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Author Topic: Reference Recordings / Test Tracks  (Read 18479 times)

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Stapsy

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Re: Reference Recordings
« Reply #70 on: March 31, 2013, 06:04:13 PM »
Quote from: LFF on March 31, 2013, 05:27:48 PM

Only buy the ones done by Alan Yoshida or Ron McMaster. Avoid the Van Gelder editions like the plague.

Funny you mention that, I have been going to used CD stores trying to find some older versions of albums that I like.  Yesterday I picked up A Love Supreme CD from 1986.  When I compared it to the one that I bought new (from the liner notes RVG remastered it), the difference is staggering.  Coltrane's saxophone is very forward in the mix compared compared with the new version (where everything is at the same level).  I am almost thinking there is something wrong with the older CD.  Has anyone heard the original recording?  It is kind of driving me crazy wondering how it is actually supposed to sound.
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LFF

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Re: Reference Recordings
« Reply #71 on: March 31, 2013, 06:35:19 PM »
Quote from: Stapsy on March 31, 2013, 06:04:13 PM
Quote from: LFF on March 31, 2013, 05:27:48 PM

Only buy the ones done by Alan Yoshida or Ron McMaster. Avoid the Van Gelder editions like the plague.

Funny you mention that, I have been going to used CD stores trying to find some older versions of albums that I like.  Yesterday I picked up A Love Supreme CD from 1986.  When I compared it to the one that I bought new (from the liner notes RVG remastered it), the difference is staggering.  Coltrane's saxophone is very forward in the mix compared compared with the new version (where everything is at the same level).  I am almost thinking there is something wrong with the older CD.  Has anyone heard the original recording?  It is kind of driving me crazy wondering how it is actually supposed to sound.

The old CD probably hasn't been compressed and has better levels than the modern version. As for Coltrane being too forward in the mix...that's how it sounds to me as well. Coltrane is a few db higher than all the rest and that's probably how it should be as he is the spotlight performer.
 
A lot of Van Gelder remasters (especially the Blue Notes) are almost nearly mono in sound. I don't remember if this is true for all the impulse remasters though. They also tend to be compressed to shit.
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Synnöve

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Re: Reference Recordings
« Reply #72 on: April 05, 2013, 08:50:37 PM »
Personal Reference Albums:
 
Matrix Trilogy Scores
I have the "for your consideration" versions WB sent to the academy. Very interesting scores. Still mixed with high levels, resulting in a very up front sound, which is suitable for it's type. I find "Saw Bitch Workhorse" from Revolutions to be excellent for seeing what a headphone can do in just about every department.

2012 LaLaLand release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture
This is probably the best film score I've ever heard. Not only that, but it's probably one of the best sounding (and it's from 1979!!). The score itself is genius... I can't do it justice with words. "The Cloud", "V'ger Flyover", and "The Meld" are my favorite tracks, showcasing a wide range of instruments, scoring methodologies, and auditory spectrum.

Oliver Latry's rendition of Widor's Toccata
I think the album is from 86. A rather fun piece played on the Notre Dame organ. Heart punching bass and ear splitting highs, great for causing euphoric hearing damage!

Oliver Latry's rendition of Apparition de l'Église éternelle
From the collected works of Messain. Has the same extremes of the Toccata, but is a slow piece. It describes the building of a cathedral... as you can imagine it's very loud and "epic" sounding. Will put any headphone's head-shaking capabilities to the test, along with just about everything else.

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SAY_stun_PLZ

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Re: Reference Recordings / Test Tracks
« Reply #73 on: April 07, 2013, 04:24:32 PM »
Short story:
After i read LFF's post, I imported a second hand Paul Simon - Graceland (1986).
Today it come to my door, i am glad that it is mint with very minimum scratch.

Early Impression:
- 2004/25th Ann. has emphasize on Low, and High Frequency
- 1985 has tighter bass
- 1986 has more precise soundstage, especially when you compare it with 3th track.
- Dynamic is really killed in 2004/65th Ann.
- When you come back from 1986 to 2004/65th Ann. , you will hear the later version has strange ambiance.
- Some glitch is still there, ex: 2nd track-2:35 you will hear a spark on right channel.

Conclusion:
Even it is early impression, I certainly can said:
Quote from: LFF on March 04, 2013, 05:50:01 PM
The first release has by far, the best, most natural sound compared to the others.
Definitely This.
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MattTCG

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Re: Reference Recordings / Test Tracks
« Reply #74 on: January 12, 2014, 12:09:04 AM »
Just wanted to say thanks to LFF and all who contributed here. I've found many new albums to enjoy. I'll add one of my own reference tracks...

Doug Macleod: Black Nights. The whole album is mastered well IMO.
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LFF

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Re: Reference Recordings / Test Tracks
« Reply #75 on: January 12, 2014, 03:45:33 AM »
 :)p2   


Very happy to see you guys enjoying my recommendations as well as others posted on here. Here is one for you....and it's often confused/wrongly attributed....


This one...



It seems everyone and their mother owns a copy of this. Almost every single time I get to hear the same story...goes something like this "This is THE TEST RECORD. It is famous/infamous for blowing up speakers since way back when. You NEED to hear it."


WRONG!


Why LFF? I'll tell you why. It is a mighty fine recording but THE TEST RECORD that's infamous for blowing speakers up is THIS VERSION: :boom:




I can see why people confuse them as they are both by Erich Kunzel BUT this earlier version is the famous recording released back in the late 70's that blew amps, speakers, and would make most vinyl carts jump off the record. It's this version that you NEED as a reference in terms of dynamics and low-end slam. :boom: Just wait until you hear the shots! However...remember....to turn the volume DOWN! You don't want to blow up your headphones do you? :-DD




Have fun scaring your neighbors.


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Marvey

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Re: Reference Recordings / Test Tracks
« Reply #76 on: January 12, 2014, 04:55:50 AM »
Yup, I have the later one with the "digital canons". Talking about a CD which actually utilized the dynamic range of Redbook... Crazy.
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MattTCG

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Re: Reference Recordings / Test Tracks
« Reply #77 on: January 12, 2014, 11:11:18 PM »
@LFF

I found a copy dates May 2001. Is there the correct version?

thanks...

Nevermind, in fact I already have this in my library. Wow...the dynamics are fantastic!! Wonderful recording.  :)
« Last Edit: January 12, 2014, 11:21:19 PM by MattTCG »
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Audio Jester

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Re: Reference Recordings / Test Tracks
« Reply #78 on: August 09, 2014, 12:58:09 PM »
These tracks sound pretty good to me...not sure if others would class them as reference?

Michael Hedges - Beyond Boundaries - Java Man
Quator Ebene - Debussy, Faure and Ravel: String Quartets - Assez Vif, Tres Rythme
Steve Reich - Music for 18 Musicians (Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble)
Ryuichi Sakamoto - /04 - Riot in Lagos
Bruce Stark - This is K2 HD Sound (FIM sampler) - Blue Dream
Andre Heuvelman - After Silence - Oblivion
 :)p8
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kothganesh

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Re: Reference Recordings / Test Tracks
« Reply #79 on: August 26, 2014, 12:10:59 PM »
Eagles - Hotel California (Live)
Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion
Led Zeppelin - Kashmir, Ramble On, In the Evening
Beatles - Day Tripper
Bon Jovi - Dead or Alive
Mark Knopfler - Imelda
Dire Straits - Money for Nothing and the On Every Street album
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