 remaster that was released in Japan earlier. The remix balance is better, and the tonal sounds are very natural and balanced.

[J.A.W.]

As mentioned elsewhere, the K2 of Monk's Music is a huge improvement but you might want both editions since the K2 is from the mono masters and the OJC is (poor) stereo.

←

I second that, but forget about the OJC in this case. The K2 is the one to get.

Edited July 6, 2005 by J.A.W.

[J.A.W.]

I've just compared the OJC and Japanese K2 versions of Tadd Dameron's Fontainebleau, and the latter is a bit more transparent and detailed, but not bright. The OJC sounds muffled in comparison. The sound level is about the same on both CDs.

Edited July 6, 2005 by J.A.W.