Nathan,There's only ever been one set of "remasters" done of the complete catalog by George Marino in 1990. Everything since except for Mothership has been sourced from these remastering sessions. Any mini-LPs release since 2000 have had some tracks boosted slightly, but all this does is chop some of the drum transients off and make them seem a little brighter and more detailed. Once you match the levels, it's almost impossible to tell the difference. Just find whatever deal is best for you. Right now Amazon has the 1993 Complete Studio Recordings box for about $1115 and the 2009 Definitive Box Set for $174. The latter also has the remixed TSRTS plus neat little repros of the original UK album art and labels. The data on the discs is the same as anything else.
As for "unofficial" releases, the only ones I know if are Dr. Ebbett's, who did the first four albums (possibly more since I heard of them) by simply recording vinyl pressings. They've been around the various torrents for awhile now. They're not terrible but I personally have done much better ones myself at home using the Classic Records reissues and an entry-level turntable (and no, sorry, I don't trade or copy commercial recordings).
You can also search out the original CDs from the 80's, which many people I know prefer. They're copied directly from the Atlantic records master tapes with almost no futzing at all. I've discussed this with Barry Diament, the guy who did the work on all original CDs but IV and he told me he brought in his own custom cables and bypassed as much gear as he could to get the best sound possible. His House of the Holy in particular is almost as good as a good vinyl pressing. Look around used CD stores and you'll find these originals. They can easily be identified by having NO statement about "remastered by Jimmy Page" or "George Marino & Jimmy Page." They also have a statement on the back of the case about the "limitations of analog recordings" that was standard on all CDs in the 80's.
Enjoy! Nathan Hevensone wrote:
I know it's been discussed before, but I'm having trouble finding the conversations... Whose remasters of Led Zeppelin's discography are considered the best? I'm looking for the best of all of them, regardless of whether or not they're "official" remasters. Thanks.