jaawwnn said:

Most people agree Sign O the Times is better on vinyl so get that one at least. I don't notice much difference elsewhere but maybe it's noticeable on a really expensive setup.

The other thing to keep in mind is that up to about 1990 or so, his albums were designed to be listened to on vinyl, with a side a and side b and all that so I'd say it's worth it for that alone. Plus, big artwork!

But beware of being fooled by the hype, i'm not convinced there's much of an upgrade in sound in Prince's case (and I do notice it in other bands btw).

Lovesexy and everything before is not mastered properly for CD. I think starting with Batman they did start making a separate master for CD's since CD's were catching on. And then D&P joined in on the loudness contest.

What's funny is the two different CD album of the Rave in2 and Rave unto the Joy Fantastic have loudness mxedon the first release, but a more natural less loud sound on the latter, and some of those songs are identical (if memory serves).

ufoclub said:

Lovesexy and everything before is not mastered properly for CD. I think starting with Batman they did start making a separate master for CD's since CD's were catching on. And then D&P joined in on the loudness contest.

What's funny is the two different CD album of the Rave in2 and Rave unto the Joy Fantastic have loudness mxedon the first release, but a more natural less loud sound on the latter, and some of those songs are identical (if memory serves).

Great observations. I think Lovesexy is the best of the pre-Batman batch in terms of CD sound quality.

Post-Batman, which is a bit "tinny" to my ears, the 90's WB-Paisley releases have superb sound.

[Edited 4/21/16 9:06am]