RCA CD Comparisons

RCA CD Comparisons
Introduction A brief word on the audio Packaging and other variations

The RCA CDs were the first issues of It would seem fair to say that, in most if Collectors more interested in the artifact
David Bowie’s pre-Let’s Dance catalogue not all cases, the RCAs were mastered itself than any audiophile concerns will
on Compact Disc. As early examples from the same tapes from which the be pleased to learn that cover and disc
of the digital format, they were initially original LPs were cut. What is often artwork varies based on territory, even
considered obsolete once the Rykodisc/ misconstrued is that vinyl cutting if none could be considered exemplary.
EMI expanded remasters appeared in requires more than the simple playback There are a handful of RCA discs that are
1990 and 1991. With their remastered of the tapes, and additional moves are manufactured in two different countries
sound, bonus tracks and superior made by the engineer to maximise the but destined for the same market (e.g.
artwork, it’s no surprise that fans traded quality of the cut depending on bass the European ChangesOneBowie has
in their RCA discs in favour of the Rykos. and treble response, length of each editions made in both Germany and
Over time, respect for the sonics of the vinyl side, etc. As the differences of the Japan and they contain different masters).
Rykodisc masters dwindled and they RCA CDs reveals, similar decisions were As well as providing discs for Europe
are now considered collectible only for made by the anonymous engineers who and the USA, Japan also produced some
their bonus tracks and the “Au20” range mastered them. The engineers in Japan, titles for its domestic market. The initial
of eight titles pressed on gold discs. In for example, invariably leave between- releases (RPCD11~14 – Ziggy Stardust,
1999, the 1969-1980 RCA back catalogue track tape hiss intact, while those in Young Americans, Station To Station and
was issued for a third time, now courtesy Germany chase the fades to silence. ChangesOneBowie) were practically
of EMI/Virgin. Free of bonus tracks, their The German discs can be considered identical to their US counterparts but
main selling point was that they had been ‘tidier’ then, but the Japanese discs often had Japanese text on their spines
remastered at Abbey Road Studios. The include fractionally more music at the and additional inserts. The audio was
poor critical response to these masters tail end of the fades. There are two other identical to those available in the USA.
(and possibly the resurgence in interest in generalisations worth bearing in mind In 1984, a domestic version of Fame
vinyl) is essentially what has led many fans about the two (sometimes three) RCA and Fashion was issued with a unique
and collectors back to the early RCA CDs. masters available. Firstly, in most cases mastering, while a second, 1986 issue of
the German discs have a warmer sound the original four titles boasted superior
Broadly speaking the RCA CDs do than the brighter Japanese editions. artwork and new masterings (R32P-
offer a closer approximation of how Secondly, there are flaws on several 1037~40). Other variations continue to
Bowie’s music was originally heard on titles, with the majority being found on surface and Australian editions of Scary
vinyl. They certainly don’t exhibit the the discs from Japan. Again, picking up Monsters and Fame and Fashion are
‘digital sheen’ found on the subsequent, the ‘wrong’ title could quickly curtail known to exist with modified tray artwork,
brighter remasters. But what is often any desire to continue collecting these using Japan-made discs.
overlooked is the knowledge that, in all increasingly expensive CDs.
but one instance, the editions produced NB: The absence of Stage from this
for the European and American markets What follows is an album-by-album document is due to its not being released
differ from one another, both in terms breakdown of the RCA CDs, using in the USA or Japan, thus there is only
of their packaging and the source tapes waveforms* to literally illustrate the sonic one edition (the German). David Live
and mastering found within. Picking the differences between pressings, and and Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture
‘wrong’ version could quite easily lead simple notes outlining key facts about were not issued on CD by RCA, and the
the casual fan to dismiss the RCAs, just each edition. I’ve tried to keep these only available CD issue of Bowie Rare is a
as they were originally dismissed as “flat” comments free of personal bias and any bootleg.
and “dull” when the bright sound of later ‘preferred’ ratings are to be taken based
CDs was considered a sign of superiority. on your own tastes as much as mine.
* Waveforms are a graphical representation of sound amplitude, thus the more of the frame the green area covers, the louder that section of the music will be. If the green touches the outer
boundary of the frame, it can often reveal that limiting has been applied to those frequencies. This happens only very rarely on the discs covered here.
RCA CD Comparisons
Space Oddity
WG / PD84813
Running Time: 45:35.666
Peak Amplitude: -0.6dB (L) -.25dB (R)
JPN for US / PCD1-4813

Peak Amplitude: -1.4dB (L) -1.31dB (R)
Notes
• Space Oddity – Some noise in the left channel during the opening 14 seconds of
on WG, absent on JPN. Incomplete fade/abrupt end at 5.13 on JPN. WG has the
full fade.
• Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed and Cygnet Committee both run a few
seconds longer on the JPN.
Verdict
The JPN for US sounds more “open” and tames the splashiness of the cymbals on the
title track, but the WG has a more natural sound overall. No clear winner.
RCA CD Comparisons
The Man Who Sold The World
WG / PD84654
Peak Amplitude: -.07dB (L) -.84dB (R)

Notes
• Width Of A Circle - WG runs 4 seconds slower, the JPN has an extra word spoken
at the very end of the fade - “Width Of A Circle” vs “Width Of A...”
Verdict
JPN is brighter and more defined, in keeping with US and Japanese RCA vinyl, but the
warmer WG is closer to the UK vinyl. Taste and system dependant.
RCA CD Comparisons
Hunky Dory
WG / PD84623

Peak Amplitude: 0dB (L) 0dB (R)
Notes
• Changes and O!YPT – sound veiled on the WG. The JPN sounds more open on
these tracks but there is tape damage on Changes.
• Kooks – 3dB louder on the JPN.
• Andy Warhol – much louder on the JPN than the WG and notably (I think
excessively) brighter. There is visible limiting in the left channel of the JPN, and
this continues for the rest of the disc.
Verdict
For what looks like its “side two” mastering volume/EQ error and tape damage the
JPN for US loses out to the more consistent WG. Neither is perfect.
RCA CD Comparisons
...Ziggy Stardust...
WG / PD84702
JPN for US / PCD1-4702 (and RPCD11)

Peak Amplitude: -.93dB (L) -0.48dB (R)
Notes
• All three masters include the tape issues consistent in most vinyl and pre-digitally
repaired versions – drop outs in Starman (intro), and Suffragette City (“She’s
JPN for JPN / R32P-1037
alright”). JPN for JPN R32P-1037 has some minor peak limiting on Suffragette City.
The earlier JPN for JPN RPCD11 is identical to the JPN for US disc.
Peak Amplitude: -.53dB (L) 0dB (R)
Verdict
No clear winner here.
RCA CD Comparisons
Aladdin Sane
JPN for EUR / PD83890

Peak Amplitude: -.82dB (L) -1.14dB (R)

Peak Amplitude: -.42dB (L) .01dB (R)
Notes
• Aladdin Sane – JPN for US has an audible “Ha!” between it and Drive-in Saturday
which is absent on the JPN for EUR. Variations of this segue are heard on vinyl
issues, some of which have it, some don’t. Later CD reissues all have it.
• Drive-in Saturday – JPN for EUR runs a little over three seconds longer.
• Let’s Spend The Night Together – JPN for EUR has an additional piano flourish at
the tail of the fade. ‘70s UK vinyl issues have this, but no digital version since.
• There are two pressings of the JPN for US edition – the disc made by CSR is the
alternate master referred to here, while the disc made by Denon matches the JPN
for EUR edition. The CSR disc has the words “CSR COMPACT DISC” embossed
three times around the centre hole.
Verdict
The JPN for US (CSR pressing) is the louder and brighter of the two masters. This title
is often regarded as the best sounding of all the RCA CDs, but it’s likely not all owners
are aware of the different masters on the US discs. The Denon pressed discs are lower
in volume and tame the high end, so again this is taste and system dependant.
RCA CD Comparisons
Pin Ups

JPN for US / US for US / PCD1-0291

Notes
• I Can’t Explain – additional chord in the fade of the JPN for EUR.
• There is a USA made edition of this title, digitally identical to the JPN for US disc.
Verdict
The JPN for US (and US for US) is approximately 4dB louder throughout but levels are
not consistent – see the drop vs jump in volume between Rosalyn and Here Comes
The Night in the waveforms. EQ is mostly the same, but occasionally the JPN for EU
appears brighter (e.g. Shapes Of Things). No clear winner.
RCA CD Comparisons
Diamond Dogs
WG / PD83889

Notes
• Future Legend – JPN for US omits the “pre-echo”, it’s intact on the WG.
• Diamond Dogs – JPN for US begins the track after “...this is genocide”, WG begins
with “This ain’t rock’n’roll...”.
• Sweet Thing / Candidate / Sweet Thing (reprise) – JPN for US splits the tracks, the
WG programs them as one.
• Big Brother / Chant Of The Ever-Circling Skeletal Family – as above.
Verdict
This title shows the most marked difference between the two issues. The WG has
considerably less top end and a little more bass. The JPN for US is closer to original
vinyl pressings. The WG stands alone but will appeal to those who appreciate a
“darker” presentation.
Spectral view of intro to Future Legend showing pre-

echo on the WG (top), omitted from JPN for US (bottom)
RCA CD Comparisons
Young Americans
WG / PD80998
Peak Amplitude: 0dB (L) -.61dB (R)
JPN for US / PCD1-0998 (and RPCD12)

Peak Amplitude: 0dB (L) -.35dB (R)

Peak Amplitude: -.62dB (L) -.62 dB (R)
Notes (see next page)

RCA CD Comparisons
Young Americans (continued)

Notes
• Young Americans – JPN for US (and identical JPN for JPN RPCD12) omits the first
two drum beats of the intro.
• The JPN for US doesn’t tidy fades or intros so there is audible hiss during gaps
between tracks but also a little extra music can be heard (e.g. a clear “fascination”
in the fade of Fascination, extra piano notes on Somebody Up There Likes Me, an
additional chord at the end of Across The Universe, an audible voice and “beat” in
the intro and an additional chord in the outro of Fame. These are all faded in/out
on the WG. The JPN for JPN includes all the elements of the JPN for US but fades
to silence.
• JPN for JPN is the louder of the three and is peak limited on several tracks.
Verdict
The JPN for JPN syncs with the WG so probably shares the same master, but has
superior EQ and tidier fades, but is peak limited. The JPN for US is brighter and thinner
and the mastering error on the title track effectively rules it out.
Waveform showing the missed drum beats on Young Americans on the JPN for US.
RCA CD Comparisons
Station To Station
WG / PD81327
JPN for US / PCD1-1327 (also RPCD13)

Notes
• Word On A Wing – JPN for US (and identical JPN for JPN RPCD13) and JPN for
JPN R32P-1039 omit the first 1.8 seconds of the synth intro note.
• JPN for US is mastered at the lowest level of all the RCA discs (approx. -7dB peak).
Verdict
The WG is the clear winner. The JPN for US is bright, thin and mastered too quietly, the
JPN for JPN simply raises the volume of the same master by approx. 5dB.
RCA CD Comparisons
Low
WG / PD83856
Peak Amplitude: 0dB (L) -0.4dB (R)

Peak Amplitude: -1.62dB (L) -2.21 (R)
Notes
• Speed Of Life – JPN for US has noise during the intro, not found on the WG.
• Breaking Glass – JPN for US runs two seconds longer than the WG.
• Be My Wife – JPN for US has a cold ending at the tail of the fade.
• The WG smooths the attack of the opening notes/beats on all tracks except
Breaking Glass, What In The World, Be My Wife and Subterraneans.
Verdict
Despite the smoothed intros, the WG is preferred. The JPN for US has an imbalanced
EQ, with the left channel brighter than the right.
RCA CD Comparisons
“Heroes”
WG / PD83857

Notes
• Beauty and the Beast – JPN for US omits the first 1.8 seconds (opening noise and
three cymbal hits).
• Due to differences in track idents, the three segued instrumentals have differing
lengths (Sense of Doubt - 03:19 on US, 03:59 on WG; Moss Garden - 05:46 on US,
05:02 on WG; Neukoln - 04:35 on US, 04:30 on WG). The WG seems to be more
accurate.
Verdict
The JPN is the brighter of the two with audible tape hiss, tamed on the WG. For its
fuller sound and complete intro on Beauty and the Beast the WG is preferred.
RCA CD Comparisons
Lodger
WG / PD84234

Notes
• D.J. – JPN for US has digital noise in the left channel from 0:42 to 1:05.
• Boys Keep Swinging – JPN for US has digital noise in the left channel at 1:01.
• The WG is more consistent in level. The JPN for US has a louder “side two” with
the exception of Repetition.
Verdict
The JPN is the brighter of the two with audible tape hiss and slightly wider separation
than the WG. Due to its more balanced volume and lack of digital defects, the WG is
preferred.
RCA CD Comparisons
Scary Monsters...and Super Creeps
WG / PD83647

Notes
• Teenage Wildlife – WG builds in volume, the JPN for US is more consistent.
• Waveforms are the inverse of each other but do not cancel out.
Verdict
Sound is very close on this title with, contrary to all other RCA titles, the WG the
marginally brighter of the two. No clear winner.
RCA CD Comparisons
ChangesOneBowie
WG / PD81732


Notes (see next page)

RCA CD Comparisons
ChangesOneBowie (continued)
Notes
• There are both West German and Japan for Europe editions. The JPN for EUR
version is the same master as the JPN for US, the WG is a unique master.
• Space Oddity – WG master doesn’t have the left channel noise heard on the
‘Space Oddity’ CD. The JPN pressings have an abrupt ending in the fade.
• John, I’m Only Dancing – all versions have drop-outs at 0:50 and 2:27.
• Changes – WG uses the same master as the ‘Hunky Dory’ CD. The JPN pressings
are quieter but also appear to use the same master.
• The Jean Genie – WG starts too abruptly, the JPN pressings start correctly.
• Diamond Dogs – WG fades in as per the original UK vinyl. Sound is comparable to
the JPN for US ‘Diamond Dogs’ CD, not the WG. The JPN pressings start abruptly
as per US and JPN vinyl issues.
Verdict
Besides the trimmed Jean Genie intro, the WG is preferred. The JPN for US/EUR is
mastered too low, the JPN for JPN is the same master boosted in volume.
European edition made in Germany European edition made in Japan

(contains unique master) (contains same master as the JPN for US)
red and black spines exist for the European edition

RCA CD Comparisons
ChangesTwoBowie

Peak Amplitude: -.94 db (L) -.74 db (R)

Peak Amplitude: -2.1 db (L) -2.26 db (R)
Notes
• D.J., Ashes To Ashes and Fashion are the single edits.
• Despite both being manufactured in Japan these discs do not share an identical
mastering.
Verdict
The WG is preferable for a smoother presentation.
RCA CD Comparisons
Golden Years
WG / PD84792

Notes
• The “Digitally Remastered” text is missing on the EU version.
• The only instance of both territories receiving identical masters.
• No tracks exactly match the masters on earlier RCA CDs.
Verdict
Identical masters, so either.
RCA CD Comparisons
Fame and Fashion
WG / PD84919
Peak Amplitude: -.78 db (L) -.14 db (R)

Peak Amplitude: 0 db (L) .01 db (R)
Notes
• Changes – JPN for US is muddy with tape damage throughout.
• Three different masters, but all have channels reversed from Golden Years onward.
JPN for JPN / RPCD-104
• The “Digitally Remastered” text is missing on the JPN for JPN version.
Peak Amplitude: 0 db (L) -.02 db (R)
Verdict
The JPN for US narrows the stereo soundstage. The JPN for JPN is the brightest and
widest but the WG is preferred for a more natural presentation with superior bass.
RCA CD Comparisons
RCA CD Comparisons
RCA CD Comparisons
RCA CD Comparisons
RCA CD Comparisons
RCA CD Comparisons
RCA CD Comparisons

RCA CD Comparisons

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

RCA CD Comparisons

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

RCA CD Comparisons

Introduction A brief word on the audio Packaging and other variations

JPN for US / PCD1-4813

The Man Who Sold The World

JPN for US / PCD1-4816

JPN for US / PCD1-4623

JPN for US / PCD1-4702 (and RPCD11)

JPN for EUR / PD83890

JPN for US / PCD1-4852

JPN for EUR / PD84653

JPN for US / US for US / PCD1-0291

JPN for US / PCD1-0576

Spectral view of intro to Future Legend showing pre-

JPN for US / PCD1-0998 (and RPCD12)

JPN for JPN / R32P-1038

Notes (see next page)

Young Americans (continued)

JPN for US / PCD1-1327 (also RPCD13)

JPN for US / PCD1-2030

JPN for US / PCD1-2522

JPN for US / PCD1-3254

Scary Monsters...and Super Creeps

JPN for US / PCD1-3647

JPN for US / PCD1-1732

JPN for JPN / R32P-1040

Notes (see next page)

European edition made in Germany European edition made in Japan

red and black spines exist for the European edition

JPN for EUR / PD84202

JPN for US / PCD1-4202

JPN for US / PCD1-4792

Fame and Fashion

JPN for US / PCD1-4919

You might also like