High Definition
I just got round to downloading a couple of purchases from HD tracks, one of which is the Bill Evans Trio's last night at the village vanguard. I already have this as part of a triple disc set, and it isn't often one can compare a redbook file with a start-from-scratch 24/192 re-master.
So in the spirit of nerdiness, leaving aside the pure enjoyment of the music (which is glorious), what is the difference?
Not a lot actually, which is hardly surprising when the original is well done in the first place. I thought I might get more texture from the High-Rez - and perhaps I do. The instruments really do sound just a little more natural.
The stereo image initially seemed a disappointment, it was almost dual-mono for a minute - until all the trio started playing. The players actually took up their position on the stage more realistically, the drums in particular are better placed than in almost any other recording I know, with realistic bleed across the stage.
There is a notable lack of compression as well - the recording seems quieter but is really more dynamic. It sounds much improved when turned up a little. However, the dynamic compression on the original disc actually makes the record pretty accessible and isn't really a bad thing imo.
So, an interesting comparison. Nice to have - yes, but essential? Not even nearly.
So in the spirit of nerdiness, leaving aside the pure enjoyment of the music (which is glorious), what is the difference?
Not a lot actually, which is hardly surprising when the original is well done in the first place. I thought I might get more texture from the High-Rez - and perhaps I do. The instruments really do sound just a little more natural.
The stereo image initially seemed a disappointment, it was almost dual-mono for a minute - until all the trio started playing. The players actually took up their position on the stage more realistically, the drums in particular are better placed than in almost any other recording I know, with realistic bleed across the stage.
There is a notable lack of compression as well - the recording seems quieter but is really more dynamic. It sounds much improved when turned up a little. However, the dynamic compression on the original disc actually makes the record pretty accessible and isn't really a bad thing imo.
So, an interesting comparison. Nice to have - yes, but essential? Not even nearly.
Comments
Interesting comments Alan. I think it shows that red-book when well recorded is very good and usually hard to beat. Coincidentally I was listening to Bill Evans 'Alone' an excellent red book recording with a live feel - sublime !
Or could it just be your pointy ears creating vulcan resonances !!
I would say that this should be a matter for 'buyer beware' but the trouble is that you simply don't know what the high-res music files are going to sound like until you play them. The cynic in me thinks that certain music providers are knowingly taking the p$ss (Linn and 2L being very notable exceptions).