The current single cd version uses the new remixes. The original mix is currently available only on the box set.
Both the Ultimate Edition box set (3CD + 1DVD) and Deluxe Edition digipak (2CD + 1DVD) have a newer 2009 stereo remix, as well as the original 1973 stereo mix remastered by Paschal Byrne. I'm not a fan of the new mix and don't listen to it much, but the remaster of the original mix is very nice - warm, subtle and sympathetic to all the original dynamics. It comes a close second to my (current) favourite CD mastering of Tubular Bells, the version included on the Elements box set.
Thanks for the info. I don't have the Elements box set, but I may get the '09 deluxe edition. It's available for about $20 in the amazon.com Marketplace.
This probably won't contribute much to this thread, but, purely as a matter of interest, a few years back, a free CD of "Tubular Bells" was given away with one of our Sunday newspapers! I had a copy already (bought in the late eighties) and I was just about to give away the freebie, when I looked at the cover and it said "Remastered 2000". I couldn't believe the improvement in quality so the freebie is now my number one version!
That would be the DSD remastering by Simon Heyworth that's on the SACD stereo track (not the actual CD audio track of the same hybrid SACD, which uses the previous '98 remaster, to complicate things). Good to know this DSD remastering has had a Redbook CD release.
Do you mean this remastering was never released commercially? Amazing that it was wasted on a free CD (not that I'm complaining!).
Right - but what I meant was that it was never released for sale as a basic (Redbook) CD. Would it be superior to other Redbook CD versions of the album?
I've never heard this album before but this thread has gotten me interested to hear it. If I'm not willing to pay over a hundred dollars for the SACD this is the one to get?
This remaster is the original mix (disc 2 of the Deluxe). Disc 1 is the remix. The fact that the remix is all you get on the standalone 2009 disc (non-Deluxe) is what makes this more confusing, I think We need a definitive list of what's what with TB.
Ok, attached is my attempt at a rundown of which release has what. This does not cover the 'remake' album, Tubular Bells 2003. For the mastering variations in the early CDs, see the informative posts earlier in this thread
Anyone as something to say about the japanese blue face VJD-23001 from 1989? Is this a reissue of a previous mastering?
Some tests on 'Side 1': 1998 Heyworth Gold CD time 25:36:50 Number of Samples: 67767000 ----------------------------------------------- Left Right Peak value: -0.11 dB -0.11 dB Avg RMS: -16.70 dB -16.67 dB DR channel: 12.39 dB 12.54 dB ----------------------------------------------- Official DR value: DR12 =============================================== Mail On Sunday CD Remastered 2000 time 25:36:47 Number of Samples: 67765236 ----------------------------------------------- Left Right Peak value: -0.86 dB -0.86 dB Avg RMS: -16.53 dB -16.45 dB DR channel: 11.50 dB 11.62 dB ----------------------------------------------- Official DR value: DR12 ===============================================
You never know with these things, but I would be surprised if the VDP mastering was used on later issues since the 32VD disc that came immediately after it was a new mastering. Simon, I know you favor the VDP disc, and I finally got a copy about ten days ago. It is rare as hen's teeth. It arrived between vacation and a long business trip, so I haven't gotten a chance to listen to it yet. I will definitely get to it by the weekend. Have you compared it to the SACD? I've always liked the SACD.
Keith when I get the chance I will compare them, since I gather that the Mail on Sunday freebie disc has the DSD mastering, I will add that into the equation as well.
Keith, I have carried out a brief comparison but I feel that this test; the regime was a little imprecise. It was carried out on various machines the same SCD777ES was used to compare the VDP to the SACD and using other players Orelle 16bit I still prefer the VDP It just has a more involving sound, the SACD just sounds slow! the VDP has greater dynamics and range as well To be conclusive; I felt that we were just comparing players in the test, and the SACD/CD performance of the Sony. However I need to carry out some more detailed comparisons but this time in my system. I have the Sunday Mail issue and will check the mastering but felt that disc sounded compressed. I will EAC it. So I have not come to a firm conclusion yet
Thanks for the comments. I still need to give the VDP disc a listen. Finally I'm home for a couple of weeks, so I should be able to get to it soon.
Hm interesting. As a big Oldfield fan I'm trying to find this 1st VDP-64 pressing on ebay but still with no luck. Is there anyone who could provide some 1 or 2 min samples from this pressing in lossless to know if it really worth to hunt down. Thanks for any help.
