I just watched a video with Chad in it, he was wearing his tshirt that said on the front "buy now or cry later" That sums up everything i have come to dislike about this vinyl resurgence and hobby. The FOMO, the limited edition, the industry where if you don't order their audiophile overpriced pressing Today!!!!! You'll have to pay even more for it tomorrow. Its becoming toxic. Its only Steeley Dan, nobody under 55 knows who they are anyway or cares. Lets be honest its becoming a hobby for rich old people, 2lp 45rpm BS.

Good choice. The original ABC pressing of Aja is fantastic. The Royal Scam is however my favorite Steely Dan album. Take care.

I also have a near mint AB-1006, and just spun my UHQR, I don’t like to say it sounds better, because the AB-1006 sounds absolutely fantastic, but the UHQR does absolutely knock your socks off, and will make your system setup sound the absolute best it possibly could😎👌

Finally, some common sense from the vinyl community. Thank you.

Enjoying the records you already have is a wild concept.

Welcome back, Tim. Like many of the others who have commented here, I too, have an OG NM AB-1006 copy of Aja and have zero interest in spending $150+ to listen to 4 sides of it on 45rpm. Same for my OG of Gaucho- it sounds incredible, so not sure about getting that either. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your wife. It's been 5 yrs. since my wife and I celebrated with family (we had moved to FL) but we are back home and thrilled to be with family again.

If you don’t buy it, how would you know if the UHQR is a turkey or not?

Hi Tim - I saw about three video reviews of Aja UHQR and frankly I was surprised of not finding your review video on this but happy to find it now. So I went ahead and bought it and received it today. I listened the album using my Sony headset and ohhh boy ... I got moved on the first song and the rest was a pleasure to listen. It was a great experienceI and actually appreciate the getting up to go through the two records as I can easily loose my focus and appreciation by the second song. Since they pressed 30K copies, I think they will be available for a while.

Your reasoning is right on about getting the turkey instead. For that much money, the turkey better be analog and not digital!

What the cluck Tim😂 Happy 4 you. I have #704 UHQR/Aja. It is fantastic. I have a 1977 AA-1006 and a Japanese pressing of Aja too. I did receive today the Countdown to Ecstasy SACD from Acoustic Sounds. I think you said this was a favorite of yours in a previous vid. I decided to spend $35 vs $150. I preordered the Gaucho/ UHQR coming Dec. 1st. I have other 45 RPMs of Steely Dan and Diana Krall so I don’t mind jumping up and changing discs since I only have near field listening in my music room. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your wife👍👍

Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family & friends! My favorite holiday!

Interesting take Tim. Aja is one of my top 5 albums of all time. I bought the UHQR and glad I did. Amazing. Another channel made a good analogy that this is like a fine cut of meat 🥩. I kinda agree. For me, I would rather spend $150 on something that will give a lifetime of joy versus a steakhouse dinner for two. Btw, I’m Arizona and shop at Sprouts all the time. I have an Egg smoker and you have inspired me to try smoking my Turkey. 😄

Good on you! Well done on resisting FOMO, made easier no doubt by the fact you now have an outstanding version of Aja in hand. Really looking forward to your review of the UHQR Gaucho whenever it drops.

I agree completely with your reasoning! I know you're a huge Steely Dan fan and as you said the timing wasn't right to buy the UHQR. You present a good example to the community, gauging what's important and basing your purchases on a scale that you set.

Thanks for another terrific video Tim. I own a CD Japanese Import copy of Aja. It's wonderful. Keep up the great work. Regards, David-

Excellent and persuasive presentation.

Purchasing yummy & healthy turkey for Thanksgiving is a much better choice than a vinyl record Tim.

Looks like the University of Vinyl is giving the UHQR Aja the bird sort of speak. 🦃😂

I drive a 2018 Prius. I could drive a Maserati, and it would be fun and loud and fast. But going from point A to point B, using my Prius just makes more sense. I still listen to my copy of Aja that I got from RCA Music Service for a penny. It sounds amazing, as do the other four copies of Aja that I own.

We buy our Turkeys from Shelton’s Premium Poultry in Pomona California. They’ve been raising drug free happy birds since 1924. They now deliver their fresh farm raised Turkeys to some premium grocery stores in our local area. There is nothing better tasting than a fresh turkey. You never disappoint, Tim! Great decision. We can always count on real talk from you. Let the Jive Turkeys baste in their own juices. I’m happy with my MOFI Aja but I will be on the lookout now for the pressing you recommend in this video. Take care. Steven

I'm in a similar place. Aja UHQR might end up being my Christmas present to myself, but we have some home improvements to make before that so I'm holding off. This video really made me laugh so thanks for that!

Fresh turkey on a Traeger grill - what's not to like? Happy Holidays to you

I'm just connecting the illustration between two turkeys here - hmm, I like it!

Nice discussion -- like you, I also appreciate the work being done at Acoustic Sounds but Aja . . . to me, that's an album you indulge yourself in after a hard week. Dimmed lights, comfortable chair, a glass of something nice - you get the idea. The notion of getting up and flipping the record after every song runs completely counter to that ideal experience.

I would say that is a good choice you made!! That turkey will probably melt in your mouth when you eat it!!! Then turkey sandwiches are delicious also!!!

I just don't have the equipment or the wallet to ever spend $125 - $150 for a single album - sure every now & then I buy a MoFi for $50 but that's my top. I have a mid-range Fluance Turntable along with a Sony receiver & Sony tower speakers & all of my regular copies of these pressings sound just fine to me. This audiophile pressing craze has gotten crazy - it's fun to just sit back & watch everyone talk about the good, bad etc. of these very expensive albums. As for your turkey - How does a store named Sprouts do not have fresh turkeys. 😉

Nice vid. So much I could comment. I will just say this. First, the older I get, the more I understand that “you can’t take it with you”. For me, SD is in my 5 top artist lists. Also, my hearing will likely go before my whole body dies, so it is even reduces that time line. For me, buying the UHQR Aja is a no brainer. Finally, this past weekend, we had an early family “Thanksgiving” dinner (reasons for early celebration unimportant). I have always purchased Fresh turkeys before, even the Whole Food brand mentioned. This year b/c of availability issues, I bought a frozen turkey for the first time in years. I have to say, that turkey was as good or better than the previous fresh turkeys. Total surprise. Tim, you will have to give a turkey review after Thanksgiving.

Thanks for this Tim. I love the contrarian take. I just bought an AB 1006 Vg+++ for 40NZ. I have listened to this record for 30 + years and this version took my breath away. I have not heard the UHQR. The UHQR here is NZ if we can get it will sell for 500 -600 NZ dollars about 300-350US - yes you read that right. I am devoted to Black Cow. Like you I am going for Gaucho and saving hard due to the trifecta of Babylon, Glamour and My Rival. All four songs are desert island songs. To paraphrase Meatloaf 3/4 aint bad. Gacho purely on value per dollar. Keep up the great work

I own the AB 1006 and the Cisco, the UHRQ is that much better- I hope you get one for Christmas- you need to hear it.

Loved this real world comparison- and I think I would’ve picked the turkey too - changing the record over so frequently does detract from the listening experience!

I also found a beautiful 10$ copy AB-1006 (re-3)-A p 1 😊 I spent another 140 on other vinyl!!

The UHR is incredible - aas much as I love the AB1006 and Cisco this brings everything forward. So musical and engaging in every way. Way exceeded my expectations. You owe it to yourself to at least find one to listen too.

Tim, I am glad you are taking the practical route. Another aspect too is it isn't like you can never buy this later on as well. I appreciate the audiophile market for what it is, but I feel unless you got the set up and not saying you don't Tim or any other KZfaq Vloggers don't either, but the general vinyl community isn't going to drop $150 for a UHQR album unless that album is the end all be all for them and said individual really wants to have everything of said album, I know a few of those folks. I bought on a RSD once The Band super deluxe editions of Music From Big Pink and The Brown Album both for $125 (BP was $50 & The Brown Album was $75). This was a few years ago, I can count on one hand how many times I have played the 45 rpm records. I think the most played items from those sets is the Classic Albums DVD of The Brown Album and the Music From Big Pink blu ray. Needless to say, could you imagine if I dropped the original price on both of these at $150? That is high level disappointed, records and sets aren't meant to be trophies. When I do go at the $150 or higher, I am getting a set that to me I am going to spin and leverage. My recent examples being The Rolling Stones in Mono, Joe Strummer 002, and Tom Petty Live At The Fillmore 1997. What attracted me to your channel was your love for Steely Dan and I love Steely Dan as well. If the AB-1006 was audiophile perfection, what changed to that because of this UHQR release? What am I gaining that makes you or me buy it? Back to my Band examples, how often will I spin it? I won't fault you Tim if you buy it, if money was no object and I didn't care what I spent my money on sure I would buy it, but my three copies of Aja being the AA-1006, AB-1006, and a Geffen 180 gram repress does me good, Deacon Blues can only be enhanced so much.

I bought one in a clearance bin for $5 last week. Sounds perfect

Great video Tim. A turkey snob 😂. Theres a first for everything 😉

I’m watchin’ an AB1006 of Steely Dan’s Aja on eBay. I’ve heard the versions of Aja on YT I like the Cisco it sounds classic ‘70’s and I think the UHQR has the best sound I’ve heard compared to all the other versions reviewed👍🏻 It’ll be interestin’ to compare the Cisco to the AB1006👍🏻

I actually have a Geffen Records Reissue that just was released in Sept. 2023 that I purchased on Black Friday Record Store Day and it sounds great.

I so love that you bought those Cornwalls! And don't call me Shirley.

Hey Tim! You can probably purchase the UHQR later on anyways if you so desire. It may take awhile to sell out from Chad. Hope you and your family enjoy that fresh Thanksgiving turkey.

Several years ago, I bought a Steely Dan 'Aja' album for only $2 from a local thrift store in near mint shape (I don't know which pressing) and that's good enough for me. :)

Great choice and comparison just as long as you don’t stop thinking about buying it Lol I just purchased Donald Fagen The Nightfly Mofi One Step way out of my budget need a vinyl intervention Lol. Happy Thanksgiving to You and Your Wife ❤

I have a mint OG of Aja and it sounds amazing! I don't have a $300K sound system! Audiophiles have become crazy!!!

Hey Tim, longtime lurker here. Great topic. But BTW when smoking your turkey, how do you keep it lit?

Aja OG picked up for a buck pre Discogs Era, Redbook CD picked for a buck after the Discogs Era..both awesome to my ears...deep fried turkey..be safe when you put the turkey in oil..have a safe thanksgiving

Great...subscribed.

UHQR is the fresh turkey, UMG 29 dollar is the frozen turkey? Ha! Love your videos, UoV!

I am shocked, shocked that someone would do 2 videos on Steely Dan whatsoever; let alone 2 on the UHQR Aja within mere days :) if I ever found an AB-1006 NM I would be stoked but alas, mine has been played a bit too much. Great video Tim!

LOL Tim. I'm waiting for the box-less version.

Hi Tim, I completely respect your opinion. Just wondering if you were going to get the new AP version of the SACD, could be interesting.

I've just bought a new release of 'Aja', brand new, sealed and paid less than USD25. I have some audiophile editions such as half speed 'A Quick One' by The Who or Elton John's 'Madman Across The Water' cut in Abbey Road Studios, and the price was around USD40.00. I also buy used Japanese editions at a good price and their sound is fantastic, much better than the original records I used to have. Unfortunately, vinyl record prices are sky rocketing here in Brasil because there are people willing to pay. I don't.

l like how audiophile homes seem to be so clean and neat.

I pre-ordered the UHQR as soon as I could. When I knew it was on the way, I listened to my "AB" copy that I purchased on the release date in 1977 and after one listen I re-aligned my cartridge to make it sound a little bit better and it worked, especially on the Steve Gadd hi-hats on the title cut. I got them even clearer. Then when the UHQR came I was blown away by it. The claims are true; it's even better. I'm glad I have both and I understand your Pretzel Logic(which is the weakest of the UHQRs so far) in not getting Aja UHQR, but I disagree. I also look forward to your turkey cooking video!

well I have 3 or 4 original pressings and spent the money on a UHQR. Just listened to it on a vintage Sansui system and a Shure v15type 4. It like having the master compared to the original. Huge difference.

Have both. It’s no contest, uhqr is better in every way. To each their own.

May I ask what you paid for your recent AJA ab1006? Congrats on your disciplined approach to UHQR.

Tim, first of all, great video on your Aja vinyl records, and great also on your call to skip this one (for now) for one thing that you enjoy, and I really truly see your Thanksgiving enjoyment, now on the other side, for me is extremely hard to get those “lucky grails” of vinyl, why? because I live in a town where there are none yes zero, nada Record stores, and probably the close record store is at 400 miles from where I live, and even I travel all across the USA at least 3 weeks of the months, is very complicated for me to find a record store 1- that is open after 5pm and dig for a “vinyl grail” most of the stores close at 6pm some others not even open on Mondays Tuesdays or even Wednesdays, in some other instances the distances are not even close of where I’m staying so that reduces the time for the record store to be close by the time that I arrive. Long short story for me is super easy to make the call and order a new vinyl that I know that at least will have warranty in case that arrive defective, but the best thing I got from your video is definitely the Fresh Turkey, me and my family will also say that Thanksgiving is the best holiday of the year, so that day I love to smoke a 14-16 pound turkey on my smoker (yeah I’m from south Texas) 🤠 so thanks for that “Fresh Turkey” because I was told also as you mention out local groceries stores are also told me no fresh turkey this year, but I’ll pull the trigger on one of those turkeys 🦃 and on the Aja Record UHQR I did preorder it, I have it even though is not my favorite rock group and also is not my favorite album, actually the only album by Steely Dan is “Can’t Buy A Thrill” so kudos for you for your video, and hope you can share a little bit of your Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks again for the tip 😉

I have all the reissues of SD's UHQR and I could not be happier. Difference is Night to Day @5:40 you don't know if the UHQR is worthy of the price but you have Miles behind you on UHQR.

If everyone is so impressed with the UHQR pressing, why would you not want to hear all of the nuance. With this hobby, I enjoy hearing things I've never heard before. Can't wait to hear the detail and dead quiet pressing.

I too got the 180 gram Geffen copy. Sounds great! Before I knew this was going to be issued, I'd already pre-ordered the UHQR. I made the decision to not cancel my pre-order because I am such a fan of the lp, and it is my favorite Steely Dan lp. I like the record for what it is and I like Steely Dan. I just figured, what the hell. The UHQR issue is still sealed. Funny how you mentioned getting up and down to flip the record. That is my one sore point with 45 rpms. It bothers me enough to have purchased a Turn Table that has an automatic return arm on it (budget that has a good rep) and placed a better than average cart on it. But I too would recommend the Geffen release. I liked the Geffen release very much. But if you LOVE Aja, I get that you might want it on UHQR. But if you are debating parting with 150 dollars plus- I do think if you need a good and newer pressing of Aja- you will not be disappointed with the Geffen reissue. BTW- I will be ordering the Geffen release of Gaucho. I also like Gaucho very much and if it is anything in quality like Aja on Geffen, I believe I will be happy. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all.

Love my AB-1006 as well, but going with a frozen Butterball that is on sale.

Hey Tim! Can you tell me the difference between the MFSL LP and the double lp 45 rpm vinyl as far as sound quality? The obvious diff is the price. I agree with the turkey purchase!👍😂

Good choice Tim. My $1 AB1006 is only a VG, but I'm ok with it until a better one falls into my lap.

Tim. When you wake up from your costly Tryptophan induced slumber you will realize just what you are missing. Go out of your way to hear a copy or mumble in your sleep and maybe your wife will gift it to you for Christmas The AB-1006 is one things, this is altogether another level.

Hello Tim. I am sure many people will hold on purchasing a fresh turkey for Thanksgiving and instead be happy with the purchase of a frozen turkey because for them, the difference between fresh and frozen isn't worth the added cost nor can they distinguish enough difference between the two for it to matter to them. BTW, is that a 33rpm or 45rpm of Kind of Blue above your left shoulder in your video? Have a good Thanksgiving dinner.

Does anyone know if this UHQR was mastered from the 1977 tape or is there a digital step in there as is usual these days? thats the big difference for me ............(MoFI thoughts in my head)

Nice honest discussion Tim! In some ways it pains me that the resident guru of the VC for Steely Dan won’t be picking up the seemingly unanimous GOAT of Aja . I’m wondering if you could borrow one from someone, do the comparison then decide whether it’s with the $$&? Just an idea but also understand the vinyl budget isn’t a bottomless pit

I'm not a collector and don't care about all of this stuff. I just recently bought the Geffen 180 gram copy of Aja for $30 and I'm perfectly happy with it. Collectors are kinda screwy.

Gaucho is may favorite also. I will, However, get the Aja because I never bought it before. I agree the Holidays make it tough, especially when there are so many vinyl re-pressings coming up.

The recording on ultratape is probably even more expensive. yes analog productions also makes recordings on Real To real on real tape. There are obviously those who think it sounds even better than on vinyl

A recommendation might be to make a copy of the album. Because the needle wears on the track. which means that when you have listened to the vinyl record several times, the sound quality will become worse

Always wanted to try fresh turkey🤘

Tim you did this Whole Foods video with a straight face. Drive west on sunset to the Sea turn that jungle music down just until we’re out of town

I love Royal Scam!!!!! My fav

I agree 100% with the AB 1st. I have a NM promo stamped copy and it is absolutely stunning. I see no need for improvement. For the price, it’s diminishing returns IMO

BTW, at this moment, I feel the same way about Gaucho. An absolutely fantastic, classic album, but I have 2 or 3 original US pressings and they do sound great! TBH, it has been quite a while since I have given the album a good listen, but I'll be sure to do that, especially with my newly repaired, recently returned Ayon Orion II class 'A' all tube amp and my greatly enhanced Crown 2502 which drives the dipole woofers (enhanced in the sense that a fellow in the 'know' helped my understand that bi-amping and going from the Ayon's Pre-Out to the Crown to run the woofers, that there is quite a loss in volume. So, I now have what is called a CleanBox unit which takes the very low signal coming out from the Ayon and brings it up to a stronger level to run the Crown way more efficiently, and connects to the Crown with balanced interconnects, which apparently run much better with the Crown) Now, maybe, MAYBE, *IF* I hear like tons of reports from all you guys that the UHQR is indeed like Aja and is decidedly better, I MIGHT consider it. But, like you say, that first pressing is no slouch and likely will do just fine.

When it comes to vinyl I’m in the camp of getting the best OG I can find and I’m satisfied. When that was released it’s what we heard and fell in love with. It’s what the band and the overall team felt was the best at the time. Anything else is decades of change in preferences and technology that alters what is an original.

I was in the right place at the right time…a few years ago I was at a party related to my wife’s work. True story - I saw the system the husband had and struck up a chat. Long story they were downsizing and said his bonus room was full of boxes of his records and was taking them to goodwill or “trashing them”. I asked if I could take a look. OMG…I took them all and he had all Steely pre of course the last two…and he bought them all new…he was older than me…and in it…pristine 1006 AB!!! He wanted to give me ~150 albums for free. I forced him to take $150 😀

I done the same thing minus the turkey, cost me about 25 quid. What did you pay for your copy?

It does sound really good and I’m still looking for a clean OG. I live over in Timnath Ranch and you are welcome to borrow mine and done a comparison.

I dig Aja but not enough to justify the UHQR spend. I will save that for A Love Supreme

If you had an audiophile system you would buy the UHQR for your audiophile listening experience.

Cool. Can you review more records you are not going to buy?

The thing is that this album is impeccably recorded mixed and mastered anyway, UHQR will just control all aspects of mastering onwards so preserving the sounds fidelity so may be noticeable on a very revealing playback system, earlier pressings should sound good because of the fidelity of the recording in the first place.

Rebranding time to University of steely Dan! Haha great video Tim nice perspective I have at least two great copies of steely Dan's Aja. Maybe Play A Little Aja soundtrack to your smoker p*** video😅

The Original Pressings are great sounding. Chad and acoustic sounds improve the sound just barely over the original. I would have to have the wow factor to pull $150 out of my pocket just barely beating the original just doesn't cut it.

I remember when Classic's Led Zeppelin catalogue was released at $30 a record and people were outraged. "I'm not spending $30 on a Led Zeppelin record!" Now those records, which are way better than the recent Jimmy Page mastered reissues will cost you hundreds. The $800 "road case" collection will cost you $8000. So you've made your choice, and later you might regret it. The UHQR is far better than any 33 1/3 edition especially the songs near the end of the sides for reasons I hope you understand but maybe you do not.

sure youre passing on the $150 UHQR but will you pass on the future non-UHQR $60 45rpm version chad said was also coming?

Steely Dan is amazing. It is some of the most brilliantly composed and written music ever put on vinyl. I'm not going to buy it either I have my '77 copy and it is amazing. If anyone ever doubts the talent, the music, the producing, David Crosby was asked on Twitter to name his 5 favorite albums of all time. Aja and Gaucho was two of his top 5 favorites. That speaks volumes. That means more and is more credible than any review from anyone.

I couldn't agree with you more! I do have an original copy and it sounds fabulous, would I ever spend $150.00 and having to get up every 2 songs to turn the record? No. I would never spend that kind of money on any record and, in addition, all the included material, booklets, photos and so on, mean nothing to me, how often to you really look at it after the initial "wow"? Finally, all those fancy box sets take up a lot of real estate which, in my case and most likely in most people's case, is very precious. I feel your pain about losing your pooch, I lost my beloved 15+ year old Jack Russell almost 1 year ago and there is no day when I look around and hope to still see him. Enjoy that turkey, money well spent!

Has anyone heard the Cisco pressing? Wow I’m amazed.

It sounds really really good though 😊

Another really interesting video by my favourite Steely Dan expert but please Tim drop the background music it was doing my head in. I would have jumped ship if it was anyone else but you and SD..

Tim? When it comes to music? Sometimes 'life' gets in the way. You sound a little disheartened. But the way I see it - if the pressing you have is giving you pleasure. With the added no pops & clicks? Then to me you don't need to do a $150 upgrade when you have what was seen as the pinnacle press before the UHQR release. Sometimes my friend we do regret pulling the trigger on things. But as it's the most important time of the year for you guys? (I'm British). The turkey wins. Organic farmed - even better. Yourself, wife and friend(s) have the best Thanksgiving. And there is always the future, Tim, to bag the holy grail. Happy spinning.

We have to consider that everyone has a different financial situation. A 150.00 record for some might be comparable to 30.00 purchase for someone else. Anyone can scrutinize everyone else purchases. Just as an example, I physically can't eat any meat, so a $150 Turkey wouldn't be of any use to me, but the 150 UHQR might. It is all relative. The big thing is irregardless if you spend 20 or 1 million on an audio system or 5 dollars to 500 on a record, if you can afford it and it brings you joy, that is all that really matters. Never judge somebody else's life through your eyes or anyone else's ( you too can be judged harshly)because you will always be disappointed.

Pretty much the same reasons I did not buy it. $150 is a lot for any record. I have an early pressing with RL in the dead wax that I bought new at a record store when it came out. Thankfully I was always one that took care of my records. It still is clean and sounds great. I also have the recent re-release from Geffen Records release 2023 that is great.

I find it interesting how "Its too expensive' or "I dont want to spend 150 on a record I have a decent copy of" has become a common review of a pressing. It's usually in the comments. If you've actually heard it, you've heard the best version. I dont even think on this one it's a matter of opinion. This is a pinnacle of engineering, production, mastering, plating and pressing. Thats why it's so incredibly good. Every piece of the chain is done to near perfection. And I would have paid more.

Tim, have you heard the uhqr?

Shipping is free.

If it wasnt for the price tag on the UHQR,the subjectivity of the listening experience wouldnt be so rife. I have many pressings of Aja,except for the Cisco version. I believe from hearing other UHQR titles on a high end system,it has to be exceptional. Keep in mind the Cisco that has been around for 15 +yrs is also a polarizing version. Some people say it aint worth the hype. And youll spend jyst as much as the UHQR to get it. And if its still sealed,you may have a defective vinyl that has residue from the glue on the inner sleeve😢. Quality control is leagues better today of course. And Acoustic Sounds is always a safe bet when it comes to take your breath away presence and sound stages with perfect eq'ed mixing. Simply put: If you have the system and the stylus that can reveal the best nuance in recorded material on vinyl,then put down the money. If you have a mid range or basic setup,go for the $35 version. Soon a mint first press AB-1006 will no longer be readily available anymore. And the price will certainly double. No. Im not selling mine either😊

Hi Tim! AJA is my favorite Steely Dan Album. I won't buy the UHQR because I don't have a great system. I do have 2 AB-1006 of this album and that's good enough for me. but I been waiting for your comparison because I respect your opinion. There will be thousands of Turkeys every year ...but only 30,000 copies of Aja UHQR.