Is music quality moving away from the "audiophile"


I recently read an interesting post on the production of the new Metallica album and how its sound has been catered to the Ipod generation. Formatting the sound of the album toward the ipod itself. With computer downloads, mp3's etc, etc. it seems that "compression" over quality is becoming the norm.

In the Metallica example, I have been a fan since 84. Now, i know they are not a good example for the so called "audiophile", but that being said the production on this album is terrible. Actually, worse than their previous album St. Anger. Who makes the call on this? The band, engineer, record company? A combination of all?
zigonht
Shadorne

You should check out Lahaina Grown. Great Maui based Reggae band as well. Very similar to your band.
If you are going to listen to that modern ska reggae style I would suggest a superior band are Vampire Weekend.
I wouldnt judge the state of recordings on the current Metallica offering...they are what they are...a huge metal band...so naturally they are going to gear their product to their base(mainstream) audience....this is no slam on the band...it is what is folks...