DVD version here -- I have the ST box, but will wait to unwrap it for Xmas :banana:
I can compare this with the 70s bootleg quality vinyl from back in the day -- deliberately made as a bootleg quality by Fripp, in one his anti-music industry moods -- I stilled enjoyed it then, if only to have the bits of ISLANDS live on it.
However, instead of listening to that (not yet), I honed in on the Summit Studios quad. Reason being, I have another bootleg (this time a CD) called FROSTBITE, that also has the Summit Studio session.
Well. Let's just say the CD, while listenable with enough beer, is heavily distorted at times, especially in the bass. There is an immediacy at times that makes it livelier, but oh man, the distortion
The DVD quad, though, is pristine, and very quiet when it should be. The Fripp guitar on "Cadence and Cascade" is lovely, although you see why he said he had sympathy with those who thought his early guitar playing was weak; he has vastly improved over the years, yet here you can hear him straining a bit. Maybe my memory slipped between the comparisons, but I do believe the FROSTBITE version has some Fripp banter not found on the DVD! In addition, the FROSTBITE bootleg opens with two tracks from the MIDNIGHT SPECIAL TV show in 1973. Not found on this DVD, though, maybe it is in the ST box, but it is notable as their first US TV appearance (they play "Lark's Tongue" and "Easy Money" -- if any TV watcher stayed beyond the first, they were rewarded with the second song!).
Can't wait to hear how EARTHBOUND was cleaned up, not to mention filled with extra material. But I agree with others here, the Summit quad is well worth the whole package!
I gave it a 9 for that, but really should have capped it overall at an 8. Need to listen some more. . . .