HiRez Poll Fagen, Donald - THE NIGHTFLY [DVD-A/SACD-JAPAN]

[humprof]

Released 35 years ago today (October 1, 1982). If I could, I might deduct a couple tenths of a point for the fact that the (comparatively) low-res source means it's a little harsh on middle-aged ears at high volumes. But it's such a glorious mix, and not a dud track on the album. The title track is my least fave, but the joy of "The Goodbye Look" and "Walk Between the Raindrops" lingers for hours...

 

[humprof]

In the latest post to his blog Jazz Wax, journalist Marc Myers includes this note:

While listening to a few hours of Jamaican rocksteady on Friday, I came across a cover that reminded me of another...

 

[leevitalone1]

I have the Nightfly Trilogy box. So what is that DVD-A? Something else? It doesn't really say, I don't think. No matter, the audio is excellent. Easy "10". Love the album. And the sound and surround mix get none better.

One of my most played surround discs. "Maxine" in surround is system-demo material.

This was on dvd a before the trilogy set. in fact all 3 are dvd audio. I have the complete fagen -dan set in dvd a
the newer stuff is great not that any is bad, just old masters.

 

[HugoPhyrst]

Love this album and bought the SACD a few years ago. Definitely one of my favorites, great recording and love the mix. 10.

Now, if I can just score Kamakiriad in surround for a decent price ...

 

[ctoelle]

This is one of my most played DVD audio discs. Music, mix and fidelity, a 10 for sure

 

[ashr1565]

Just listening to this on SACD now, no rating now but sounds very good, nice sort of relaxed yet discrete mix. The best steely dan album gets a great surround treatment I can see where people think this can be a bit harsh, but I think there's just a lot of treble going on?

This album is a toe tapper though, heard it a few times on CD and liked it there too. And Elliot Scheiner is a name I'll remember going forward.

 

[ctoelle]

I can see where people think this can be a bit harsh, but I think there's just a lot of treble going on?

This album is a toe tapper though, heard it a few times on CD and liked it there too. And Elliot Scheiner is a name I'll remember going forward.

The "harshness " can be attributed to this album being a true digital recording. It was one of the earliest albums recorded this way.
This mix is one of the gold standards for 5.1 mixes. It's a demo disc in my house

 

[edisonbaggins]

The harshness can also be if you're listening to the SACD and your system doesn't bass-manage DSD. Converting DSD to PCM will probably solve this.
But that's one reason why I prefer DVD-A when there's a choice.

 

[ctoelle]

I prefer DVD-A when there's a choice.

Agreed. I have the Genesis "blue" box with sacd, and those really sound harsh. They have the dvds as well, which is what I listen to.

 

[edisonbaggins]

Agreed. I have the Genesis "blue" box with sacd, and those really sound harsh. They have the dvds as well, which is what I listen to.

Did you try converting SACD output to PCM? Makes all the difference in the world on my HTS.

 

[ctoelle]

Did you try converting SACD output to PCM? Makes all the difference in the world on my HTS.

I really don't know how to do that. I have an Oppo 980-H, if that helps

 

[edisonbaggins]

I really don't know how to do that. I have an Oppo 980-H, if that helps

It's in the audio setup. Page 22 of the manual.
I know it's not always the issue, but SACD = harsh or unsatisfying, compared to DVD-A is definitely a trend around here, and I think lack of bass-management is the reason much of the time.
I thought the Duke SACD was harsh as hell and was super-disappointed upon first listen, preferring the DTS DVD. I changed SACD output to PCM and I love the SACD now.

 

[windhoek]

Yeah, The Nightfly is a great album and thankfully, it sounds great in surround

 

[ashr1565]

The harshness can also be if you're listening to the SACD and your system doesn't bass-manage DSD. Converting DSD to PCM will probably solve this.
But that's one reason why I prefer DVD-A when there's a choice.

I listen on a PS3 which converts to PCM!

 

[Ranasakawa]

Definitely a 10 from me. I own the DVD-A
I rarely give 10s but this one is almost sonically perfect.

 

[bguzman]

I own many versions of this album, LP, Original CD, DVD-A, and now SACD. I purposely listened to the 140g LP and the DVD-A before the SACD arrived and I can say that this will now be my go to version when listening to this album.

 

[Beefalo]

I own many versions of this album, LP, Original CD, DVD-A, and now SACD. I purposely listened to the 140g LP and the DVD-A before the SACD arrived and I can say that this will now be my go to version when listening to this album.

Welcome to the QQ forum bguzman

 

[bguzman]

Welcome to the QQ forum bguzman

Thank you.

 

[jhw59]

Listened to the DVD-A last night. Excellent sound and surround mix but sounds a bit compressed on the bottom end so a 9. Well worth owning as it's really a Steely Dan album in disguise.

 

[Goona]

Just arrived first listen 10 all the way great surround great music.