Traffic – The Studio Albums • 1967-1974

Can't keep up almost for the boxsets that come our way, and this one has got lost in the shuffle a bit- and it shouldn't have really because, the sonics on the vinyl ('remastered from the original tapes' it says but may be transferred to digital files- but sounds great), how quiet it plays, the heavy weight pressing, the beautifully printed album covers (matt cover for Barleycorn, gatefolds, die cuts, posters etc) and so on- a lot of effort went to make it right. Where it comes unglued (literally) was in the very final step- the glueing was badly done. Barleycorn for example was completely unglued, and worst for me when I bought it was I could not get the box out of its outer shell. I couldn't believe it!!! Why? because one of the LP covers that was unglued, stuck its glue to the inside of outer case. I had to use a paring knife to saw the inner box out. Didn't want to return it because I bought it at a steal and only the music and intact covers mattered to me. That said (after superglue did the repairs) it is one of the vinyl boxes I'm most delighted with. All of the their great music in one convenient package! Every time I cast my my eyes on it, I feel I've got to take it off the shelf and give at least one album a spin!

BTW the downloads are WAV files so are "audiophile" quality. The packing is good but some quality control issue re glueing, creased inners/inserts. Vinyl is nice and quiet and I assume these are from Digital masters. Better than the recent stand along albums as they have the correct era labels, inserts & gatefold sleeves. Great music either way you play it.

I've spent a long time going back and forth between these boxset pressings and the originals, and in almost all cases the originals win out for punch and dynamism. Quick rundown:
- Fantasy: Original is a little grittier, which can make certain tracks sound quite harsh here and there. I prefer the celebrated 1988 repress, which you can pick up fairly cheaply. This 2019 repress is 'nice' and smooths off some rough edges, and actually sounds pretty similar to the approach taken on the original mono, which I have a stunning copy of to compare to.
- Traffic S/T: 2019 is a bit flat and lifeless next to the impact of hearing an original stereo, which has waaay better bass and more clarity. The 2012 Friday pressing is ok - better the the 2019, but lacking a bit of the grit and punch that make the original an exciting listen.
- Barleycorn: There's something quite nice about the crispness of the 2019 Barleycorn, and it's a good alternative, but the warmth of the original is also a lovely listen. 2019 is one that I'd want to keep, but I certainly prefer the original.
- Low Spark: Original is louder, clear, but maybe a touch sibilant. 2019 is very similar, but seems to deal with the sibilance without rolling off the highs too much.
- Shootout: Original has good clarity and heft in the low end, vocals can seem a tad veiled. 2019 a bit brighter and colder, but has clearer highs.
- Eagle: Real clarity and punch on the original, 2019 has a similar feel but maybe less punchy on account of being pressed quieter.
Overall I was mildly impressed with the box set, but it's a mixed bag. You won't be rushing to ditch your originals for the sake of lovely sleeves (and they are absolutely top notch, make no mistake). I got mine cheap for £70, so it was a fun experiment, but I will probably now sell them off one by one.

Did anyone actually receive a download code for this set? And if so, where was it located inside the box?

Just bought this. I thought I had read there was a download too, but I don't see it. Can anyone confirm this, or if true is there anyone that has one and doesn't want it?

Cheers

This needs to drop to about £60, then we'll talk. Nothing tempting about this box at all.

this looks lame. why only studio albums? Last exit is 1/2 studio tracks, where is that? Would it have killed them to add the live records over some poster repros? no unreleased tracks or singles, sub-par remastering. and $150 for 5 records you could buy NM original for 1/3 the price. meh.

Received the box set yesterday. Package is of very nice quality material and very sturdy, easily holding 6 albums intact. There was a download code included (which I simply do not fathom why an audiophile needs one anyway). Sleeves are of good quality and considerable amount of effort was spent for reproduction so they really look the part. Albums with hex sleeves (Shoot Out and Low Spark) also has hex printed inners, regular ones has poly lined inners which is another plus. I vacuum washed them all and I advise a thorough clean or treatment against anti static because inners almost stuck onto my hands.. I only have a US Barleycorn and a UK Mr. Fantasy to compare with. When compared with my US Barleycorn this one sounds less relaxed and transparent. There is a certain amount of compress but not as annoying as several recent so called "original tape reissues" or "Half Speed Remastered" versions of other bands. Even with louder volume no sibilance or distortion was detected. As it is compressed the high and hi mid frequencies are less airy and less bright. When I compared with my Mr. Fantasy against this I have found that this one sounds more compressed and harsh, almost at the brink of annoying the listener. IDK whether this is a production fault or basically the current condition of the original master (if it was used BTW). Overall, I think the price is very good and albums are of decent quality both sound and qualitywise. Mind you, I do not have their other albums to compare with this set so maybe it will be a completely different story there but it is an enjoyable box set. Many people were raving about this but simply nobody said a scratch about the sound so here it is. I'm enjoying it anyway and imo money good spent.

System:
-ATC SCM 40A active speakers
-ATC SCA2 preamp
-Whest Audio PS.30 RDT Special Edition phono stage
-Pro-Ject RPM 10.1 turntable with 10cc Evo tonearm
-Van Den Hul Rock XLR and RCA cables
-Isotek Elite and Premier power cables and power conditioner
-Finite Elemente isolation components

Comparing side one John Barleycorn Must Die, first pressing ( ? ) Matrix / Runout (Side 1 Etched): UAS 5504 A 6-22-70 AM-3 to this reissue.
The original sounds significantly better in just about every way. More energetic, more relaxed, more transparent. The reissue has especially noticeable ragged vocals and increased sibilance compared to the original.

These disk have serial number stamps only, no mastering initials. Are they really from “ MASTER TAPES” as advertised ? Doubtful. If customers doesn’t know the name then there is no one to ask.