CD Version Introduction: Teaching You How to Identify Early Pressings from Different Regions (CD Collecting Notes)
London: This was the trademark used by Decca Records in 1947 to release its records in the United States, as the American company Kapp also had Decca-branded records at the time. Currently, the London trademark is still used to release records in countries outside the US. In 1929, it was the only record label in the British Isles that could rival thecollector itemYearcollector item EMI.
I. About IFPI
CDs can be categorized into early and late releases. CDs produced and released before 1994 are considered early releases, while those produced and released after 1994 are considered late releases. This is because IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) was established in 1994. From that year onwards, all genuine CDs produced and released by record companies were required to have an IFPI code stamped on the inner ring of the disc. CDs from before 1994 do not have an IFPI code on their inner ring. Therefore, one key factor in distinguishing between early and re-releases is to check for the presence of an IFPI code on the inner ring.
II. Types of multi-version discs:
Early manufactured and released CDs might show the following situation: various versions can exist for a single album.
Early CD versions are mainly divided into Japanese Sanyo version, Japanese SONY version, Japanese Denon version, Japanese Toshiba (TO) version, Japanese Mitsubishi version, West German version, French version, American version, Australian version, Korean version, and Hong Kong local version.
The approximate production and release years for each version are as follows:
1. "Sanyo version" was between 1986 and 1987 (divided into versions with and without a prefix) 
2. "SONY version" was between 1985 and 1988 (divided into small ring English letter version, small ring no English letter version, regular version, no star version)
3. "Denon version" was between 1986 and 1991 (divided into embossed character version and hollow character version)
4. "Toshiba version" was between 1987-1992 (also known as TO version)
5. "Mitsubishi version" was between 1988-1990 (divided into versions with MT in the inner ring and without MT)
6. "West German version" was between 1983-1989 (early releases were mainly silver ring versions, later releases were mostly plastic ring versions)
7. "Korean version" was between 1988-1994 (divided into Korean silver ring version (early Korean version), regular plastic ring version, T113 version, PAN ASIA version)
8. "French version" was between 1989-1991 (early releases mostly had red disc surfaces, also known as the red French version)
9. "Australian version" was between 1989-1991
10. "American version" was between 1990-1991;
11. "Hong Kong local version" began production in 1992-1993.
Regarding the sound quality ranking of early versions, industry collectors generally state:
The West German version ranks first, followed by the Sanyo version and SONY version tied for second, the Denon version third, the French version fourth, the Toshiba version fifth, the Korean silver ring version sixth, the Mitsubishi version seventh, the American version eighth, the Australian version ninth, and the Hong Kong local version last.
West German Silver Ring Version: The fundamental difference between silver ring and plastic ring versions lies in the manufacturing of the disc's inner ring. The inner ring (part or body of the disc) of a silver ring CD is silver, while the inner ring of a plastic ring CD is made of transparent plastic material. Some first editions of records use a silver ring, so to some extent, a silver ring version can be equated with a limited edition; of course, this does not apply if the first release itself was not a silver ring version.
Do you have similar collectibles you'd like to sell? Hong Kong Collectibles specializes in high-end collectible buyback. WhatsApp 94530784 for a professional valuation.
Practical questions about "CD Version Introduction" buyback
Q: Is it suitable to get a valuation for a "CD version introduction" now?
A: Yes, it is. The market price of vinyl records is affected by market demand, preservation status, and physical versions. Getting a valuation doesn't mean you have to sell, but it can give you an idea of the current potential cash value, preventing you from underestimating your collection.
Q: When evaluating a "CD version introduction," which details most affect the quotation?
A: Hong Kong Collectibles will focus on the version, first pressing, scratches on the record, completeness of the cover, and presence of all accessories. The more complete the information, the closer the quote will be to the actual transaction price. If there are flaws, we will directly explain their impact on the price.
Q: If I have a similar "CD version introduction," what should I provide when inquiring?
A: We recommend taking clear photos of the front, back, and details of the seal or corners. Then, provide information about its origin, storage method, and quantity. After sending the photos via WhatsApp at 94530784, we can make an initial assessment and then arrange for an inspection at our store or at your location.
Learn how to distinguish early versions from different regions (CD Buyback Notes) - Related Articles
- Leslie Cheung's Most Collectible Vinyl Records (Part Three)
- Leslie Cheung's Most Collectible Vinyl Records (Second Series)
- View Vinyl Record Buyback Services and Valuation Methods
Want to know the actual buyback price?
To find out if your "CD Version Introduction" can fetch a high-price now, you can send photos, year, or origin information to WhatsApp 94530784. Hong Kong Collectibles will make an initial assessment and then arrange for a secure transaction.
