ALL ABOUT MUSIC #2 - Non Surround, Not Covered In Other Threads

[4-earredwonder]

Actually I'm looking more and more in that direction...the quality one's with good DR numbers instead of buying the so called "hi rez" disc that is overly compressed...I can give up surround for better sounding discs...CD's can sound better than or equal to SACD's if the mastering is done well...your garden variety CD usually doesn't get that treatment...but a lot of the earlier DCC discs before Marshall formed Audio Fidelity...and then AF.... and MoFi gold discs were the "hi rez" of their time...prior to DVD-A and SACD...just today I opted for an older MoFi title INSTEAD of the SACD version....due to the compressed overprocessed sound on the SACD ..a lot of people aren't bothered by compressed music...but I can't stand it and am very sensitive to it...

I've said this before...people get too obsessed with the numbers..24/96 isn't a magic cure for poorly mastered or over processed music..it's not rocket science...just listen to the music and leave the waveforms and charts at home..

I heartily agree that some of the older RBCDs [especially from the likes of DCC and MoFi) can sound exceptional but I am also sensitive to the differences that are VERY apparent on my system from a well produced/mastered SACD and DVD~A and BD~A.

There is simply NO comparison. The higher res physical disc usually eclipses the RBCD/VINYL by a VERY comfortable margin. Unfortunately, we don't have a crystal ball to tell us if a current RBCD is overly compressed and sometimes (and MORE often than not) even mini reviews from other forum members don't tell the whole tale because NOT all systems are created equal and what may sound bad on System A may sound wonderful on System B.

So one is left to "fend for themselves" by purchasing the suspect disc (whatever the pedigree) and do their own analysis.

The RBCD of Bowie's Swan Song "Darkstar" received very dismal DR values and yet when I FULLY treated it and popped it into my Meridian SooLoos.....HOLY shit. It BLOOMED. And I guarantee you it equalled or surpassed the VINYL on MOST home rigs.

It's still a CRAP SHOOT, Clint....no matter how you play it and it's unfortunate in this day and age when the tools are there in spades to produce a perfect mirror image of the master tapes without resorting to further degradation at the mastering/pressing level. In fact, it's bullshit. By plucking down our hard earned dollars we should be getting Quality not loudness war excrement!

 

[Clint Eastwood]

I heartily agree that some of the older RBCDs [especially from the likes of DCC and MoFi) can sound exceptional but I am also sensitive to the differences that are VERY apparent on my system from a well produced/mastered SACD and DVD~A and BD~A.

There is simply NO comparison. The higher res physical disc usually eclipses the RBCD/VINYL by a VERY comfortable margin. Unfortunately, we don't have a crystal ball to tell us if a current RBCD is overly compressed and sometimes (and MORE often than not) even mini reviews from other forum members don't tell the whole tale because NOT all systems are created equal and what may sound bad on System A may sound wonderful on System B.

So one is left to "fend for themselves" by purchasing the suspect disc (whatever the pedigree) and do their own analysis.

The RBCD of Bowie's Swan Song "Darkstar" received very dismal DR values and yet when I FULLY treated it and popped it into my Meridian SooLoos.....HOLY shit. It BLOOMED. And I guarantee you it equalled or surpassed the VINYL on MOST home rigs.

It's still a CRAP SHOOT, Clint....no matter how you play it and it's unfortunate in this day and age when the tools are there in spades to produce a perfect mirror image of the master tapes without resorting to further degradation at the mastering/pressing level. In fact, it's bullshit. By plucking down our hard earned dollars we should be getting Quality not loudness war excrement!

I agree with most of what you think...but there is one advantage that the CD's and vinyl have over the hi rez titles...THE CONTENT...it's not even close...the existing hi rez pool of discs is nowhere near that...and new releases aren't even putting a dent in that large inventory of music that is already on CD's and vinyl..not to mention the type of content I want...that's the real fly in the ointment for me...although I'm happy that AF is giving us titles and I'm purchasing them...the content is falling way short of what I want...and although the sporadic titles like Tusk or Idlewild South emerges...it's not nearly enough...plus I'm pretty much over the progressive titles...so the Steven Wilson releases won't help me anymore...at the end of the day CONTENT is always king...I've got quite a few demo discs that sound fantastic but for the most part they sit on a shelf...why you ask...content...it's not my style but I bought them for the amazing sound...but after a few listens the novelty wears off...so I'm looking at the dynamic sound of gold cds or anything from the past that has demonstrated that trait...at least with the vintage recordings you can research the titles...new CD's are just a crap shoot with no real "paper trail" to go by and no track record...I do take a shot on some of the newer CD's because the investment is so small it's no big deal if they are crap...

In a perfect world I'd love to have blu ray audio of my favorite titles and artists...but that's not happening...blu ray is a fantasic medium for audio...but like the other aspects of the blu ray technology...it's been under utilized and the creators of the format screwed it from the beginning...which is no surprise to me...so in the meantime I'm looking for that balance...my favorite content with the best "available" sound...I'm a rocker at heart...but I've expanded my listening tastes quite a bit when I came into this hobby...which I'm happy about...but I can't "bend" anymore...the heart wants what the heart likes

 

[4-earredwonder]

Clint you and I are definitely on the same wavelength.........like bros from different mothers. I've been watching the HBO series VINYL which deals with the ultra cryptic (and ultimately disturbing) early days of the MODERN record business and the bottom line is not so much the talent but the PAYOFF. So what has really changed from those early (70's) days of Record moguls whose bottom line was PROFIT not ART per se. If you really wanted art, you'd seek out either Classical or Jazz titles which were usually produced with more care than rock 'n roll (with of course the exceptions).

When Blu Ray audio entered the picture, I, like you, heralded it as THE best physical disc format to EVER hit the market (present tense). Unlike both SACD/DVD~A, it could hold up to 9.1 channels (perhaps MORE) in hi res.....something SACD/DVD~A could only HINT at) and hold a HUGE amount of data. Unfortunately, again with few exceptions, that "promise" was unfulfilled by giving us usually ONE album per disc and stereo even when multichannel masters existed. And NEVER once did the majors ever unleash their overstuffed vaults with anything resembling a box set (Imagine 16 discs worth of hi res Motown remasters on ONE BD~A disc, as an example). Instead they also had the nerve to re~release albums previously available on other Hi RES formats instead of releasing anything NEW. And this would have been SOOOOOOO EASY as most majors have upgraded their masters ALREADY to 96/24, 192/24 or DSD or better so it would just be a matter of authoring these transfers to physical disc.

And your truest statement: "The Heart wants what the heart likes" is a mirror of my own desires as I've had to turn to RBCD (or even HDTT Transfers) to approximate what MY HEART LIKES. And you're correct: prog rock was of a different time and when I want to hear something that I really want to hear.........RBCD inevitably fits the bill (because, I like others do NOT believe vinyl to be hi res although I have NO problem respecting those who embrace that medium).

And perhaps when the download companies (sans a few that ARE putting out quality) REALLY get their shit together......we may both inevitably have to follow that path when all else fails (cessation of physical disc manufacture).

In the meantime, the Mick Jagger/Martin Scorsese produced VINYL paints a valid portrait of the Greed, drugs and general malaise which have permeated the record business for a very long time.

Sort of makes one appreciate Audio Fidelity's CEO Marshall Blonstein who personally responds to his emails and is, at the very least, attempting to fill a gap vacant from this hobby [in my case obsession] for a very long time.

 

[rtbluray]

Since this is the "ALL ABOUT MUSIC", I thought I might wax lyrical about a few songs that are really pervading my consciousness right now.

First is "Winedark Open Sea" from Paul McCartney's album "Off the Ground". It's always been one of my favorite songs on that album, but I never would have imagined that McCartney would warrant its inclusion on a compilation like he is about to do on "Pure McCartney". It really is one of his very best IMHO, so give it a listen right here if you have never heard it before.

[video=youtube;jakkm2IfZPs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jakkm2IfZPs&spfreload=10[/video]

 

[rtbluray]

Another recommendation! (This time from an artist who isn't Paul McCartney…)

This is "Walking On A Dream" by Empire of the Sun. Those of you in the United States like myself might have heard this song in a recent car ad on TV, but I saw the ad and heard the song in it so much that I was inspired to check out the full song and this artist, and I must say I really like them! From what I have heard, they are a mix between traditional pop and newer electronic and dance elements. Check it out, and let me know what you think!

[video=youtube;eimgRedLkkU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eimgRedLkkU&spfreload=10[/video]

 

[Ninecats]

Empire Of The Sun was my soundtrack in the summer of 2014, played their albums over and over

 

[blue.monk]

Yes! I love all those deep cuts you mention, but especially "Arrow Through Me". It's so nice that it will finally be included on a McCartney compilation as it's a very overlooked song from him.

One of his very best tracks IMO. Love it.

 

[Clint Eastwood]

Somebody may have already posted this but my internet is down today and I'm on another computer...DISCOUNT CODE at Deep Discount.....enter NOJOKE for a 15% discount..

 

[GOS]

Is it my imagination, or has the QQ been super slow last few days? Here I am lonely in Argentina....and the forum is slow! Damn..... :violin

 

[Tornado Red]

Is it my imagination, or has the QQ been super slow last few days? Here I am lonely in Argentina....and the forum is slow! Damn..... :violin

Is it hot there? Everything slows down in the heat April 1 and it's snowing here. Damn, thought that was over for the duration...

 

[Snood]

Is it my imagination, or has the QQ been super slow last few days? Here I am lonely in Argentina....and the forum is slow! Damn..... :violin

Might be your internet connection or all the cow dung going to your head

 

[GOS]

Is it hot there? Everything slows down in the heat April 1 and it's snowing here. Damn, thought that was over for the duration...

Hot is an understatement...been near 90 for days...

 

[Tornado Red]

Hot is an understatement...been near 90 for days...

:yikes:flame:yikes

 

[marpow]

OK, y'all no I'm just a country boy who works his ass off all week, blue collar trades person all the way, and comes home on Friday night and drinks whiskey and beer. Started with 24bit ZZ Top Stereo Afterburner, then going to hair metal band Autograph, ripped FLAC stereo 14 bit, have you ever heard the tune by them "Turn Up The Radio" ? Absolutely awesome, an MTV classic. Then the RBCD brand new Cheap Trick, self titled, RBCD stereo. Then the best for last BD-V of the brand new Judas Priest, Battle Cry, 24/96 DTS HD 5.1. I hope y'all are having as much fun as me listening to music? And while I am at it, cmon Audio Fidelity, really Laura Nyro? AF you have been doing this pathetic 4.0 quad releases for people in casts. I am 60 years old and I need music that wakes me up and moves me like the rocking mother I am. You did Scorpions , Blackout, and then you went really, really soft. Maybe people who are 67 dig it, but I'm 60 and need really rocking guitars. If I could wave the magic wand everything would be MCH, but that ain't gonna happen. AF and AP, you guys are great, no doubt, but lets get things going, God knows HDTracks is going 24 bit stereo crazy.There I said it and I feel better.

 

[4-earredwonder]

OK, y'all no I'm just a country boy who works his ass off all week, blue collar trades person all the way, and comes home on Friday night and drinks whiskey and beer. Started with 24bit ZZ Top Stereo Afterburner, then going to hair metal band Autograph, ripped FLAC stereo 14 bit, have you ever heard the tune by them "Turn Up The Radio" ? Absolutely awesome, an MTV classic. Then the RBCD brand new Cheap Trick, self titled, RBCD stereo. Then the best for last BD-V of the brand new Judas Priest, Battle Cry, 24/96 DTS HD 5.1. I hope y'all are having as much fun as me listening to music? And while I am at it, cmon Audio Fidelity, really Laura Nyro? AF you have been doing this pathetic 4.0 quad releases for people in casts. I am 60 years old and I need music that wakes me up and moves me like the rocking mother I am. You did Scorpions , Blackout, and then you went really, really soft. Maybe people who are 67 dig it, but I'm 60 and need really rocking guitars. If I could wave the magic wand everything would be MCH, but that ain't gonna happen. AF and AP, you guys are great, no doubt, but lets get things going, God knows HDTracks is going 24 bit stereo crazy.There I said it and I feel better.

Maybe it's time for you 60 year old rockers to stop knocking the GREAT Laura Nyro and maybe listen to what she has to say (she's written some real humdingers, Markie). Last night I listened to the much maligned Oasis mch SACD of What's the Story Morning Glory and it really does rock big time. Followed by BB/Eric Riding With the King (MLP DVD~A 5.1) I played it real loud (at about 4:30am) and loved every second of it. Also played one of my favs........On An Island by David Gilmour and having recently treated it with my NEW goop.....I swear....it sounds like a Full Fledged MLP DVD~A (even though it's Lossy DTS 5.1). A very Pink Floydish album certainly better, IMO, than their "Swan Song."

Yeah, Markie, when you're 70, maybe you'll appreciate some of those ancient AF QUAD remasters that you've purposely overlooked. That's what 10 years of boozin' and listening to heavy metal does for you. Mellows you the hell out!:ugham:

 

[marpow]

Maybe it's time for you 60 year old rockers to stop knocking the GREAT Laura Nyro and maybe listen to what she has to say (she's written some real humdingers, Markie). Last night I listened to the much maligned Oasis mch SACD of What's the Story Morning Glory and it really does rock big time. Followed by BB/Eric Riding With the King (MLP DVD~A 5.1) I played it real loud (at about 4:30am) and loved every second of it. Also played one of my favs........On An Island by David Gilmour and having recently treated it with my NEW goop.....I swear....it sounds like a Full Fledged MLP DVD~A (even though it's Lossy DTS 5.1). A very Pink Floydish album certainly better, IMO, than their "Swan Song."

Yeah, Markie, when you're 70, maybe you'll appreciate some of those ancient AF QUAD remasters that you've purposely overlooked. That's what 10 years of boozin' and listening to heavy metal does for you. Mellows you the hell out!:ugham:

C'mon Ralphie, you know I love the hell out of you, but lets agree to disagree.

 

[4-earredwonder]

C'mon Ralphie, you know I love the hell out of you, but lets agree to disagree.

So, what IS the story....Morning Glory?

I know, Markie....I'm just busting your balls. Keeps you human.

BTW, I've had some pretty interesting conversations with our mutual 'friend' George and he's certainly a character. But whatever he did with the current Ultra Bit Diamond + is NOTHING SHORT OF A MIRACLE. Oasis' mch What's the Story was pretty unlistenable until I applied his new shit. IT NOW SOUNDS AMAZING (but is super expensive even from third party Amazon vendors). Ditto for RIDING WITH THE KING......I can now hear every ping of the guitar and it sounds like someone handed me the master tape. AWESOME +

How does Valentine Girl like your new set~up?

 

[Tornado Red]

I'm wondering if anyone owns the dualdisc Big Phat Band XXL and can speak to what I'd be getting with it? I don't own any dualdiscs, is the DVD layer the same as this album on DVD-A? Thanks in advance for anyone's input

 

[colsky]

I'm wondering if anyone owns the dualdisc Big Phat Band XXL and can speak to what I'd be getting with it? I don't own any dualdiscs, is the DVD layer the same as this album on DVD-A? Thanks in advance for anyone's input

I have the dualdisc version of this excellent album, and the DVD layer shows on the player as DVD-A, and plays lossless surround :brew

 

[edisonbaggins]

I have the dualdisc version of this excellent album, and the DVD layer shows on the player as DVD-A, and plays lossless surround :brew

+1 Oppo 103