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Beyond the sound of things, and into the soul of things.


Beyond the sound of things, and into the soul of things.

Hi-res audio blows MP3s and AAC files out of the water. Essential data is lost when you listen to music via MP3 files because of the lossy compression that makes these files smaller. High-Resolution Audio can replicate the whole range of sound that the artist created when recording the content. Sony understands the importance of preserving the originality of music, which is why we’ve developed Hi-Res Audio products that allow audiophiles (like you) to listen to music in the best sound quality.

I listened to a file that I had downloaded in WAV which is a higher resolution than FLAC; this was Santana "Abraxas", an LP I bought in 1970, and since that time, have worn out many copies; to say I know every note on that LP is an understatement.

When I compared that file to my pristine LP, it was first in the lineup. As I listened, "It just doesn't get any better than this," I thought.

Now it was time for the LP; as the wax spun, I was floored on the first note; it was so definitive; after that keyboard intro, Santana's guitar just hung in the air, followed by the banging notes on the keyboard again, and then those unforgettable chimes; "Singing Winds and Crying Beasts" is the most perfect instrumental ever; IMO.

While the Hi-Res sounded good, the LP in my room felt good; I was flooded with all the memories I had experienced with this music playing in the background. Does anyone remember "Black Lights"; they made ladies legs glow in the dark when they wore certain kinds of stockings, what a scintillating sight.

So many colorful memories of my misspent youth passed before me as I listened, if only I could misspend them again. That's what the LP did for me; it regenerated my soul with it's soul; LP's have life, digital is the sound after it has been stripped of it's life.



              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn50ipwWarg



Can you relate to the "Soul" of things?


     
orpheus10
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

My reel is the ultimate, it puts me in a trance, and I'm listening to records I recorded.

Here again, it might be about experience, the same as in TT's and LP's; I always change rollers in a timely fashion, clean heads and demagnetize; the sound is sparkling and powerful.

Why LP's sound better on 2 track playback is a mystery to me?
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
2,164 posts
 
 @orpheus10 gain and frequency response....I had a 4 track Dokorder that made rock and roll LP’s come alive...
good on ya for maintaining the RtR
enjoy it in good health !!!!!!


falconquest's avatar
falconquest
480 posts
 
Man I just love open reel. There is still the problem with drop-outs, head cleaning etc. but man does it sound sweet, especially half track as mentioned by tomic601. That Revox machine is awesome. I have to admit that CD's are so damned convenient. I use a CEC belt drive transport to get the best sound that I can. This allows me convenience and in my estimation, that soulful experience mentioned. Not necessarily as soulful as tape mind you, but still good sound.
orpheus10 OP
5,988 posts
 

I remember drop-outs, but that's all; I haven't experienced one in ages. Maybe it's something different in the newer tape formulation.

I know this is going to sound like heresy, but I swear it's not easy telling CD's from LP's on playback. When you think of just how much the sound of a CD changes once it has been recorded on a 2 track reel; then you'll understand how much it has metamorphosized into an LP on playback.

All this talk about the reel has reminded me; "It's time to buy some more tape."
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david_ten
2,509 posts
 
Beyond the sound of things, and into the soul of things.

I would have stopped there. Beautifully said.

Many, many roads. We can [perhaps foolishly] dissect differences but it is difficult to argue or question one's being moved. However he or she arrives there, into their very personal 'soul of things.'
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