Looking to Upgrade My 1980s CDs. What are Gold CDs?

Jason, many, if not all of the albums you listed have been remastered on CD. I have the original versions of many of those titles from the '80s, and the remasters from the record labels are definitely worth buying. The Pink Floyd albums have been remastered by the record label, so you can get these remasters at any store or online. In addition, Dark Side of the Moon was released as a gold CD by Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs (MFSL) years ago, but it is long out of print, as MFSL is out of business. This version is excellent. You should be able to find this disc on eBay, though it will cost you far more than a current gold CD. You might even find a sealed copy, but be prepared to pay over $100 for it.

Sony released Wish You Were Here as a gold CD years ago as part of its MasterSound series. It too is excellent, but it too has been out of print for awhile. It will be a bit pricey on eBay, but probably not as expensive as a copy of the MFSL version of Dark Side of the Moon.

Jethro Tull Aqualung was released as a gold CD by Digital Compact Classics (DCC) a couple of years ago. I don't know if it is still in print, and I don't have it. I'm sure it is good, however, as DCC puts out quality material. On a related note, DCC also released Original Masters on a gold CD. You should be able to find both of these discs on eBay for around $25-35 each. Some stores might have them as well.

Thick as a Brick was released on a gold CD years ago by MFSL. Again it is long out of print and is pricey. I don't have it. Perhaps other can comment on the sound quality.

The Rush remasters from Mercury are very good. I have several of these remasters. In addition, 2112 was released by MFSL on a gold CD. It is good, but in a limited comparison the other night, I acutally preferred the Mercury remaster.

I would start off by replacing these albums with the remasters from the record labels. They are better than the original versions you have and are considerably cheaper than the gold CDs since many of these gold CDs are out of print.

Hope that helps.

 

Frank, I have seen Echoes on vinyl for around $50, and when I upgrade my turntable, I will consider getting this set. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.