The BEST Sounding Beatles Vinyl Records in 2024 - Top 5 

I have a copy of german "Magical Mystery Tour" and i can assure you that it is not just the best sounding Beatles album by far, but as well one of the best sounding pieces of vinyl i've ever come across to. Literally magical!

I have that German pressing of "Magical Mystery Tour". It does sound great.

I don't know, but I love the sound of "Beatles For Sale", in spite of everything you mentioned, which I agreed. Thank you, Andrew! Another wonderful video

I finally own my copy of "MMT" german version.... What can I say?? OMG!! All songs sound so very diffent in an awsome way. So happy to discover this thanks to your videos!! Thank you so much!!

I don't have the German MMT, but I have a mid70s Israeli pressing of MMT that uses the same cutting! It sounds amazing!!!

I love these audio essays. I'm learning so much - and I thought that I knew everything on this subject. If you can teach me something, you're doing a good job!

Recently picked up that Hor Zu MMT 73 pressing, with the -3 matrix. It's my favorite Beatles album and I've heard it many times, but this really is a firm step up from previous versions. The drums on the title track and Blue Jay Way, the flute at the end of Flying, the bass drum and guitar fills of Hello Goodbye, the way the horn pans across your speakers at the end of Strawberry Fields, and the bass on Baby You're a Rich Man are some of the greatest moments I've had listening to a Beatles record.

I knew there something special about the German passing. I have the B3 version and baby you're a rich man does sound very tight. Got it in the early 80's. Thanks for this

After watching this, I managed to get both Rubber Soul and Beatles for Sale, £65 for the pair…. Both in immaculate condition and sounding! You were absolutely right, particularly BFS which comes alive in this incarnation. Appreciate the heads up! 👍🏻

I’d like to know your opinion on the Australian compilations released during the ‘60’s, ‘70’s & ‘80’s, as there’s at least 4 or so.

Just dug out British Beatles For Sale stereo lp from early 70s -1 and -3 lp and it really sounds great. George's guitar in the right channel is clear and forward. The bass is clear, if slightly buried in the left channel. Nice rich soundstage.Thanks for that review.

I live in México, and for me it's very difficult to get these editions, but I was very lucky to find the number one of this list, the German pressing of Magical Mystery Tour, and it does sound astounding. About 7 years ago I made some videos showing the audio of this pressing but sadly RU-vid blocked them.

In the 80’s, my friend scored a copy of this and told me to drop by and listen in headphones. I was blown away at the detail and beauty of this pressing and immediately got a copy for myself. I am so glad you chose this as number one and I totally agree!

I bought a stereo copy of Beatles For Sale based on your recommendation and the difference is staggering compared to the mono!

Make a video about the most popular japanese pressings, "Country Flag", "Forever", etc. Thanks.

Thanks for another great video! Looking forward to the Canadian Beatles Vinyl video eh!

I just found a copy of the MMT German press. Can't wait for it to arrive!

Another great video, Andrew to complement part 1! Keep these videos coming!

Fantastic knowledge once again Andrew! Thanks for sharing 👍👍

I loved these two videos (as well as the others). Thank you for all your work. About five years ago I started searching for the best pressings of each of the Beatles LPs. I came to many of the same conclusions, although you left off one of the very best -the 1st press mono Please Please Me. The German stereo version is intriguing as the UK is so bad, but I love the early mono pressing. It sounds like you’re in the room with a young band playing their hearts out.

Thanks again for another great video, Andrew.

Now you have made me want to listen to some of my Beatles records again which I haven't spin for so long. My German MMT will be the first, althoug I am quite familiar with its sound quality since I bought it many, many moons ago. My Hey Jude export album will be next. Thanks , Andrew, for another great video from you.

Hi. Polygram I have your new ! Channel I like this I will put this in my library so keep documetries coming your no.1 fan

Keep up the good work. I just love your channel and I'm learning so much. Thank you.🙂

A great two-parter Andrew - as always, the best quarter of an hours viewing on a Sunday afternoon.....

I agree about the I Want To Hold Your Hand 1N. It sounds superb! Great video and info as always 👍

I’m only a casual Beatles fan but I love your channel. I’ve learnt so much about them and those old Parlophone labels look cool.

I got myself a copy of the German MMT album to check out those stereo mixes and you are right, quite a different experience than what I’ve been used to. I’m honestly surprised that this is the only place they are available. Thanks for the tip!

Thanks for another great video Andrew. The -1/-1 Beatles For Sale does sound great but finding a copy without inner groove distortion on Kansas City/Hey, Hey Hey is difficult IMO. The Holland 1A 062-04200 Parlophone pressing I think is a very good runner up.

Really looking forward to the Canadian LP episode, especially regarding the much later pressings in stereo and a mishmash of stereo and mono.

I enjoy and appreciate all the hard work you go into to put out your videos. As for sound quality, it all sounds basically the same to me. I'm getting old, and I have horrible tinnitus from all the years I spent in radio and later as a phone rewards manager. 25 years of wearing headphones cranked up loud for 10-12 hours a day have ruined my hearing. Glad I still have what little hearing I do. Listening to Beatles songs/albums is a big part of my life.

I've got a 1966 US Mono pressing of Rubber Soul that sounds really fantastic.

Hi Andrew, great videos. I definitely share some of the same favorites as you. My top 10: 1. Hör Zu Magical Mystery Tour 2. UK Abbey Road -2/1 3. 70s Stereo German Apple Revolver 4. UK Stereo 1978 white vinyl White Album 5. UK Stereo -1/-1 Beatles For Sale 6. Hör Zu Die Beatles 7. 70s Stereo German Apple Sgt Pepper 8. UK Stereo -1/-1 A Hard Day's Night 9. UK 1978 white vinyl Let It Be 10. UK red label original 45 of Love Me Do/Ask Me Why Honorable mentions: -Beatlemania With The Beatles, Canadian purple label "wide stereo" on both sides (VERY hard to find must have "TLC" etchings in both matrices) -best pressing of the second album by a mile -UK Red & Blue Albums -70s German Blue Label "Something Else" (the best sounding versions of the "A Hard Day's Night" songs I've ever heard -Late 70s Dutch 062 prefix Help! Better than the German or UK pressings, in my opinion. -UK original 45 of Hey Jude/Revolution

Thanks for the info, just found your Nr.1 today for 10,00. Sound is really good.

Thanks for the brilliant information

I had a sneaky suspicion what your #1 was going to be based on your comments in previous videos. Very interesting. Looking forward to more great content this year, Andrew!

Thanks to your recent video, I noticed that my Rubber Soul is a Harry T Moss pressing. Yex 178-6 HTM

Have to agree with you Andrew the Long tall sally ep is amazing👍, Only got it very recently and cranked it up on my system and the room was shaking brilliant cutting of these songs👍👍👍

Great video - I also like the German stereo pressing of Help with the blue coloured type on the front cover

Thanks Andrew for a great video. I now have a greater appreciation for my Audio 5 SP. I hope to have a sound system soon to do it justice.

I have most of the German Beatles albums in some sort of release. I have a German Apple Hey Jude that I swear has altogether different mixes or something, I'm no expert, just love collecting UK and German pressings of Beatles albums. The Apple German release of MMT does sound amazing. I have sold some of my mint 70's Parlophone pressings, replacing them with black/yellow earlier versions. Perhaps I should not have! Love your videos, Andrew! Greetings from Michigan.

I have the Apple Records single Baby You're A Rich Man printed in US 1971 in mono and the bass sound is brutal. I don't know what masters they have used but the sound is delightful. By the way, very good list and thank you very much, as always !!

At least I have the #1 of your list 😆! Great video review as always.

I have the german true stereo pressing of MMT and it is amazing. I would have added the Japanese pressing of AbbeyRoad, which just takes it to the next level!

Hi Andrew, great content as always :) I tracked down an Audio 5 however the seller was being unrealistic with the price...and I don't intend on getting divorced. Already looking forward to your next vid. All the best 🍻

Great thanks 😊

I recently picked up the German magical mystery tour with a different label that was printed in France

thanks for info on magical mystery tour ... i have a 2nd press !!

THANK YOU SO MUCH !! I took your advice on Magical Mystery Tour and on Hey Jude! I was amazed at how good the sound was! Abbey Road and 67-70 are incoming. I'll report back! What you do for us out here is very much appreciated. You are making people happy with sound (if they're smart and follow your advice!).

Please do a video about the Brazilian EMI-Odeon releases.

Hello,hello from Germany. Da muss ich mir meine Kollektion mal genauer ansehen. Thank you for this Tipps. Lg Ellen 🥰

Abbey Road YEX 749-1/750-2 light green PCS7088 (as per your mention) up against the MFSL 1/2 speed, the Japanese Pro Use (also 1/2 speed), and the new remaster from the UK box. The clear winner for best overall most natural sounding sound that begs to be turned up and enjoyed with fantastic clarity & detail, wonderful midrange and a natural bass that is there punching when it should vs sort of there all the time....The clear winner>> You guessed it!! The PCS7088 you mentioned!! Thank You very much once again. I am thrilled to hear Abbey Road this way. It reminds me of when I first heard an A3/B3 UK of Dark Side of the Moon. It is like hearing it for the first time all over again. What a special pleasure to be had!! The mix is really hot just like you said. There's much more emotion coming out in this version. PS> The Japanese Pro Use came in second. The other two get sold!! (both NM !!)

Another great video! I can't believe the 2014 blue album was cut from the analog tapes but they used the digital source for the 2012 reissues. I agree with you about why they bothered to remix Abbey Road, but I guess for the 50th anniversary they had to do something. To me its a little base heavy. I have a later pressing of the German Magical Mystery Tour on Apple red vinyl (or orange, hard for me to tell). The matrix number in the run off groove is MMT 01 A1 and MMT 01 B1 on side 2. The catalog number is 1C 072-04 449. It even has a cassette catalog number printed under the LP one as 244-04 449. There's no UPC on the cover. Maybe a late '70s reissue? I can't find any info on the colored vinyl copy.

Very interesting. I've always loved BFS. My copy, which I bought 40 years ago, is Stereo and has -3 on Side 1 and -1 on Side 2. It also has IRL stamped in the same area, presumably made in Ireland. It also has an indented label section like the Nimbus version of Pepper. My Mono copy of RS is -4 on both sides.

Great video, Andrew! I like Rubber Soul and Beatles For Sale. Have you already made a vídeo about the brazilian issues of the middle sixties?

Another great video Andrew. Do you know what's the story behind the Horzu one with the "x" after the matrix? It was cut just before the "+C"

I have that original cut of Abbey Road. I bought it new in about 71 or 72. Sadly it crackles like a good'un. I'll have it properly cleaned. I agree it sounds gorgeous.

Hi Andrew, great video! Question: Is the German stereo Magical Mystery Tour different from the US LP, or is it the same with the drums coming out of one speaker? Thanks in advance!

I have a copy of the Hor Zu release that I purchased some 45 years ago. I knew side 2 sounded worlds better than my US copy but I didn't know the US was Electronically Re-Processed. No wonder! I will treasure it even more now. Now I have to compare it to the 2010 box set MMT CD.

Thank you again Andrew. Not sure if you mentioned it, but, regarding the German ‘MMT’ 2nd pressing, only ‘Strawberry Fields’, ‘Penny Lane’ and ‘Baby You’re A Rich Man’ were specifically mixed into stereo. ‘Hello Goodbye’ had already been mixed in true stereo (for 1967’s US ‘MMT’ album), as had ‘All You Need Is Love’ (for 1969’s ‘Yellow Submarine’ album). Also, the German album has the October 26, 1971 stereo mix of ‘Strawberry Fields’. A true (not simulated) stereo mix was also made on December 29, 1966, and it graced 1967’s US ‘MMT’ LP. (It can be distinguished from the 1971 mix by the panning cellos at the 1:00 mark.) These three ‘German’ stereo mixes were subsequently included on the stereo CDs, making the superseded 1967 US ‘MMT’ mixes very collectable, as they’ve never appeared on CD. Indeed, it would be nice to see a ‘Capitol Albums Vol. 3’ with the 1967 ‘MMT’! 😊

I bought the German MMT new back in the early 80s. Was totally blown away by Penny Lane when the horns separated out, that being the first time I heard it in true stereo.

I love that magical mystery tour album that’s a really good album I have to check out the German pressing. I love the Beatles for sale album is one of my favorite is a good album in stereo you’re absolutely right about that Andrew I especially loved hearing the echo on everybody’s trying to be my baby which is great.

some of the Dutch Beatle pressings are very good esp the White album and Help - a Netherlands special video would be interesting (-:

My copy of MMT (B3) has GEMA and Made In France by Pathe Marconi. I purchased it in early eighties. Apple logo on the cover.

I got my German MMT (Apple one) for about 20 pounds, I didnt knew it was the best version, just bought it because of the pink Vinyl and because it was the first one i saw haha

Although I wouldn't call myself all and every bit that picky about sounds, this is still very interesting to me - as a fan and cognoscent - from a purely historical point of view. Thank you, I very much enjoyed it!

Excellent! I know when I first heard the German MMTour Lp and heard things for the first time so beautifully separated on The Fool On The Hill…Baby You’re A Rich Man…everything had to be graded from that! Well done and a lot of fun! The Japanese Pro-Use in the future?

Thanks as always for another great vid, Andrew! Maybe just two things to comment on, both concerning MMT--first, the UK pressing, even with the usual fake stereo, still trumps by far the US cuttings, and is worth it for all the other tracks. Second, the later Electrola copper cutting sounds nothing like the previous ones. Like many of the other Cremer revisions, channel balances are reinterpreted and sudden crescendos of volume occur (particularly on Strawberry Fields)--and yet, I prefer that for the stereo mix of Baby You're a Rich Man, given that the usual mastering has the left channel clavioline way too soft. Still, I'm sure Sir G Martin, if he ever heard it, must have abhorred it (also, tons of overwhelming bass). Cheers!

Thanks. Another entertaining video. Have to say, my favourite is With The Beatles, followed by Please Please Me. To my ears, they both have a band of top-end energy that just isn't there on the original CDs, which was part of why I couldn't listen to them. Thanks again. P.S. What about the Remaster of MMT?

Another wonderful presentation! Bravo; Solely based on sound quality, the Kaempfert recordings should be top of the list, even with that lousy drummer.

I just picked up the one that says Apple in the upper left corner for $50. It sounds amazing.

Again very enjoyable and here's something strange, I have have EVERY record you listed! Am I lucky or what?!

There's something important I noticed about the german version of MMT : The left channel on side A (the MMT tracks) seems to be quieter than it should be. For instance, the drums are quieter than usual on the first track, etc...

I have a decent condition original Canadian pressed ,Rubber Soul vinyl (with that beloved rainbow ring) The records sound is "iconic" but typical of the period, very high abrasive treble settings I found the vocals ,especially Paul's voice to be quite ear pearsingly loud and harsh, something that could blow your stereo speaker's mid range's tweeters if turned too loud. I did blow a few tweeters playing classic Beatles and other 60's era vinyl records, way back in the day. I am sure recent remixed Parlophone pressings of Beatles, Rubber Soul sound a lot better on the ears and stereo speakers.

What about love album? it's my humble honorable mention, the best sounding mix for "i am the walrus" is included in that compilation, also they did an amazing job mixing their songs and gives fresh air to their classics

So much is analysed about The Beatles , their music and albums. It seems that one must know about stampers to get best sound, yet I've heard many records which, to my mind, excellent. I have taken exception to obvious tinny sound and reprocessed stereo and sold albums due to this. Making comparisons can only be done in later years surely, something not available to record buyers at the time. Now, like many things, original, sought after records command obscene prices. Nice video on sound quality.

IINM, I believe the EMI Electrola Apple labeled pressings actually started in '74, or so I've read from TheHutt on the Hoffman forums. Either way, I'm very pleased with my late 70's Apple A-1/B-3 cut & the +C unmarked DMM pressings and gotta thank you for the heads up on those! 👍Cheers

Thank you Andrew! How about an episode on the pressings from Mexico?

"Nimbus," I haven't heard that brand name for decades. I agree with your call on RUBBER SOUL. Even the late 70s Japanese stereo issues on Apple were a tedious, hard panned affair. The original mixes for ABBEY ROAD still stand today. "Hear here" for your saying so. 497 Australian copies of their pressing of SGT. PEPPER? Hopefully, Paul, George & Ringo got the other three. Oddly enough, in spite of the world celebrating the CD issues of SGT. PEPPER, when MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR came out on CD with the proper stereo mixes, that was my "go-to" Beatles album for quite a while. My old copy of the German MMT was gifted to me by an old friend and was either a 2nd or 3rd issue, as it sounded phenomenal. Thanks again so much for being a fine curator of the Beatles.

Since watching this I've been listening to my Beatles For Sale albums. I really like my mono -3N/-3N copy. I also have the stereo -1/-1 as well as a stereo -3/-2 and a -5/-6 in my Beatles Collection Box Set and not forgetting the De Agostini issue. I agree that the mono Help! sounds lifeless but I can't see it with this. I still have a few of these albums to listen to so maybe I'll come round to your way of thinking by the end. Maybe I just have too much choice. My wife certainly doesn't know why I have five copies of this album and that doesn't include the two CD copies I have either.

Andrew another gem! What’s your opinion of Abbey Road (misaligned apple logo, 1st edition) sound quality? I was given it a few years ago.

I’ve just started but I have a theory that the number one spot is gonna be the German pressing of Magical Mystery Tour

Imagine going from the disappointment of listening to the MSFL disaster of MMT to accidentally coming upon a mid 70s German pressing - I still remember being in awe at the details I had never heard before. Of course I still have multiple copies of this one. And prices will only go up...

Andrew wonder if you can help. I have the German MMT with B 3 on side 2, the front cover has the red Horzu in red box and Apple on the right side.

I think you need a fairly decent HiFi to get the best sound out of any record!

Thank you very much Andrew. 🙂 Do you happen to know if the japanese Rubber Soul 82 mono is a Hazel Yarwood cut?

Fantastic video as usual... my Discogs wantlist is growing :) I was a little surprised not to see the 80's German DMM White Album on the list. People seem to rave about that one, and it's value has shot up in recent months and is now pretty much un-obtainable for a reasonable sum. Curious to hear your expert opinion on that one.

While I do think the Sgt Pepper definitely loses its mid range from the standard MFSL copy, the MFSL UHQR version fixes this and retains that mid range. Granted, I have never heard the Audio-5 or Nimbus cuts, but the UHQR is very well done and I am a little surprised it wasn't included in the video. Great video!

I do enjoy the 2014 mono With the Beatles

Hello Andrew, I have a German CD pressing of Revolver, it sounds fantastic. Do you know what master they used? It sounds so much better than UK or US pressings. Love your videos.

I got the German pressings of MMT and Hey Jude when traveling there in the 80s. They always sounded great to me :D

Brilliant countdown - was the 1987 CD taken from the German MMT true stereo tapes?

Very interesting channel. thank a lot. I own a “Rubber Soul” with side b 580 - 1 and side a 579 - 4. is it the dash 4? so how do explain side b matrix?

I am still looking for a reasonably priced German MMT. I cringed when I saw this video because I know they’re only going to go up and up even more now. 🤣 But fantastic video and I agree with everything you said. I have the UK export Hey Jude with misprints and it sounds spectacular…as does the -2/-1 Abbey Road which has never been topped. And the Stereo 1st press of Beatles For Sale is indeed one of the only examples of early Beatles where the Stereo destroys the Mono IMO!

Fantastic video - thank you! So the best sounding Abbey Road would be any pressing with the matrix YEX 749-1 or -2 / YEX 750-1 or -2?

I just got one of the later pressings with the 1C 072 04 449. The label on the record is just like the one shown here in the video at minute 11:09. However, the matrix number on side B is a B1 Is it a true stereo on both sides?

Rubber Soul is my favourite Beatles album so I've got more versions of that album than the others. I recently acquired a Japanese AP-8156 that I've not had a proper listen to yet. I did have a listen to Drive My Car when I was setting up my new turntable and it sounds great for a stereo mix. At this stage, I'd rank it higher than my 80s Australian repressing. However, the -4 UK mono is probably still going to be the best version in my collection despite not being in pristine condition. That mix is just so much better to begin with. I've not heard the -1 or -5 so I can't compare those ones. The US mono sounds pretty good too, which is rare for the US releases from what I understand (I don't have many). I also have a bootleg of the Rock Band mixes which is an interesting listen.

the german pressing of MM is one of my favourite LPs. the cover isn't too shabby either.

Does anyone know if the Danish pressing with the hör zu cover is any good?

What logo am I looking for on the top spot of the list for best sound quality, Andrew?