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Can Redbook CD Be Saved

This type of thread has been discussed in various OPs elsewhere in one form or another. Some have said that the future belongs to one type of hi rez format or another, or maybe even various types of formats. Well, redbook CD has been around for three decades and many of us "old heads" have made significant investments in our CDPs and redbook CD collections based on 16 bit/44.1 kHz technology.

So I ask those knowledgeable in digital formats whether it is possible that redbook CD technology can be improved to the point that it could be substantially comparable to the various so called "cutting edge" hi rez formats coming down the pike? Maybe the improvements would have to start at the recording studio. Dunno?? But I would appreciate learning whether redbook CD equipment and CDs are headed the way of the 8-track?

Thanks
bifwynne
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
The reason Bifwynne's records sound better, is the same reason mine and everyone else's sound better; they have all the analog information.

You are not converting or sampling, you are listening to the recording.

I do have some stellar SACD's, that on the right player (I no longer have a refernce quality player, since I gave up on discs) sound almost as good as vinyl, but never have I heard CD's stand up to vinyl. The reason we still have a 100 yr old technology.

I now have a Wyred4Sound DAC2 (my 12th DAC in the last few years) that I really do love with digital. But, I think the high res files sound better than any CD's that I have played through it. I am using a Oppo 83 as the transport, but still, the DAC with high res FLAC files, blows the CD's away.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Macdadtexas, I have proven time and again great sound can be achieved from both vinyl and CD, but you have to chose which will be your primary source. You are a classic example of someone who invests over $5,000 in vinyl playback and $1500 in a DAC and then carries on about how much better your records sound. Go figure!
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Bifwynne, I have heard some models of Paradigm speakers can sound thin. Have you considered looking into a REL to compliment your main speakers?
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Rrog, You don't read very well do you? I said I currently don't own a reference disc player, but I have. And many, many DAC's, including the awesome Berkeley (borrowed, didn't own), PS Audio Perfectwave and Bryston BDA-1 (great DAC) all recently, among others.

I have also owned a wonderful Parts Connexion modified Denon 5910 (the last really good disc player I owned, and a Linn Unidisc, once among others over the years. So you are way off base.

Red disc CD, by definition of the sample rate, is inferior. You can bluster all you want, but it is. If you say differntly you are just talking your book. Vinyl can be a pain in the butt, and there are not enough SACD titles to mess with anymore, but I will keep the ones that I have.

If you love the convenience of digital, the last medium to use for that is 44.1 CD. Hi Rez files and a very good NEW DAC blow them away, and are even more convenient. I will keep collecting vinyl, and use a DAC to play my FLAC files for conveneince sake. But CD's, they are as dead as 8 tracks, they just don't know it yet.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Rrog: "Bifwynne, I have heard some models of Paradigm speakers can sound thin. Have you considered looking into a REL to compliment your main speakers?"

The S8s are not so much thin as much as they start to peter out at around 45-50Hz. In most cases, there's not a lot of info down there, but when there's deep bass info in the source material, e.g., symphony orchestra (tympani, basses) or rock (some Nora Jones, etc), a sub woofer is nice to have.

I bought the Paradigm Signature Servo a couple of years ago. I set the low end cut-off at about 60-80 Hz and adjust the loudness as it suits my ears. I know that the Paradigm Signature line don't get a lot of attention on Audiogon, but the new ones with the beryllium tweeters are actually quite impressive.

Thanks
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