I bought this copy mistakenly thinking this was an original 1973 German reissue A-1/B-1. Then I found this Discogs entry which matches my copy: a modern unofficial reissue. Shortly after I found and bought a true German A-1/B-3 copy pressed on the late 70's, from the first German master that corrected that original fake stereo issue, arguibly the best press ever regarding sound quality :)

Of course I compared both directly and surprisingly, on a 1st relaxed listening this modern reissue didn't fell far from the legendary A-1/B-3 regarding sound quality. They are clearly different, but both sound good with different approaches.

The mythical 70's German A-1/B-3 copy feels more dynamic, detailed and alive, even overwhelming in some moments. More intense and trippy, the tiniest details are clear and present all over. It's a more complex and inmersive experience.

This modern copy first of all don't sound drastically different, but even in a relaxed listening you can feel it sounds more modern, less detailed and alive but in a well measured way. It has also a good instrument separation and generally good dynamics. It's a safer listening, but doesn't feel "flat" at all or with any noise or deffects.

I used a modern standard audio equipment so I guess it benefits this modern reissue on my experiment, but I would recommend it, if you're into modern remasters, and don't want to spend more than 20-30€.

My copy bought today at the Reading record fair in England sounds fantastic. What an incredible set of songs and album artwork.

i think this is a really good pressing! i get this along with 10 or so other albums from my grandmother when she was moving houses and they were all in really poor shape, scratched and some moldy. this one is especially scratched, luckily no mold, but it sounds absolutely fantastic to my ears. maybe it’s the condition it’s in that makes me think it, but it’s better imo than the two other original capitols that i own.

outstanding sound. must have for every vinyl lover. i buy every copy i can find!

This looks to me like the July 1982 issue from Carlton.

This has always been my favourite Beatles' (alongside with the White Album). I read about this legendary A-1/B-3 German enhanced reissue and it became my 1st big target. Found it in a local store barely 1 month after starting buying, and obviously I got it.

It has a soundstage depth and clarity that surprises and overwhelms, you can hear the different instruments come in from different parts of the room with precision and vitality.

I compared this to my other 2023-24 unofficial german digital reissue. Firstly I must say it's a good digital reissue, sounds really well balanced. Regardless, it feels more mellow and lacks the rawness and vivid dynamics of this AAA copy. I would say the digital remaster is a safer listen that pleases without requiring much attention, and this analog one is more detailed and bold, feels alive and kicking and gets you to places that others can't.

I must say I don't have an audiophile level equipment (Sony HT-S40R system). Maybe with a sound equipment designed for analog albums, the virtues of this amazing copy are even more outstanding and enjoyable. Someday.

I have variant 5: SMAL-1-2835-RI#4 ─◁ (I believe it's RI, not R1)
variant 4: SMAL -2-2835 - H32 #3 ─◁
My version doesn't have any text on the back sleeve at the bottom right corner. (No MAL 2835).
....& the labels have a slight variation too: MFD. BY APPLE RECORDS, INC. is on Side 2 label, NOT on Side 1 label.

Recently picked up a very clean copy of this record. To echo previous comments, the quality on this pressing is nearly unrivaled by any piece in my 600+ piece collection. If you can find a copy, get it yesterday (all those troubles seemed so far away).

My copy has the record as described but cover has “Includes 24-page full color picture book” under title.

Non-fills on mine. The absolutely worst thing about modern vinyl pressings. Mastering and sound otherwise is good.