Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin II

I have a very nice original RL SS that I spent years tracking down and is my go-to player. Every other copy of this record that I've owned (many) didn't come close. I recently acquired a decent US 1977 re and I have to say that it is really, really outstanding. The louder I turn it up, the better it sounds. I am, quite frankly, shocked at how good this is. I can understand how someone could have this pressing and not believe that the Ludwig (or anything else) could be better...

I have a pressing with these same runouts but my label is a AR.

The only difference with the runouts is that my side one says “(PR) AR”. Any help on this one? This seems like the 1977 Piros cut but the AR label marking doesn’t show in discogs until 1982.

Wow absolutely stunning. Have a NM (plays mint honestly) copy that totally rocks. As far as rock records, my best sounding album

The RL cut must be something, I can’t imagine anything sounding better than this

I have variant #2. I’m comparing this to an RLss in VG+ condition. I prefer the GP cut and here’s why. The RL simply kicks harder but has some surface noise and light pops (they all have some amount of noise). Therefore, instead of being bothered by any amount of noise every RL contains, I turn up the volume a bit and play this GP cut. The GP plays more clearly than any RL I’ve owned and all you have to do for it to sound like an RL is turn it up a notch lol debate is over and I didn’t even have to mention price point.

I've got a pretty unique copy with almost the same exact matrix listed here, but with additional Monarch etchings & labels (with MO) on them, but clearly pressed at Presswell, not Monarch. There's no mistaking it, as both plants have unique pressing rings.

Label (Side 1 ): ST-A-691671-MO
Label (Side 2 ): ST-A-691672-MO
Matrix (Side 1): ST-A-691671-XX 1 @ tGP Δ23031 (3) (PR)
Matrix (Side 2): ST-A-691672 XX @ tGP Δ23031-X (5) (PR)

Super narrow deadwax too, even more narrow than an RL, but cut by GP on both sides. Pretty weird! 🤷😎

Anyway, this sounds pretty damn good.. Maybe 90% of an RL, so snag one of these Piros cuts if you can't find a clean RL. The RL will always be the ultimate, w/ that magic bass & top end that just explodes out your speakers, but this is the next best thing, and at fraction of the price to boot! ;-)

I've had this pressing for a while, but somehow luck was on my side recently and I found an RL for $45 at an antique store. Absolute no-brainer at that price, but was curious to see how it compared, and immediately did an A/B test with this press.

I said this in my review of the RL - this Piros press is 95% of the RL at 10% of the price. The main difference is what you always hear about the RL - the bass is on a different level. It's immediately obvious when it kicks in on Whole Lotta Love.

But, this Piros cut is also no slouch in the bass department. Again, 95% of the RL - it's not quite on the same level, but it's very close. And actually, if in-your-face bass isn't your thing, this pressing actually is a more laid back, "polite" listen - so some people may even prefer it.

In the end, is chasing that 5% difference worth the extra hundreds of dollars? I'm not quite sure it is, even as a lucky owner of an RL. I'm not selling my Piros, because it's close enough to be my player copy, with the RL being saved for special occasions.

If you're not trying to optimize and just looking for a reasonably priced LZII with great sound, look no further - this is the one.

My deadwax has BETH ROGERS never seen another. Yes I know a few people use to etch in the Deadwax. PR label. 2023

Just received a VG+ variant 1 (X) pressing of this, and OMG holy crap does this blow the previous version I had out of the water! Great pressing, very present, punchy and just amazing to listen to. Would love to finally hear an RL one day, but I find it hard to imagine it could be THAT much better than this.

My release dead wax

ST.A 691671-J AT (PR)P W (over a period/dot)
ST-A 691672-X @t GP (PR)

I know Piros cut Side Two, but his mark isn't on Side One, but there is a "W" over a period/dot.

Anyone know what Side One matrix might mean? Thanks.

Amazing sounding pressing! No need to seek RL. Why? It is hard to believe it could be significantly better. This Piros pressing has deep bass, nice midrange and sparkling top. And the prices are still bargain in 2022. If it has @t GP and X on the matrix, you have found right pressing. Ps. Whole other 1977 made LZ pressings are great.