2. misc-audio
  3. 1165242766

CD Buying Guide???

I was wondering if anyone knows of a book/mag/publication that rates the sonic quality of (most/all) of the CD's on the market. It seems like it would be possible. I have been disappointed to say the least with some of the digital recordings in my collection. I'm not interested in rating the content but more the quality of the product from a strictly fidelity based aspect. I see that remastered CD's are getting VERY popular but I would like a guide to help me avoid the dogs while picking up the gems. The thought of re-buying CD's isn’t all that appealing to me but the chance of getting some of the rotten first attempts at digitizing analog cleaned up is very appealing. I just wish I had a guide. It seems long ago I had picked up such a book from Powel’s in Portland. It gave each disc a 1-5 rating for audio quality and information about how, when, where it was recorded. I thought it was a yearly publication. Man would that be nice when I get on line or head to the local used CD store. There is a lot written on vinyl but I cant really find anything on Compact Disc.

HELP ...
128x128horseface
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
chase songs...not sounds....as a rule however, newer releases sound better because because the mixing and mastering process has improved.
imin2u
392 posts
 
I mostly disagree with Jaybo. I've found that untouched original cd's with the hiss sound far better than 99% of the remasters. As always, there are exceptions. The Joni Mitchell remasters in hdcd are great. On the other hand, those Cat Stevens remasters were a joke.
steelhead
318 posts
 
You may want to consider picking up a copy or a subscription to Paste Magazine if you are interested in below the radar alternative type of artists.

It is a music magazine and normally each issue includes a free CD with twenty tracks by different artists/labels.

It won't give you a sonic guide per se but you can judge the sonics for yourself, Plus, hear great music.

I have no connection to Paste other than being a satisfied customer.

Have Fun.
fishboat
245 posts
 
Imin2u,
Slightly off topic here, but which issues of Cat Stevens are good? I saw Cat on CBS Sunday Morning yesterday...hadn't heard his music for 20+ years, but liked it back then & would like to pick up a couple CDs today.

As for the catalog of ratings...sounds like a good idea, though I doubt any recording company would make the effort. A big part of their business is in figuring out ways to encourage people to repurchase the same music over, and over, and over....
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I bought the remastered "Tea For the Tillerman" a while back. Absolutely awful! What a shame because that album was exceptional and the memories are priceless.
After that experience I've been leery of "remastered" label.
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