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Yes remasters/ HDCD

A number of times on here people have asked about the best sound quality of various Yes albums available on CD.

I have previously reviewed the complete Rhino remasters set on Lugs http://lugsmusicreviews.com.

Last week I at last tracked down a copy of a Japanese import HDCD version of Close To The Edge.
I have to say I was very impressed by the sound quality,it is louder and clearer than the Rhino version-of course I can't state if this is true for every release but I have to say the HDCD versions (remastered by a Japanese gent whose name I don't have at hand) seem the way to go.
These versions unlike the Rhino ones only contain the original track listing.
ben_campbell
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
I know that this does not address Ben's question but, as a 30+ year fan of Yes, I cannot let a Yes thread pass without urging folks to spring for the Fragile LP - UK red/plum Atlantic pressing 2401019. It is absolutely stunning if you can find a mint copy (I'm HOARDING four without shame). I personally find all UK pressings far superior up through Yessongs. If find the UK Yessongs a slightly better mix with respect to the stick work. Bruford on Long Distance Runaround is AMAZING. Alan White is on nearly all other tracks, but still excellent. Advice is to buy the UK or even the US version, but do not waste the extra on the Japanese version. Quiet, maybe, but b r i g h t. I saw more than one show on that 1972 tour - and many before and since.....

For anyone interested in a remarkable YES discography, check out this link and download the PDF file!

Speaking of CTTE -

How old will I be before I come of age for you?!

http://yescography.tripod.com/yescat.htm
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
4yanx
Thanks for the post and the link. As a Yes fan since 1972, I have infrequently looked for new media over the years. I have a few of their remastered cd's. I think I visisted the discography site years ago, but this is a reminder for me to get back to it. By the way, in my previous post I failed to mention Yes' masterful drummer Alan White.
david99's avatar
david99
1,467 posts
 
I just got the Rhino 'Fragile' remaster and it sounds very detailed,smooth and focused.Very wide and deep soundstage also.
The best 'Yes' CD I have heard.
Whats the point of buying HDCD's if you dont have a decoder?
I have a few HDCD's and they all sound very good,but I wonder how they would sound in a CD player with a HDCD decoder?
HDCD never really took off,did it?
ben_campbell OP
1,169 posts
 
David HDCD recordings tend to sound good anyway-having previously had a DAC with the decoder and now living without it.

The point is as my thread states-Close To The Edge HDCD remastered by Isao Kikuchi sounds better than the Bill Inglot Rhino remaster and my Ayre CX-7 has no decoder.
david99's avatar
david99
1,467 posts
 
Ben-Thanks for the clarification.
I see many titles,especially ROCK recordings being remastered HDCD.
I thought this was a forgotton technology.
Plus,how many people have HDCD decoders now days?
I also see some Chinese HDCD players coming out but I always thought 'who cares'
Whats up with HDCD Ben?
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