Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory

Thought I would share this here as I was struggling to find reviews comparing this to the 2024 reissue. I have heard this Brian Gardner lacquer cut and now I own the Chris Bellman Yellow color 2024 cut.

I do not claim to be an “audiophile” but I do seek out sonically better sounding vinyl releases of my favorite albums (i.e at least needs to sound better than what’s on streaming platforms like Spotify/Qobuz).

https://youtu.be/Dn4b0dihUbI?si=7nQ_E7H3m5hDen_2

I was watching this video where the regular yellow color issue was compared to the 2024 audiophile release of this album. I have not heard the audiophile release and as much as I love this band, I am not willing to pay $100+ for this record.

However, in this video, he also compared this regular yellow colored issue to what’s on CD and on streaming. As per his review, this one sounds much more dynamic, defined and punchier.

The new version is a new cut by Chris Bellman in 2024 and I absolutely agree it sounds the best I have heard so far. I used to own the CD (played it to death), I did a volume matched A/B testing with Qobuz and Spotify and I also heard this 2020 black vinyl reissue that was mastered by Brian Gardner. I am not sure if this 2020 reissue used a different source, but it didn’t sound pleasant to me esp since the drums hihats and crashes sounded quite harsh.

The 2024 version is not audiophile version and it definitely has room for improvement but it is a really good deal for the price and a very enjoyable listen front to back. There are some records I have/used to have like Soundgarden Superunknown reissue, RATM - Battle of LA/Renegades, Arctic Monkeys - Suck It And See, The Strokes - FIOE just to name a few. These records are actually hard to listen through as they sound harsh which leads to ear fatiguing listening experience. This vinyl mastering is still loud but not as ear fatiguing.

Legendary album, from first song to last it just gets better. This pressing is excellent, all in all by far the best I’ve ever heard this album

I don’t see anything wrong with this pressing, highly recommend

Excellent pressing as others have said mixed by Andy Wallace

Found my copy at Barnes and Noble recently - this pressing sounds really good to me. Dynamic, loud, and crisp. Aside from some minor surface noise at the beginning of track 1 my copy seems to be very quiet.

Bought this off Amazon on a black friday deal for next to nothing. Didn't expect much at first, but when i received it, I was surprised to find it was a nice gatefold jacket. Next to the vinyl itself: it was completely flat, arrived clean with no dust or debris on it. Finally, spun the record and was super impressed with what I heard.

I had to crank the volume a bit on my amp than I would normally, but despite it being pressed on the quieter side, I didn't hear any surface noise or anything even between tracks. The actual sound quality and dynamics on this pressing are fantastic, especially considering the time period it was recorded. I feel whoever mastered this for vinyl did the absolute best with the digital source they had.

Doesn’t get much better than this. Dead quiet wax, strong dynamics, all in all a solid pressing (and I’m not even an lp fan).

This was cut by chris bellman wonder why its not shown above yet? very decent cut i give it a 8.5 out of 10

Good pressing. However you can hear it’s from a digital source. Music is great. However mastering is probably 4/5. Good enough to be kept on the cabinet. If the high end would have been slightly clearer it would have been perfect. Price is very reasonable. Happy.

Very powerful & creative music. This is a very good sounding LP. My pressing is dead quiet.
LP played with Acoustical Systems cartridge & arm on Micro Seiki SX-5000/RY-5500II//HS-80 turntable
Cleaned on Hannl Mera Professional before 1st play