JackJD’s HIGH REZ REVIEW (1 Viewer)

JackJD’s Official HIGH REZ REVIEW (updated)

This thread will eventually include a brief review of every DVD-A and sacd in my collection (97 at present)...

The list will be updated as I find time and acquire more discs... And individual reviews will evolve/expand over time - upon consequent listenings.

I, myself, have found that there was/is a deficit of High Rez disc reviews when I was searching for them. Alot of members were asking for suggestions as well; So, I thought I might make a small contribution to this fine forum. I purchase a good many discs on a regular basis; So I hope you find this helps a bit...

I, of course, welcome/invite all others’ questions, comments, suggestions, views/reviews...

Shall we...?

SACD reviews (10 of 64)

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-the Rolling Stones: (4 of 14) (Abkco)


-“Through the Past Darkly(Big Hits Vol.2)” -Greatest hits collection...
Album:3.5/5StereoMix:3.5/5 MCMix:None

-“Between the Buttons”
Album:3/5StereoMix:3.5/5 MCMix:None

-“Big Hits(High Tide and Green Grass)” -Greatest hits collection...
Album:4/5StereoMix:3.5/5 MCMix:None

-“Let It Bleed” – Classic... Nothing more to say...
Album:4/5StereoMix:3.5/5 MCMix:None

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Lots more Stones to come... There is a great amount of repetition of material on these earlier Abkco releases with all the greatest hits collections and studio albums spanning the 1963 - 1971 era. For everyone who would consider the 3.5 rating of the stereo mix on these sacds a bit harsh, this rating is based on comparison of the sound quality of all the sacd stereo mixes in my collection; Including all of the newly recorded sacds which take advantage of all of the modern recording techniques/technology. Believe me, this is the absolute best these older albums have ever sounded on digital disc!


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-the Sopranos – “Peppers and Eggs” (2 disc set) (Columbia/Sony)
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This is a soundtrack album featuring many diverse acts- from Frank Sinatra singing “Baubles, Bangles and Beads” to Cake performing “Frank Sinatra” (that’s the name of the song...) As might be expected on a compilation album the sound quality varies... Some tracks such as Sinatra’s “Baubles...” are testaments to sacd’s abilities... You’ll swear Frank’s in the room singing just for you! Other tracks are just, well, unremarkable... This is also rather pricey, as it’s a double disc.
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Album:3/5StereoMix:3.5/5 MCMix:None
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- Carl Orff – “Carmina Burana” - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus (Telarc)
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I am one of those loonies who will repeatedly buy recordings of the same piece looking for an “ultimate” performance and recording... This is not one of them... While the performance is nice, and I do still listen to it, the mix (especially the MC mix) baffles me. The choir, at times, sounds like its back stage while the tympani sit in the seat beside you. Really strange at times... There are already quite a few sacd releases of this piece, and although I haven’t heard the others, it’s not hard to imagine that there is a better version. This is a hybrid sacd.
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Piece: 3/5Performance: 3.5/5StereoMix: 3.5/5MCMix: 2.5/5
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- Miles Davis – “In A Silent Way” (Columbia) (Multi-Channel)
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WOW! Ok, if you love Miles, jazz, or just good music, this is one you must own.
This is the first full LP of Mile’s new musical direction – Fusion. Love it or hate it, this album is packed full of superb performances, hypnotic rhythms and meditative melodies. Just go get it...
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Album:4.5/5StereoMix:4/5MCMix:4/5
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- Gustav Mahler – “Symphony #6 “Tragic” in A minor” – Zander/Philharmonia Orchestra – (2-disc + CD, Hybrid, Multi-channel) (Telarc)
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A very nice recording(Pure DSD!)of a piece that will not be to everyone’s taste (perhaps a bit long-winded... 2+ hrs. of material.) But if you like Mahler, this really is a disk you should own. I give the MC mix the edge between the two available mixes, though the stereo mix is no slouch... In my opinion, this is the best presentation of the 6th I’ve yet found on disc.
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Piece: 3.5/5Performance: 4/5StereoMix: 4/5MCMix: 4.5/5
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- David Bowie – “Heathen” (Columbia) (Multi-Channel) (4 Bonus tracks)
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I already started another thread to praise this album http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=115067 Excellent album, and recording. I believe that even non-Bowie fans will enjoy this one... It really is that good.
Highly recommended... even if for nothing more than a reference MC sacd recording.
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Album:4.5/5StereoMix:4/5 MCMix:5/5
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- Getz/Gilberto featuring Antonio Carlos Jobim and Astrud Gilberto (Universal/Verve)
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This is a very beautiful, sensual, album blessed with a very full/warm recording. Again this may not be for everyone’s tastes... but if it is, you really should pick this one up. I have really been enjoying the album. It should be noted that it has been determined that the left/right stereo imaging on this sacd is opposite the original; not a deal-breaker in my opinion, but...
This disc can be had for $12-15... For that price you might want to give it a try...
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Album:4/5StereoMix:3.5/5 MCMix:None
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More to come... Some DVD-A next time...

Until next time... Enjoy the Music... -JD

Jack,
Thanks for the reviews, I greatly appreciate them. Like you I find that there is a lack of reviews on high rez. material. Keep them coming.


- It looks like I'm going to have to get the new David Bowie.

Matt,

You are very welcome.

I hope you find them helpful... As I stated earlier, I will expand these reviews (more detailed/specific) as I go along.

I hope to have some DVD-A reviews up tomorrow night...

- It looks like I'm going to have to get the new David Bowie.

ABSOLUTELY!
Let us know what you think, maybe in the Bowie thread (link in Bowie review above...)

Enjoy the Music... -JD

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Click to expand...

JackJD’s High Rez Reviews – 2nd Ed.


DVD-A (2 of 20)


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The Doors – “L.A. Woman” (Electra/Warner)
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Well, unfortunately this one falls short in many respects... The hi-rez multi-channel mix is rather uninteresting; And both the stereo and MC sound quality is rather flat, lacking the depth we’ve all come to know and love on DVD-A. I can’t help but feel that part of the problem with the MC mix is due to the album itself. There are very few dense, atmospheric songs on this album (“Riders On the Storm” and perhaps “L.A. Woman” being the glaring exceptions) that lend themselves so well to DVD-A. Still, if you love the Doors, or simply have an appreciation for music/albums that were influential to the history of Pop music, you should probably pick this one up. Given all the disc’s shortcomings, the album still sounds better than it has to date on any other digital medium.
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Album: 3/5StereoMix: 3/5MCMix: 3/5
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Guarneri String Quartet – “raveldebussyfaure” (Surroundedby Entertainment)
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Ravel – String Quartet in F major;
Debussy – String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10;
Faure – String Quartet in E minor, Op.121; Total Time: 1.15’08”

Let me start by stating quite clearly... This is a must-own DVD-A.
Extremely well done from every aspect... It contains a very strong 24bit/192kHz stereo track, as well as a nice 24bit/96 kHz surround mix. The rear channel’s use in the surround mix is very conservative, yet effective. Anyone who knows about recording knows that strings, especially individual instruments, are extremely difficult to record effectively. To add to the difficulties, these pieces have a great deal of pizzicato passages, which adds more complexities to the recording process. This DVD-A is definitely successful with respect to the recording/engineering. The violins and viola are smooth and full – without being shrill on the upper end. The cello is deep and rich... This disc is luscious... Can you tell I like this disc?! Very little has to be said about the music itself. It is that rich, beautiful, impressionistic music that we’ve all come to know and love from these post-romantic/early 20th century composers. The music is extremely melodic, rhythmic, and contains some of the most extraordinary examples of perfect contrapuntal texture known to western music... These composers took their counter-point classes seriously... it shows. That’s all I have to say about that... GO GET IT... NOW!!!
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Pieces: (Ravel)5/5; (Debussy)5/5; (Faure)4.5/5 Performance: 5/5 Stereo/MCMix: 5/5
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More to come... Some more DVD-A next time...

Until next time... Enjoy the Music... -JD

JackJD’s High Rez Reviews – 3rd Ed.


DVD-A (2 of 24)

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The Fixx – “1011 Woodland” (Silverline)
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Apparently when the group got back together to tour, they decided to re-record their older tunes... Why? Well, I think that’s the question you’ll find yourself asking throughout the album... Especially since it all really seems like a collection of reheated (lukewarm at that) leftovers. The group seems to repeatedly state on the commentary tracks and liner notes that they spent very little time rehearsing and rethinking the music after being away from it for many years. It really sounds like it; very tired, and uninspired. The album consists mainly of acoustic instrumental arrangements with basic electronic overlays... snooze... Anyway the album is basically as inspired as the album’s title, which is named after the address of the studio where it was recorded, a lot of thought/effort must have gone into that decision... The albums surround tracks are recorded in 96/24, but you could have fooled me. The recording sounds basic, flat, and rather lifeless, much like the album itself. This is the first DVD-A which I would return if possible... I like it that much...Unless you are an extremely resolute Fixx fan, skip it... To top off all the disappointment brought on by this disk, it doesn’t even contain a boring, uninspired version of “One Thing Leads to Another”...
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Album: 1.5/5StereoMix: noneMCMix: 2.5/5
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Miles Davis – “Tutu” (Warner Bros.)
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This is a tough one... Some people will love this album... Others will truly despise it. Still others, like myself, are somewhere in the middle. It seems to depend on what your pre-conceived notion of what a Miles Davis album should/could be, and your reason for listening to the album. Are you coming from a “Kind of Blue”/”Round Midnight” tight, catchy, beautiful, cool perspective...? ...A more cerebral, funky, fusion, “Bitches Brew” kinda place? Are you “listening” to the music, or is it mainly to used as background filler for chores around the house? I personally have a difficult time concentrating on the music of this album for any extended period of time... But I do like it as tight, interesting, background music. Whether you like the music or not, the album sounds terrific. The album consists mainly of layered synths, with Mile’s horn at the forefront... The sound is clean and tight (both the MC and stereo mix are 96/24) with great bass extension to provide your subwoofer with a workout. The multi-channel mix is done extremely well, very full, and spacious. “Tutu” is unfortunately not, in my estimation, a classic album... but it’s still Miles Davis. I recommend it for those “light-listening, listen-to-how-good-Hi-Rez-MC-DVD-A-can-sound-on-my-system” moods.

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Album: 3/5StereoMix: 4/5MCMix: 4.5/5
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More to come... Some more sacd next time...

Until next time... Enjoy the Music... -JD

HIGH REZ REVIEW 4th ed. (updated)

SACD reviews (7 of 64)

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-the Rolling Stones: (4 of 14) (Abkco)


-“Their Satanic Majesties Request” –Stones... psychedelic...? Nah...
Album:1.5/5StereoMix:3.5/5MCMix:None


-“Hot Rocks 1964-1971” –Perhaps, for many, the only Stones SACD you need...
Album:4.5/5StereoMix:3.5/5MCMix:None


-“Metamorphosis” -
Album:3/5StereoMix:3.5/5MCMix:None


-“Beggars Banquet” – Classic... Although a bit heavy on filler...
Album:4/5StereoMix:3.5/5MCMix:None

Disclaimer: For everyone who would consider the 3.5 rating of the stereo mix on these sacds a bit harsh, this rating is based on comparison of the sound quality of all the sacd stereo mixes in my collection; Including all of the newly recorded sacds which take advantage of all of the modern recording techniques/technology. Believe me, this is the absolute best these older albums have ever sounded on digital disc!
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-Beck –“Sea Changes” (Universal/Geffen)
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This is another of those albums (like Bowie’s “Heathen”) which I believe most, even non-Beck-fans, will appreciate. The songs seem heartfelt (...recent break-up, Beck?); The chords and melodies are pretty basic/simple; the arrangements consist mainly of guitars, slide-guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, and string ensemble; with a good dose of sound effects and studio made “noise”. The album may have benefited from a tad more variation in the instrumentation/arrangement category, but overall this is a very small, if subjective criticism. Both the stereo and surround mixes are clean, extremely clear, and full. Very, very well made album. Another example of how pleasing high-rez, multi-channel, music can be. Highly recommended...
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Album:4.5/5StereoMix:4.5/5MCMix:5/5
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- Dvorak – “Symphonies 8 & 9” – Fischer -Budapest Festival Orchestra (Universal/Phillips)
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Two very popular pieces, Symphony #8, and #9- the “New World” symphony, performed and recorded exceptionally well. This is another must-have disc for lovers of “concert” (classical) music; as well as for those interested in expanding/developing their interest in the “concert” music genre. I highly recommend this extremely well made HYBRID sacd disc.
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Pieces: 4.5/5Performance: 4/5StereoMix: 4/5MCMix: 4.5/5
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- John Coltrane “A Love Supreme” (Impulse/Universal)
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This album is classic... Not much else needs to be said about the musical content of this disc in which Coltrane “attempt(s) to say ‘Thank You God’ through [his] work...” and does so with extraordinary grace, elegance and beauty. This is a stereo only disc... The recording reveals its age frequently, but is still the best presentation in which I’ve heard. My main complaints are limited to the disc being broken into three tracks instead of four (part 3-“Pursuance” and part 4-“Psalm” are both track 3 on the disc.) AND... Where’s the music that was included on the second disc of the “deluxe edition” CD? There was plenty of room to include the material on this stereo-only, non-hybrid disc... Shame...
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Album:4.5/5StereoMix:3.5/5MCMix:None
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More to come... Some more sacd next time...

Until next time... Enjoy the Music... -JD

HIGH REZ REVIEW 5th ed.

**Special Police Edition**

SACD reviews (5 of 64)



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-the Police –“Outlandos d’Amour”
(Universal/A&M); sacd only; stereo; super jewel box
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It is always very difficult to review albums as classic (and old) as the Police catalog... What hasn’t already been said, good and bad, about these albums? I mean it’s been close to 25 years now (Oh, my Lord, I’m getting old...) Anyway, the first police album is a pretty straight-forward, energy-surge of a rock album; Chocked full of cool rhythms, catchy riffs, and a good dose of tongue-in-cheek lyrics (from suicide to blow-up dolls...) This sacd, like all of the others police re-issue sacds, sounds better than any presentation before (although, some of the albums are better than others... more on that to come...) The sound-quality of this album has always been a bit lackluster, being the first album of an virtually unknown band. The album sounds quite natural and “analogue” nice highs and all of Sting’s bass lows... Not too much hiss. I’m pleased to say they did a good job with what they had to work with. Definitely not my favorite Police album, but a nice start for a hell-of-a band...
Big hits: Roxanne, Can’t Stand Losing You; Less known notables: Next to You, So Lonely;
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Album:3.5/5StereoMix:3.5/5MCMix:none
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-the Police –“Reggatta de Blanc”
(Universal/A&M); sacd only; stereo; super jewel box
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This is the second release by the Police (like you didn’t know...) And truth be known, one of my favorites. This sacd sounds great! I am extremely happy with the sound-quality of this disc. This is one of those albums that really works as an album; Every song belongs... flows... wow... I had forgotten how much I liked this album. I have been waiting for so long (did I mention I’m getting old?) to have a quality recording of this album... The wait is over...
Big hits: Message in a Bottle; Walking on the Moon; Less known notables: Bring on the Night; The Bed’s Too Big Without You; Contact; On Any Other Day; (and pretty much every other song)
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Album:4.5/5StereoMix: 4/5MCMix:none
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-the Police –“Zenyatta Mondatta”
(Universal/A&M); sacd only; stereo; super jewel box
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Guess what... This is the third Police album... And truth be told, not one of my favorites... Unfortunately , in my opinion, this album has always sounded as if it were hurriedly done, rushed(too much touring?), as if to meet contractual obligations; And (again in my opinion) loaded with filler material. Don’t get me wrong, I recognize there are a few gems included here, but just too little as an album. On a positive note, this sacd sounds terrific; the best I’ve heard the album presented.
Big hits: Don’t Stand So Close to Me; De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da; Less known notables: When the World is Running Down...; Shadows in the Rain;
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Album:3/5 StereoMix:4/5MCMix:None
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-the Police –“Ghost in the Machine”
(Universal/A&M); sacd only; stereo; super jewel box
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Can you guess which police release this is (hint: 4)? Good Album... But... I have never been a fan of the mixing job. Vocals are distant, obscured; Bass seems bloated... This has always been a problem with Ghost, and the sacd accurately reproduces what I consider to be a poor master mix. Over-all though, the best I’ve heard the album presented.
Big hits: Spirits in the Material World; Every Little Thing She Does is Magic; Invisible Sun; Less known notables: Demolition Man; Too Much Information;
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Album:4/5StereoMix:3.5/5 MCMix:None
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-the Police –“Synchronicity”
(Universal/A&M); sacd only; stereo; super jewel box
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This album is CLASSIC... This is another of those rare albums that really works as an album; One of my all-time favorites and perhaps the biggest disappointment of the bunch from a sound-quality perspective. Please note: this is still the best presentation of the album I’ve yet heard, but it sounds the most like CD... It seems to be missing that sacd warmth. I can’t describe the disappointment when Synchronicity I started to play. The good news is it seems to get a bit better from there on out (I know, sounds strange... listen to it for yourself and see if you don’t agree). Still, I had extremely high hopes for this one... perhaps too high? I still recommend buying this and every other Police sacd. These sacds make my Message in a Box sound like an 8-track collection...
Big hits: Every Breath You Take; King of Pain; Wrapped Around Your Finger; Less known notables: Syncronicity I & II, Walking In Your Footsteps; Oh My God; Tea In the Sahara; (and all the rest of the songs...)
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Album:5/5StereoMix:4/5MCMix:None
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I welcome/invite all others’ questions, comments, suggestions, views/reviews...

More to come... Some more DVD-A next time...

Until next time... Enjoy the Music... -JD

Jack, great job. Short, sweet, and to the point.

Thank you very much, Joe. I appreciate your feedback...

To be honest, I was beginning to wonder if I should be continuing the thread...

I was hoping to offer some, as you put it, "short and sweet" capsule reviews for the folks of the forum. But there seems to be very little interest, feedback, or even views (hits) for that matter (a little over 300 in a couple months time.) I frequently see many on the board stating that they can't find any reviews for many of the discs reviewed in the thread. Perhaps they don't know the reviews are here; Perhaps the reviews are not providing what folks are looking for... This is why I stated that "I welcome/invite all others’ questions, comments, suggestions, views/reviews...", so that I may make these reviews useful, informative, and helpful.

I will not be insulted if others feel that the reviews are not helpful, or do not contain what they are looking for. Or if they find no use in them at all for that matter.

I do, at this time, plan to continue reviewing my discs on this forum, as long as others are interested in reading my ramblings. As always, I welcome comments on how to make them better, and more useful for all.

Please let me know what you think if you get a chance... Even if your thoughts/comments are in the negative, I will not be offended.

I'm now working on some DVD-A reviews, including Dizzy, Neil, and Claude... Hope to have them up soon...

Until then...

Enjoy the music... -JD

Talk about being extremely subjective.

Seth_S,

Talk about being extremely subjective.

I would ask you to give your opinion of any musical piece in a basic numerical system without being subjective.

I apologize if the review offended you. -JD

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Great stuff, Jack!

You're completely distorting the symphony to those unfamiliar familiar with it. Again, the symphony is only 80+ minutes long, not 2+ hrs. The alternate movement and commentary are bonus items - you're not supposed to listen to all three back-to-back. It's like saying that a film on a DVD is 6 hrs long because it comes with two commentary tracks.

I have edited the Mahler review to reflect the originally intended meaning of my statement regarding to the amount of material to digest on the discs.

Please understand, these are High-Rez discreviews first, and the "extremely subjective" numerical value reviews of pieces/albums are secondary at best. These are provided primarily for those unfamiliar with the material on the disc, so that they may have an idea about the accessibility of the music contained therein.

Most all reviews are subjective. I, myself, have a simple method for determining whether a reviewer's opinions might work for me. I look at the reviews of material I am familiar with and and knowledgeable about and the rating the reviewer presents; If I'm in agreement, more often than not, with the opinions presented for the familiar music, then it is far more likely that I will be in agreement with the reviewer's opinions of the unfamiliar pieces as well. Often I find myself purchasing (and enjoying immensely)music that without a trusted reviewer's recommendation, I may have never acquired. This is why I find reviews important... If used correctly, reviews can expand and increase your musical enjoyment exponentially...

And this is the reason why I decided to contribute some reviews...

Oh, and thank you Rich for your vote of confidence... -JD

Jack, keep it up! These reviews are very useful for those of us that are trying to decide what is worth our money in the hi-rez world. Of course not everybody is going to agree with your conclusions (or any of ours), but by describing your experience and how you arrived at your conclusions, we can all learn plenty. I thought you did a particularly nice job with the Police titles. I have only heard the Classics title so far on SACD, but your reviews were full of information that will be useful to me in deciding whether I want to purchase each of these SACDs. Thanks. I'll keep checking back.

By the way, have you heard the Muddy Waters "Folk Singer" SACD or DVD-A yet? I'm curious as to the difference in sound quality on the two.

Jack,

Another vote of confidence for your reviews. Thank goodness we can all be subjective, objective whatever! My opinion is, if someone really doesn't like your review's, they don't have to read them. It takes a lot of guts to spend all this time to listen and then write your thoughts down for all to peruse.

I don't see too many others taking the time. I personally was not offended and am looking forward to more reviews.

Was wondering if you were going to review any Chesky or Water Lilly SACDs? Would love to hear your thoughts on some of those.

Later, Rick

NP: David Gray - White Ladder

Jack,

I think they are great as well. One thing you may want to do is also post these reviews (at least the SACD's) on www.sacdinfo.com. It has a small but growing collection of reviews.

And thanks to your review, I did buy the Dvorak – “Symphonies 8 & 9”. Can not do better with a review than that.

First, where did Jack go?

Second, the Dvorak disc is currently $13.99 with free shipping at CircuitCity.com in case Jack talked anyone else into it. Also, the Norah Jones SACD is finally up for pre-order at $13.99 as well!