Remastered cd's

Digi-G · « **on:** 11 May 2006, 08:32 pm »

I was reading another thread about SACD vs Redbook (standard) CD's and realized I had never seen anything on here about digitally remastered cd's. Just wondering if many people replace their old 'standard' issue cd's with remastered versions. I'm not talking about SACD or DVD-Audio, but digitally remastered Redbook offerings.

I've got a few I've replaced and I can almost always hear an improvement with the remastered versions. I've got way too many cd's (many purchased in the 80's and early 90's) to upgrade all of them, but my favorites (or crappy sounding ones) I do without blinking an eye.

Most of mine have been older rock recordings (John Lennon-Imagine & Mind Games, Moody Blues-EGBDF & Question, Joe Walsh - Best of, etc.)

Anyone else?

mjosef · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 May 2006, 11:30 pm »

The Miles Davis remastered Bitches Brew box set (released '98)sounds better than the older but also 'remastered' double cd released back in the late 80's. I own both. I think it makes sense that newer releases of previously released cd should sound better as our knowledge of the technology improve.
Sony again issued another 'newer' version in 2004, but I don't see myself buying the newer version. Nor do I see myself replacing some of the older version of cds I already own, unless it includes additional material I must have.

SWG255 · « **Reply #2 on:** 12 May 2006, 12:58 am »

I find that the Rhino remasters are excellent, especially because they offer bonus material not found on the original discs. As I've mentioned here before the Rhino re-mastered "Waiting for Columbus" (Litttle Feat) and the Paul Simon box set are both first rate. it's hard to beat better sonics combined with more music.

Kim S. · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 May 2006, 10:38 am »

The remastered CD's I have are all a significant improvement over the originals. I agree the Rhino remasters are excellent. I also have a few CD's that are remastered into 24bit, Billy Idol and Jetro Tull compilations come to mind. The better, more analog, sound is evident.

elcaptain88 · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 May 2006, 01:43 pm »

Sometimes they're better, sometimes I can't tell the difference, and sometimes they just sound a little different - not necessarily better. In many cases, I think its a marketing ploy to boost music sales - issue a remastered version w/ a few extra tracks. I no longer replace favorite albums simply because a new remastered one becomes available.

Someone pointed out the Rhino remasters - those are very good. I also have the S. Hoffman remasters of 'Minute by Minute' & 'Bad Company' which are also an improvement. Many of the other 'remasters' I've compared are no better, or in the case of 'Breakfast in America', for example, sound awful. Often it sounds as if they've merely raised the recording level - older cd's I notice require the volume turned up a bit more.

Double Ugly · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 May 2006, 01:54 pm »

Quote from: elcaptain88

Someone pointed out the Rhino remasters - those are very good. I also have the S. Hoffman remasters of 'Minute by Minute' & 'Bad Company' which are also an improvement.

I have both those, too, and agree that Steve did an excellent job, especially with the Bad Company remaster.

Rumor has it the master tapes weren't in the best condition.