AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The HiRez Music Circle => Topic started by: ted_b on 8 Jun 2009, 04:49 pm

Title: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: ted_b on 8 Jun 2009, 04:49 pm
Topic says it all.  This is a sticky to begin compiling great Hirez (24/48+) downloaded content.

Let's use a template for standardization/consistency:
*  format (FLAC 24/96, AIFF 24/192)
*  genre (Classical, folk, rock, etc.)
*  Artist, album and/or track name
*  Download site
*  Cost (purely optional)
*  A description of why this file/album meets your "best" criteria, including a quick review of the audio qualities.

This is not a thread for debating who's is better; leave that to your own created threads.  This is a sticky for referencing top quality downloaded music only.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: BPT on 8 Jun 2009, 07:12 pm
A great starter is from Chesky "The World's Greatest Audiophile Vocal Recordings" in 24/96 Flac available at HDtracks for $15.98. Nice mix of well recorder vocals, some of which many already have on CD. This gives you a chance to compare the sonics and see if your $15.98 was well spent--it was.
Chris H.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: ted_b on 8 Jun 2009, 07:22 pm
Thanks Chris.

I really like one cut in particular, Spanish Harlem, in 24/96 FLAC on the HDTracks site.  It's a Chesky recording also, and is from Rebecca Pidgeon's The Raven album.  I'm not a fan of the whole album, but it's nice to be able to buy one song.  You can buy it off her Retrospective collection (or Chris's fave above, the Worlds Greatest Audiophile Recordings) for $2.49 in FLAC format.

(http://www.musicaldiscoveries.com/artwork/ravenfc.jpg)

I had this song in various collections, all redbook, including a Chesky test disc where it was used as an example of soundstage depth and tonality.  Well.....the 24/96 version is worlds better and is a permanent fixture on my evaluation playlist.  Just listen for her intonations, slightly Celtic, and when the percussion begins stage right.  Very realistic. 
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: BPT on 22 Jun 2009, 02:53 pm
The Glory soundtrack has long been been an Absolute Sound recommendation and audiophile favorite on CD, so I thought I would try the hi-res 24/96 DAD from Classic Records. This absolutely smokes the CD and is an awesome demo.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=19803)
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: zybar on 22 Jun 2009, 04:43 pm
Thanks Chris.

I really like one cut in particular, Spanish Harlem, in 24/96 FLAC on the HDTracks site.  It's a Chesky recording also, and is from Rebecca Pidgeon's The Raven album.  I'm not a fan of the whole album, but it's nice to be able to buy one song.  You can buy it off her Retrospective collection (or Chris's fave above, the Worlds Greatest Audiophile Recordings) for $2.49 in FLAC format.

(http://www.musicaldiscoveries.com/artwork/ravenfc.jpg)

I had this song in various collections, all redbook, including a Chesky test disc where it was used as an example of soundstage depth and tonality.  Well.....the 24/96 version is worlds better and is a permanent fixture on my evaluation playlist.  Just listen for her intonations, slightly Celtic, and when the percussion begins stage right.  Very realistic.


Ted,

I couldn't agree with you more on the 24/96 version of Spanish Harlem.  I used this exact cut yesterday when I had a few people over to hear my system and it is definitely a fixture in the "test" or "highlight" collection.

I know I am not following the template, but here is some other hi-rez material I used yesterday when showing off the system:

Donald Fagen - Morph the Cat
Muddy Waters - Folk Singer
Natalie Merchant - Tigerlily
Robert Plant and Alison Kraus - Raising Sand
Ana Caram - Rio After Dark

George
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: mca on 22 Jun 2009, 09:27 pm
Quote
Donald Fagen - Morph the Cat
Muddy Waters - Folk Singer
Natalie Merchant - Tigerlily
Robert Plant and Alison Kraus - Raising Sand
Ana Caram - Rio After Dark

George, what format were those in?
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: ted_b on 22 Jun 2009, 09:42 pm
Likely converted to Wavpack, as I do.  FLAC is fine but if you transcode-on-the-fly in Squeeze Center (i.e let the server convert to PCM before sending over the net; few do this but I think it sounds better that way) FLAC has a bug in certain SC versions that doesn't allow that above 44k (redbook).  I think George was following my lead on that, but maybe not.  Otherwise it would be FLAC, which I do for all redbook anyway.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: zybar on 22 Jun 2009, 09:54 pm
Likely converted to Wavpack, as I do.  FLAC is fine but if you transcode-on-the-fly in Squeeze Center (i.e let the server convert to PCM before sending over the net; few do this but I think it sounds better that way) FLAC has a bug in certain SC versions that doesn't allow that above 44k (redbook).  I think George was following my lead on that, but maybe not.  Otherwise it would be FLAC, which I do for all redbook anyway.

Wavpack indeed.

George
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: cryoparts on 23 Jun 2009, 12:32 am
The Glory soundtrack has long been been an Absolute Sound recommendation and audiophile favorite on CD, so I thought I would try the hi-res 24/96 DAD from Classic Records. This absolutely smokes the CD and is an awesome demo.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=19803)

Is this available anywhere as a download, does anyone know?

Lee
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: ted_b on 23 Jun 2009, 01:00 am
Lee, I've never seen it available as a download, but Elusive Disc has the 24/96 DAD for a great $14.99 price right now
http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DAD1008
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: cryoparts on 23 Jun 2009, 02:22 am
Lee, I've never seen it available as a download, but Elusive Disc has the 24/96 DAD for a great $14.99 price right now
http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DAD1008

Great, I'll pick it up.  I LOVE that disc.  I have the regular CD and a vinyl copy, but not the hi-rez version. 

Wish it was available as a download, so much easier to deal with.  I'm addicted to downloading hi-rez music...

Lee
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: lonewolfny42 on 23 Jun 2009, 03:18 am
The Glory soundtrack has long been been an Absolute Sound recommendation and audiophile favorite on CD, so I thought I would try the hi-res 24/96 DAD from Classic Records. This absolutely smokes the CD and is an awesome demo.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=19803)

Plus....it was an enjoyable movie !! :wink:

A great soundtrack....and one I use often to sample systems....tho, I only have the Cd.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: zybar on 23 Jun 2009, 10:59 am

Wish it was available as a download, so much easier to deal with.  I'm addicted to downloading hi-rez music...

Lee

Me too!

George
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: sleepysurf on 23 Jun 2009, 04:12 pm
Is there any way to rip the DVD to FLAC?

Lee, I've never seen it available as a download, but Elusive Disc has the 24/96 DAD for a great $14.99 price right now
http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DAD1008
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: ted_b on 23 Jun 2009, 04:28 pm
Is there any way to rip the DVD to FLAC?

Lee, I've never seen it available as a download, but Elusive Disc has the 24/96 DAD for a great $14.99 price right now
http://www.elusivedisc.com/prodinfo.asp?number=DAD1008

Yes, and I'm ashamed at you for not seeing the topic called "How to rip Hirez".   I even made it a sticky to find easily.  :D

just kidding about the ashamed part...... :wink:.  Here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=69151.0

You rip to wav, then convert to FLAC, etc.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: silverlight on 7 Aug 2009, 01:54 am
This is a really nice album I downloaded today and enjoying alot(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=20990)
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: ted_b on 7 Aug 2009, 02:23 am
Geoff,
Thanks for that heads up.  I've had several nice email exchanges with Ralf (Acouscence) and it seems he's very committed to the HiRez format, and to pushing the boundaries of both classical and jazz.  Very kewl.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: jsaliga on 19 Sep 2009, 06:04 pm
Holst: The Planets - Sir Adrian Boult/Vienna State Opera Orchestra

(http://www.indierockfan.net/pics/Boult_ThePlanets.jpg)

I seriously doubt you will be able to find a finer sounding recording of this orchestral suite anywhere, regardless of format.  What is even more astonishing is that this 24/96 stereo download courtesy of High Definition Tape Transfers was sourced from a 1/4" 4-track stereo tape.  It really boggles my mind to think what the original master tapes must be like (assuming they still exist).  I have several recordings of The Planets.  Some are regarded as "must own" performances but unfortunately most of them don't sound particularly good.  And sure enough I have a few that sound great but the performances don't do very much for me.  Here is a case were a knock-your-socks-off performance meets best-of-breed sonics to produce a near-eargasmic effect on the listener.  Chances are good, unless you own a reel-to-reel tape deck and shelf full of tapes, you haven't heard analog source recordings with strings and brass that sound like this.  I have a lot of classical music recordings on a variety of formats: vinyl, SACD, DVD-A, and 1/4" 4-track stereo tape.  Very few of them are able to make me feel as though I am actually at Symphony Hall listening to a live performance.  This is one that can.  At $14 for a 24/96 download it's a steal and you won't find a better value anywhere else in home audio.  I give it the highest possible recommendation.

--Jerome
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: BPT on 23 Jan 2010, 07:05 pm
Here is another recent favorite--Gershwin "Rhapsody in Blue" from HDTT. Even if you're not a fan of symphonic music, this is so recognizable and a great demo.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=25727)
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: ted_b on 23 Jan 2010, 07:22 pm
Here is another recent favorite--Gershwin "Rhapsody in Blue" from HDTT. Even if you're not a fan of symphonic music, this is so recognizable and a great demo.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=25727)

Chris,
I can't find that on Robert's HDTT site.  I've only seen this as an SACD, not something HDTT (public domain and tape stuff) usually carries? 
http://www.amazon.com/Gershwin-Piano-Concerto-Rhapsody-Overture/dp/B000NY164W

Edit:  Ahhh...Did you mean HD Tracks?  I see that Bruce Brown took the DSD from this SACD (above) and converted over to 24/88 there.
https://www.hdtracks.com/index.php?file=catalogdetail&valbum_code=HD093046744168
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: firedog on 24 Jan 2010, 01:23 pm
Holst: The Planets - Sir Adrian Boult/Vienna State Opera Orchestra

(http://www.indierockfan.net/pics/Boult_ThePlanets.jpg)


I seriously doubt you will be able to find a finer sounding recording of this orchestral suite anywhere, regardless of format.  What is even more astonishing is that this 24/96 stereo download courtesy of High Definition Tape Transfers was sourced from a 1/4" 4-track stereo tape.  It really boggles my mind to think what the original master tapes must be like (assuming they still exist).  I have several recordings of The Planets.  Some are regarded as "must own" performances but unfortunately most of them don't sound particularly good.  And sure enough I have a few that sound great but the performances don't do very much for me.  Here is a case were a knock-your-socks-off performance meets best-of-breed sonics to produce a near-eargasmic effect on the listener.  Chances are good, unless you own a reel-to-reel tape deck and shelf full of tapes, you haven't heard analog source recordings with strings and brass that sound like this.  I have a lot of classical music recordings on a variety of formats: vinyl, SACD, DVD-A, and 1/4" 4-track stereo tape.  Very few of them are able to make me feel as though I am actually at Symphony Hall listening to a live performance.  This is one that can.  At $14 for a 24/96 download it's a steal and you won't find a better value anywhere else in home audio.  I give it the highest possible recommendation.

--Jerome

Wow, thanks for the recommendation. I downloaded it and it sounds great - such a dynamic performance and recording.

Just goes to show how good some of the classical (and jazz) recordings were 60 years ago - the information is there on tape, if someone has the inclination and skill to bring it into the digital realm.

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: BPT on 24 Jan 2010, 03:07 pm
Ted:
Yes, the 24/88 from HD Tracks--sorry for the mix-up. Another personal fave is the 24/96 Haydn String Quartet Engegårdkvartetten download from 2L.
Chris H.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: sturgl on 4 May 2010, 11:07 pm
Hi All.  AudioCircle newbie here.  Recently, I haven't been able to get enough of Keith Jarrett's Paris / London: Testament from HDTracks.  I find the piano to be recorded extraordinarily well.  In 24/96 flac, the dynamic range of the instrument shines through, as does the timbre of each note played.  Jarrett (probably) uses every single one of those 88 keys - so you really get a flavor for the range of this amazing instrument in solo format.  There may be other Jarrett performances that I prefer, even other pianists that I prefer - but I don't think I've heard solo piano recorded better.  To boot, it's a 3-"disc" set for $36 USD.  What's not to love?
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: sturgl on 4 May 2010, 11:33 pm
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=29952)

I'd better get this into proper format....

Format: 24/96 flac
Genre: Jazz (well, mostly. sort of)
Artist: Keith Jarrett - Paris / London: Testament
Download Site: HDTracks
Cost: $36 USD
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: sturgl on 5 May 2010, 09:43 pm
Holst: The Planets - Sir Adrian Boult/Vienna State Opera Orchestra

Here is a case were a knock-your-socks-off performance meets best-of-breed sonics to produce a near-eargasmic effect on the listener.  Chances are good, unless you own a reel-to-reel tape deck and shelf full of tapes, you haven't heard analog source recordings with strings and brass that sound like this.  I have a lot of classical music recordings on a variety of formats: vinyl, SACD, DVD-A, and 1/4" 4-track stereo tape.  Very few of them are able to make me feel as though I am actually at Symphony Hall listening to a live performance.  This is one that can.  At $14 for a 24/96 download it's a steal and you won't find a better value anywhere else in home audio.  I give it the highest possible recommendation.

--Jerome
+1.  I downloaded this last night, after reading Jerome's recommendation.  Even (especially?) for a classical neophyte like me, this album is spectacular.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: jaywills on 5 May 2010, 11:15 pm
A question about the Planets download, if you don't mind.  I, also, bought the Planets hi-res download after reading the comments on this thread.  However, I can't get any of the files to complete downloading.  They get to ~50 mb and time out in a FLAC download instead of a zip file.  I've tried right-clicking in both Safari under Snow Leopard (latest iterations) as well as through Internet Explorer under Windows XP (latest iterations) (using Boot Camp).  Same result every time.  No zip file, dl times out @ ~50 mb in FLAC.  Having had Macs since 1985, I consider myself more than just a casual user, but I can't figure this out.  When I emailed the site, they just responded "server problems, be fixed soon."  Yet some here appear to be able to get the download.  Any ideas?  Help please.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album - Peter Frampton
Post by: kenreau on 27 May 2010, 02:07 pm
While I have not personally heard these yet (but I will), I thought it was notable that Peter Frampton has jumped into the High Res download world through HDTracks.com with both his landmark album "Frampton Comes Alive" and his newest "Thank You, Mr. Churchill"

I'm encouraged that we are finally getting some music in high res that I am excited about.

Check out the very favorable reviews and interview in the latest ToneAudio magazine http://www.tonepublications.com/magazine/

Kenreau
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: ted_b on 27 May 2010, 02:13 pm
Boy, the guys at CA certainly didn't like Churchill.  Said it was overly compressed and useless as 24/96.  I'd love to get AC impressions.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/peter-frampton-2496
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: Atlplasma on 27 May 2010, 03:18 pm
A question about the Planets download, if you don't mind.  I, also, bought the Planets hi-res download after reading the comments on this thread.  However, I can't get any of the files to complete downloading.  They get to ~50 mb and time out in a FLAC download instead of a zip file.  I've tried right-clicking in both Safari under Snow Leopard (latest iterations) as well as through Internet Explorer under Windows XP (latest iterations) (using Boot Camp).  Same result every time.  No zip file, dl times out @ ~50 mb in FLAC.  Having had Macs since 1985, I consider myself more than just a casual user, but I can't figure this out.  When I emailed the site, they just responded "server problems, be fixed soon."  Yet some here appear to be able to get the download.  Any ideas?  Help please.  Thanks.

Did you ever resolve your issue? Are you on a wireless network by any chance?
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: kenreau on 27 May 2010, 06:01 pm
Boy, the guys at CA certainly didn't like Churchill.  Said it was overly compressed and useless as 24/96.  I'd love to get AC impressions.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/peter-frampton-2496

Nuts.  I had high expectations.  Hopefully his Live album will be better.  It will be a few weeks before I can get set up for hi res play back.
Thx
Ken
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: mgalusha on 27 May 2010, 06:23 pm
I missed this thread before. :(

I just picked up a few from High Definition Tape Transfers and so far I'm delighted.

Format: 24/192 flac
Genre: Classical
Artist: Elgar Enigma Variations (Recorded Live) Lawrence Foster conducts the Houston Symphony Orchestra
Download Site: HDTT (http://www.highdeftapetransfers.com/category/183)
Cost: $15 USD


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=30878)

I bought the Holst Planets as well, that will be up next but I'm really loving the Elgar. Wow.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: sturgl on 7 Jun 2010, 01:56 am
A question about the Planets download, if you don't mind.  I, also, bought the Planets hi-res download after reading the comments on this thread.  However, I can't get any of the files to complete downloading.  They get to ~50 mb and time out in a FLAC download instead of a zip file.  I've tried right-clicking in both Safari under Snow Leopard (latest iterations) as well as through Internet Explorer under Windows XP (latest iterations) (using Boot Camp).  Same result every time.  No zip file, dl times out @ ~50 mb in FLAC.  Having had Macs since 1985, I consider myself more than just a casual user, but I can't figure this out.  When I emailed the site, they just responded "server problems, be fixed soon."  Yet some here appear to be able to get the download.  Any ideas?  Help please.  Thanks.
I don't know that this post ever received the attention it deserved.  I had the same problem, with the same response from HDTT.  I found that downloading 1 file at a time, and babysitting the download did the trick for me.  It was more effort than it should have been, but I did get my complete album in the end.  Hope this helps!
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: sturgl on 7 Jun 2010, 02:14 am
Boy, the guys at CA certainly didn't like Churchill.  Said it was overly compressed and useless as 24/96.  I'd love to get AC impressions.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/peter-frampton-2496
I was one of those posters (although probably among the less caustic of the group).  The album was recorded very hot.  Almost from beginning to end, my levels are pegged at +3.  I'm not sure if that means it's horribly compressed - it could be that Frampton's intent was to record a loud album with almost no dynamic range - in which case he succeeded nicely.  Musically, the album is just okay IMO - not much to write home about.  HDTracks did quite a job of highlighting the best sections of each song on their 30-second samples... definitely not representative of the album as a whole.  YMMV of course - but because it was recorded so hot, because of the lack of dynamics, and most importantly because the music doesn't quite float my boat, I can't recommend the album.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: sturgl on 7 Jun 2010, 03:32 am
Kazumi Watanabe - Jazz Impression

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=31281)

Putting the lame title aside, this album is phenomenal.  I'm mostly a jazz guy.  How the hell didn't I know about Kazumi Watanabe?  I've no excuse: he's put out like 40 albums and 4 DVDs, and is one of Japan's most famous jazz musicians.  The recording quality is excellent.  'Holographic' is a much-abused term in our hobby, but it applies here.  Instruments are placed with a great deal of specificity in 3-dimensional space.  On a couple of tracks (A Child is Born, in particular) I kept wondering how I could be hearing what I was hearing without the benefit of surrounds.

Nevermind the excellent sound quality though - Watanabe's playing is nothing short of virtuosic (and after a bit of reading, I learned that a virtuoso indeed he is).  The band is impressive too - especially Yosuke Inoue on bass.  There are three tracks that make use of soprano saxophone for some additional color, probably also making for three of my favorite tracks on the album.  The first couple of tracks are somewhat standard jazz guitar fare - great stuff, but not the reason to buy the album IMO.  Then things get interesting on track 3 with 'Trane's "Impressions".  From there, the album just rips.  Don't miss... any of it.  But also don't miss Wes Montgomery's "Four on Six".  If you like jazz in general, and guitar in particular (or even if you don't like jazz, really), buy this album.

Kazumi Watanabe - Jazz Impression
HDTracks
24/96 FLAC (DSD transfer)
$17.98 USD
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: ted_b on 7 Jun 2010, 03:47 am
Sturgl,
Nice review.  This is also a Hybrid SACD available on Eastwind Imports.  Hmmmm (was recorded in DSD).  However, over there it's like $33 and shipping.  Bruce Brown does such a nice job transferring these DSD recordings to HDtrack's PCM that I'm likely to just download the damn thing.  Thanks for the heads up!   :thumb:

(Editors Note:  By the way, I have a neat little $225 box that now allows me to take 2 channel hirez off HDMI and send it out optical!  So I can play SACD's and capture the 24/88.2 downrez that my Oppo BDP-83 does to them and send that 24/88.2 to my DAC!!  I have a mini-review on CA.  Also does this for 2 channel everything that Oppo handles (can you say 24/192 BluRay!).  So far so good.  Sorry to hijack!  :)    )
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: sturgl on 7 Jun 2010, 04:00 pm
I noticed in the liner notes (on just about the only page that isn't in Japanese) as well that Jazz Impression was recorded in DSD - at a Sony studio, no less.  I don't own the SACD of course, but based upon my experience I'll happily go out on a limb and say that this transfer was a very good one.  Many (most?) of my native 24/96 albums don't sound as good.

I'm psyched to hear about that little device of yours! - will definitely check out your review on CA.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: mfsoa on 8 Jun 2010, 01:16 am
Where can you buy the hi-rez Morph the Cat from?

Downloadable I hope?

-Mike
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: ted_b on 8 Jun 2010, 01:28 am
Where can you buy the hi-rez Morph the Cat from?

Downloadable I hope?

-Mike

I don't think it's available downloadable.   
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: firedog on 12 Jun 2010, 08:32 am
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=31495)

Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra.

I just got this from the new HDTracks Everest label series. Very good sounding, very dynamic. Yes, you can tell it is a 50 year old recording, but it sounds great and I'm glad I bought it. It's now my reference version of this piece.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: jaywills on 12 Jun 2010, 11:50 am
"Did you ever resolve your issue? Are you on a wireless network by any chance?"

Thanks for your inquiry (I'm wired).  Yes, it worked the next day.  "Server problems" apparently were corrected.  Cordially,
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: AB on 7 Jul 2010, 08:45 pm

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NMiKrVvFL._SS500_.jpg)

http://www.linnrecords.com/recording-hello-troll.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=CampaignMontior&utm_content=478499822&utm_campaign=OzellaEmailJune2010&utm_term=Helge+Lien+Trio%3a+Hello+Troll (http://www.linnrecords.com/recording-hello-troll.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=CampaignMontior&utm_content=478499822&utm_campaign=OzellaEmailJune2010&utm_term=Helge+Lien+Trio%3a+Hello+Troll)

Fantastic Album. Purchased from Linn for $24.00 - Ouch. But I think it's worth it.
Great music and great sonics.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: ted_b on 7 Jul 2010, 09:51 pm
Wild! I just listened to this last night.  Great jazz trio album; kind of a kindler gentler jazzier Bad Plus.  Very nice (and the 24/96 recording is exquisite to boot).
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: AB on 7 Jul 2010, 09:56 pm
a kinder gentler jazzier Bad Plus.

Ha! My thoughts exactly. A kinder gentler betterer Bad Plus.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: zybar on 8 Sep 2010, 11:59 pm
Holst: The Planets - Sir Adrian Boult/Vienna State Opera Orchestra

(http://www.indierockfan.net/pics/Boult_ThePlanets.jpg)

I seriously doubt you will be able to find a finer sounding recording of this orchestral suite anywhere, regardless of format.  What is even more astonishing is that this 24/96 stereo download courtesy of High Definition Tape Transfers was sourced from a 1/4" 4-track stereo tape.  It really boggles my mind to think what the original master tapes must be like (assuming they still exist).  I have several recordings of The Planets.  Some are regarded as "must own" performances but unfortunately most of them don't sound particularly good.  And sure enough I have a few that sound great but the performances don't do very much for me.  Here is a case were a knock-your-socks-off performance meets best-of-breed sonics to produce a near-eargasmic effect on the listener.  Chances are good, unless you own a reel-to-reel tape deck and shelf full of tapes, you haven't heard analog source recordings with strings and brass that sound like this.  I have a lot of classical music recordings on a variety of formats: vinyl, SACD, DVD-A, and 1/4" 4-track stereo tape.  Very few of them are able to make me feel as though I am actually at Symphony Hall listening to a live performance.  This is one that can.  At $14 for a 24/96 download it's a steal and you won't find a better value anywhere else in home audio.  I give it the highest possible recommendation.

--Jerome

Jerome,

You have done it again!!    :bowdown:

I am listening to this version right now and I am smitten!  This is by far the best of the half a dozen or so versions that I have in my inventory. 

Total artistry + incredible sonics = 

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=35422)


George
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: mpv on 3 Apr 2011, 04:17 pm

(http://)

The Pizza Tapes
Audiophile 88kHz/24bit from HDTracks it is an  unbelievable record.The details in this recording are HUGE. Only $17.98
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: spartan2 on 3 May 2011, 12:49 pm
Hi there,
Which software is better, Max or XTC, for mac?
JM
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: django11 on 28 Oct 2011, 02:01 am
Thanks for the Holst!  The quality of the recordings I sampled from  HDTT are surprisingly good.  Just starting out in hi-rez so I will be following this thread.  And hopefully contributing...
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: Tyson on 28 Oct 2011, 05:44 am
Ani DiFranco - Red Letter Year.  Because, it's Ani, and HiRez!
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: django11 on 29 Oct 2011, 12:27 am
Ok it has to be this one https://www.hdtracks.com/index.php?file=artistdetail&id=9718 (https://www.hdtracks.com/index.php?file=artistdetail&id=9718)

A fantastic band called Small World Project .  The album is called "Small Is Beautiful"

At HDtracks.

Why I think this is the finest Hirez album:  my nephew is in the band  :wink:...  (their other album "Less is more" is actually much better...)

edit.: I just stumbled across this as I was perusing the HDT site and had to post it.  Apologies if this is against some rule...
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: GarfL on 31 Oct 2011, 01:50 am
HDTracks

O Brother Where Art Thou.
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: werd on 17 Dec 2012, 04:40 am
You guys have to check this out. You dont even need to like metal to enjoy. All you need to appreciate is thrash galloping guitar, lots of good double bass punching and not the greatest vocals but you are going to sing the crap out of it anyways kinda stuff.  :lol:

There is no instrument that takes over. It sounds like Stiff upper lip in that bluesy recording feel. The vocals are in the middle with the hirez sense of air. No clammer.
This is a great great recording in 24 bit.

best served loud  :thumb:
https://www.hdtracks.com/index.php?file=catalogdetail&valbum_code=HD016861770068

Moderator edit:  Werd and I are concerned about the Sharesale redirect with these HDtracks links.  Anybody have an idea?
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: rhandmj on 17 Dec 2012, 10:12 pm
I second the Megadeth on HD Tracks. Excellent. The Dream Theater on HD Tracks is even better - absolutely mind blowing!
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: K.F. on 17 Dec 2014, 07:20 pm
This one comes highly recommended;
(http://www.soundliaison.com/images/SSS1Milan300.png)

http://www.soundliaison.com (http://www.soundliaison.com)
Rad bennets review;
Quote
I've been among the prophets saying that high-resolution downloads are the future of audiophile music sales. Surely it will benefit the majors to make high-quality downloads a first choice rather than an MP3 extra, but I believe that individual artists can benefit as well. Most new-to-the-scene performers have little money for middlemen and disc manufacture, yet can get things together for the Internet.

Frans de Rond and Peter Bjørnild have taken this approach with Sound Liaison, producing recordings available only in 24-bit/96kHz downloads that mirror the master recording. And man, are they ever sweet. I've seldom heard recordings that were so successful in both performance and sound aspects.

De Rond hails from the Netherlands, where he studied double bass at The Royal Conservatory in The Hague while concurrently studying recording techniques. Bjørnild also studied double bass, moving to the Netherlands to continue studies at The Hague. Since graduating, he has played almost every type of music, from classical to jazz. Together de Rond and Bjørnild bring two pairs of golden ears to their label. Bjørnild claims that, "a recording should be as realistic and beautiful sounding as possible. As if, when closing your eyes, you find yourself in the best seat in the hall."

The partners discovered a fine recording hall (Studio-Eleven, Hilversum) and set out to record amazing musicians in this great acoustic place in front of live audiences. It's a daring feat; one take and no place to hide, but the abilities of the musicians involved make it seem easy. I chose to talk about the first album by Carmen Gomes Inc. It was a tough choice because all of the three current albums were worthy of review.

Carmen Gomes has won many awards in the Netherlands and surrounding areas. Like so many new European singers, she sings in English -- excellent English, I might add. She's formed a group called Carmen Gomes Inc., with Folker Tettero on guitar, Peter Bjørnild on double bass, and Marcel van Engelen on drums. Her style is bluesy and intimate with a sexy voice that's sweet as dark tupelo honey, and her interpretations are unerring. The musicians play to her and to each other, and the ensemble is so tight that the four musicians breathe and move as one.

There are some standards on the set that knocked me over with their fresh approach. Any singer can misplace a few accents and rhythms and come up with something that's original, but perhaps also uneasy and a little strange. Not Gomes, who has taken the songs to their bones and then restructured them to suit her style. Thus "Fever" doesn't sound like a cover of Peggy Lee; it sounds like a brand new take on a familiar song. You emerge from hearing it not thinking it's better or lesser than Lee's version, but that it's a valid new interpretation that could have come first.

The same approach works on "Angel Eyes," "You Don't Know What Love Is," and "I'm on Fire." Most of the rest, including the title song, "Oblivion," "Time Will Tell," "Gasoa Blue," and "The Sea," are Gomes originals that fit right in with the standards. The recording achieves exactly what Bjørnild set out as his goal. It can provide the best seat in your listening room. Go to the Sound Liaison site, listen to a few samples, download an album, and see if you don't agree that this intimate effort is one of the best and best-sounding jazz vocal albums to come along in many a day. By the way, the small audience applauds enthusiastically enough after the last chords of a song die away, but the attendees never interrupt or make themselves known while a song is going on. No doubt they were completely mesmerized into silence, as was I.

Be sure to listen to: On "Dock of the Bay," Gomes creates a languid, bluesy version that is a little bit reminiscent of Bobbie Gentry while still coming across as quite original. It'll cast a spell over you.

. . . Rad Bennett
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: Atlplasma on 17 Dec 2014, 10:46 pm
The online samples suggest the recording sounds very nice, and Carmen Gomes has a wonderful voice. But I found her phrasing quite unsettling. Maybe it's because she is not a native English speaker. Of course, others might like her interpretation. 
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: Bob Attiyeh on 20 Dec 2014, 09:02 pm
I see that many of these posts are related to HiRez in PCM, which has done very well for us at Yarlung Records.  Our small catalog is available here:  http://www.hdtracks.com/music/label/view/id/222/

Very exciting for us, however, is our recent collaboration with NativeDSD, which has now released two quartets of albums in 256fs, 128fs, and 64fs.  Our first quartet was sponsored by exaSound.com, and our second, just released, was sponsored by Merging Technologies.  exaSound delivers beautiful PCM as well as DSD, and we in fact used Merging equipment (the Hapi converter with the company's Pyramix software) to create the DSD files for these quartets. 

NativeDSD is happy with us because Yarlung is one of the few labels creating native 256fs, or "Quad DSD" as people call it. 

Take a look, if you like at https://yarlungrecords.nativedsd.com/


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=110815)


The company sent out a special holiday discount newsletter, which helped propel Yarlung's first jazz album to the top 5 downloads company wide! Here is the newsletter with the discount codes included: goo.gl/XMn787


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=110816)


Have fun with them, and let me know what you think.

Bob
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: PA on 13 Jan 2015, 09:42 pm
This one comes highly recommended;
(http://www.soundliaison.com/images/TSOB200v4-130-10-10-75.png)


Her other album for the same label is just as good, more bluesy and earthy, but stunning audio quality as well.
And I think her phrasing is fantastic. Clearly influenced by Jazz singers as well as Blues singers.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=112582) http://www.soundliaison.com/ (http://www.soundliaison.com/)

Quote
Torn was inspired partly by the tragic marriage of a close friend coming to an end and a strong artistic need for getting back to basics, The Blues. In a sense it is a concept album. The 9 songs follow each other in a logical order telling the story of a relationship falling apart. ''Come on in My Kitchen'' representing the initial attraction and the ''Thrill is Gone'' the end of love.

Carmen Gomes

The Torn album and Carmen Gomes has received white spread critical acclaim:

Her warm, enormously talented and controlled voice is completely unique and she knows how to get pure emotion across to the listener ...
The sound of the album is exemplary with dynamics of an addictive quality......the drums are practically visual and one feels as if one could reach out and and actually touch the singer.

Eric de Boer - Hifi.nl

Gomes Sings "You better come on into my kitchen, 'cause it's going to be raining outdoors" and what a wondrous musical kitchen she possesses.
The utensils are the thoughtfully played musical notes. The chef is Carmen herself, serving a dream-like melodic delicacy. We at Adore Jazz, play the music from Gomes' new CD "Torn" with great joy.

Guy Zinger - Reviewer & Writer, All About Jazz

Station Programming Manager; Adore Jazz on 1 FM
Gomes has a bluesy voice, that balances gracefully between sensual surrender and control.

E. van den Berg - De Volkskrant

When she sings the blues, she sounds as if plucked from the cotton fields.
In a gospel-typed tune, one has to restrain oneself from shouting hallelujah.

Jeroen de Valk - Het Parool

...The most important thing is that she's got the blues. I don't mean she sings blues-songs - which also happens occasionally - but more importantly, in her phrasing you can hear everything that the blues stands for. That is quite an achievement.

Kees Polling -Trouw
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: bmoura on 17 Jan 2015, 10:08 am
Here is another recent favorite--Gershwin "Rhapsody in Blue" from HDTT. Even if you're not a fan of symphonic music, this is so recognizable and a great demo.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=25727)

Haven't seen that one on HDTT.  But it is available in your choice of Stereo or Multichannel DSD at Native DSD.Com
https://harmoniamundi.nativedsd.com/albums/gershwin
Title: Re: Mini-Review: Favorite Downloaded HiRez Music file/album
Post by: K.F. on 26 May 2015, 06:47 pm
Torn  is indeed a great sounding album .
(http://518488044.r.cdn77.net/images/Tornv2200shadow.png)

My latest blues album is the new Doug MacLeod, the SQ is as good as the Torn download from Carmen Gomes; highly recommended.
(http://www.doug-macleod.com/images/new%20cd_exactly%20like%20this.jpg)