Who are the cloth eared people who remaster CDs?

Posted by: Andy S on 11 June 2010

Having bought an nDAC, I've just ripped all my CDs to the computer. I also have a digital copy of one of the albums (Led Zep III) from a vinyl rip from a 200g pressing. Given both these are digital and go through exactly the same replay chain, the difference between them is staggering - in favour of the vinyl rip. More delicacy, better dynamics, more natural sound. The CD master just sounds dull, compressed and lifeless in comparison. I realise the source of the vinyl rip has an influence here, but it shows the limit is not the CD medium...

I know it may not be a revelation to all on here, but it was to me.

Posted on: 12 June 2010 by Andy S

quote:
Originally posted by munch:
Andy,
Who did the mastering on your Led Zepp cd?
Can you have a look?
Stu

Hi Stu,

Sorry, CD now in the attic - clearing space around here. I think it was the original 86 Diament one.

Posted on: 14 June 2010 by Andy S

Stu,

Nope. Definitely not as good as vinyl... Oh well. BTW. you owe a reply on your nDAC thread

Posted on: 14 June 2010 by Guido Fawkes

Don't all digital re-masters sound the same?

Posted on: 14 June 2010 by Andy S

quote:
Originally posted by ROTF:
Don't all digital re-masters sound the same?

No.

Posted on: 14 June 2010 by pcstockton

quote:
Originally posted by munch:
If it is the Diament?
Thats the best recording there is imo.
Most Led Zepp remasters hurt my ears including the vinyl.
The last two Mothership and The Song Remains the same are the worst.
Stu

I couldnt agree more. It took a while to find all of the Diament Zeppelins. I dont think he did IV by the way. Maybe thats why it is my least favorite.

Posted on: 15 June 2010 by Joe Bibb

quote:
Originally posted by pcstockton:
quote:
Originally posted by munch:
If it is the Diament?
Thats the best recording there is imo.
Most Led Zepp remasters hurt my ears including the vinyl.
The last two Mothership and The Song Remains the same are the worst.
Stu

I couldnt agree more. It took a while to find all of the Diament Zeppelins. I dont think he did IV by the way. Maybe thats why it is my least favorite.

Patrick,

Joe Sidore did the Zep IV IIRC, it shouldn't be a problem. I have a Japanese early pressing of that and it sounds excellent. The remaster I heard was a bit of an ear bleed.

The only remaster that works for me is Physical Graffiti SHM CD (the channel reversal that dogs the Diament copy is corrected too).

Stu is bang on the money re-Mothership, that is appalling.

Joe