I heard "Five Years" playing and fancied getting the CD version of Ziggy (the original vinyl is in a box in the garage).

I have seen 20bit remastered versions, Royke (sp?) gold versions with extra tracks (on eBay) and "original" versions of this CD.

Can anyone recommend which one to go for?

Thanks

John

The original RCA CD I'd avoid; it's thin and trebly sounding. The Ryko reissue is better and does include interesting bonus tracks, although I'd hit stop after "Rock and Roll Suicide" before anything interfered with the sublime perfection of this album. The new Virgin one is indeed 20 bit mastered, although I haven't heard it.

My real answer is to replace your knackered cartridge and play the LP. :-)

Well yes, I should replace my knackered cartridge and get a new drive belt and get the suspension bouncing nicely and get the Ittok checked out. Then I could choose between my original 1974 pressing on nice thick vinyl or my 80s pressing on horrid cheap thin vinyl that definitely sounds worse.

In the mean time, as, like you, I think that the album is perfectly finished with Rock N Roll Suicide, I'll probably get the 20bit remaster.

-John

I'd definitely go for the 24 bit (not 20 bit) remastered copy. About 6 months ago I did a comparison on Hunky Dory in the Ryko and 24 Bit version and it was night and day. The Ryko was pretty thin and sounded like it had a serious treble boost. The 24 bit on the other hand had a more rounded sound and both the bass and piano bits had more depth and resonance. After that I replaced all my Bowie CDs with the 24 bit remastered versions. Ziggy and Heroes showed the greatest improvements, even more so than Hunky Dory.

GilesÁ

But (from memory) the vinyl still sounds better.
<Bah>.

Yes,Bowie Lps sound a lot better.
The EMI and Rykos are bad with nasty trebleboost wich make them nearly unlistenable.
The 24 bit is better.
LPs: I must recommend original master recordings.
If I compare my original RCA with the master recordings there is a significant difference to the better.
Bowie cds: If you find RCA recordings buy them if they are cheap and sell them later. You´ll be able to get as much as £10-30 from a dealer that sells vintage recordings. Take a look in "Record collector".
Greetings Gunnar