Madvillain – Madvillainy

Mine came with 2 copies of the second disc. Missing the whole first half of the album. Reached out to Stones Throw, they sent me a copy of the first disc.

I have a moderate system (definitely not an entry level but moderate relative to an expensive hi-fi stereo system) with a microline stylus. Wanted to disclose this briefly since sound quality is so dependent on system.

I do not have any other version to compare as this is the only copy I have of this album. I bought it primarily based on the audiophile branding.

In short, I am a bit disappointed with the sound quality which is my primary reason for purchase. It is dynamic and has a nice soundstage but it is nothing mind blowing. EQ wise it is not the best but that’s the lo-fi nature of the production which makes it sound different from most hip hop production from the early 2000 era.

In most cases, 45 RPM allows for a more spacious punchy delivery - my reference from same genre would be the VMP 45 RPM release of The Low End Theory. That one sounds much livelier and dynamic than this record.

I am seeing comments below how this one is better than the 2021/past reissue which is great. However, when I did a volume matched A/B with what’s on Qobuz (hi-fi streaming) and even Spotify- the difference is subtle and noticed how the streaming one actually uses dynamic compression in a good way to make the record sound more punchy (not at all in the loudness war zone with ear fatiguing listening experience).

On it’s own - it does sound amazing. My little disappointment is from having a very high expectation based on the explicit audiophile branding.

Aside from that - a big shoutout for the strong sturdy gatefold and the rice paper polylined inner sleeves. Makes the packaging much more deluxe than regular gatefold reissues of most albums. Discs were flat and noiseless.

Amazing timeless music.

I did have to return my first copy as disc two jumped on both sides, just small jumps but constant and audible. For the whole first track, I didn’t risk listening to the rest. New copy sounds amazing so it was definitely a faulty copy…great album

Honestly mind blowing how much of an improvement this is from my 2021 standard presssing.

The high quality wide spine gatefold with poly sleeves was a great start, but the actual sound is miles ahead of the 2021. Wider soundstage, better seperation, more clarity and the bass is perfect! "Curls" gave me goosebumps, I had no idea this album could sound this good.

The records themselves are flat and dead silent. Grab this before its too late.

System:
Audio Technica AT-740ML cartridge
Rega Planar 2
Michael Fiddler Spartan 15 Phono Preamp.
Denon PMA-600NE amplifier
Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary speakers
Cambridge Audio SX120 powered subwoofer

Sounds awesome , but cut a bit low, so turn it up

Certainly a quality release in every way but I prefer the 2021 pressing too with its loud in-your-face approach. I feel like this "audiophile" treatment doesn't suit the album very well (also I'm not quite sure what's supposed to be so "audiophile" about this). It has more depth, yes, but I hate it when records are mixed so quiet... It kind of kills the fun. I think I will keep this for now though, it's interesting to hear the album in a different way.

Mine has 2 disc 2’s. Goddammit. This sucks. Shit quality control.

This is a great reissue but I am a little puzzled by it.

-My other copy to compare with is the 2021 reissue and this is an immediate step up regarding product quality. Compared to that somewhat thin single pocket sleeve with crappy paper sleeves, the deluxe-ness in comparison of this version is much more apparent as it got some nice anti-static inners and a thick gatefold. I like the inclusion of the lyrics, maybe another goodie like a insert or booklet would've been extra nice. Also I like the darker colors on the cover its a cool touch.
-The vinyl itself: flat, a little heavier, and very little surface noise compared to the 2021 press which has a light bowl warp and some surface noise here and there. Also there's a lot of empty space on the 2021 press compared to this one.
-The mix: this version has a higher degree of clarity than the 2021 press. I'm hearing some samples and vocal things that I've never heard on that version. Every MC's voice here has increased clarity - the best instances being MED and Wildchild.
-However, I am a little bummed regarding the bass and volume department. The 2021 press is bassy, for better or for worse, as it may sacrifice the quality of the mix as I mentioned earlier that rules on this press, but I feel like the bass isn't prominent enough in this mix. Second, the volume isn't what I desired either. It sounds quieter than the 2021 mix, and a little less dynamic. BUT, keep in mind that I have a very entry level setup. I could see my issue as irrelevant if I had better equipment.

Overall, I would recommend this if you don't have this album already, if you have a sucky older copy like nnutth0wze, you want a higher quality edition, or you can get it for a better deal. But for me this wasn't 100% better than that 2021 press.

Yup. If you didn’t pick this up you already fucked up.

have 2006 us press and a cd copy from 2004 and this is laughably better, easily the best of what i have heard, well done