Home Theater Forum - View Single Post - What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Will_B · 08-20-2004, 04:41 PM

I ordered it online at deepdiscountcd. The disc arrived covered in dust (the shrinkwrap was covered in dust). I imagine there's probably some story behind the way this title never got shipped around the country properly.

Anyway I am listening to it now, and though I do not want anyone taking my words too heavily (for I am not a "golden ears" type person, nor well versed enough in music to use the right words), I must say my initial reaction to the 5.1 mix was that I was seriously dissapointed.

DAVID BOWIE'S HEATHEN 5.1 totally impressed me as the best ever sounding 5.1 disc I've ever heard, due in large part to the way the whole band filled the rear speakers almost as vividly as the fronts.

But this, DAVID BOWIE'S REALITY, keeps a good deal of the band trapped in the front left and front right, almost as if - and this is what ultimately redeemed this 5.1 mix for me -- almost as if they're trying to maintain or recreate the impression of an old-fashioned stereo recording (remember those days? The early 21st century? Good times, good times).

This theory actually makes some sense. If you recall that the beginning of "The Loneliest Guy" purposefully starts out as if it were tuned in on an AM radio and then opens up... perhaps this is the concept of the entire album. I am inclined to believe that is what is going on.

The surrounds are used to greater and greater effect as the album progresses, so, perhaps there is design behind this madness.

There many times when the clarity of Bowie's vocals are so much more vivid than any instrument in the band that it feels like you're listening to Bowie recording his vocal. As such, you better be a fan of Bowie's voice to enjoy this album. (Personally I am so that's fine with me). But generally I'd have prefered the band to have been given a fuller presentation.

That said, the clarity of the high resolution is very nice indeed. And where these comments matter most: Is this better than the stereo CD?

Yes, it is. I never picked up on the sort of "NY in the early 70s vibe" that I now feel is quite obvious. Again I can't explain that because I'm not a music reviewer.

08-20-2004, 04:41 PM	#131 of 1765
Will_B Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Local Time: 12:43 AM Local Date: 10-16-2008 Posts: 3,337	I ordered it online at deepdiscountcd. The disc arrived covered in dust (the shrinkwrap was covered in dust). I imagine there's probably some story behind the way this title never got shipped around the country properly. Anyway I am listening to it now, and though I do not want anyone taking my words too heavily (for I am not a "golden ears" type person, nor well versed enough in music to use the right words), I must say my initial reaction to the 5.1 mix was that I was seriously dissapointed. DAVID BOWIE'S HEATHEN 5.1 totally impressed me as the best ever sounding 5.1 disc I've ever heard, due in large part to the way the whole band filled the rear speakers almost as vividly as the fronts. But this, DAVID BOWIE'S REALITY, keeps a good deal of the band trapped in the front left and front right, almost as if - and this is what ultimately redeemed this 5.1 mix for me -- almost as if they're trying to maintain or recreate the impression of an old-fashioned stereo recording (remember those days? The early 21st century? Good times, good times). This theory actually makes some sense. If you recall that the beginning of "The Loneliest Guy" purposefully starts out as if it were tuned in on an AM radio and then opens up... perhaps this is the concept of the entire album. I am inclined to believe that is what is going on. The surrounds are used to greater and greater effect as the album progresses, so, perhaps there is design behind this madness. There many times when the clarity of Bowie's vocals are so much more vivid than any instrument in the band that it feels like you're listening to Bowie recording his vocal. As such, you better be a fan of Bowie's voice to enjoy this album. (Personally I am so that's fine with me). But generally I'd have prefered the band to have been given a fuller presentation. That said, the clarity of the high resolution is very nice indeed. And where these comments matter most: Is this better than the stereo CD? Yes, it is. I never picked up on the sort of "NY in the early 70s vibe" that I now feel is quite obvious. Again I can't explain that because I'm not a music reviewer.