Re: Stunning Recordings
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361 |
Finally decided to upgrade my Dire Straits collection after much abuse to the CDs. Last night I got my order in, so now I have the remastered version of every Dire Straits CD. Started with Alchemy last night, and as always with DS, was very impressed with the quality of the live recording. I'm still struck by the quality that is possible on CD (even from very old tracks - wait [does some quick math and comparison to DOB], just old ). Why are so many modern CDs so damn bad when a poor band in '78 could lay tracks that sound pure today? I've heard that even the old tape tracks exceed CD quality, so how come Velvet Revolver used an MP3 player to record their tin can sounding albums???? As this is a "Stunning Recordings" thread, I will also mention something I expressed in another area. I compared Dave Mathew at Radio City on Blu-Ray (via PS3 optical) versus the CD version (via cheap Sony DVD via coax) both into my Denon AVR 3300. I worked out the timing and volume [but did not calibrate] and compared the Blu-Ray in both stereo and Dolby Digital to the CD in stereo. In short, I was blown away. I had difficulty finding the differences as my daughter switched sources without my knowledge. I would have bet my system that the two would be easily distinguishable, but not so. In 5.1 the crowd was a give away, but the front image was only slightly wider than the CD. In stereo mode, only the slightest sound stage expansion was detectable - and I was working hard to find differences. This one A/B test did more to destroy my faith in many of the myths I hold held so dear, than any number of threads or articles on the subject. Really surprising, and must put the Dave Mathews CD in the list of best recorded CDs given that the Blu-Ray is often considered reference material. Give it a try if you have both disks, and report back. I'd love to hear if some systems can easily discern the source, or if certain CD players and BluRay players are just getting more out of the source material than I am. Let's call it homework.
Panny 3000 PJ, 118" Carada, Denon 3300, PS3, Axiom QS8, PSB 5T, B&W sub, levitating speaker wire
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Re: Stunning Recordings
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928 |
Why are so many modern CDs so damn bad when a poor band in '78 could lay tracks that sound pure today? To me, it's mainly because groups used to put the music first(in general terms) where today they make celebrity and a fast buck their priority.
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Stunning Recordings
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361 |
Come on, not the "those damn kids" defense! Celebrity and a fast buck have attracted the popular kids back to the biblical age. Human nature.
Panny 3000 PJ, 118" Carada, Denon 3300, PS3, Axiom QS8, PSB 5T, B&W sub, levitating speaker wire
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Re: Stunning Recordings
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928 |
Perhaps I should say that it is the corporate big shots who promote mediocrity. All bands needs promotion of course, but the biggest difference is that years ago, bands generally worked hard paying their dues in the clubs and bars, then were offered a record deal if they were lucky. Now, if you have the "look" or have "celebrity" they will manufacture that person into whatever THEY want for $$. Not saying this hasn't been around before, but it's certainly the main ingredient these days....THOSE DAMN KIDS!!
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Stunning Recordings
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 678
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 678 |
Perhaps I should say that it is the corporate big shots who promote mediocrity. All bands needs promotion of course, but the biggest difference is that years ago, bands generally worked hard paying their dues in the clubs and bars, then were offered a record deal if they were lucky. Now, if you have the "look" or have "celebrity" they will manufacture that person into whatever THEY want for $$. Not saying this hasn't been around before, but it's certainly the main ingredient these days....THOSE DAMN KIDS!! As Dire Straits said many years ago, "Money for nothin' and your chicks for free!".
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Re: Stunning Recordings
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361 |
[quote=Adrian] As Dire Straits said many years ago, "Money for nothin' and your chicks for free!". That was a slick hijack rescue.
Panny 3000 PJ, 118" Carada, Denon 3300, PS3, Axiom QS8, PSB 5T, B&W sub, levitating speaker wire
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Re: Stunning Recordings
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361 |
Anybody around here list to Shelby Lynn? I found the CD after years out of the rotation so I gave it a whirl. Damn good recording. If you like small arrangement folk/blues type music this has a great image and her voice is pretty unique. Willie Nelson helped her get her foot in the door, and she has that kind of sound if that helps explain it.
Anywho.
Panny 3000 PJ, 118" Carada, Denon 3300, PS3, Axiom QS8, PSB 5T, B&W sub, levitating speaker wire
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Re: Stunning Recordings
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955 |
The sound of a foot in the door? Would that be the dull thud sound or the resulting yelp?
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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Re: Stunning Recordings
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361 |
Panny 3000 PJ, 118" Carada, Denon 3300, PS3, Axiom QS8, PSB 5T, B&W sub, levitating speaker wire
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Re: Stunning Recordings
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,361 |
This is far enough off the beaten path that I thought I would mention it for 90's music fans. Last night I listened to Alice in Chains live acoustic CD. I was surprised how good the recording was. The instruments are very distinct and layering in the image is great. Plus, they use a lot of acoustic bass guitar, and you can feel the cords vibrate long after the they are plucked. You can also hear the picks working on several song and pick out each instrument and vocal location. Always fun to pull out an old CD and find a surprise jewel.
Panny 3000 PJ, 118" Carada, Denon 3300, PS3, Axiom QS8, PSB 5T, B&W sub, levitating speaker wire
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