This release was part of the CBS Master Sound Audiophile series of recordings
Remastered, Limited Edition, Half-Speed Mastered Audiophile Pressing
There are "normal" pressings of vinyl and then there are the audiophile releases, where the record label/artist attempt to provide the best possible media and audio material to the listener.
To get the best from this type of recording, you need VERY GOOD equipment in your audio system, beginning at the styli, the cartridge, the turntable, the preamp, the amp, speaker cabling and finally the speakers and after all that, the audio system environment is also critical. It's of no benefit to have an absolutely fantastic audio system but placed in a small room with multiple sound reflections etc - your music will always sound bad, no matter how great the source material is.
That is not to say "normal" vinyl is no good, but these audiophile releases have the potential to take the listener up to the next level in musical enjoyment.
My current setup is all about Dual, NAD and VIFA loudspeakers and sometimes I use my Tannoys for nearfield work - nothing too special but I can tell you with all honesty, this audiophile album release sounds very different to a "standard" vinyl release - not only is the vinyl quieter but the musicality is significantly better.
CBS Master Sound was a process comprising two main "parts"
THE SOURCE:
The lacquer master is critical in the pressing process, and it is here that CBS focused their efforts. Instead of the master tape and master lacquer moving in real time, both machines were run at half speed. This is not an easy task and CBS made extensive modifications to their equipment to enable this process.
The intended result is that the power required for the cutting head is reduced by a factor of 4, reducing the load on the power amplifiers and allowing for a more linear transfer. The cutting stylus is able to trace the grooves more accurately which result in significant improvements in frequency response, distortion and transient response. Crosstalk between channels is also dramatically reduced and high energy passages of music can be cut without distortion being greatly increased,
THE PRESSING:
Secondly the pressing is different, actually the vinyl material used is different with a new vinyl composition being created by CBS.
The stamper cross-sectional contour was improved and the record weight increased.
Special, strict quality control tests were applied to the Master Sound series
In summary, CBS has attempted to create a vinyl release of the very highest quality audio possible and certainly far more advanced than standard vinyl pressings.
Sure, this vinyl was not cheap originally but it cost CBS a great deal to bring this audiophile series to the market and their retail prices (in the day) reflected this - for many listeners, these releases were a real test of the home audio setup.
Barbra Streisand - Greatest Hits Volume 2
CBA Mastersound Records
Cat# CBSH 86079
1980 (Original standard audio release was 1978) - this is a special high quality reissue
European release (cover indicates made in Holland, record label indicates made in Germany)
Cover is in very good condition, no front tears, edges have very light handling wear (normal), no writing and clean. Also includes the 4 page multi-language explanation of the processes used in producing a Mastersound release plus an additional addendum sheet correcting some technical figures re digital recording specifications.
High quality original (clean) inner lined acid free paper sleeve
Vinyl is in excellent condition, inspected under a white halogen light source I can see NO scratches on each side. I then played both sides, and listened very, very carefully. My goodness, what a fantastic sounding album and the music is so "open" and it is easy to hear the difference between this recording and a "standard" release.
I played both sides and all I heard was music, beautiful full range music and I only heard the faintest click/pop in very quiet passages such as the opening of "The Way We Were" but overall this is nice "quiet" vinyl.
New outer protective plastic sleeve
TRACKS: Love Theme From "A Star Is Born", Love Theme From "Eyes Of Laura Mars", My Heart Belongs To Me, Songbird, You Don't Bring Me Flowers, The Way We Were, Sweet Inspiration/Where You Lead - live performances, All In Love Is Fair, Superman, Stoney End
