I kind of struggle with the pricing of High Res downloads. If it is new material the engineer selects the bit rate and sample rate with two clicks of the mouse. The only difference is more storage space for the recording vs. standard 16-bit/44.1kHz. Wouldn't you want to offer it at a redbook price to attract more users?
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.
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- 38 posts total
Goose, I completely agree and share your incredulity with respect to the price of downloads. I only download sure bets as a result. We seem to be stuck in this tug of war between people who think music is free (ridiculous and greedy) and music distributors who gouge wherever and whenever they can (shortsighted and greedy) My only solution is speak up about it and only buy the very best at the lowest prices available. I wouldn't blame anyone for boycotting the whole affair. Perhaps Neil Young's Pono adventure will bring prices down to CD level, but I ain't holding my breath. |
Vhiner, what really gets me is there is a real opportunity to drawn in a whole new generation of listeners to support the music industry and for that matter the audio hardware folks. They have only been exposed to poor compressed MP3 music. I don't believe in free music either. If I was running the show, I would make high res downloads so attractive from a pricing point that you couldn't resist! However, at $18 to $25 for a high res download, I have a whole lot of CD's and vinyl to keep me happy. In addition, there will be an equipment investment hurdle to get over for downloads as well as the availibility of titles being offered. I think there will need to be some consolidation and standardization before I will jump in let alone the "new generation". |
The latest hi-res download from Sound Liaison is up to or maybe even surpassing their previous releases. Batik; the Old Man and the Sea, featuring ECM recording artist Wolfert Brederode has an incredible vivid sound stage, clear placement, depth and a warm lush presentation of the instruments. even the youtube mp3 quality shows the absolutely stunning audio quality of this, what must be, in my humble opinion, THE hi-res download of 2014. You tube link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u35c-p-tSqU [img]http://www.soundliaison.com/images/A_MyMuseImages/Batik%20Hoes%20300%20shadow%20v2.png[/img] |
I concur; the Sound Liaison downloads are all you could ask for in an audiophile recording. Very beautiful music and incredible recording quality. And the service of this little label is unsurpassed. I maid a stupid mistake when I was going to play back the one of the files and had already sent a complaint to Sound Liaison before I discovered that it was entirely my own fault that the download was not playing. Before I had the chance to send a second mail saying ''problem solved'' I received a wetransfer file with all the tracks I had just bought from head engineer Frans de Rond with a note asking not to hesitate to take up contact if the problem was still there. That kind of service is truly remarkable. |
- 38 posts total