Which High Res releases are worth buying?

Excellent idea, Ozzy. I second the idea and will start using your system myself.

Does anyone know exactly what HDTracks does when processing/converting old releases to hi-res?

I went ahead and downloaded the Deep Purple, “Machine Head” 24/96 release even though I wasn’t that thrilled about the Doobie Brothers’, “Captain and Me” 24/192 release. Hey, it’s Machine Head, I had to try it. Any way the thing sounds like it’s been remastered (i.e.: altered). There’s a definite audible difference in clarity – the 24/96 being quite a bit more resolving than the 16/44 version that I ripped from the hybrid layer of the Machine Head SACD (which is truly a very good 16/44 file).

That said, I don’t know that the 24/96 version is “better.” During the first guitar solo in the song, “Lazy,” the 16/44 release portrays Blackmore in between the speakers (good central image…albeit slightly to the right), but during the same solo the 24/96 release has his guitar planted firmly in the right channel only…Odd...?? The snare drum sounds more realistic via the 24/96 release and Gillan’s voice is definitely more pronounced, but the 16/44 version, on the other hand, just has a better overall balance. It’s as if someone has literally remastered some of the original settings.

On a positive note, Blackmore’s guitar is audibly clearer via the 24/96 version.

I wonder what it is that the HDTrack guy(s) do during the process…??

Ben,

Very interesting observations. I'm as curious as you are. I wish HDTracks would share the re-packaging details of all their releases. Many of them are merely downloadable versions of already available SACD titles or are merely upsampled from 44.1. Mr. Chesky, as far as I know, has never weighed in on this issue. I urge everyone to pester HDtracks to define their releases and to STOP putting a High Res badge on everything they make available. This should not be a crap shoot. I think they should use a quality designation such as "True High Resolution" for titles that are high res through the chain. Upsampled releases should be identified as such. Remember DDD, AAD and ADD labels for CD's? That's what you get when standards are set by legislation. The High Res world is the Wild West right now. Thar's gold in them thar hills partners! The problem is finding it.

Sorry about the 24/172 typos ...I also suffer from dyslexia and the 176 versus 192 throws me off. :-0

It sure would be nice if more people could find some high resolution worth bragging about. It's tempting to conclude that there just aren't many qualifying titles out there. The Absolute Sound has just now begun a "trial" feature highlighting high res files worth downloading. It's a short list and not many superlatives were used. Let's hope they can unearth more gems in the future and that the attention will spur other musicians and producers to use the new technology in their releases.