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Which High Res releases are worth buying?

A number of A'goners have said they'd like to start a running database of releases that are worth buying. We've all discovered High Res downloads and discs that don't even live up to Redbook standards. Others are a definite improvement. Here's your chance to weigh in on the winners as well as the dogs. Inevitably, you may post a recommendation others may disagree with. Debate is good, but let's keep it clean and courteous. If we do, this could provide everyone with a great resource.
vhiner
vhiner OP
544 posts
 
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.
vhiner OP
544 posts
 
Sorry about the 24/172 typos ...I also suffer from dyslexia and the 176 versus 192 throws me off. :-0
vhiner OP
544 posts
 
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.
bill_k
926 posts
 
I have found the MA Recordings HiRez DVD-ROM titles to be of true reference quality. I'm a jazz fan and really like the release of Mathias Landaeus Trio's - Opening. It's stunning how it seemingly transports you to the recording studio. Other releases from MA are equally superb in quality and are taken from Todd Garfinkle's original digital masters - not upsampled!
vhiner OP
544 posts
 
Bill,

I always appreciate your tips about things digital! The website looks good and I'll check out the rest of the music. Those Skandanavians *do* know great jazz!
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