I recently scored a double LP of Maynard Ferguson at the Goodwill for $3. It's on Mercury-The EmArcy Jazz Series. Various recordings from Capitol Studios from '54-56. All mono but it sounds absolutely amazing.
Why recordings made before 1965 sound better.
I’ve brought ht up this topic before, and I believe my point was misunderstood. so, I’m trying again.
Many A’goners have commented that recordings originating in the late 50’s and early 60’s which have been transferred to CDs sound particularly open with better soundstaging than those produced later.
Ray Dolby invented his noise reduction system in 1965 to eliminate what was considered annoying tape hiss transferred to records of the time. The principle was to manipulate the tonal structure so as to reduce this external noise:
“The Dolby B consumer noise-reduction system works by compressing and increasing the volume of low-level high-frequency sounds during recording and correspondingly reversing the process during playback. This high-frequency round turn reduces the audible level of tape hiss.”
‘Dolby A and C work similarly.
I maintain that recordings made prior to 1965 without Dolby sound freer and more open because the original tonal structure has not been altered and manipulated.
- ...
- 61 posts total
I am with you @cycles2, Time out is stunning and does sound like they are there with you. Recorded in 1958 from memory but not sure when it was released., and no dolby (plus no hiss). It is superb. Merry Christmas to one and all from New Zealand and hopefully we all have a better year in 2022. Cheers. |
Yes, it’s kind of anachronistic that a pair of jazz albums both recorded and released within weeks of each other in 1959 still continue to set the benchmark of audiophile standards some 60 years later. Both Kind of Blue and Time Out are fine examples of what could be done by with what would now be viewed as primitive technology.
|
- 61 posts total