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How to find the good CD recordings?

I'm new to high end audio but have a decent system. One of the things I've noticed with this new (old) system, is that some of my CDs which I used to think sounded fine just don't sound all that good anymore while some of them sound great. A lot of these CDs are 30 years old and came from CD clubs (remember those?) and typical record stores.

I've noticed in particular that some of my Led Zep CDs just sound a little flat and a little shallow while some of the Pink Floyd and Rush CDs sound quite good. 

Is this just a matter of Floyd and Rush having higher production quality from the beginning? 

Would later "remastered" Zep CDs sound better? Is "remastered" always an indication of better or superior quality? Is it just marketing hype sometimes?

Anyway, with this new system I am inclined to buy the best quality recordings of any newer music I buy and possible replace some of my old favorites.

So is there a place on the internet where one can go to get reviews of the actual recording quality and not just the music itself. I don't see iTunes or Amazon as particularly useful here. At this point I am not interested in pursuing vinyl or high end audio files. I'm still just getting my feet wet and CDs seem like a cheap way to do that.

Any assistance much appreciated,

George
n80
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,798 posts
 
n80-
Big fan of the Compact Disc since 1987 here. Most of the CDs produced in the 1980's are flat transfers in comparison to the LP (vinyl) counterpart.I rather enjoy these titles, especially, for Classic Rock/Hard Rock from the 60's and 70's.  In eBay listings these are referred to "original" pressings.The CDs from Japan as imports are very sweet as well.
Starting in 1994, the first major overhaul of rock/pop titles, were "remastered".  You can expect a brighter sound and presentation, better details/clarity as well. Around the year 2000 the second major overhaul of pop/rock titles were "remastered " again. You will see the term HDCD for alot of artists, bands, catalog. Also, the SACD entered the scene as early as 1997 through 1999 respectively. 2002 and 2003 were big years a key events as we music lovers received The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan on SACD respectively. Throughout the rest of the 2000's into 2010-2018, catalog after catalog, genre after genre, received another "remastered" treatment.

Referring to Led Zep the 1990 boxed set (4-CD) would be the 1st time those tracks received the remastered treatment. The LZ boxed set 2 a few years after had tracks that were remastered for the 1st time.
Pink Floyd 's "Shine On" boxed set would be the 1st remastered job for this band. I am a big RUSH fan and suggest the original Mercury "atomic" CDs from West Germany. Rod Stewart on Mercury also comes to mind.For artists/bands on the A&M label, seek out the discs that have AM+ on theback of the jewel case-The Police catalog and Bryan Adams titles are outstanding!


Barry Diament and George Marino did an excellent job for their respective works.  Have fun with your search.
Happy Listening!

akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,281 posts
 
Have you tried the Japanese SHM cd’s?:

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/led-zeppelin-new-shm-box-from-japan.158178/

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/led-zeppelen-and-dire-straits-japanese-shm-cd-s

rettrussell's avatar
rettrussell
188 posts
 
I’m a little confused about some previous comments: in my opinion Jimmy Page has done a great job of producing LZ; the vinyl was amazing and dynamic from the first release forward, and hearing the super deluxe dvd audio HD versions of any of the first 4 albums will make a believer out of the crustiest skeptic. Bonham’s drums have to be heard to be believed. I have Conrad Johnson tubes, Klipschorns, and a Modwright tubed oppo disc player to listen through, and the the K-horns reveal everything!
If sound quality is your thing, pure Blu-ray audio will not disappoint anything but your budget. The new Sargeant Pepper Blu-ray disc, to me, is the best jaw-dropping state-of-the-art experience out there.
It takes some searching, but Amazon typically features reviews from people like us who care about sound and remastering quality. I typically go to the “latest reviews” link (sometimes at the bottom of the first page of reviews) and nearly always find at least one comment about the remastered sound quality. Tip: look at the “format” listed....mp3 purchasers obviously will not comment on this subject.
Good luck!
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
chemman, every one says it is easy but I can't seem to figure it out.

First scenario: Tidal on computer, computer into back of pre-amp with a 1/4 jack to RCA. And you say sound quality is okay-ish with that set up? If so, that's what I need to try first.

Second scenario: Node2. So Node2 to router then router to pre-amp. It is the router to pre-amp that hangs me up. What type of cable? My pre-amp has only RCA and XLR inputs and the router is in a different room.

Thanks for the recommendations.
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
jafant, thanks for that info.

tomcy6, Robert Palmer's book (not that Robert Palmer) called Deep Blues has been on my Amazon wish list for a while. 

I have to agree about the quality issue with the older blues. It simply isn't going to be there and, if you go to some blues festivals it is not always about some level of instrumental or vocal virtuosity (although it is often there). It is much more of an emotional and expressive experience.

The festivals are a great place to experience the blues. Many of the local blues greats have children and grandchildren who are in the business now. Cedric Burnside, grandson of R. L. Burnside has a number of albums out (they are technically hill country blues, not delta, but play a lot in the delta). Junior Kimbrough has family members who play as well.

Cedric Burnside is a great live performer.
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