The future of digital (sources)

meilankev · « **on:** 20 Jan 2004, 06:04 pm »

Although a little controversial, I'm one of those in the camp that DVD-A and SACD is a pretty big leap forward (sonically) over redbook CDs. Of course, much of that could be attributed to the poor quality of CDs over recent years. But even if you take 100 good quality redbook CDs, and compare them to 100 good quality hi-res CDs, I think the "rule" would be that hi-res wins out.

So, what is the future?

I'm hoping that every 10 years or so, digital sources will undergo another leap forward. It's very exciting to consider this possibility.

After all, if this is true, maybe the quality of music coming from digital sources will begin to equate that of an old, beat-up turntable by the year 2050.

I can't wait!!

Kevin

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #1 on:** 20 Jan 2004, 08:50 pm »

But let's wait at least until you can buy at least 25% of your favorites on one of the formats that exists today.

nathanm · « **Reply #2 on:** 20 Jan 2004, 11:09 pm »

Quote

I'm hoping that every 10 years or so, digital sources will undergo another leap forward. It's very exciting to consider this possibility.

It is indeed! In fact, I will be clearing a space on my shelf for:

1. 2010 Dark Side Of The Moon the 512kbit MP3 download!
2. 2020 Dark Side Of The Moon the 12-Channel Surround Mix on blu-ray disc!
3. 2030 Dark Side Of The Moon the 24-Channel Surround Mix on .25" high density silicone optical cube!
4. 2040 Dark Side Of The Moon the Holodeck Remaster via fiberoptics
5. 2050 Dark Side Of The Moon the spinal cord chip implant!
6. 2060 Dark Side Of The Moon the At Home DNA Replicator and Organic Birth Pod to give new life to ex-Pink Floyd band member replicants in your very own living room to perform for you!

JLM · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Jan 2004, 11:26 am »

With computer memory and internet capabilities growing buying audio media or saving it at home may be on the way out. IMO downloading is the reason why we haven't seen more progress on the SACD/DVDa front.

Ears · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 Jan 2004, 11:22 pm »

Quote from: JLM

With computer memory and internet capabilities growing buying audio media or saving it at home may be on the way out. IMO downloading is the reason why we haven't seen more progress on the SACD/DVDa front.

Exactly right.

BeeBop · « **Reply #5 on:** 23 Jan 2004, 12:02 am »

Right. So what's the point? You don't save anything. You pay for storage, connectivity, and media if you want to write the data out to permanent storage. And is it any better than the CD you buy at a store? No, generally the quality sucks. Not only that, you are cutting off a system that nourishes new talent and can be sued in the bargain.

Yes folks, it's the emperor's new clothes and it has made parasites of a whole generation.

Maybe it has had a good effect and tempered the price of CDs. After all how much of that went to put some marketing jerk's fat MBA butt in a beemer?

For me, for now, CDs are still best, and I am enjoying the new prices.

Tbadder1 · « **Reply #6 on:** 23 Jan 2004, 03:25 pm »

I love two channel SACD period. It's better. Titles are appearing daily. Eventually all recordings will be dual layer until 16/44 units are no longer available.

Sinelanguage · « **Reply #7 on:** 28 Jan 2004, 10:28 pm »

hmm .. funnly enough i have quite a few nice 512k MP3`s !! from records + CD as far as SACD turned into 512K MP3 or DVDA i bet a good DSD recording via 512K Mp3 could beat 16/44 CD from a midrange player. I really quite like the relaxed sound of MP3 in high bitrate seems to take out the glare of CD`s.. yes i do realize you think iam a bat eared moron

but its true.. High quality DSD to 512K Mp3 vs standard CD i think Mp3 could win

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #8 on:** 29 Jan 2004, 02:41 am »

I used to burn discs of hi bit rate MP3 occasionally- until I figured out how to transcode CD tracks to 48 khz & burn them on DVDs. This totally smokes the best results I've ever heard from any MP3. And I still get several hours of music per disc. Of course it can only be played back on a DVD player, but I don't listen to MP3 in the car nor do I have an Ipod or Rio.

There's a good chance that the future of music my be downloads, but I don't look forward to it- the only ones to gain from this are Big Music. Once no one has any "files" in their possession, the "content provider" can charge whatever he wants, whenever he wants. And just how the hell are you supposed to take music in the car with you? Or the beach? Or on your canoe trip to the Boundry Waters?

No, I'll always want to actually have a physical media in my possession to do with as I wish, whenever I wish. I like having the box, art, pictures, credits, etc. But eventually I might be outta luck. Guess when that day comes I'll probably just kick back and listen to the CDs, DVD-A, & SACD discs I've already got.

nathanm · « **Reply #9 on:** 29 Jan 2004, 04:47 am »

Let's not forget going to see your favorite band at the highly exciting "MP3 signings" events at record stor---uh, oh never mind... Maybe for an extra fee you can have Diana Krall "sign" her autograph in a PGP-encrypted field in the ID3 tag when you download her "album" from Apple. Ooh exciting.

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #10 on:** 29 Jan 2004, 05:15 am »

I cannot imagine the Exalted Pile Driver would permit his recordings to be distributed in that manner!

nathanm · « **Reply #11 on:** 29 Jan 2004, 05:33 am »

The music industry has followed their advice at least, they've stayed ugly!

JLM · « **Reply #12 on:** 30 Jan 2004, 10:16 pm »

Burn disks and/or downloads to your Norh Panda PC's via lossless software and quality soundboard (The Panda has no fan and a quiet 2.5 inch hard drive). This will beat any player, any format for under $10,000.

Playback direct digital to a modded Panny 45.

$2,000.00 total outlay and you will be very golden.

This combo is near reality now.