blu-spec cds .
Posted by: keith waring on 31 December 2008
received 2 cd today, bob dylan highway 61 revisited and boz scaggs silk degree .first bob ,the first thing that hit me was drums cymbals to the fore .its not the same upgrade as shm cds,it not as dynamic more a lighter sound .
the boz scaggs cd is a big step up from the cd i have .this is more a showcase as to what blu-spec can do , top end smooth and vocals very clear well worth a try .
the boz scaggs cd is a big step up from the cd i have .this is more a showcase as to what blu-spec can do , top end smooth and vocals very clear well worth a try .
Jon remember this, a recording done in full analogue is superior to an album done in full digital. New does not necessarily mean better and a few studio's are learning this again. the only real problem you have is the condition of analogue tapes but if they have been stored properly they will be in great nick. Just go out and buy this album on original vinyl or Classic Records re-issue (I have the re-issue) and see if you can find an all digital recording that sounds better. Recorded in 1959. Take Five gives me goose pimples evertime I play this record.
.
Dean..aren't records great
.Dean..aren't records great
Jon,
As is true with all things simplicity is always the best route but of course in todays world you have a myriad of devices to complicate simplicity. Now lets take our beloved Naim for example in their True Stereo recordings they use these to record the music.
30+ year old microphones
Two track analogue tape machine.
and they record in natural acoustics to give the sense of being there. Simplicity, the least amount of equipment a spontaneous live performance no overdubs or added effects that many studio's employ to correct mistakes in the recording in the first place. Now I'm not saying that modern studio equipment is all bad because it can be used to make music very interesting when its used to inhance the music not correct it but what I feel is that much of modern music is overproduced trying to make a performance perfect using effects units and computers and in the process ignoring what makes much music interesting, its imperfections. But back in the 40's 50's & 60's they had no such equipment so they had to make do with what they had so you have a more natural recording, and don't discount Mono as well many mono recordings from the 40's & 50's will blow you socks off, and thats why early Beatles mono records are so sort after. Also much of todays Pop & Rock music is fabricated to the point of masking the performers real talent or lack thereof. But one of the biggest crimes in modern music is the fact that its business and they are always looking to maximise their profits and therefore aim much of todays music at the low-fi equipment like mini systems, ghetto blasters and now MP3/Ipods so its no wonder people with quality systems look to the past for great recordings in that time recording engineers, producers & muscians were in the business of making great recordings of great music.
Dean..
As is true with all things simplicity is always the best route but of course in todays world you have a myriad of devices to complicate simplicity. Now lets take our beloved Naim for example in their True Stereo recordings they use these to record the music.
30+ year old microphones
Two track analogue tape machine.
and they record in natural acoustics to give the sense of being there. Simplicity, the least amount of equipment a spontaneous live performance no overdubs or added effects that many studio's employ to correct mistakes in the recording in the first place. Now I'm not saying that modern studio equipment is all bad because it can be used to make music very interesting when its used to inhance the music not correct it but what I feel is that much of modern music is overproduced trying to make a performance perfect using effects units and computers and in the process ignoring what makes much music interesting, its imperfections. But back in the 40's 50's & 60's they had no such equipment so they had to make do with what they had so you have a more natural recording, and don't discount Mono as well many mono recordings from the 40's & 50's will blow you socks off, and thats why early Beatles mono records are so sort after. Also much of todays Pop & Rock music is fabricated to the point of masking the performers real talent or lack thereof. But one of the biggest crimes in modern music is the fact that its business and they are always looking to maximise their profits and therefore aim much of todays music at the low-fi equipment like mini systems, ghetto blasters and now MP3/Ipods so its no wonder people with quality systems look to the past for great recordings in that time recording engineers, producers & muscians were in the business of making great recordings of great music.
Dean..
Ah yes, the past ...
That wonderful warm analogue sound,
such a shame it lacks accuracy & vinyl quality is so variable!
That wonderful warm analogue sound,
such a shame it lacks accuracy & vinyl quality is so variable!
I just did a comparison of 'Tapestry' Carol King Blu-Spec CD v 1999 Ode/Epic Uk release.
I was disappointed by my standard CD when I first heard it.
The opening track (I Feel The Earth Move) the sound stage is really muddled, & generally suffers from a muffled sonic quality. The piano sounds splashy & slightly distorted.
The Blue-Spec appears to be from the same master, but sonically so much better I'm wondering.
There's a good sense of placement, & all elements are nicely defined.
Impressively realistic piano sound, & good 'n' clear - which is particularly pleasing for the vocal.
I was disappointed by my standard CD when I first heard it.
The opening track (I Feel The Earth Move) the sound stage is really muddled, & generally suffers from a muffled sonic quality. The piano sounds splashy & slightly distorted.
The Blue-Spec appears to be from the same master, but sonically so much better I'm wondering.
There's a good sense of placement, & all elements are nicely defined.
Impressively realistic piano sound, & good 'n' clear - which is particularly pleasing for the vocal.
SADE Diamond Life now available again on Blue-Spec. Recd. Miles Davis Kind of Blue the other day. Not had time to sit down and listen properly yet, on first brief play impressions, I would endorse what others have said, re cleaner bass lines.
Must find time to drag myself away from the forum and CD internet sites to listen to some of my recently acquired high value CD's to give proper evaluation.
Don
Must find time to drag myself away from the forum and CD internet sites to listen to some of my recently acquired high value CD's to give proper evaluation.
Don
Sadly the sliding £ is making japanese CDs expensive. 
quote:Sadly the sliding £ is making japanese CDs expensive.
They were expensive before John. Now they are hideously expensive!
