Nick Drake HD files

Posted by: john s on 09 December 2016

I was listening to a Nick Drake compilation from Island last night, ripped from CD to Flac, then streamed via Asset. The instruments sounded great but the vocals were quite woolly in places. I'm pretty sure it isn't a system issue as everything else sounds fine, so I am wondering whether it is just my copy of the CD or if it is just the way this compilation was produced.

If anyone else has this compilation (IMCD 196/524 007-2) have you noticed a similar problem?

Also, has anyone found a good HD download of ND's material? I've seen a fair bit of vinyl available, but the only HD issue I've found is on the HD tracks "Way to Blue" album, similar to the Island content but without Cello Song and Way to Blue.

Posted on: 09 December 2016 by SamS

Qobuz has the 3 albums in High Res 24/96 but not cheap at £15.56 each. I would asume these are the same masterings that were available as downlods with the box set LP re-issues from a few years ago. They are very good. A nice touch with the box sets were mp3s (shame they weren't flac) of dubbed from disc transfers from original Island LPs, I believe from the Drake family's collection. You get to hear the crackle as the needle hits the groove, warts & all. The LPs themselves are lovely - need to give one a spin, as it has been a while.

Posted on: 09 December 2016 by winkyincanada

Slightly "woolly" vocals is also how I'd perhaps describe the SQ of some of my standard box-set CD-based ND stuff (not sure what serial# as the CDs are archived). But it doesn't my diminish enjoyment of his (tragically short) repertoire in the slightest for me.

Posted on: 09 December 2016 by john s

Thanks for the replies, I'll have a look at Qobuz as I'd like to have more of his music anyway.....interesting comment re the vocals but I agree I still enjoy the music very much.

Posted on: 09 December 2016 by Erich

In Qobuz:

The John Peel Session

Family Tree

The first three are 24/96, the rest 16/44.1 Prices from CHF 16 -> 29.

Posted on: 10 December 2016 by john s

Many thanks - didn't know about the John Peel Session, I must have a listen to that one.