Neil Young's Pono music player raises millions

"Do you really think the Stones, Beatles, Floyd, Monk, Coltrane, Sinatra, Evans, Basie etc, etc. recorded anything over 14-16 bit? "

They did not record to any digital format, they all used open reel tape. And if the original tapes are available and in good condition, it is certainly desirable to transfer those to the best possible digital format.

I have been enjoying very much the latest releases of ELP, King crimson, Jethro Tull, etc. that have been done by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree fame. Give a listen to these and see if you don't agree...

-RW-

"Oh yeah, what about those DAT players and mini discs! Snooze."

Tom, if you've ever listened to a DAT or MiniDisc player you would know that the fidelity they provide is far superior to even the best analog tape medium. And they are portable, just try lugging around an open reel deck to get your musical jollies.

Well done hi-res music sounds incredible and having these available in a digital format allows one to enjoy the music at home or on the go.

I do understand the ridiculous limitations placed upon consumers of digital files. And for this reason I do not participate in purchasing downloaded files. As long as a physical medium is available (SACD, DVD-A, Bluray) the consumer gets the benefit of having very high quality music available and can re-sell the disc if need be...

-RW-

The problem IMO is that Neil Young understands the problem, but he is not technical enough to understand the right approach for a solution.

Also, why in the world is this on Kickstarter in the first place? Young has enough money to make this happen without asking for donations.

Audioengr- Because he is a savvy enough capitalist not to want to absorb all the risk on his own? Not to mention, doesn't that approach also sort of give it a kind of "grass roots" appeal? You know, something the "Occupy Warner Bros." crowd could get behind; so it's also a marketing ploy not exclusively a funding tactic. (IMO, of course)

Old analog master tapes transferred to DSD or 24/192 you bet. All the best jazz was recorded on analog tape and sound better than any high bit rate digital recording.