McCartney "New" vinyl vs CD quality

Shockingly, I did not see any threads that discussed the sound differences between the two formats on Paul's latest release

I got the deluxe CD on day 1, and got the vinyl as a Christmas gift. Up until the last few days I had not opened the vinyl yet for some reason. I guess I thought it would just sound like the CD on a record.

Boy, was I wrong!!!! While I love the album, I was really disappointed with the ultra loud mastering of the CD. I was NOT expecting much from the vinyl, but wow what a difference.

I put the vinyl on two nights ago and can't stop playing it. So much more dynamic and pleasant to listen to. Surely I can't be the only one that noticed this? What did you guys think? To my ears it's not even close, with the vinyl now being the only one I will really want to listen to for serious

 

There is a more dynamic version of the album on HDTracks, too, with less limiting. My preferred version.

 

To me this is not like a subtle thing, it is night and day!

 

Very glad to hear this. My vinyl is on the way from Amazon. Shame its only 12 tracks.

Now I think about it, my digital version is HDtracks 24/96k file. I assume that this is same mastering as the CD?

Oh I see botley has already mentioned this. Have you compared the mastering of hi res to CD?

 

That's the unlimited one. Compared to the CD it sounds great.

 

When you get your vinyl, compare with the regular CD and prepare to be amazed and smile big : ) Report back!

P.S. The vinyl is actually 13 tracks, "Scared" is not listed

 

Might be a while. Its bundled with my order for Beatles mono box set. I'll definitely try to remember to drop into this thread..

 

Let me get out the waveform comparisons again (http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/mccartney-album-new-2013-pt14.332067/page-7#post-9536325):

'Road' CD master, normalized:



'Road' Hi-res master:

 

Wow. Just got my vinyl. Two tracks in and you are right. Totally different listening experience.

 

There was a lot of white paper remnants on the disc when I took it out. I will need to clean it when I get the chance. Other than that, it's a pretty flat disc. Quiet. Perfect. Surprised it is only one disc, but it doesn't seem like the sound is compromised at all.

 

Darn. I saw 3 copies at a local store, remaindered for $9.99 CDN. Amazing price, but... Remembered what the CD sounded like and passed on it for a $9.99 Joan Baez and Thin Lizzy Jailbreak, both new too. Whoops.

 

The 24/96 is the studio master it was made from. Available to the public, unlike most artists. That should be rewarded. Buy the 24/96.

 

I agree. My vinyl collected a lot of crap I needed to clean off, but it sounds much better than the CD I grabbed from Barnes & Noble on release day.

 

Where do you get it?

 

HDTracks if memory serves....it was the only place I was aware of a few years back when it came out. I don't know why it would be different at any of the other places....

 

Cheers guys. I only have the CD. Big mistake. Will now order the vinyl.

 

Yeah this vinyl sounds great! Just picked it up and loving it

 

There is no doubt, the system wants to force us at all costs, to return to the vinyl...

 

Or pay higher prices for the hi res version. Either way, there are greater profit margins than releasing the better master on CD.

 

If only I could get a reasonably priced copy of Memory Almost Full on vinyl. Same thing as "New" from what I have read. I seem to recall the CD (MAF) has a DR value of just 5.

 

Agree.