Jethro Tull Aqualung and Benefit available on HDTracks - Steven Wilson remixes without mastering

Aqualung also had a lot of unnecessary brightness added. At least the dynamics on TAAB were respected. Choose your poison.

 

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"His work at the studio since 1965 when he joined the Studios included, notably, the Beatles “1” album and Paul McCartney's “Wingspan: Hits and History.”
Two of the worst-sounding representations of the respective catalogues IMO.
</thread_drift>

 

Listened to this last night via my new Fiio X1 - this version sounds incredible!

 

Thick as a brick is brighter than Aqualung

 

WoW! Downloaded the 24/96 mix and wasn't expecting too much until... everything sounded so pleasant. Great mix and great tone compared to all other issues I listened to (original US vinyl, jax capital cd, DCC, and Wilson cd). Anyone sitting on the fence will not be disappointed. The HD version has no glare and makes this an audiophile go to.

 

This mastering sounds great even on iTunes.
Sonically it's easily the best I've ever heard this album
That said I still prefer the original mix. I'm a purist regarding original mixes.

 

Just bought Aqualung this morning from HDtracks to use the 20% off coupon. This is the first time I've ever heard the album, but I'm definitely enjoying it so far. I'm about half way through now... sound is great, as expected from Wilson. And the content is right up my alley as well, so double win!

 

I wish I could remember what it was like to hear Aqualung for the first time. Enjoy!

 

On "Wind Up" now, it's been a really fun listen! I'd heard of Tull here on the forum often but just hadn't gotten around to checking out any of their work until the coupon and praise for this release came up. Same for XTC (another one I think Wilson worked on a few remixes for), I see the band name here all the time but haven't listened to any of their work yet. One day...

 

Yes, this new version is abolutely stunning.

 

Just to clarify, Steven Wilson remixed Aqualung in 2011 for the 40th anniversary box set, and Peter Mews mastered it. The new 2015 24/96 HDTracks version is the same Wilson 2011 remix, but Wilson has personally remastered it (or, more accurately, flat-transferred it, removing the EQ and slight limiting that Mews had added in 2011). If you like Aqualung, this new version is a must buy. HDTracks has a 20% off promotion for the rest of today, 6/1/2015. Use code HDSAVINGS20 at checkout.

 

If you're reading this on 6/2/2015, Pono has it for $14.99 ($0.61 higher).

P.S. Pono has "Wond'ring Aloud" mislabelled as as second "Mother Goose", so you'll have to re-label your file.

 

Now if they'd just make a download version of A Passion Play that has does not miss the 2 and a half minutes if music that has veen missing from the iTunes download!

 

I was sniffing around for more detailed information on the Aqualung quad mix but found only a few scraps of info.... some say fold downs of the quad were used for the M.U. album, some say different takes were used on the quad, etc. Is there some reasonably complete info on the quad mix variations (if any)? There's definitely more liberal use of reverb on the quad mix..........

 

If not here, I'm sure the guys at http://www.quadraphonicquad.com have discussed it.

 

That is an odd one. The file name is incorrect, but it is tagged correctly, so it should look right on any players.

 

Just checked again and the titles in the Pono player are correct.

I now have a new appreciation for this album; absolutely stunning mix and master.

 

There are quad fold downs used, and some somgs contain different instrumental or vocal parts. Wind-Up is the famous one with totally different vocal track used.

The reverb issue is moot. This quad mix does not use any more than an average stereo mix. The rear channels do not contain more reverb to the best of my memory. They contain musical passages supporting the song.

Besides the differences in the musical parts, performances, and presentation, the quad mix is just clearer, and cleaner. It never had an issue about it concerning muddy or murkiness that the stereo mix had.

 

I know this thread isn't about the vinyl, but do your comments apply to the vinyl too?

 

And I should add that there was no damage or wear to the quad master tapes of this album. The q master had been used so rarely over the years that wear was nonexistent - resulting in a stunning transfer in the later deluxe edition. If one ever comes across an original CD-4 Quad LP in good condition, they should grab it quick. It's pure audiophile mastering, really sweet sounding.

 

The vinyl has a specific mastering.

 

And a very nice one, too...

 

Indeed. It is better than the CD/DVD/BR but I think the new Hi-Res download beats it.

 

I would pay good money for a Steven Wilson mono remix of Benefit - any format.

 

Well, that pushed me over the edge. Downloading now.