AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The HiRez Music Circle => Topic started by: ted_b on 14 Jul 2009, 12:56 am

Title: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 14 Jul 2009, 12:56 am
I thought I'd create a "breaking news" area where we can post new announcements about the Hirez industry, whether it be new discs, new DACs, new players, etc.  I'll modify the title to show latest post news.

July 13:
For all us King Crimson fans, it's been known for quite awhile, via Robert fripps blogs, that they've been working on a complete remastering of the catalog.  Well, the first three discs were announced today:
To celebrate 40 years of the Crimson Kings, DGM & Panegyric proudly announce the release of a series of CD/DVD-A editions of the original King Crimson studio albums.

Each CD/DVD-A release features the full original album plus bonus tracks on the CD. Two of the titles ? Lizard & In the Court of the Crimson King feature entirely new 2009 stereo album mixes by Steven Wilson & Robert Fripp.

The DVD-A presents each album fully remixed into stunning 5.1 Surround Sound with Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) in the producer role and King Crimson founder member Robert Fripp as executive producer.

The 5.1 mixes are accessible in full MLP lossless audio on DVD-A players & DTS 5.1 on standard DVD players/DVD Rom drives. Additionally, High Resolution stereo is also accessible on the DVD-A (24/96 DVD-A & 24/48 DVD/DVD Rom).

Selected DVD-A titles in the series will also feature era specific, rarely seen, King Crimson video footage. Each album is presented in a double Digipack, with booklet artwork featuring new sleeve notes by Robert Fripp and King Crimson biographer Sid Smith alongside archive material and photos, enclosed in an outer card slipcase.

The first three titles are set for release this year with further titles to follow throughout 2010:

Red: September 21st 2009
In the Court of the Crimson King: October 12th 2009  (various editions)
Lizard: October 26th 2009


Here's the full press release:
https://www.dgmlive.com/news.htm?entry=2505

Always excited when new HiRez stereo and surround remasters are announced, and even more excited when they are released.   Add in the fact that King Crimson is a perfect choice for surround (and Lord knows their catalog needs some updating) and we're in for treats!!  :thumb:
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: Philistine on 14 Jul 2009, 02:28 am
This is great news Ted.  The first time I saw King Crimson live was in 1972, Larks Tongues and Starless & Bible Black are the two that get regular airings in my house :thumb: Can't wait for these to get released, they're very good quality recordings and hopefully will really shine with 24/96.
 
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: soundboy on 15 Jul 2009, 07:20 pm
I thought I'd create a "breaking news" area where we can post new announcements about the Hirez industry, whether it be new discs, new DACs, new players, etc.

This is great!!

I think it should be pointed out that this coming September marks the 10th anniversary of SACD.  While the format has never achieved mainstream success, the fact that it's still around, despite the emergence of downloads and bad economies, the format should be celebrated for its tenacity for survival in an ever-downward turning music market.

Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 23 Jul 2009, 03:52 pm
Marantz finally lets us in on the details of their new universal player.  It is confirmed that it does indeed support DVD-Audio (early reports said no) and will MSRP at a whopping $6,000 US.  OUCH!!  That's about $5500 more than the Oppo BD-83....hopefully its' worth it!!  :)  Note: no dedicated 2 channel RCA outs, just balanced.  Well, that's a deal breaker for me.  Phew!!   :D

http://us.marantz.com/Products/2936.asp

I guess there are still places on this planet where the recession hasn't affected.   :o
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: silverlight on 29 Jul 2009, 12:22 pm
Not sure this qualifies as hirez "news", but I just came across a recording studio that puts out 24/96 DVD-A's (at least has one and others coming).  Their first DVD-A has some great music - folk/bluegrass style. See http://www.soundkeeperrecordings.com/ (http://www.soundkeeperrecordings.com/)
 Came across it as I was seeing posts by the audio engineer over on Steve Hoffman's forum re DAC's.     
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=20744)
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 29 Jul 2009, 01:19 pm
Yeah, I've spoken and emailed with Barry a few times.  He's a big HiRez fan and uses thes Metro Halo as his DAC at home too.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: silverlight on 29 Jul 2009, 01:34 pm
Yeah, I've spoken and emailed with Barry a few times.  He's a big HiRez fan and uses thes Metro Halo as his DAC at home too.
So Ted are you going to give the ULN-8 (or Amarra Model 4) a listen in your system?  The comments on it from users over at Gearslutz and SHForums are quite impressive.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 29 Jul 2009, 01:35 pm
Maybe someday, but currently am quite happy (very happy in fact) with the Weiss Minerva/DAC2.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: bdiament on 30 Aug 2009, 09:10 pm
Hi silverlight,

Not sure this qualifies as hirez "news", but I just came across a recording studio that puts out 24/96 DVD-A's (at least has one and others coming).  Their first DVD-A has some great music - folk/bluegrass style. See http://www.soundkeeperrecordings.com/ (http://www.soundkeeperrecordings.com/)
 Came across it as I was seeing posts by the audio engineer over on Steve Hoffman's forum re DAC's.     
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=20744)

To be clear, the 24/96 disks from Soundkeeper are not in DVD-A format.  They are in standard DVD-V (video) format, with stereo 24/96 PCM audio tracks, which have been part of the DVD-V standard since the beginning.  This means they will play in almost any DVD video player.

Those who want to use an external DAC with the DVD players, should ensure the DVD player's internal menu is set to pass 96k from its SPDIF (digital) output.  Many players default to 48k and will decimate the audio on our DVD-Rs (in more than one sense of the word  ;-}), unless the player's menu setting is changed to 96k.

Best regards,
Barry
www.soundkeeperrecordings.com
www.barrydiamentaudio.com
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 30 Aug 2009, 09:17 pm
Barry,
Welcome to AC, and welcome to my HiRez Circle.   :thumb:

Folks, Barry is a player!!  He formed Barry Diament Audio 1987 when he left Atlantic Records to become an independent audio engineer.  He'd been a music lover, amateur musician and audio hobbyist since childhood and a professional audio engineer since 1975.  Having cut tracks, recorded overdubs, mixed tracks, edited tracks and mastered for vinyl, in 1983 Barry became one of the first engineers to master for CD.  Aside from his work on location and in the studio, he enjoys writing about audio.  A number of his articles have been published in The Abso!ute Sound and in MIX Magazine.

In addition to the recording, production, mastering and editing work he's done since starting BDA, Barry has worked as a consultant, designing systems and studios for recording, mixing, mastering and playback.  He's also very involved in remote recording and mixing....and is a forum contributor on a number of online forums, especially Steve Hoffman's. 

Barry is also a HiRez DAC enthusiast and is experienced in the Metric Halo DACs as of late (for professional and personal use).

P.S  Barry's site also has a nice comparo of cd and hirez resolution differences.   :D
http://www.soundkeeperrecordings.com/format.htm
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: cryoparts on 30 Aug 2009, 09:54 pm
To be clear, the 24/96 disks from Soundkeeper are not in DVD-A format.  They are in standard DVD-V (video) format, with stereo 24/96 PCM audio tracks, which have been part of the DVD-V standard since the beginning.  This means they will play in almost any DVD video player.

Those who want to use an external DAC with the DVD players, should ensure the DVD player's internal menu is set to pass 96k from its SPDIF (digital) output.  Many players default to 48k and will decimate the audio on our DVD-Rs (in more than one sense of the word  ;-}), unless the player's menu setting is changed to 96k.

Best regards,
Barry
www.soundkeeperrecordings.com
www.barrydiamentaudio.com

Hi Barry,

Any plans to offer your recordings via download in 24/96 WAV or AIFF?  I would pony up a buy them that way in a heartbeat.

Peace,

Lee
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: BPT on 30 Aug 2009, 10:12 pm
Barry:
I 2nd Lee's suggestion. Blue Coast is having success with hi-res downloads.
Chris H.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: bdiament on 31 Aug 2009, 01:37 am
Hi Ted,

Thank you for your very kind welcome.

Best regards,
Barry
www.soundkeeperrecordings.com
www.barrydiamentaudio.com



Barry,
Welcome to AC, and welcome to my HiRez Circle.   :thumb:

Folks, Barry is a player!!  He formed Barry Diament Audio 1987 when he left Atlantic Records to become an independent audio engineer.  He'd been a music lover, amateur musician and audio hobbyist since childhood and a professional audio engineer since 1975.  Having cut tracks, recorded overdubs, mixed tracks, edited tracks and mastered for vinyl, in 1983 Barry became one of the first engineers to master for CD.  Aside from his work on location and in the studio, he enjoys writing about audio.  A number of his articles have been published in The Abso!ute Sound and in MIX Magazine.

In addition to the recording, production, mastering and editing work he's done since starting BDA, Barry has worked as a consultant, designing systems and studios for recording, mixing, mastering and playback.  He's also very involved in remote recording and mixing....and is a forum contributor on a number of online forums, especially Steve Hoffman's. 

Barry is also a HiRez DAC enthusiast and is experienced in the Metric Halo DACs as of late (for professional and personal use).

P.S  Barry's site also has a nice comparo of cd and hirez resolution differences.   :D
http://www.soundkeeperrecordings.com/format.htm
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: bdiament on 31 Aug 2009, 01:40 am
Hi Lee and Chris H.,

Hi Barry,

Any plans to offer your recordings via download in 24/96 WAV or AIFF?  I would pony up a buy them that way in a heartbeat.

Peace,

Lee

While there are no plans for downloads at this time, there are plans to add a files-on-disk format with the next release.  I'm doing all my recording at 24/192 now and in addition to the CD pressing, CD-R and 24/96 DVD-R, our next release will also come out as 24/192 files on CD-R, most likely as wav files.

Best regards,
Barry
www.soundkeeperrecordings.com
www.barrydiamentaudio.com
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 13 Sep 2009, 03:01 pm
Some new news:
* Linn Records, one of the pioneers in HiRez downloads, has made their second HiRez track available free for downloading via Soundcloud, this time in either 24/96 or 24/192.  They're both here:
http://soundcloud.com/linnrecords

Behki, a jazz track, wasn't a big fave of mine, but YMMV.  However, the new Beethoven Piano Concerto No 5 track (24/192) is awesome! 

Another "somewhat HiRez" (new genre? :) ) 24 bit recording is also free.  It's a swing Sinatra style recording by Mark Moraghan.  It's free.  It's the title cut, pick Studio Master (FLAC or WMA).
http://www.linnrecords.com/recording-moonlight-s-back-in-style-songs-by-Nicky-Campbell.aspx

Linn produces great stuff, both in HiRez downloadable FLAC and in SACD (physical discs). 
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 19 Sep 2009, 02:19 am
Adding to the King Crimson news:
I wasn't aware that Quad forum member Neil Wilkes (posts on AVS and others too) is involved in these DVD-Audio 5.1 and 2 channel Hirez releases.   :thumb:   His company is doing them, and Neil is overseeing it.  He tells that my fave KC trilogy (Discipline, Beat, Three Of A Perfect pair) are next in line and due early 2010!  Hirez Bill Bruford, Tony Levin, Andrian Belew and Mr Fripp!!  WOW!  :hyper:
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 7 Oct 2009, 02:19 pm
Some more HiRez news:
Todd Garfinkle, the founder and head recording engineer/producer of the wonderfully uncompressed MA Recordings called me yesterday.  I had inquired into some developments at MA, and we had a nice conversation.  [Note:  I had met Todd and his dad at the last two RMAF's (not this years) and have posted here and elsewhere about how incredible their redbook recordings are (world music)].

Well, it seems that Todd and Company have begun to enter the HiRez world too!!   MA Recordings had dabbled in SACD (they have an SACD "sampler" called MAonSA, of some of there highest rez recordings; and have one artist that they feature on SACD) but they are backing off some of that and headed in a new HiRez direction.  Todd just announced that they are releasing, initially, a couple of titles in DVD-R in both 88.2k and 176.4k, titles I already own in redbook (Sera Un Noche).  They are following the model used by Kent Poon, Reference Recordings HRX, and others....i.e  delivery via DVD-R (since 176.k files are rather large for downloading).  Todd informed me today that he's sending a sampler along with my MAonSA order so I can evaluate the new HiRez files.   :thumb:  Nice! 

Stay tuned for my impressions (I'll post on separate thread).  The only downside to all this....the new DVD-R HiRez discs will cost $40, a price mimicked by RR, Chesky and Kent Poon.  It's steep, so I need to make sure the product is worth it. 
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: TomS on 20 Oct 2009, 06:38 pm
I thought I'd create a "breaking news" area where we can post new announcements about the Hirez industry, whether it be new discs, new DACs, new players, etc. 

July 13:
For all us King Crimson fans, it's been known for quite awhile, via Robert fripps blogs, that they've been working on a complete remastering of the catalog.  Well, the first three discs were announced today:
To celebrate 40 years of the Crimson Kings, DGM & Panegyric proudly announce the release of a series of CD/DVD-A editions of the original King Crimson studio albums.

Each CD/DVD-A release features the full original album plus bonus tracks on the CD. Two of the titles ? Lizard & In the Court of the Crimson King feature entirely new 2009 stereo album mixes by Steven Wilson & Robert Fripp.

The DVD-A presents each album fully remixed into stunning 5.1 Surround Sound with Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) in the producer role and King Crimson founder member Robert Fripp as executive producer.

The 5.1 mixes are accessible in full MLP lossless audio on DVD-A players & DTS 5.1 on standard DVD players/DVD Rom drives. Additionally, High Resolution stereo is also accessible on the DVD-A (24/96 DVD-A & 24/48 DVD/DVD Rom).

Selected DVD-A titles in the series will also feature era specific, rarely seen, King Crimson video footage. Each album is presented in a double Digipack, with booklet artwork featuring new sleeve notes by Robert Fripp and King Crimson biographer Sid Smith alongside archive material and photos, enclosed in an outer card slipcase.

The first three titles are set for release this year with further titles to follow throughout 2010:

Red: September 21st 2009
In the Court of the Crimson King: October 12th 2009  (various editions)
Lizard: October 26th 2009


Here's the full press release:
https://www.dgmlive.com/news.htm?entry=2505

Always excited when new HiRez stereo and surround remasters are announced, and even more excited when they are released.   Add in the fact that King Crimson is a perfect choice for surround (and Lord knows their catalog needs some updating) and we're in for treats!!  :thumb:
"Red" arrived from Amazon today and is ripping now.  Thanks for the heads up  :thumb:
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: Russtafarian on 22 Oct 2009, 06:21 am
Listening to Red right now in glorious MLP 5.1. :banana piano:

To quote the liner notes:

"Wilson's (5.1 mixer Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree) approach was to provide a three-dimensional representation of what he heard as a cooking live band." 

Sounds to me like he succeeded.  :thumb:

Russ
Title: Elvis on SACD
Post by: Mott on 4 Nov 2009, 04:03 am
Elvis in SACD:

Analogue Productions is issuing both Elvis is Back and 24 Karat Hits on stereo SACD, mastered straight from the masters ... Not sure about the release dates, but soon ....
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: htradtk on 5 Dec 2009, 08:29 pm
Greetings,

This is my first post on this forum and I love the SACD format. My question is, over on Amazon, they have a 12 SACD box set of Elton John SACD's. Strange thing is, can't find this anywhere else, I even looked on SA-CD.NET and there's nothing about this set. Can someone out there verify that there is such a set? Thanks in advance!

Henry
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 5 Dec 2009, 08:36 pm
Never heard of it.  Can you post a link (while in "post reply" see button with blue globe on it)?  Is it the used one for $150?  There is no authorized EJ SACD box set I'm aware of.  Dylan yes, EJ no.  He's had some EU box sets like "The Classic Years" but those aren't SACD.  But I've been wrong before... :)
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: htradtk on 6 Dec 2009, 12:41 am
The Classic Years (12 SACD box) by Elton John (Audio CD)
1 used from $150.00

Music: See all 19 items

Here's a copy of the Elton John SACD box set offered from Amazon.com

Product Description
Rocket 1223 12 SACD's housed in a red velour box Empty Sky Elton John Tumbleweed Connection 11-17-10 Madman Across The Water Honky Chateau Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Caribou Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt.. Rock Of The Westies Here And There
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 6 Dec 2009, 01:06 am
That's a redbook collection, not SACD.  EJ only has 6 SACD's from the early days, plus the much later Peachtree Road.
Madman
S/T
Honky
Tumbleweed
GBYBR
Capt Fantastic
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 2 Apr 2010, 01:08 pm
New HiRez news:
David and Norm Chesky's nice hirez online downlaod site called HDTracks has picked up a slew of new labels from their deal with Concord Music.  These include Prestige (Coltrane, Rollins, etc), Stax, Fantasy, Concord, HeadsUp and Hear Music.  A chance to download 24/96 versions of Lush Life and Tenor Madness (likely Bruce Brown-based rips from the DSD files used for SACD maybe?).

www.hdtracks.com
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 16 Apr 2010, 01:24 am
As many of you have already found out via the HDTracks newsletter, they did it again today with the release of several 24/96 titles on the classic Verve jazz label.  That means things like Coltrane's quintessential A Love Supreme, and Billy Holiday's Lady Sings The Blues....to name just two.  :)

From the newsletter:
The Verve Music Group includes the premier jazz label, Verve Records.  The group’s unparalleled roster of current and catalog artists includes Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, Jamie Cullum, Ella Fitzgerald, Herbie Hancock, Billie Holiday, Diana Krall, Susan Tedeschi and more.
HDtracks would like to thank the Verve Music Group for their relentless efforts in making sure these transfers were done with the utmost care to preserve the pristine sound quality of these amazing recordings.
How these amazing Verve transfers were done:
These Verve 96K masters were transferred using a combination of the best new and vintage equipment available.  The carefully chosen original analog masters were played back on vintage Studer 820 tape machines.  These machines provide the most stable transport for handling these priceless analog tapes.  The analog masters were converted to the digital domain using classic DCS 972 and Lavry analog to digital converters and recorded directly onto a SoundBlade Workstation with minimal processing in order to allow the music to be formatted for digital distribution.  The shortest signal path and highest quality cabling were used to prevent any signal loss and additional noise from being introduced into the transfer.  The entire digital process was driven with the Antelope Audio Atomic Clock, the industry leader in digital clocking technology.  It enables the entire digital process to reference the same highly regulated clock master, preventing any loss in the digital signal due to jitter and clock degradation.


A few have already reported back to me that the 24/96 files sound sublime; way better than their redbook versions they owned and loved for years.  Dunno if they approach vinyl in sheer musicality :), but it's a great addition to our expanding hirez world.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 16 Apr 2010, 02:33 pm
More news:
I just joined a cool surround-only Google group that seems to have some pretty good experiences and pretty good information. 
http://groups.google.com/group/surroundsound

One of the nice finds over there is an html version of the user manual for the wonderful DVDAExplorer DVD-Audio MLP ripper.
http://surroundsound.googlegroups.com/web/DVD-Audio+Explorer+User+Manual+17.06.08.html?gda=9sZjQV4AAABa5S46sSFQ5Ob3Yk8k2KcJLcIjoVZBpdigalDkYQCpYuhHv0MIOm7dxAxU9EAsuTADy8hj1ywpiFjEbwT_n7uViBO0zAWl_EYva0eDLdmNIeOwpdWz5ftt1dlzlu5J-bE&gsc=8-cpvy4AAACyjkZzBh5tFgdIyRWUtawU6UqfibKP_G_W2zhvpj7JySED57ZgFQAGV9SQARzJfks

Another is a nicer more detailed guide (than mine) as to how to use it.
http://groups.google.com/group/surroundsound/web/guide-for-ripping-dvd-a-to-flac
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 19 May 2010, 01:15 am
Thanks to a user over on CA, I found this wonderfully written primer on digital audio.  It's on the B&W Society of Sound site (subscription-based hirez downloads by Peter Gabriel, etc).  the writer's analogies are easy to follow, and he refers to a lot of what we talk about daily (DVD-A, hirez vs redbook, FLAC, EAC, etc).  Recommended reading for those starting out...

http://blog.bowers-wilkins.com/lab/sound-quality-lab/the-definitive-guide-to-24-bit-flac/
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 15 Jul 2010, 04:46 pm
Gang,
As you know our HiRez Circle has attracted some of the best industry veterans who are interested in all things HiRez.  Bruce Brown, Pugent Sound, is an SACD/DSD guru and responsible for all the great SACD to PCM transfers at HDtracks, for example.  I met Bruce at CES and have kept in touch ever since.

Barry Diament, renowned producer/engineer is also a frequent contributor and, on a personal note, one of the main influencers in my discovering the great Metric Halo digital gear (LIO-8 multichannel DAC, for example).  Barry has just announced a new recording for his Soundkeeper label, a recording in 24/192 AIFF and WAV.  It sounds like a great project!  Read about it here.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=83565.0
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: DSD_Mastering on 16 Jul 2010, 11:51 pm
Gang,
As you know our HiRez Circle has attracted some of the best industry veterans who are interested in all things HiRez.  Bruce Brown, Pugent Sound, is an SACD/DSD guru and responsible for all the great SACD to PCM transfers at HDtracks, for example.  I met Bruce at CES and have kept in touch ever since.


You're too kind Ted.
We try to bring the best music to download available but lately it's been getting pretty tough. I've just checked over 100 SACD's today and half were just upsampled.
Now we have to go back to the label and get the original tape (if available) and make a transfer worthy of hi-rez digital download.

Regards,
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 17 Jul 2010, 01:36 am
WOW, 50% of the SACD's were not original HiREz??  WOW!   I guess we need to keep a database of them somewhere...cuz many cost $30+ and are a pain to find.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 17 Sep 2010, 05:31 pm
A new audio-only hirez BluRay surround and 2 channel disc is coming October 18th!!

And it's Trent Reznor!! 

Trent and Atticus Ross are releasing several versions of their electro-organic instrumental soundtrack to David Fincher's The Social Network.  :)  They've released a 5 song EP that is free (320k MP3) and if the sonics here are any indication get your BluRay surround system ready!!

Download EP here:   http://www.nullco.com/TSN/
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 19 Oct 2010, 06:22 pm
Well  folks....many of us have dreamed of Beatles material in hirez!  We thought the remastered catalog might be available that way (some would say the USB Apple 24/44.1k flac set is hirez but it is debatable), and some believe the 24/192 masters might someday see the light of day.  Well......

Paul's seminal "solo" Wings album, Band On The Run, is being remastered and being readied for early November release.  Almost lost among the plethora of editions (vinyl, special, double special, standard, digital, etc) is this little $19.99 ditty!!!!  A full 24/96 HiRez version.  :thumb:

From Macca's website:
 "The audio industry has seen many technical innovations since Band on the Run  was first released on vinyl in 1973, the most notable being digital recording. However, with the introduction of CD came two advances, “de-noising” and “peak limiting” which have become increasingly unpopular within certain areas of the music industry and amongst audiophiles.

De-noising was introduced to remove the inherent sound, or hiss, associated with analogue tape. The amount of processing used to remove tape noise can be varied, but when used excessively, many believe that it also has a detrimental effect on elements of the musical sound.

Peak limiting is a process that increases the loudness of music. It is achieved by holding the loudest peaks down and raising the overall level of the music. Much depends on the amount of limiting applied, but at its most extreme the result can be a serious reduction in the dynamic range and often audible distortion.

The release of The Beatles’ remasters in 2009 saw a marked change in attitudes towards these issues, where both noise reduction and limiting were used sparingly with the aim of representing the master tapes more accurately. Such is the case with the newly remastered CD of Band on the Run: tape noise reduction has scarcely been used and the degree of limiting is subtle. In addition digital technology has advanced with the ability now to offer recordings in 24 bit/96kHz. The high resolution version is being made available via download and is being offered in two formats: limited, which is comparable in volume to the remastered CD, and un-limited, which in comparison with the limited version will sound quieter, but retain the dynamic range of the original master recording.

Allan Rouse Abbey Road Studios"


http://www.paulmccartney.com/bandontherun/

Here' hoping it's real and not upsampled (which is becoming more and more prevalent).  Here's hoping it's not de-noised to death (aka Beatles One).  And here's hoping it is as dynamic as they say.   :beer:
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 2 Nov 2010, 01:48 pm
Since there was such interest and dialog about Paul's 24/96 release I took all the subsequent posts of this thread (regarding the release) and moved it to a new dedicated Band On The Run thread
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=87562.0

This thread remains for general HiRez news of the day.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 29 Nov 2010, 08:00 pm
Found this very nice and comprehensive white paper on understanding DVD_Audio.  it explains in fairly layman terms, and differentiates DVD-Audio with DVD-Video.  It talks about universal players, SMART coding, bitrates, etc. 
http://sacdlab.cn/Demo/Sonic_Understanding_dvd-audio_format.pdf
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: TheChairGuy on 29 Nov 2010, 10:53 pm
Found this very nice and comprehensive white paper on understanding DVD_Audio.  it explains in fairly layman terms, and differentiates DVD-Audio with DVD-Video.  It talks about universal players, SMART coding, bitrates, etc. 
http://sacdlab.cn/Demo/Sonic_Understanding_dvd-audio_format.pdf

24/192 with MLP (Meridian Lossless Packing) is the best digital format I've heard...that's DVD-Audio.

Not that creepy sounding (lacking reality) SACD stuff - it sounds plain weird and I've read/heard it a phasing issue endemic to the breed. 

Note that Blu-ray is based on DVD-A, not Sony's SACD technology...so Sony must know something generally not known in the audiophool world.

It's such a shame it's all but dead now as it held significant promise to advance both the recording and playback side of the sonic ledger  :thumb:

Still, thousands of titles out there in circulation and several hardware makers still support the format in universal players.

Thx Ted on the primer  :)

John
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: Atlplasma on 7 Jan 2011, 02:25 pm
HD Tracks has an announcement out promoting 192 khz/24bit downloads.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 7 Feb 2011, 03:46 am
New e-tailer called www.highresaudio.com just opened.  It's a German site that has lots of hires (2L, etc) downloads and can sort on 24/96, 24/192, etc (even multichannel).  Oh, and once you regsitrr they have up to 24/192 free downloads.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: jamesg11 on 8 Feb 2011, 12:13 am
Thanks Ted et al.  Now getting together a few 24/192s to add to the 24/96s; at this stage, burning to dvd-a & spdif to dac. Nice+.

SACD - "weird"/"creepy" - I've read this before.  I've not got a sacd to my name, so I need to listen to something there.  Recommendations, for a quality first up listen?  Jazz/blues/roots is my preference in this world ... 
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 22 Feb 2011, 02:39 pm
Itunes to do 24 bit uncompressed HiRez????

If this rumor is true, then HiRez could get a huge marketing boost...it's this type of commitment that is needed for some labels to justify doing anything with their analog or digital vaults.
http://www.macrumors.com/2011/02/22/apple-reportedly-looking-to-offer-24-bit-music-files-in-itunes-store/
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: Russtafarian on 23 Feb 2011, 07:42 pm
This could be fun.  Rush - Moving Pictures in 5.1.  Amazon has both CD/DVD and CD/BR listed for pre-release.  I'm hoping at least one of these sets will have 24bit hi-rez files.

http://ww2.richardchycki.com/archives/167 (http://ww2.richardchycki.com/archives/167)
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 23 Feb 2011, 08:23 pm
I would hope!  been reading about this on my surround forums for a bit.  They released Snakes and Arrows on DVD in a good 24/96 PCM stereo mix but the 5.1 mix was classic lossy Dolby.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 1 Mar 2011, 11:29 pm
HDTRACKS MAKES HISTORY?

That was there email they sent out last week.  I joked on Computer Audiophile that I hoped it wasn't going to be Michael Jackson's History in 24/192.  :)

Well...it isn't.  It's instead a Bob Ludwig converted set of DSD files from the vault of......THE ROLLING STONES

Looks like tomorrow, March 2nd, HDTracks will have 24/88.2 ($19.98) and 24/176.4 ($29.98) versions of the first several Rolling Stones Albums, both UK and US versions...up to and including High Tide And Green Grass (Big Hits) and Through The Past Darkly (Big Hits Vol 2).  The later albums will be available in the summertime.

https://www.hdtracks.com/index.php?file=stones

If you use the discount code Stones10 you get 10% off the above prices.

As owner of many of these ABKO releases on SACD (original DSD) they are great!!...but my faves (Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed) don;t show up until later.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS announce Rolling Stones in 24/176)
Post by: ted_b on 2 Mar 2011, 11:17 am
HDTracks Stones stuff is back up and ready for purchase.  These, of course, are not new masters or anything...they are the 2005 SACD's taken and ripped/converted DSD-to-PCM via Weiss Saracon software.  Nice, but not exactly a huge commitment to more hirez by the industry.  Those of you who don;t own these SACD's, go for it.  Those of us who do, we may buy a few so as to get them at 24/176 instead of the current HDMI de-embedder solution of 24/88 spinning disc.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: ted_b on 11 Mar 2011, 01:00 am
Fresh off the Rolling Stones first batch, HDtracks has today announced the availability of another mega-group, The Who!

Tommy is now available in 24/96, and HDTracks is selling certain cuts for $2.99 (unlike the Stones catalog), so you can get taste of whether the new version is worth it for you. 


(https://s3.amazonaws.com/hdtrack_img/HD00008811141721_185.jpg)


https://www.hdtracks.com/index.php?file=catalogdetail&valbum_code=HD00008811141721
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: jtwrace on 11 Mar 2011, 01:08 am
I look forward to feedback on this as I"m really interested in that and this https://www.hdtracks.com/index.php?file=catalogdetail&valbum_code=HD00028944740028
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: eclein on 11 Mar 2011, 01:12 am
I got the email from HD tracks also and saw underneath a Jan Garbarek concert-Dresden with some awesome musicians--downloading it now, I think Tommy may be next....
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: cryoparts on 11 Mar 2011, 02:09 am
Downloading Tommy now!  Yes!  I am crossing my fingers for some Floyd in days to come. 

Peace,

Lee
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: Russtafarian on 11 Mar 2011, 07:54 pm
Can we anticipate more HDTRACKS PCM files sourced from past and present SACDs?  Could Aja, Who's Next, Dire Straits, the DCD catalog and other titles from recent Japanese SACDs be on the horizon?
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: ted_b on 11 Mar 2011, 08:07 pm
I little birdy told me to keep on the lookout for more classic rock, yes..like the Doors, Neil Young, etc (of course those examples are mostly available via DVD-Audio so rippable already, frankly)
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: jtwrace on 11 Mar 2011, 08:10 pm
any feedback on the who yet?
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: cryoparts on 11 Mar 2011, 08:11 pm
Can we anticipate more HDTRACKS PCM files sourced from past and present SACDs?  Could Aja, Who's Next, Dire Straits, the DCD catalog and other titles from recent Japanese SACDs be on the horizon?

Oh man, I hope so!
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: cryoparts on 11 Mar 2011, 08:11 pm
any feedback on the who yet?

Very good, indeed.  A win.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: jtwrace on 11 Mar 2011, 08:14 pm
Very good, indeed.  A win.

Sweet!  I guess I'll buy it this weekend and convert to AIFF using MAX.   :thumb:
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: ted_b on 11 Mar 2011, 08:24 pm
Another update.  New SHM-SACD's announced.

Hajime Sato, VP of Concert Fidelity, is also the head of the online Eastwind Import (US SHM-SACD distributor) will have The Who's Singles Collection, as well as Steely Dan's Royal Scam and the Stones Sticky Fingers in May!!   :thumb:
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: Mike Nomad on 11 Mar 2011, 10:23 pm
Can we anticipate more HDTRACKS PCM files sourced from past and present SACDs?  Could Aja, Who's Next, Dire Straits, the DCD catalog and other titles from recent Japanese SACDs be on the horizon?

The mix on that Japanese SHM-SACD of Aja is horrible. I'd be interested to hear what HDtracks would do with it. The Tommy DVD-A is one of the few worth getting for the bonus material: The ~20 min. of video where Pete talks about the multitrack masters and what they had to do to them is great.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: firedog on 13 Mar 2011, 10:46 am
Can we anticipate more HDTRACKS PCM files sourced from past and present SACDs?  Could Aja, Who's Next, Dire Straits, the DCD catalog and other titles from recent Japanese SACDs be on the horizon?

The Tommy isn't sourced from SACD, but from a 2 channel mix. HDTRACKS converts SACD to 88.2, not 96.

BTW, I emailed Michael Fremer,who's quoted as endorsing the files on the HDTracks website, and he confirmed that he very much likes the tracks. Says they are the best version he's heard other than his original Track Records LP. If you're in the US you probably don't have that version but a crummy sounding Decca America or MCA version
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: ted_b on 13 Mar 2011, 12:59 pm
Note:  Tommy 24/96 has had an issue.  As of a few days ago the HDTracks download cuts off the last song by more than 3 minutes (We're Not Gonna Take It 3:28 vs 6:45).  HDTracks has been made aware, and maybe it is fixed by now, but the website track list still shows the cut off.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: dminches on 13 Mar 2011, 02:05 pm
Looks like someone's QC process needs a revision.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: dminches on 13 Mar 2011, 03:34 pm

If you use the discount code Stones10 you get 10% off the above prices.

As owner of many of these ABKO releases on SACD (original DSD) they are great!!...but my faves (Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed) don;t show up until later.

I think stonesheadfi2011 gets you 15% off!
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: Mike Nomad on 13 Mar 2011, 10:00 pm
The Tommy isn't sourced from SACD, but from a 2 channel mix. HDTRACKS converts SACD to 88.2, not 96.

BTW, I emailed Michael Fremer,who's quoted as endorsing the files on the HDTracks website, and he confirmed that he very much likes the tracks. Says they are the best version he's heard other than his original Track Records LP. If you're in the US you probably don't have that version but a crummy sounding Decca America or MCA version

Which 2 channel mix? Is HDtrack going to use mixes with the original, sweetened, drum tracks, or the clean ones from the DVD-A & SACD releases? I'll take the mixes with the clean drum tracks over any version released previous.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: Atlplasma on 13 Mar 2011, 11:38 pm
Maybe someone who has downloaded the album can comment on the drum track. I am curios about the sound quality.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: Nels Ferre on 14 Mar 2011, 01:51 am
The drums sound much cleaner than the MFSL version I also own. Happy as a clam here once I get a full length final track.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: firedog on 14 Mar 2011, 08:50 am
Which 2 channel mix? Is HDtrack going to use mixes with the original, sweetened, drum tracks, or the clean ones from the DVD-A & SACD releases? I'll take the mixes with the clean drum tracks over any version released previous.

I don't remember where I read it, but apparently it is a mix based on the work done at the same time as the SACD and DVD-A.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: Mike Nomad on 14 Mar 2011, 03:25 pm
I don't remember where I read it, but apparently it is a mix based on the work done at the same time as the SACD and DVD-A.

Those are the original drum tracks, before Chris Stamp messed with them for the original release.

The MFSL release Nels mentioned uses the same mix everyone else does, prior to the DVD-A & SACD.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: werd on 15 Mar 2011, 03:56 pm
Was there a promo code off HD tracks for "Tommy" ?
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: ted_b on 15 Mar 2011, 04:01 pm
Was there a promo code off HD tracks for "Tommy" ?

yes "save4minutesattheend" gets you a.........just kidding.   :)

Seems HDTracks doesn't quite get it yet.  They are sending out response letters that state the extra songs on Tommy were a special pressing, not available on HDtracks, and that most sites only sell the 24 song album!!  The requesters, however, don't give a crap....they sent these letters to tell HDTracks NOT about an extra song, but about the 24th song being cut off by 4 minutes!!!  Yikes.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: werd on 15 Mar 2011, 04:29 pm
yes "save4minutesattheend" gets you a.........just kidding.   :)

Seems HDTracks doesn't quite get it yet.  They are sending out response letters that state the extra songs on Tommy were a special pressing, not available on HDtracks, and that most sites only sell the 24 song album!!  The requesters, however, don't give a crap....they sent these letters to tell HDTracks NOT about an extra song, but about the 24th song being cut off by 4 minutes!!!  Yikes.

Well i am trying dl it right now and its not available. The error keeps refering to my internet connection but they do not have the capacity to host files imo. I got pretty quick dl from them yesterday but anything popular- forget it.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: werd on 15 Mar 2011, 08:37 pm
I guess servers are down right now at HD. I guess i will have to wait it out.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: Atlplasma on 18 Mar 2011, 01:58 am
I downloaded the album this afternoon, but the last track is still the short version.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: ted_b on 18 Mar 2011, 02:00 am
Yeah, and a "short version" is one thing...this is a song that is clearly cu.......      :wink:
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: werd on 26 Mar 2011, 01:50 am
I guess they fixed this, they sent me an email asking me to re-dll the last song.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: ted_b on 26 Mar 2011, 02:11 am
Nice.  I read that they did, and saw the listing on the site now shows the correct 7 plus minutes.  Great that they're making you whole.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: Nels Ferre on 26 Mar 2011, 02:36 am
I haven't received an email yet. I sent them a notification, so I would expect one.

How does one dl just the final track? I checked my account and just see a list of what I bought there (but no links to re dl anything.)

I guess I'll just head back to my blues fest (Johnny Winter right now.)

Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: firedog on 26 Mar 2011, 10:55 am
You should get a download link for the track in an email
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: djmckaytx on 27 Mar 2011, 11:15 am
I got my "replacement code" and re-ordering procedure.  It worked out just fine.

Since I spent a good amount of time and energy beating the crap out of HDTracks customer service over this matter, I thought it would be good form to write them and thank them for finally solving the issue.  While the effect on their long term customer base would certainly have been undesirable, they could have just taken the money and stuck with their original line of "hey, it's not OUR fault."

I will say in response to those who may now be considering purchasing this that I think this is the best sounding version I own.  I have UK Tracks vinyl, Redbook (very old), MCA Gold, Japanese Mini LP, MoFi, and SACD.  Certainly the most natural sounding to me.  YMMV, of course.   :)

P. S. I also noticed on the re-download that the DL speed was greatly improved...either they had no server traffic at that moment (unlikely since it was the middle of the day in the US), or they've upgraded something.  Much better transfer speed.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: golfugh on 28 Apr 2011, 09:03 pm
New HDTracks Stone's releases, plus Beck-Sea Change out today
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: spartan2 on 3 May 2011, 12:46 pm
Hi,
New to the forum. I have bought the 24/96 tommy, but was frustrated with the quality.
JM
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: Phil A on 11 May 2011, 02:11 am
Pink Floyd coming - http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pink-floyd-redefine-their-emi-legacy-121558323.html
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: HDTRACKS has The Who's Tommy in 24/96)
Post by: ted_b on 11 May 2011, 02:17 am
This has even more details:
http://www.brain-damage.co.uk/latest/get-immersed-in-pink-floyds-back-catalogue-with-outtakes-rarities-and.html

The DSOTM and WYWH 5.1 surround presentations will be available both as DTS DVD versions (448 and 640 kbps) and 24/96 BluRay versions. And for each album, two surround mixes will be available: for DSOTM, the Guthrie 5.1 (previously heard on SACD) and original Alan Parsons quad mix (on bootleg DVD-Audio)...for WYWH the original quad version (floating around, very good) and a brand new Guthrie 5.1!!
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: Pink Floyd catalog DVD/Blu-Ray extravaganza announced)
Post by: Russtafarian on 11 May 2011, 05:40 pm
And...

Quote
WISH YOU WERE HERE - SACD
For those who have been, for a few years now, eagerly awaiting the SACD of Wish You Were Here, we have the excellent news for you that it is indeed on its way! The 5.1 SACD will be released by Acoustic Sounds, with the mix done by James Guthrie, and produced by Gus Skinas at the Super Audio Center. We will hopefully have the release date along with ordering information for you shortly.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: ted_b on 18 May 2011, 04:08 pm
As promised when Band On The Run was released for 24/96 HiRez, the Paul McCartney Archive Collection has just announced Paul's eponymous first solo album, McCartney, as well as his later McCartney II for remastering and hirez release.  McCartney, released 1970, will have to go a long way to better the amazing job Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray did on the DCC Gold version, but hey.....what the heck!!  :)

http://www.paulmccartney.com/mccartney/usd.php

As was with BOTR, the offerings are many, and included vinyl, additional songs, MP3's, etc.  And once again, hirez 24/96 can be downloaded in limited" and "unlimited" versions......we found with BOTR that those versions' sonic differences were subtle, mostly noticeable was the average spl output.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: firedog on 19 May 2011, 05:22 am
I have the DCC version of McCartney I, and would definitely wait before buying the hi-res. If one of you gets the hi-res and has the DCC version, let us know how they compare.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: ted_b on 19 May 2011, 01:38 pm
I have the DCC version of McCartney I, and would definitely wait before buying the hi-res. If one of you gets the hi-res and has the DCC version, let us know how they compare.

As I stated above, I do and I will.  :)
Title: Layla in hi-res at HD Tracks
Post by: firedog on 10 Jun 2011, 04:10 am
Boy I'm really interested in this, but I have 4 versions of this and I don't really like any of them. The MFSL version is best, but none of them are done right in my opinion - maybe the original recording just isn't very good.

This is the 40th anniversary edition. Sure would like someone else to let me know how it sounds before I spend money on it.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: ted_b on 13 Jun 2011, 12:10 am
My McCartney (first album) hirez download showed up tonight (unlimited 24/96 wav files and mp's)!   :thumb:   it's about a 2 GB zip file.  I've had less than 10 minutes to check it out but the cymbals and high freq info on Maybe I'm Amazed has me....well, somewhat amazed.  it's very nice so far.  :)   However, the wav file names and song numbers are completely messed up...fired up song 4, Every Night...and That Would be Something started playing!!  Topspin is not my favorite download site by a long stretch, and now I need to figure out what else might be wrong before i send them a list of to-do's.  Damn

Please report back on what you folks get.....

Edit:  Mp3's are messed too, and frankly have no real ID3 tags.  Songs 2 and 4 are switched, as are 6 and 7...and 8 switched with 9.  HOW TOUGH IS THIS, PEOPLE????  Jeez!!   

Edit:  And when I tried to convert to FLAC (to also install my own tags before converting back to wav) songs 2 and 4 have chunk errors!  I have an email into Topspin.  Wow.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: ted_b on 14 Jun 2011, 01:21 am
Topspin responded to my request.  For the short answer...please don't invest in topsin, they are morons!!!!!!   :duh: :scratch: :duh: :scratch:

* First off, my request was that the wav and mp3 files for McCartney (self titled solo first album) were corrupted, poorly and inaccurately tagged, and overall a mess.  Please send fixed download.\

*  Their answer?  "Sorry that the download was so huge"  (??)  here are the individual download links for each song.  (!!!!!)  And they send me forty download links, including for McCartney II which I didn't even purchase.  Oh, and these download links are also corrupted (That Would Be Something is now 53 seconds long; Every Night is slightly over a minute long!!!) and have NO track numbers.  MP3's (like I care) are non-existent.

They solved a non-problem (huge downloads.....not), failed to realize the files are corrupted and wrongly tagged, and then send me an album I didn't even pay for (which is also corrupted).   WOW!!!!!!
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: Phil A on 14 Jun 2011, 01:55 am
Ted - looked at the website quickly - does the hi-rez version for $29.99 include discs with hi-rez audio.  Not clear from the descriptuon
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: firedog on 15 Jun 2011, 11:44 am
McCartney is now at HDTracks and at CA Forum reports are the downloads are fine.

Separate page for each "limited" and "unlimited" version.

$19.98 each

Sorry, I tried to include the links, but the forum software isn't letting me post them
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: Phil A on 15 Jun 2011, 12:21 pm
https://www.hdtracks.com/index.php?file=catalogdetail&valbum_code=HD00888072328105

https://www.hdtracks.com/index.php?file=catalogdetail&valbum_code=HD00888072325685





Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: ted_b on 15 Jun 2011, 01:42 pm
Yes, HDtracks seem to have tags, too (the adavantge of dl'ing in FLAC).

Topspin sent out their third update, this time a set of 8 or so dl links, each containing a few songs.  They sent unlimited and limited, and the songs seem tobe uncorrupted and have track numbers.  They are 24/96 wav.   What a process. 

I'm not sure I like them any better than DCC Gold Hoffman/Gray.  I'll report back.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: vhiner on 18 Jun 2011, 03:42 am
I have been listening to the HDtracks uncompressed and unlimited download on my Perfect Wave transport and DAC and like what I hear. However, I'd love to know how they compare to the legendary DCC. So please post your review, Ted! :eyebrows:
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: firedog on 18 Jun 2011, 06:39 am
I just listened to the DCC version of McCartney I again, and it is spectacular (especially the bass sound).

Unless Ted reports back that the hi-res is noticeably better, I think I may skip it.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: firedog on 24 Jun 2011, 05:16 am
Allman Bros "Live at Fillmore East" out - 24/96 at HDTracks. They are continuing weekly releases of jazz and rock classics in hi-res. That is truly great and something we've been waiting for over the past few years. One poster on CA downloaded the Fillmore East and said he's very happy with the quality. Good sign. However, this is what I wrote to HDT after receiving their blurb announcing the new releases:

This is what I wrote to HDTracks:

Glad you are putting out more hi-res classic rock and jazz. But a complaint/suggestion: why not put the "provenance" of each release on its page?
We all know that some "hi-rez" releases don't sound much improved or even sound worse that existing material. Some are even not from the original master.

Several of your recent hi-res rock releases have been problematic and have needed "correction" by you.

Example: the new  Allman Brothers "Live at Fillmore East": no mention on the page what the source of the hi-res master is, or who made it.

I've stopped buying your hi-res on "spec". Now I wait till someone in the online community confirms for me that the release is a "good one" before I'll order.

I think you'll find that among your most interested and knowledgeable customers this will become common, unless you find some way to assure us that hi-res releases are truly high quality upon release.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: Marius on 1 Sep 2011, 08:31 am
Hi,

Exactly what's keeping me from buying from HDtracks up to now. Did you receive an answer yet?

Greetings,
Marius

This is what I wrote to HDTracks:

Glad you are putting out more hi-res classic rock and jazz. But a complaint/suggestion: why not put the "provenance" of each release on its page?
We all know that some "hi-rez" releases don't sound much improved or even sound worse that existing material. Some are even not from the original master.

Several of your recent hi-res rock releases have been problematic and have needed "correction" by you.

Example: the new  Allman Brothers "Live at Fillmore East": no mention on the page what the source of the hi-res master is, or who made it.

I've stopped buying your hi-res on "spec". Now I wait till someone in the online community confirms for me that the release is a "good one" before I'll order.

I think you'll find that among your most interested and knowledgeable customers this will become common, unless you find some way to assure us that hi-res releases are truly high quality upon release.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: firedog on 1 Sep 2011, 11:22 am
No, they never responded to that email. Their customer service is odd. I've made some specific complaints after which they've answered me immediately and even offered me discount codes, etc to "make it up" to me.

At other times, like this one, they don't reply at all.

I just bought another album from them (Diana Krall- "The Girl in the Other Room") after it got very positive evaluations at  the computeraudiophile forum. And it is a spectacular sounding download - well worth the money.

But as I said, I'm now only buying albums that someone else has downloaded and vetted. That's a real shame: for me, as I may miss out on something I'd enjoy, and for HDT, as they are losing lots of business from people like us who should be their core audience.

I can't figure out why they don't get this. Maybe they are making lots of money anyway and don't care? But I'm sure they'd make much more if the knowledgeable public had confidence in their catalogue. Just sounds like they aren't very good businessmen.
Title: Re: HiRez News (update: McCartney and McCartney II announced for hirez!!)
Post by: Marius on 1 Sep 2011, 11:46 am
`yep, agree with you.

Still, I'm not totally convinced of the legitimateness of this all, let alone the claims of native hi-resolution master tapes. No way to check, and reading the many posts on different forums, including this and yours, makes my doubt get bigger.

Until proven otherwise, I think for now it's saver to focus on downloading native modern digital hires recordings, ripp cd's to wav/flac/aiff to 44/16 and dvd's to 24/48 and simply enjoy...

Marius

 
No, they never responded to that email. Their customer service is odd. I've made some specific complaints after which they've answered me immediately and even offered me discount codes, etc to "make it up" to me.

At other times, like this one, they don't reply at all.

I just bought another album from them (Diana Krall- "The Girl in the Other Room") after it got very positive evaluations at  the computeraudiophile forum. And it is a spectacular sounding download - well worth the money.

But as I said, I'm now only buying albums that someone else has downloaded and vetted. That's a real shame: for me, as I may miss out on something I'd enjoy, and for HDT, as they are losing lots of business from people like us who should be their core audience.

I can't figure out why they don't get this. Maybe they are making lots of money anyway and don't care? But I'm sure they'd make much more if the knowledgeable public had confidence in their catalogue. Just sounds like they aren't very good businessmen.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 16 Mar 2012, 03:19 pm
As many of you know I have become very involved with the DSD format in general (I now own 2 DSD-capable DACs, with reviews to follow...the $1600Mytek Stereo192DSD DAC and the much pricier Meitner MA-1) and the SACD ripping capability in particular. Well, as I have been gaining experience in all things DSD, including ripping my own 400 SACD library, I have come across quite a few SACD's that are nothing more than PCM conversions (albeit maybe the only source of hirez we have, but nothing close to native PCM or native DSD recordings).  Of the 7000+ SACD's out here, only 2300+ are native DSD, and another 500+ are analog-to-DSD mastered (meaning as close to master as possible, no PCM..like Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray's APjazz reissues of great jazz labels like Blue Note, Verve, Prestige, etc).  The rest are PCM-based.  Which leads to the question:  why can't we hear these in PCM, then, and not have to deal with the DSD conversion (especially for those of you who have PCM-only DACs and then have to do the unthinkable...PCM-DSD-PCM)?

There is a very well-reviewed classical music label called BIS.  They got into a little firestorm of controversy on a few forums a few years ago when it was found out that their SACD's were mostly recorded at 24/44.1k (they have 9 pure DSD SACD's all before 2005), with now several recorded at 24/88 or 24/96.   Well, I won't drag you through BIS's reasoning (most of which is budget-motivated) but suffice it to say that regardless of reasoning, they won several awards despite this seemingly tough PCM-to-DSD transfer.  But boy, wouldn't it be great to hear the actual 24/44 masters!   Well...now you can!  And they are cheap!!

BIS's Robert von Bahr has started a download service called eclassical.com where BIS and several small boutique labels have their offerings.  The largest label on this site (searchable by label, genre, composer, etc) is BIS.  And Robert has made available his 24 bit masters, in FLAC, for download!!  Better than the SACD, frankly (although stereo-only currently) all other things being equal.  And whats more, you can buy these by the glass (i.e per track) and the pricing is based on length of tracks.  A 40 minute performance is half the cost of an 80 minute performance, and a movement within may be only $1.00 (great for eval/demo/sampling).  Great for those classical albums where the reviews state that Sibelius No. 5 was amazing, but Sibelius No. 2 was not worth it...fine... buy Sibelius 5 for like $7.52!!  And of course all tracks are listenable online.  You can hear the full tracks, although they pause every 30 seconds for some reason (BIS's own site has non-stop samples).

An example below:

http://www.eclassical.com/conductors/vanska-osmo/sibelius-symphonies-nos-2-5.html
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: talk2me on 22 Apr 2012, 08:53 am
Anothed failed musician jumps to greener pastures. Just kidding people. I love Barry's passion for music recording. I don't agree with some of his views, but mad respect.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 22 Apr 2012, 11:11 am
Anothed failed musician jumps to greener pastures. Just kidding people. I love Barry's passion for music recording. I don't agree with some of his views, but mad respect.

??  What does this post refer to? 
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: BPT on 22 Apr 2012, 03:01 pm
Just checked out eClassical and bought 24bit Stravinsky. Downloaded files and dbPoweramp says their 16 bit. Sent them an email.
Chris H.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 22 Apr 2012, 03:08 pm
Thanks Chris.  Let us know what the outcome is, and whether Robert gets involved personally.  You aren't the first I've heard that happen to, but I've also heard they respond well.  We'll see I guess.
Title: Re: HiRez News(Antelope Audio to Unveil Rubicon)
Post by: OzarkTom on 24 Apr 2012, 12:13 pm
Antelope Audio to Unveil Rubicon – World’s First Atomic AD/DA Preamp. To be shown at the audio show in Munich Germany next month.


http://www.antelopeaudio.com/blog/antelope-audio-to-unveil-rubicon-worlds-first-atomic-adda-preamp/#more-782

(http://www.antelopeaudio.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/AA_Rubicon_Image_front-right_300dpi_400x206px.jpg)


Santa Monica, CA, April 19, 2012 – Antelope Audio will introduce Rubicon, a groundbreaking 384 kHz digital audio preamplifier which integrates the world renowned 10M Rubidium atomic clock. Rubicon caters for the ever-increasing interest in high resolution audio, addressing the specific needs of high end consumer electronics enthusiasts for accurate audio representation and detailed soundstage of both analog and digital recordings. The new device will be presented to the public during the Munich High End Show, May 3rd – 6th.
 
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: ted_b on 24 Apr 2012, 01:14 pm
Kevin Gray and the folks at Acoustic Sounds are at it again.  Kevin (partner with Steve Hoffman on all those glorious Analogue Production jazz analog-to-DSD and analog-to-vinyl jazz remasters) is remastering the entire Norah Jones catalog to SACD and vinyl, including her brand new release. 

I happen to really like her first 3 albums a lot, especially the forgotten Feels Like Home, and am very excited to hear them in full native DSD glory.  As many of you know her breakout Come Away With Me debut was botched as an SACD (they used the redbook to transfer!) so that one will have the existing multichannel layer with it too.  The rest will be hybrid stereo (cd/SACD).

http://store.acousticsounds.com/s/339/Norah_Jones_on_Analogue_Productions
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: OzarkTom on 24 Apr 2012, 02:32 pm
Fantastic! :thumb:

I love those Norah Jones Cd's.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: Phil A on 24 Apr 2012, 04:12 pm
The limited ed. Norah Jones box set will also have an extra bonus album entitled 'Covers,' of other songwriters (Dylan, Cash, Waits, etc.).  Yes that first album was botched on SACD.  I have the CD and a friend of mine came over with the SACD.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: BPT on 25 Apr 2012, 11:40 am
Traded emails with George at eclassical.com and all is well. Not sure why the zip file came down as 16 bit, but it is fixed and the files are full 24 bit. They were very responsive.
Chris H.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: wisnon on 25 Apr 2012, 01:39 pm
I heard that HDTracks is now offering Bob Marley - Legend as 24/192 and 2 tracks at 24/48.

Any opinions on quality?
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: Alpha10 on 25 Apr 2012, 06:01 pm
I heard that HDTracks is now offering Bob Marley - Legend as 24/192 and 2 tracks at 24/48.

Any opinions on quality?

I tried to order it, but is not available for the UK customer  :evil:
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: Phil A on 25 Apr 2012, 06:46 pm
I tried to order it, but is not available for the UK customer  :evil:

I find that kind of perplexing considering that for example anyone can have an AOL or Gmail account and that does not necessarily indicate a particular country of permanent residence (do they ask for it?).  When you get authenticated on AOL for example, their architechture is centralized and you get authenticated as a user in Virginia where there servers are.  Just an observation in that the global economy we are in where anyone can have an account say with Paypal and pay for something and have it linked to a US bank account (even if they reside in the UK) and how does a site determine that they are not going to sell it to someone? 
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: BPT on 3 Sep 2012, 11:30 am
Downloaded another $8.98 eClassical (Peterson Symphony #6) and was expecting 24 bit at 44100 and to my delight it was 24/96 :thumb:. This is a dark, brooding piece (reminds a little of Britten) and is an excellent recording--highly recommended!
Chris H.
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: K.F. on 11 Jan 2017, 08:27 pm
Generous winter sale offers from Sound Liaison and e-Classical; 50% off on DSD and PCM

 These two labels sites are well worth a visit this week, very high quality recordings at a spectacular discount.


(http://www.soundliaison.com/images/Littlblue300shadowv2.png)(http://www.soundliaison.com/images/Witmertrio200shadow.jpg)

http://www.soundliaison.com/ (http://www.soundliaison.com/)

(http://ecstatic.textalk.se/shop/thumbnails/shop/17115/art15/h4904/4964904-origpic-70d1f2.png_0_0_100_100_250_250_0.png)(http://ecstatic.textalk.se/shop/thumbnails/shop/17115/art15/h7442/4967442-origpic-359643.jpg_0_0_100_100_250_250_0.jpg)http://www.eclassical.com/pages/daily-deal.html?cache=purge (http://www.eclassical.com/pages/daily-deal.html?cache=purge)
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: PA on 2 Feb 2017, 07:47 pm
the only album on offer right now at the Sound Liaison site, is the brand new Bach HD edition by Enghave Barok.
It is a very welcome interpretation of Bach's music, small ensemble who plays with great intensity and the recording has a gorgeous and transparent sound stage.
Highly recommended.

http://www.soundliaison.com/studio-masters/253-bach-live-edition-1 (http://www.soundliaison.com/studio-masters/253-bach-live-edition-1)
Quote
These musicians play straight from the heart, enthusiastic, swinging and in complete agreement with the music.....if this level can be kept on future releases I will be first in line….
...This is a conductor on mission with Bach’s music!......
Review by Bach expert Knud Svendsen in danish organ society magazine
(http://www.soundliaison.com/images/ble-hd1-300shadowv2.png)
(http://www.soundliaison.com/images/Enghave_2.jpg)
Title: Re: HiRez News
Post by: mallikh67 on 8 May 2020, 09:19 am
qobuz.com has some free downloads in hi-res try them