downer mydnyte wrote:
Spaceresearcher wrote:
Guys I'm a mega fan of Vinyl myself but the honest truth is that 24bit 96KHz or higher sampling, outperforms Vinyl hands down.
downer mydnyte wrote:
Everyone's ears are different. We all hear things differently. There are factors. The honest truth is that there is no honest truth.
Spaceresearcher wrote:
I suppose there's also no right or wrong? Of course there's truth. Existence is Truth. Discovery is part of Existence. Learning is part of Discovery.
There's no accepted "truth" when it comes to what sounds better to each individual. I'm speaking specifically about the "truth" as it applies to your quote about vinyl and 24bit 96KHz or higher sampling. It was not a generalization of "truth" in all "existence".
Right and wrong is a matter of perspective.
Now, aren't you supposed to be pushing Zappa product? I would never purchase a USB stick of
Beat The Boots. Never.
YES THERE IS!!!!
What I'm getting at here is that if you grab your favourite stereo, play the same album in CD format, Vinyl format, SACD format, DVD audio format, Bluray format, high definition(24bit, 44.1 to 192KHz sample rate), your going to hear differences. The main one is better dynamics which is a no brainer(louder or softer), however what you will also notice is extra details. Now these details may very well not be wanted because there not what your used to listening to but they will be there, so perhaps that may not sound better to some and to others amazing.(a great example would be finger slides on violin solo's, Vangelises famous Blade Runner soundtrack in SACD for example allows you to hear more buzz to the synth, Dire Straights Brothers in arms practically sparkles like it was live in your living room. The point I'm trying to get across is that better quality sources will always deliver better quality audio, there's absolutely no denying it once you've sat down, had a listen and experienced it. As to if you like it or not, that's not my concern, but the fact that the hi-definition audio delivers superior sound and detail of sound is undeniable.
I get passionate about this because sadly many folks have crap stereo systems and poor quality sound sources to system delivery methods and there missing out on audio that's worth while. Surely you must notice the difference in sound between a good quality vinyl and a CD for example? Set your favourite EQ settings and volume. Leave those then play the 2 sources. You'll hear the difference. Especially since a lot of CD's(especially earlier CD's) were sampled directly from Vinyl's in any case.
What I'm trying to get across is that the better the actual source, the better your sound quality no matter if it's fart sound effects or a symphony. What ever someone likes or dislikes will be more liked or more disliked from a better quality source without doubt.
Interestingly, the new remaster of 'Hot Rats'(only currently available retail version) for example, was without doubt a better quality sound source than the earlier Ryko. It was even better on the Vinyl that was released also(now that's comparing apples with apples as they came from the same remastered source correct?). That said, I actually liked the Ryko recording and wished that could have been re-done. It was how Frank remastered it as well if I'm not mistaken. The only reason was that I got used to this recording and was shocked at how much more jumped out at me on the Vinyl release. I'm hoping a 24bit 192KHz of Hot Rats may be a possibility in the future.
At least no one seems to go for cassette tapes anymore. I remember a friend who had a copy of Pink Floyd's The Wall on cassette and when I played my CD copy he was going 'what the hell.' the speed is all wrong!!! We checked his cassette tape and it turned out that the tape had actually stretched(I believe Joe Travers has encountered similar issues with some of Frank's vault tapes.) So higher quality sources are a good thing. My saddest issue with vinyl is that each time you play your record your getting some minute wear(although a lot of folks argue that's your stylus and turntable setup. I use a good quality stylus and ensure it's setup correctly in the hope. Also I've got a few vinyl's I've inherited which lasted 50 years+ and with looking after them, the wear is more than likely negligible at best to most ears).
Now we have the possibility of having a source that's exactly like having the master tapes and that's 24bit/192KHz sampled audio fellow fans. The best part is as it's digital, you'll be able to play it for the rest of your lives and never have quality degradation of this source AT ALL.
So that point again: The better the actual source, the better your sound quality.
PS. USB stick for Zappa is awesome. The proof is Halloween 77 which I can't recommend highly enough(it's a SUPER PRODUCT) and if you can't hear how amazing the audio is compared to say the CD or DVD of Baby Snakes then I'd say there's something wrong with your equipment because it's a massive difference.(A good example as all those recordings will be 44.1KHz but Halloween 77 is 24bit instead of 16bit. Check it out for yourself.)