There are several reasons that record companies take an older recording from CD to Hi
Res.
Often, it’s just promotion. Many recordings are simply not recorded well enough to begin
with to even be considered with sound quality in mind. There’s only so much you can do
with a Led Zeppelin digital recording. You may be able to add a little bass or manipulate
the tone, but dynamics and great sound will never manifest itself with more compression
and tonal boosts or cuts.
This in no way means that people will listen and not still love the music. However, it can
only go so far.
Enter Pink Floyd. The collection was released in Hi Res a couple of years ago and there
are vast improvements. Why? Because the recordings were fantastic from the start.
Last month, I pulled out the recently released 24/192 Dark Side of the Moon from Qobuz.
WOW! The recording, taken from the master tapes sounds fantastic and much better
than the 16/44 version. It’s enveloping on a different level, and I once again found
myself entranced in the brilliance of the music. The recording seemed to just get out of
the way and the music took over. Much as it did on vinyl so many years ago.
I’m thrilled that on occasion, labels are remastering albums for the right reasons.
Customer desire and a good recording that can easily benefit from today’s technology.
Take a listen to the new 24/192 DSOTM. It’s incredible. As a Pink Floyd fan bonus,
you’ll also hear the same improvements on their entire collection that’s all in Hi Res.
For the Vinyl Faithful
While the new 24/192 release is breathtaking, Dark Side of the Moon has always had a special place on vinyl. For those who want to experience this legendary album the way it was first embraced by generations of listeners, the Pro-Ject ART Dark Side of the Moon Manual Belt Drive Turntable is a stunning tribute to one of the most iconic albums ever recorded.
Designed as both a performance piece and a visual homage, it’s a fitting companion to one of the greatest recordings in music history.
Shop the Pro-Ject ART Dark Side of the Moon Turntable →
Enjoy the music,
David Solomon
Sharing Music | Gramophone