24/96 DAD - Any opinions on this type of disc?

Nicholas Martin · 02-11-2008, 12:49 PM

On a whim, I ordered a 24/96 DAD version of James Horner's "Glory" soundtrack (Classic Records DAD 1008) after reading (very) brief mentions of its supposed stunning analog recreation of the original LP release which itself was supposedly superior to the audio CD release. The CD isn't the greatest in terms of its recording by any means, so I'm excited at the idea of any improvement over that.

For anyone who has this or any of these DAD DVDs, is there really a big improvement in the recording quality?

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PaulDA · 02-11-2008, 01:11 PM

Generally the mastering done with these discs is done with extra care so that even if one is sceptical of the benefits of the higher resolution (there are many debates over that issue), it is likely to be the best sounding digital representation of the material currently available anyway.

Philip Hamm · 02-11-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulDA

Generally the mastering done with these discs is done with extra care so that even if one is sceptical of the benefits of the higher resolution (there are many debates over that issue), it is likely to be the best sounding digital representation of the material currently available anyway.

+1

I have four DADs and they all sound like a million bucks.

Nicholas Martin · 02-11-2008, 02:19 PM

I'm even more excited about this one now.

Because it uses the DVD-Video spec for easier compatibility (unlike DVD-Audio) is there some kind of static image on screen (screensaver, jacket picture) or does it play in the same manner as putting a regular audio CD in your DVD player?

Cameron Yee · 02-11-2008, 04:15 PM

Static image of the song title and various credits.

I have...three of them myself. I suspect two of my three are two of Philip's four (Sam Phillips?).

Philip Hamm · 02-12-2008, 08:25 AM

Yes of course the two Sam Phillips DADs are among my collection. Magnificent.

The new MVI DVD program kind of resurrects the concept of the old DADs, high resolution stereo audio in the DVD-Video spec. MVIs are IMO a much more complete product than DADs were. The MVI Donald Fagan box set is wonderful, highly recommended!!!

Nicholas Martin · 02-12-2008, 10:28 AM

Damn I wish this thing would show up!
I've read that the album is one of the best analog recordings of a full orchestra released because it's so lifelike.

Despite the fact that I'd only want to buy maybe three albums, I still want to get an SACD player. I know there must be hundreds of threads about why audiophile-quality releases and technology never caught on with the mainstream so I'm not trying to turn this into one. All I can say about that is it's a damn shame.

Ron Reda · 02-12-2008, 05:49 PM

Nicholas Martin,

I've got 3 DADs (Cannonball Adderly's "Somethin' Else," John Coltrane's "Blue Train" and Muddy Waters' "Folk Singer). I enjoyed them so much, I actually upgraded from the 24/96 only versions to the 24/96 on one side and 24/192 on the other versions. The originals all sounded excellent to me, but the 24/192 versions up the ante just a bit more. Either way, you can't go wrong. Enjoy!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philip Hamm

The MVI Donald Fagan box set is wonderful, highly recommended!!!

Sweet, those caught my eye...I may have to pick them up!

Phil A · 02-12-2008, 09:59 PM

I have about a dozen and they sound great. I'll have to give one of the MVI's a try too.

Paul.S · 02-13-2008, 12:44 PM

That Glory disc is a stunning presentation of a beautiful score. (You can hear pages of the score being turned.)

Less impressed with Rush's Snakes & Arrows MVI in terms of AQ but, in a new wrinkle compared to DADs, there is a video production documentary on there.

Nicholas Martin · 02-13-2008, 03:40 PM

The music was recorded and mixed by Shawn Murphy, who has done countless film score recordings. Oddly enough, his recordings are considered audiophile quality by review sites like Stereophile, but a large number of film music fans don't like his mixes at all. Perhaps that's because of situations like this, where the conventional CD is substandard compared to the analog LP, and of course most albums are CD/cassette only which gives a false impression of what the true source material is like. Audiophiles out there may appreciate what the CD presents while conventional listeners don't in this case? Only a guess.

Glory was also reissued on vinyl to recapture that acclaimed original LP release back when the album was first released in 1990, and this DAD version which is designed to recreate the LP digitally. It's been a week and I'm still waiting for it to arrive in the mail.

Nicholas Martin · 02-22-2008, 11:09 AM

Two weeks and two days later, this thing arrives in the mail. I was beginning to think it was lost!

I can't wait to play this thing. Heck I might even attempt a review.