HDTracks News (part 7)

I would guess so. At least the "Island Masters" series CDs from the early 90's (I think) sound very good and should be taken from the masters. I have never tested them or compared them to the very first releases.

 

These may well be the same masterings. At least some info on Discogs leads me to believe it. And the fact that HDTracks has it in hi res close in time to the release of an SACD is further evidence that they are the same masterings. But if I'm wrong that's ok too!

 

But don't DSD transfers typically show up on HDtracks as 24/88 or 24/176? This is 24/96.

 

Yes, but maybe the original format is 96/24 PCM, then converted to DSD.
I'm not sure if Kevin Gray is equiped in DSD. IIRC, his Blade Runner mastering had to be converted and authored by Gus Skinas.

 

They haven't been lately. I haven't seen a 24/88 or 24/176 in non classical in ages on HDTracks. I think the labels are standardizing to 24/96 or 24/192. The ADCs now a days will do a great job no matter what they convert it to anyways so it really doesn't make as much of a difference anymore.

 

The EQ and dynamics sound like the original CDs to my ears on these hi res downloads.

 

The SACD wins that contest. Easy.

 

What is the Labor Day coupon code?

 

Which HD Tracks file are you comparing to...the original Toys Hi Rez download or the more recent one that was done for the LP reissues a year or so ago and put on HD Tracks?

 

No way. They are both spectacular. The 2014 Toys remaster is easily as good as the SACD. The only advantage the SACD has is the 5.1 mix that is on it.

 

The newer one. It's bright and compressed.

 

Aren't they all?

 

The newer one is less compressed than the SACD and it is far from bright. I don't know what one you listened to but it isn't the one that is on HDtracks right now.
The DR rating for the SACD is a DR7 and the HDtracks version is a DR8. I think you may be confused.

 

nope not in this case.

 

I have the SACD and enjoy listening to it. It's one of the early surround mixes that I enjoy as well. No matter how something is mastered somebody will say it's bright and compressed.

 

I like it as well but it isn't far superior to the HDtracks version. It is worth it for the 5.1 alone however. Bright wouldn't be a way I would describe either version in this case.

 

http://www.findhdmusic.com/

10% off storewide with code: HDAUG25

7 hours to go

 

Ah, I have that one. Mine still has about 30+ hrs left. Hoping for more than 10% off, though...

 

However the SHM-SACD is noticeably better than either of the other two hires releases; stereo only.

 

I refuse to pay that much for any album.

 

I'd have to consider it for MSs "Off the Wall"

 

Thanks for the reminder, grabbed my first 192 with it

 

One of the things I love about threads like this one is that it serves as a motivator to pull out something I haven't listened to in a while. My Toys SACD has a very smooth sound, milky midrange, smooth top end, not bright and the bass is perhaps a tad lightweight. I can't comment on the dynamics as I don't expect a rock record like this to be massively dynamic however the soundstage and inner detail are simply outstanding.

 

I would say that best describes the HDtracks version as well. The two are very close in sound IMO.

 

Upcoming release this week on HDtracks.
Maroon 5 - V (Deluxe)
Big Star - #1 Record & Radio City
Sleater-Kinney - Remastered Catalog...
Dr. John - The Sun, Moon & Herbs
Willie Nelson - Shotgun Willie
Empress AD - Still Life Moving Fast
Black Oak Arkansas - If an Angel Came to See You...Would You Make Her Feel at Home
Daniel Hope - Escape To Paradise - The Hollywood Album
William "Bootsy" Collins - The One Giveth, The Count Taketh Away
INXS - Listen Like Theives
Joyce DiDonato - Stella di Napoli
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - The Last DJ
Hawkwind - Space Ritual
Nikolaus Harnoncourt Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 39, 40 & 41
And more!