Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath

First off I must it.. I’m not much of an audiophile. In addition I don’t have the whole range of different pressing to compare, apart from the original german vertigo. But this one became one of my favorite records to spin. I think the sound is absolutely stellar, the vinyl mega quiet and the jacket is gorgeous. If you find yourself in a similar spot, I’d suggest to pick this one up! I’m sure you’ll love it.

For me, this is the best sounding pressing of this record. I don’t find the high end at all fatiguing, and the level of depth and detail here does not compromise the overall heaviness and dark feel of the music. Systems vary, and there are a lot of variables to be considered, but the mastering choices here are phenomenal in my opinion, and make this definitive. Feel free to feel different, that’s what it’s all about Y’know?

This album was never recorded with a big budget or top-tier expertise, and that raw, unfiltered energy is a big part of its charm. That said, I believe this pressing is the best the album has ever sounded. While some tracks still come off a bit crunchy and the bass doesn't always fill the space like it does on later releases, this version captures the album’s gritty, real essence beautifully. That touch of crunch is inherent but it is minimal on this pressing. Compared to other pressings, this one offers noticeably better dynamic range and clarity—which can be a bit jarring if you're used to the more mid-rangey, doom-laden tone. If that classic murky sound is what draws you in, you might want to skip this version. But if, like me, you appreciate a clear, expansive, live-sounding presentation, this pressing is a must-have.

P.S.
I think everyone is being dramatic about the high end being piercing 🤷‍♂️

Sounds really good but not perfect.
It’s definetely wider soundjng than the other pressings I own.
Guitars are spectacular, but it lacks a bit of bottom end on the bass and the drums.
The sound of tbe cymbals is really annoying, way too thin and unnatural.
B-side is better than A-side.
Other than that, the pressing is really good and the packaging is beautiful, but it’s a pain in the ass to put the record back jn the tight sleeve.

My 2 cents… the pressing and packaging are wonderful, flawless , the sound is also really good, its definitely lacking in the bottom end. The bottom end is definitely there its just more clear and less ominous, if u are use to the original press and how it sounds and are NOT open to slightly different sound then this is not for u … on the other hand if u would be willing to sacrifice some bottom end and darkness for more detail then this is recommended. I have I think 6 different pressings of this album and most if not all sound great, just a little different based on who cut it. If u love this album come in with an open mind there is much to love here! Enjoy

Ooof.... yet another KPG Rhino Hifi dud (for me).

WAY too bright and unnatural sounding. The cymbals and snares sound plain wrong. There is baked in distortion in the cutting which is a KPG specialty, so as each side gets past the half way mark and nearer the end, his already unpleasant mastering breaks apart on top. Ozzy kinda sounds broken as side one ends (well, broken by Ozzy's standards lol).

The pressing itself is very good. Not the outright silence of some audiophile presses but not far off. Its flat and centered.

I like the packaging as ever. This series has that bit nailed even if the inner sleeves are a pig to fit, especially if you prefer to keep these in their factory shrinks.

The sad truth ive found is that ive got a mediocre mastered CD that sounds less fatiguing and more rich. This RHzf is like a facsimile of how this album should sound/feel. Its like a skeleton of a sound with no meat on the bones or a TV with the colour turned to zero and all contrast settings to the max. I cannot sell it fast enough. Oh well!

For $40, absolutely one of the best sounding records I've ever heard. No wonder "Paranoid" sold out so quickly on its first run.

Great pressing, and amazing presentation with the really nice tip on jacket. The pressing quality is as good as it gets too, pretty much dead quiet throughout with no cleaning required. But I've had a couple over the past few years, and I think its slightly bested by the US White Label promo I have. Its a hard to find pressing for an affordable price thats clean for most, so for all intents and purposes this is going to be the best 99% of people will be able to do.

This is how I'd rate the other pressings I have with it:

1. 1970 US White Label Promo
2. Rhino HiFi
3. 1970 US Greenie, all 3 of these are super close just an fyi
4. 2010 Rhino AAA by Ron McMaster, probably the best bass I've heard for this album ever, but its a tad too bright
5. 1970 UK 3rd Vertigo Pressing
6. Mid 70s US Palm Tree Label

Fantastic edition! Just perfect! Sound is awesome! Here's the example how the vinyls should look and sound!

Wouldn't this LP be a Repress? It's not the 1st issue.