Prince – Purple Rain One Step Review: The Pressing That Finally Won Me Over?

Prince’s Purple Rain is one of the most iconic and beloved albums in popular music history. Over the years, it has meant many different things to many listeners—and it remains a deeply personal record for countless fans. In this video, I take a close look at the Because Sound Matters One Step pressing of Purple Rain, a limited edition of 6,000 copies, and place it in context with several important versions of the album: • An original US pressing • The 12” 45 RPM single of When Doves Cry • The 2015 remaster cut by Kevin Gray, overseen by Prince himself • The new One Step pressing, mastered by Levi Seitz at Black Belt Mastering from a digital file Along the way, I explore the presentation and packaging, from the elaborate slipcase and special finishes to the heavy-duty tip-on gatefold jacket, original-style inner sleeve, poster, and custom labels. While I’ve always admired the music itself, different pressings can shape how the album is experienced, and this comparison is about whether a particular edition offers a more engaging and immersive way into Purple Rain—especially for listeners who’ve lived with multiple versions over the years. Does the One Step approach bring a fresh perspective to a familiar album? Which version resonated most with me may surprise you. Reference System -VPI Scout with Classic Platter Upgrade -JMW Memorial Tonearm -VPI Analog Drive System -Phasemation PP-500 MC Cartridge -Miyajima Labs Infinity Mono MC Cartridge -ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Preamplifier -Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier -System Audio Pandion 30 Loudspeakers -Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaner -VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner -Sweetvinyl Sugarcube SC-1 Mini -Pioneer RT-707 Reel To Reel Tape Deck -Ramar Record Brush -The reference system is wired exclusively with Audio Art cables. #Prince #PurpleRain #VinylCommunity #Audiophile #OneStep #BecauseSoundMatters #VinylReview #PrinceVinyl #RecordCollectors #PressingMatters #HiFi #vinylshootout 00:00 Introduction 00:49 Mastering and Presentation 02:55 Original Production Concerns 04:22 The Pressings 04:43 The Original US Pressing and 45 06:12 The BSM One Step 07:06 The 2015 Edition 08:52 Conclusion