Why would anyone use HD Tracks for Downloads?

Raymonda,

You stated: "Dolby SR is in the 90-95db ratio of signal to noise. I think you are looking at Dolby B systems of the 80's Analog noise reduction has come a long, long way since then. Try listening to Circus Monkey from Walter Becker. This was recorded totally in analog using Dolby SR. I doubt you will be troubled by any noise floor. Too bad that you can only get Becker's album on CD. It would be great to have an AAA copy."

I'll take your word that Dolby has lowered the noise floor on analog recordings and thereby improved the Signal to Noise measurements. Very expensive reel-to-reel master recorders utilizing Dolby A or SR noise reduction are capable of S/N ratios of 60-80 db. 24 bit/96khz PCM digital recorders are capable of S/N ratios of 144 db.

Since you are a recording engineer, I'm sure you're aware that SNR and Dynamic ranges are closely related. In my last post, I specifically stated the Dynamic Range of analog reel-to-reel recordings is in the 60-70 db range but should have stated it was possible to achieve a dynamic range of 80 db if very expensive reel-to-reel analog recorders with Dolby A or SR are employed. However, even relatively inexpensive digital PCM recorders are capable of capturing dynamic range measurements in the 90-95 db range.

But I think our discussion has devolved into a debate of analog vs. digital, which I think we both wanted to avoid.

I'm very glad to learn that analog master recorders are improving by lowering their noise floors and increasing their dynamic range utilizing the newer Dolby SR technology even though it's expensive, probably not universally employed for mastering and will need future innovations to match direct to digital SNR and dynamic range capabilities.


You stated:"BTW, it is pretty easy to see whether HD is using CD and upsampling. Just look at frequency graph. Filters and brick wall filters tell all."

I know about brick wall filtering showing up on a frequency graph that is a telltale sign of a digital recording but I don't think HD Tracks even makes the frequency graphs of their music available. Are you aware of any frequency graphs available from HD Tracks for their available titles?

It is difficult, for a layman such as myself, to determine which hi-res sites offer the highest quality hi-res music files. I have been utilizing the inefficient method of trial and error thus far and only discovered that music recorded directly to digital sounds the best to me. I find the superiority in SNR, dynamic range and detail of these files to be easily identifiable and obviously superior to CD recordings.

The best downloaded file I've purchased thus far is from Liaison Music Shop of a Jennifer Gomes album called A Thousand Shades of Blue. It was recorded in front of a live audience and my 24 bit/96 khz FLAC download sounds better than any CD on my NAS. It is dead quiet with outstanding dynamics and incredible detail that creates a solid and stable soundstage giving the realistic illusion of the musicians being in the room.
Now that my computer audio system is up and running well, I'm on the lookout for more high quality music downloads like this but I'm finding the process difficult and frustrating.

I think I'm just looking for information, tips and some direction on finding good hi-res downloads of good music. Maybe you're right that good analog recordings transferred to digital will give good results. It would definitely expand the available music available for me to buy. I may start by taking a chance on that Walter Becker Circus Monkey album you mentioned.

BTW- My friend got the reel-to-reel master copies from his older brother. His brother wasn't involved in the music business and I never learned where he obtained them. He was actually a drug dealer and I wouldn't be surprised if a crime was involved.

Thanks,
Tim

Tim,

You ran with a tough crowd back in the day.

Hifi News and Review's music section has does a frequency and spectrum graph of digital down loads, which can be useful. I don't do too many down loads, although that may change. When I do it is straight from the artist and they are true transfers.

Again, try Circus Monkey. Not only is it a good recording....although a bit overly compressed with some limiting but the music is great. It will be something you will listen to repeatedly.

Also, Jerry Garcia from the Capitol Theater in 1981. It is an 88/24 transfer of a multi-tracked live show. The only limitations are the mics that were used. You don't have to be a Dead Head to appreciate this recording or music. After listening to that, you will agree that you are glad it was transfered to hi-rez digital. Also, there is little to no limiting and most likely little compression on individual tracks during the mix. The wav looks fantastic and the way every mastered 2 track should appear.

You can get it at Jerry Garcia's web site.

I think we agree on hirez digital being very good. It's not a dog vs cat or chocolate vs vanilla thing......you can like both!

"Now that my computer audio system is up and running well, I'm on the lookout for more high quality music downloads like this but I'm finding the process difficult and frustrating."

You can always download the hi res files first using torrents. If the music turns out to be as advertised, then buy it.

The provenance is essential and not too reliable with HD Tracks. PONO seems to do a better job of it...

I've had great luck with Acoustic Sounds high rez also.