Can even a Novice hear differences in Sound Qualit


Just wanted to relate an experience I recently had with a friend of mine. Those that have read my Threads before, have heard me wax enthusiastically about a DIANA KRALL-The Look of Love-DVD Audio Disk. The Recording has a Multi-Channel Surround Sound version Recorded in 24-bit/96 kHz. The Disk is being played through a Pioneer DV-58AV Universal Player, connected to a SpaceTechLab A-102 Vacuum Tube Headphone Amp, Driving a pair of Grado RS-1 Headphones. Only having 2-Channel capability, the Pioneer can Downmix the Multi-Channel version to two. A 65 year old friend of mind, not an Audiophile with limited hearing, was given a chance to listen to this Recording. His jaw had dropped to the floor. After listening for five minutes, he took the Headphones off and said "why don't they make all of them sound as good"? This Man was unimpressed with the multiple 2-Channel SACD/2-Channel Hi-Rez DVD-Audio Disks that he has heard on this Pioneer. The only thing that I can say is "out of the mouth of Babes...."! Sorry to keep harping on the point, but I believe that this is the only solution to the lack of Harmonic Content on all 2-Channel Digital Recordings, no matter the sampling rate. I also believe that it is the only solution to closing the gap of Harmonic Content between Analog and Digital, minus the ticks and pops. It would be a damn shame to lose it!
pettyofficer
Not yet. I would give it some more time. I also plan on sending three other similar E-mails to three other contacts at Capitol Records. I also plan on sending an E-mail to Marcussen Mastering Studios, the Studios who Mastered the High Resolution Surround Sound for this Dianna Krall release. I presume that they were Subcontracted by Capitol Records, they could be the ones who actually did the work. They could be the ones I need to contact. I couldn't help notice Multi-Channel releases of Dianna Krall on SACD. The Dianna Krall-The Look Of Love, is a Multi-Channel 24-bit/96kHz DVD-Audio Format. I am not particularly a Dianna Krall Fan, but after hearing this DVD, I might end up being one. I would like to hear if anyone has even tried this DVD, Downmixed or Separate Surround Sound Channels, on a Pioneer DV58-AV or other Universal Player. I would like to know if anyone has had the same experience, Downmixed it sounds a hell of allot like a Record! Has anyone had any similar experience with Her Multi-Channel SACD Releases, Downmixed or otherwise? Has anyone had any similar experience with other Multi-Channel SACD from other Artists? It would seem that some are having a hit or miss, with good Sound Quality from SACD Disks. Maybe the really good sounding ones should be double checked to see if they might be actually Multi-Channel being downmixed by our Transports. Just a suggestion.
I didn't expect immediate results, preserverence will determine the outcome. I could give up after only one try, but you should know me better than that! I will keep you updated. Some feedback would be nice, just to make sure that I am not losing my mind, and hearing things! Can't believe that no-one has discovered this Silver Disk Gem before! It sounds miles ahead of any Silver Disk that I have heard, there isn't even any comparison! I just picked it off of the shelf at random! Why can't they make them all sound as good? They can, and we deserve it, I know that I do!
What might be interesting, is whatever processing was utilized, could be utilized in other ways. Universal Players could be designed to take ordinary CD, Upsample it to 24-bit/96kHz, sent through a similar Micro-Processor for Surround Sound/ Multi-Channel, and then Downmixed within our own Players. This could be done to add back all of the missing harmonic content that is stripped during the Digital Conversion Process. I don't know why 2-Channel Higher Sampling Rates, or SACD, still seem to strip the Music of its Harmonic Content. I don't know why this seems to be the only Process that actually, and substantially puts it back. The Foundation for this Harmonic Content during the Processing, is still based on what little Harmonic Content remains on the 2-Channel Digital Recording. You can argue that this Process corrupts the original Music Event, I would argue that Digitizing the original Music Event so radically corrupts the Harmonic Content, that this Processing might be the only way to correct the damage! Imagine being able to listen to your CD collection again, without getting Migrane Headaches after the first few Disks! I guess that everyone prefers to really aggrivate their Migraine Headaches, by buying into MP-3! Gee- I hope that I am successful, and the Masochists don't win, but I am really outnumbered!
You may think that misery loves company, but I hope by now you realize that I make for lousy company! I am not exactly a follower, if you know what I mean!
Update: Managed to get on E-mail list for Capital Studios via their Website. Left an E-mail for Paula Salvatore, contact at Capitol Studios and Mastering. She appears to work in the Recording Department. Recieved a response, that a formal E-mail is forthcoming from her.
Sent an E-mail to Stewart Whitmore, recording engineer at Marcussen Mastering Studios. This is the Studio that Dave Collins did the Surround Sound Mastering for DIANNA KRALL: THE LOOK OF LOVE DVD-Audio Disk.
Both E-mails inquired about the Mastering processed used, expressed an interest in more releases utilizing this Format, inquired about any plans for doing so.
These people are probably having a heart attack, no-one from the Public has ever contacted them, inquiring about the Sound Quality of a particular Format. Shame on you! No wonder they think no-one cares! Probably the first time that anyone has even complemented them! I don't give very many complements, only when there is an extra-ordinary effort to produce Sound Quality that is Generations ahead of any 2-Channel Digital Recording, no matter what the Sampling Rate, and I didn't even have to use extra Amplifiers or Speakers!
I will keep you posted!
Update: Time for the Pettyofficer to eat some Crow. Sent three E-mails to Capitol Mastering Studios, and one E-mail to Marcussen Mastering Studios. Both Studios are listed on the back of the DIANNA KRALL: THE LOOK OF LOVE DVD-Audio Disk. Recieved two responses from Capitol Mastering, both claiming that Formal E-mail Responses were forthcomming. It is apparent that this is simply an automated System sending out an automated response, might as well be E-mailing a Robot. It is apparent that no E-mail Responses from a real Human Being are forthcomming. Gave it my best shot, waited long enough.
I take full responsibity for all insults and hurt feelings that I may have caused other Audiogon Members, and I Apologize. I was trying to get everyone to think outside the box, thought shock treatment might wake everyone up. It is my fault that I missunderstood the audience that I was addressing. How do you try to get a Masochist to act in his own best interest, you can't, it is simply square peg-round hole logic. I deserve all of the fault for even trying, I am smart enough to know better.
My Plan was simple, rile up enough Audiogon members to flood the Recording Manufacturers with demand for Multi-Channel High Resolution Digital Recordings. I thought that E-mails would be the best tool. Again, it was square peg-round hole logic, and no amount of insult will make that square peg fit. I should have known better. I know better now.
There might be a chance, if enough Members send E-mails to these Manufacturers, but from my experience I seriously doubt it. I never expected deadpan silence from paying someone a compliment, but that is all I can offer you if you want to E-mail these Recording Studios. I will include the E-mail addresses, use them-don't use them, do with as you will. I think that I am pretty much done with the whole mess. Once again, my Apologies to Anyones feelings that might have been hurt during this Thread. I really think that you are all really smart and intelligent people with an enthusiastic interest in Sound Reproduction. I really wish you the best.

matt.graber@capitolmastering.com

sw@marcussenmastering.com sw-Stewart Whitmore

paula.salvatore@capitolstudios.com