The Forgotten Beatles Box Set & Why You Should Own It

The original Beatles CDs have never been popular with audiophiles but in 1992, before the curse of noise reduction took hold, EMI produced the best and most authentic sounding set of Beatles music on CD to date - the CD EP Collection. In this video we look at why this set sounds so good and even present some clips for you to judge for yourself. Let us know what you think in the comments.

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[colinking]

Great to hear you playing actual excerpts from the CDs. The 92 EPs definitely sound superior.

[chrismcgovern]

Wow, you're using the actual song samples!

[MattBartolomeo]

I received this as a Christmas gift in 1993. Having already owned all the albums on CD, I never really played this set. Almost sold it to my local CD store a few years back where they were gonna offer me $18 for it. I’m glad I kept it. After owning the 2009 sets for a number of years now, I decided to give this set a proper listen. Was I surprised! I absolutely agree with you and the community!

[flippy]

Hearing the actual audio clips I don’t feel like the EPs necessarily beat the 2009 CDs every time. They’re very bassy but when they’re good they are VERY good.

[johnnytheg]

Wow Andrew, those audio samples really convinced me that I need to pick up this set. The 87 and 2009 samples sounded very similar to me, but the CD EP samples were so much clearer and more vibrant. Thanks for putting something else on my plate that I need to buy haha

[cdpetee]

WOW! I'm so glad you can actually use samples to compare now in your videos, and the differences are VERY noticeable. When I was managing a CD store from 1992-2001, someone traded in the CD singles box set (3" version) and the CD EP set, so I grabbed them both. Nice to know these are in my collection. Now I want to rip them. Thank you!

[DanandJoeMusic]

Wow! Those samples really show off this set. After watching this earlier today, I jetted down to my local record shop, because I had seen this box in stock there a few weeks ago. Thankfully it hadn’t sold, is in top shape, and was priced reasonably. It’s now mine, woohoo!! Great video, Andrew. Thanks for always reporting to us on sound quality, I love it!!

[thomascars]

Oh my GOODNESS those EP CDs sounded absolutely AMAZING! Those are true audiophile pressings. Can’t believe YouTube is allowing those samples and honestly, am really glad that they are. Thanks for all you do Andrew!

[zuhlsdork]

This set is a great companion to the Mono box set. I especially like how we finally were able to have a CD version of the UK Magical Mystery Tour.

[allisons]

What a wonderfully noticeable difference in clarity and fullness from the EP discs. You have to wonder why the greatest catalog in pop/rock history has never been presented correctly. This also proves that CDs can sounds just as warm and dynamic as vinyl if the transfer and mastering is done right.

[scottroberts]

I bought this EP set when it came out. I have loved it from that day on until this present day. The day I got it home and opened the shrink wrap felt like Christmas Day, even though it wasn't. I still have it and play it regularly. Thanks, Andrew. Once again. Loved the video. !

[Vince_Tasciotti]

Andrew always has a quality presentation, but he really knocked it out of the park with this video.

[CthulhuWaitsDreaming]

It is undeniable. Your comparisons put the nail in the coffin. Those 1992 CDs truly sound perfect.

[TheGroovySideOftheTube]

Mind blown. I purchased the EP set on your recommendation a year or two ago, it’s definitely superior and hearing the different releases side by side like this is proof - more clarity, more punch, more definition. Wonderful!

[LanceHall]

The transfers of "She Loves You" and "I Want To Hold Your Hand" are still the best sounding versions. They are almost worth the price of the whole box. The transfers of the other tracks are also great. My EP box is currently enshrined in my china cabinet.

[josiahmitchell]

Incredibly bright, the clarity is just a true joy

[starmanbrinley]

Great video, Andrew! I grew up on the '87 CDs - the only '09 remasters I had were Yellow Submarine and Past Masters. It was only in 2019 that I finally decided I needed to get the Stereo and Mono boxes in order to both 'feel complete' and have the best listening experience. Somehow, I got genuine copies of both for around $110 combined! It was a joy, but felt a bit sad that in two purchases I was already complete - I was in a total Beatles collecting mood and wanted to find more CD sets to enjoy! I decided the EP set would be a great addition, and at the time it was readily available for around $40 USD. I found a seller who had just listed a mint copy for $30, and I had the audacity to offer them $23, which was accepted almost immediately! So, only a few years later, it's shocking to hear $70 US being a 'good value' on it!! Definitely an increase in demand, and I am sure this video will only further that. Think I'll get the box out and enjoy it all over again!

[onsenkuma]

I've had this set for years, simply because I found it in a used record shop in the early '00s. I never really gave it a second thought until now. Listening to these samples is a revelation, particularly for the earlier tracks as you've noted. It makes sense to burn these onto one or two CD-Rs for the car...

[jerrygerza]

Listened twice. First time through the TV, then thru Quad 33/303 and ESL57s. The sound was a lot brighter on the 87s. the 2009 CDs sound lifeless and bass sodden. The 1992 sounded astonishing! Dynamic with a true punchy bass. Thanks for the comparisons, great review! 👍

[frayesrocha]

I remember when this box was released.
I was only 10 years old at the time.
I followed your recommendation and bought it. It is like listening the Beatles for the first time. The sound is incredible. The bass and mids are completely different.
Yesterday it feels like Paul is singing in front of me. Amazing! Thank you!!!!