I've heard the 2ch SACD (a FAVE!), 1/2 speed CBS Mastersound LP, original US CD and original pressing LP. Had dozens of copies of that as demo LP's. Delayed buying it, awaiting a Quad Boston. "Hell, it's the best selling LP in the country! They gotta do an SQ. Better yet, a Q8 to play in my car!" When it never happened, it was a sign Quad was dead. Same thing with Foreigner, though the earlier Quadradisc stickers on CD-4's told me they were toast. Wasn't holding my breath to hear Cold as Ice in Quad. At least I got to hear that in 5.1 later. Bet the 2006 remix beats all execpt SACD. Maybe even that, too. So, is the LP the '06 remaster? Did he remix it in '06?
A/B'ing can drive you bonkers!! Sometimes, the differences are SO subtle. Most times, if you key into certain frequencies, instruments or voices, it becomes evident in a heartbeat. I've owned as many as a dozen copies of some classic stuff. I've owned at least two copies of everything, if it predates CD. Other than CD or LP repressings and reissues, which are sometimes one in the same, they ALL sound different. A fun and enlightening exercise, if you're in the right mood. Invite your audiophile buddies for A/B'ing parties. Does this mean I was in the audio business too long?
Linda
Girls just wanna have fun!
-Mr Mister-Welcome to the real world Spanish LP pressing (which , does not sound VERY different from the CD!!!!-and yeah I like Mr Mister, I used to play their 1st LP a LOT when I was an FM station DJ in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 1984-86)
-Santana III SQ UK pressing (same as the USA but with extra stickers)
-XTC-Oranges and Lemons UK Pressing (JUST BREATHTAKING!)
How's Barleycorn? I just got the SHM-SACD a few weeks ago. Sounds great.
Regarding the Boston LP:
I had the SACD and , to my ears(and my system of course), the best sounding one is the 1/2 speed mastered (or was it really, but ,hey!)...it has the best presence and some highs that make my ears tickle compared to the SACD , it even drives me to tears sometimes (call me a sensitive man!) to how awesome it sounds. The original Epic LP sounds great but, to me , it's cut too hot!
I've sold my SACD to a QQ member and sticking to my LP, which along with the lovely linear tracking TT, the Ortofon OM-20 stylus and the best declicking program EVER (ClickRepair), it still gives me chills down my spine...
Regarding the last bunch of LPs I got (before I was fired , of course) is:
-Mr Mister (12") Something Real -which has "Bare my soul" only available on CD
-Gino Vanelli- Black Cars 12"
-Mr Mister-Welcome to the real world Spanish LP pressing (which , does not sound VERY different from the CD!!!!-and yeah I like Mr Mister, I used to play their 1st LP a LOT when I was an FM station DJ in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 1984-86)
-Santana III SQ UK pressing (same as the USA but with extra stickers)
-XTC-Oranges and Lemons UK Pressing (JUST BREATHTAKING!)
and on fleabay;
-Santana III Japanese SQ Version (REALLY QUIET!)
-Walter Carlos- Switched On Bach SQ (SEALED!)
and a VERY obscure one, which only some Latin Americans will PROBABLY recognize:
-Tin Tán y Marcelo"A gozar y a reir" Ansonia records (MINTY!) Tin Tan was THE BEST Mexican comedian of all time, had a great voice , but unfortunately died relatively young and was overshadowed by Cantinflas , who doesn't even touch him. This was an LP that I grew up with and still have that VERY BATTERED COPY from the 60's... it's VERY difficult to find, so I guess I got lucky when I found this..it DID cost me $45!!!
I have a problem with Quad/surround synthesis: I seldom listen that way. I was convinced that this was way cool 40 years ago. Am I REALLY that old? I mostly listen as 2ch while I'm working, or in the car. While doing chores, it often morphs into mono. At home, it's usually Quad and 5.1, plus a variety of video sources. This week, I actually sat and listened to synthesized surround on my B&K gear. About half of it was Gino Vannelli: Black Cars, A&M classics, Crazy Life and Brother to Brother. They never sounded so great! For you Gino fans, I STRONGLY recommend a title from 1991 never released in the US: Live in Montreal, on Vie/Village Green/Pony Canyon (Japan) PCCY-00307. 7 classic hits and 6 lesser known tracks. It rates at least a 9. Has anyone seen/heard Gino's new DVD? I need to pick it up soon. If you think Gino is only an MOR crooner, pick up the Black Cars. It's mostly techno and very uptempo, with a few ballads thrown in. I'd give Black Cars an 11.
Linda
Black Cars Look Better in the Shade
LP - Just picked up J. D. Souther's "Natural History" in limited edition Blue Vinyl.
Really nice to hear the singer - song writer cover his songs. Very relaxed/minimalist recording.
Soundboy, how do the K2HD CD's sound? Are you A/B'ing those releases to previously available formats?
Is it fair to say that the original pressing is the mastered the way it is "supposed" to sound? Is there such a thing???
So far, I've only A/B'ed the Billy Joel K2HD CD to the early US DADC 2-disc "Greatest Hits, Vol. I and II"
View attachment 4384
The K2HD CD, in general, is more detailed in terms of resolution. However, the "Greatest Hits, Vol. I and II" sounds more natural. Certainly not a night-and-day difference. I'd say I'm satified with the K2HD CD and able to pick it up for about $20.00 make it even more so.
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