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Studio263 · 12th Jul 2018, 4:51 pm

Is this similar to 'A1/B1' (a pre-occupation of record collectors)?

These are the codes stamped in the run out groove area. A and B are obviously the sides, but the number afterwards is the serial number of the stamper, or so I was told.

The thinking is that the lower the number, the more likely a reasonably fresh and uncopied version of the original master tape was used to make it. This is where the degradation takes place apparently, in the endless duplication of master tapes as they are distributed through the manufacturing network. Low numbers also suggest that the record was made soon after the particular work was released, which is only important for certain material I'd think.

I've got an 'A1/B1' copy of 'Dare' by the Human League, which is also a great album. Ho hum, the CD still sounds better to me!

12th Jul 2018, 4:51 pm	#4
Studio263 Octode Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hampshire, UK. Posts: 1,575	Re: First pressings Is this similar to 'A1/B1' (a pre-occupation of record collectors)? These are the codes stamped in the run out groove area. A and B are obviously the sides, but the number afterwards is the serial number of the stamper, or so I was told. The thinking is that the lower the number, the more likely a reasonably fresh and uncopied version of the original master tape was used to make it. This is where the degradation takes place apparently, in the endless duplication of master tapes as they are distributed through the manufacturing network. Low numbers also suggest that the record was made soon after the particular work was released, which is only important for certain material I'd think. I've got an 'A1/B1' copy of 'Dare' by the Human League, which is also a great album. Ho hum, the CD still sounds better to me!