Sade – Love Deluxe

Pressing can be definetely recommended. No clicks & pops ( on my 2nd copy 😉)

Great pressing. Sounds full, round and super warm. Bass can come off somewhat muddy at points, but that might just be my equipment. Definitely recommend.

No clicks no pops. I have a little static issue because of the inner sleeve but that’s all. The sound is mesmerizing 😍

Not sure about some of these other reviews but there is absolutely no sound issues with this pressing on my end. Sounds warm and full and her voice just beautifully balanced on each track. Happy they finally made the call to have all of these albums available individually outside of the boxset. Sucker for matte finishes too!

For some reason my copy is snap, crackle and pop after several cleanings. Did I get a bad copy?

Pressing is absolutely amazing, such a warm and wonderful sound

Never heard the original pressing only the high praising but judging from this reissue it's all deserved. Superb soundstage, rich dynamics, loads of tight and punchy bass, everything is crystal clear and well-placed. There are occasionally some ever so slight sibilance on Sade vocals but I'm hearing that in every media so far through the years and it's sparse and not distracting.

Regarding the media itself the surface noise is basically non-existent and surprisingly clean and tickless considering it comes in a simple paper sleeve. It's still due to a proper cleaning but can't stop listening. Cover is beautifully printed in matte paper that resembles cotton paper, feels rich and velvety.

Want to point out how Mermaid particularly feels otherworldly from the wavy and ethereal intro. At the time the percussion enters it's like the ocean opens up, huge and all around. Talk about immersion. What a finale, what a work of art of an album. Almost up there with Roxy Music's Avalon, imho.

[ Yamaha GT-1000 | AT-ART9XA | Yamaha B4 & C4 | Diatone DS-2000ZX ]

I Love this smooth jazz. Sade is beautiful, she has a voice that sends me away. As usual the music is cool (a lille bit too much on the B side).
Soundscape is sublime, strong pressing.

Doesn't look like anyone has noticed this or maybe I was just unlucky with my copy but I'm getting bad inner groove distortion on the last track or two on both sides. Especially noticeable in Sade's voice. Also a touch of sibilance on occasions. Maybe i should try another copy?

As good as it can be for a single disc but is still crying out for a double 45rpm.
The second side is notably less dynamic and requires a Microline not to end up too soft. My second copy is superbly pressed so although its cut quietly theres literally almost not a single tic throughout.... truly outstanding manufacturing and from Optimal Media no less!!
But yes that second side does sound less alive and expansive than side 1. Its alot of music for one side without a DMM process being used. The good news is the sound never gets nasty, distorted apart or unpleasant. But theres definately some potential sound quality left on the cutting desk!

The jacket is also very basic and meh and theres a need to spend on a poly liner for the printed inner but for £22 theres alot to recommend and little to complain about here, indeed the pressing is so good for Optimal is almost worth framing lol