High-Res Audio discussion: Blu-ray Audio, SACD, DVD Audio, and HI-Resolution audio files discussion (1 Viewer)

[Bryan^H]

I think Blu-ray concerts absolutely can be considered high-resolution music.

Just a little side note, here,
I love your most listened-to discs list.

Brothers in Arms is phenomenal. (a new 40th anniversary Atmos mix is coming this month on Blu-ray audio including a high resolution stereo mix and The 5.1!!)

The dark side of the moon is the crème de la crème, it's a masterpiece… Especially multi channel wise. 5.1 96:24...excellence.
The Atmos mix i that James Guthrie remixed for the DSOTM 50th anniversary is stellar.

I normally listen to everything, all my Hi-Rez music, in stereo through my ear monitors/ear earbuds.
using a DAC, iPhone & Plex Media Servers Plexamp app.

When I play back my multi-channel mixes at home,
I have a old 7.1 Onkyo THX certified HTIB (home theater in a box) speaker array.

I ain't and can't spend10K on a speaker.

In the words of John Fogerty:
"It ain't me, It ain't me...
I ain't no millionaire's son, no.

No It ain't me, It ain't me
l ain't no fortunate one, no. "

So I have a 7.1 set up, I upgraded to a I upgraded to a Denon Atmos enabled receiver.
I was given a second subwoofer and two additional bookshelf speakers (my mother-in-law told her boyfriend you can't have them anymore. I'm giving them to Wes.... He says he doesn't miss them, but I can see in his eyes.… He's lying to me)

So I hooked up a second amplifier to run the overheads and am now running a 7.2.4 set up.

What the hell does that mean?

And I have 2 subwoofers, which is not in below image.

View attachment 251842

So...
Pink Floyd, the dark side of the moon in Dolby Atmos,
When sitting in the sweet spot, it just takes the 5.1 experience...
And put high octane gasoline into it.

If you ever get a chance, give that a listen, my goodness it's amazing.

Awesome. I have a Pioneer Elite receiver (Atmos) with Pioneer Andrew Jones speakers (the best of the two series released).

I tell you, for the cheap price those speakers were at closeout…they are simply amazing. I’m still impressed.

I love having an Atmos setup.

 

[jcroy]

I normally listen to everything, all my Hi-Rez music, in stereo through my ear monitors/ear earbuds.
using a DAC, iPhone & Plex Media Servers Plexamp app.

I long gave up on listening via headphones/earphones and subsequent variants (earbuds, etc .....).

When I was younger, I use to listen to music on a knockoff walkman. What changed my mind completely where I eventually gave away the old walkman, was that I wiped out numerous times when I was listening on the walkman while cycling. Apparently doing a lot of cycling around town on semi-busy streets, requires alertness to one's surroundings. Very easy to wipe out if one doesn't hear a vehicle driving close very fast, and not swerving in time (to balance).

So I only really listen to music at home, either on a standalone stereo or on the computer. The former is a 30 year old setup, with a harmon/kadron cd player and a technics amp from the early 1990s. (Surprised this old stuff still actually works).

In terms of my music purchasing patterns, I will only buy a new cd if I am willing to listen to it on the standalone stereo with my full undivided attention. If I'm not willing to do this, then I won't bother buying the cd.

(Similar story with my bluray movie purchases. No point in buying a new bluray movie disc, if I'm not willing to devote my full undivided attention to watching it from start to finish).

 

[jcroy]

It's a bit muddy,
But the 1,000-6,000 kHz range seems to be where majority of the vocals fall.

This range also covers approximately where the resonance of the human ear is. Really loud sounds in this range, hits the ear a lot harder.

 

[GeorgeHolland]

To answer my own question, I started using an Oppo BDP-103, an external drive and an external DAC for high res music playback. It was OK, and the only solution I found at the time. This is for high res files. I also have a Marantz SACD player. It's two channel only, which is what I listen to anyway. Honestly, I really dislike surround music. When I got the SACD of Dark Side of the Moon I thought I'd like that in surround, but didn't. I have a new universal player, so the Marantz might be going away.

Now I use an EverSolo DMP-A8 player for all my music in the HT. I virtually never play actual music discs anymore, since everything is ripped from CD or purchased high res files. I'm a little baffled by the hatred of HDTracks. I counted, and I have 156 albums/collections from them. I have about 130 SACDs, most of which I bought when SACD was dying around 15 years ago, and you could get them for a song. I genuinely paid $2-3 for a lot of them. This thread has given me the motivation to try to rip the SACDs again, since the A8 can play the files. My HT has a sort of hybrid setup, with a 2 channel subsystem for music that integrates into the surround system. I believe @GeorgeHolland has an Anthem preamp that is designed with the capability to work the same way.

Yes, I prefer stereo and have a dedicated 2-channel system in my Family Room. I use an Anthem STR preamp with a record player being the primary source. The STR has Home Theater Bypass and when turned off, simply passes through the pre outs for the Front left and front right main speakers and two subwoofer channels on a Denon AVR, using the same external amplifiers I use for the STR, that are then controlled by the Denon AVR.

I have a Cambridge CXC CD Transport connected but rarely use it. I’ve burned all my CDs as ALAC and FLAC files and use an old iPhone I plug into an Apple Camera Connector, then into the USB input on the STR. This bypasses the iPhone DAC and uses just the STR DAC. The STR doesn’t have HDMI. If I was to connect an SACD player I would need to use the analog RCA inputs. There is only room in my built-in cabinet for one transport so I would need to swap the CXC out. I wish SACD supported optical or coax.

I think I’ll just listen in the theater or bonus room for SACD or DVD Audio discs though sitting in a basement theater just to listen to music doesn’t appeal to me. The bonus room is better but the preferred place is in the family room where we spend most of our time. Ripping the SACDs is an option I hadn't considered.

 

[jcroy]

Hear the bass guitar...
For that thump I amp up the 50 - 80 kHz frequencies.

When I was really young, I use to like turning the bass knob up on the stereo receiver. As I got older, I found it didn't really do much for me anymore, and sometimes I got a headache from too much loud bass.

What really changed my mind in regard to loud bass, was when I use to play in crappy punk rock bands. For whatever reasons, I ended up frequently standing next to the bass amplifier (which the bassist had a huge full stack). I came to the realization I feeling nauseous whenever the bass amp was cranked up and I was standing next to it for hours at a time. (I didn't encounter this nauseous feeling when I was playing through my own guitar amp setup).

From what I figured out, sometimes a really loud bass sound was directly hitting the part of the human ear + brain which handles a sense of balance and spatial orientation: the vestibular system.

Vestibular system - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Since then, I found I get mild headaches when I'm listening to something with the bass very loud for a significant time period. So I keep the subwoofer at a lower level.

(I don't listen to loud music at all).

 

[Wes Candela]

This range also covers approximately where the resonance of the human ear is. Really loud sounds in this range, hits the ear a lot harder.

Yeah
You must eq tenderly

 

[Wes Candela]

tell you, for the cheap price those speakers were at closeout…they are simply amazing. I’m still impressed.

I love having an Atmos setup.

Yeah, that's all you need.
Excellent.
yes I agree. Atmos massive game changer.

I never thought I would have speakers on top of me 20 years ago

I get excited when something's in Atmos now.

And done well

 

[Wes Candela]

When I was really young, I use to like turning the bass knob up on the stereo receiver. As I got older, I found it didn't really do much for me anymore, and sometimes I got a headache from too much loud bass.

What really changed my mind in regard to loud bass, was when I use to play in crappy punk rock bands. For whatever reasons, I ended up frequently standing next to the bass amplifier (which the bassist had a huge full stack). I came to the realization I feeling nauseous whenever the bass amp was cranked up and I was standing next to it for hours at a time. (I didn't encounter this nauseous feeling when I was playing through my own guitar amp setup).

From what I figured out, sometimes a really loud bass sound was directly hitting the part of the human ear + brain which handles a sense of balance and spatial orientation: the vestibular system.

Vestibular system - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Since then, I found I get mild headaches when I'm listening to something with the bass very loud for a significant time period. So I keep the subwoofer at a lower level.

(I don't listen to loud music at all).

Yeah, depending on the music, I just like the thump and bass drum
I like to hear those frequencies tight
And I like to hear the high hats
Tsss tsss tssss tssss
Aerosmith and run DMC walk this way

Boom
Bah
Boom boom boom
Baa

 

[Wes Candela]

Ripping the SACDs is an option I hadn't considered.

Great having those high resolution, super audio tracks on hand to play through headphones/good headphones
For home through stereo environment

 

[Wes Candela]

I have ripped these and converted them to high bit rate MP3 files for portable playback in the car and on my phone to bluetooth earbuds or speaker.

That’s cool except MP3
Definitely a space saver but also
You lose frequencies and elements

I can’t listen to MP3s with my earbuds cause I can hear the Loss of quality

But if you’re down with it, hey man
Rock on

Tapestry as a masterpiece would be interested in hearing.

 

[JohnRice]

There’s no way I can list only three titles, but for starters, this is a particular favorite.

 

[JohnRice]

Several of you mentioned Dylan. These are all SACDs.

 

[JohnRice]

Somewhat “pop-ified” classical, but a lot of fun, and a fabulous performance and recording.

 

[Wes Candela]

Several of you mentioned Dylan. These are all SACDs.

Dude…
You got blonde on blonde
Another side of Bob Dylan Highway 61
Excellence I appreciate this very much

 

[Wes Candela]

There’s no way I can list only three titles, but for starters, this is a particular favorite.View attachment 251859

Never heard this version but what a beautiful song a beautiful piece

I am from New York, so it is to me the opening of Manhattan forever
Would love to hear

 

[JohnRice]

Never heard this version but what a beautiful song a beautiful piece

I am from New York, so it is to me the opening of Manhattan forever
Would love to hear

Rhapsody in Blue is excellent, but I like Concerto in F (which is also on it) even more. Ironically, the Barcelona S.O. really embraces the jazz of Gershwin. They seriously groove and syncopate the hell out of it.

 

[GeorgeHolland]

If that's the case, I have about another sixty concert discs on either BD or DVD. I have ripped these and converted them to high bit rate MP3 files for portable playback in the car and on my phone to bluetooth earbuds or speaker. I have not purchased any high resolution digital files, nor setup any method for playing such files back on my main system.

Some of my favorite BD concert discs are the new mix of Roy Orbison's Black & White Night 30 (his beautiful vocals are brought out front and center), The Police's Certifiable, Springsteen's Live in Dublin, and The Danish National Symphony Orchestra's The Morricone Duel.

I just watched my recent purchase of Carole King's Tapestry: Live In Hyde Park for the first time last night, and this may make the list after a few more viewings. King could still sing wonderfully at 74 years old for this performance.

I love Black and White Night. I had a copy but bought the 30 Blu-ray version as well. One of my favorite music/concert discs. I put Concert for George right up there, starting with the Monty Python bit. The Indian music isn't my favorite part. Billy Joel Live at Shea Stadium, Chicago and Earth Wind and Fire Live at Greek Theater, Heart Alive in Seattle (My wife and I were in attendance), my wife is a big Elton John fan so we play Live at Madison Square Garden and Rocketman often, she also loves Beegees - one night only, and the Eagles Farewell tour, Jeff Lynnnes ELO Wembly or Bust, The Last Waltz, Supertramp Live in Paris, Bohemian Rhapsody, many versions of Phantom of the Opera, Pink Floyd Sound of Thunder, and a number of other concert discs and musicals. Even old classics like My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Misérables, I'm sure I'm missing to list many.

I asked my wife for a request when I made my last LP order and she requested Carol King Tapestry. It was the first record she remembered owning. I still prefer the engagement of spinning a record over digital.

 

[Scott Merryfield]

I love Black and White Night. I had a copy but bought the 30 Blu-ray version as well. One of my favorite music/concert discs. I put Concert for George right up there, starting with the Monty Python bit. The Indian music isn't my favorite part. Billy Joel Live at Shea Stadium, Chicago and Earth Wind and Fire Live at Greek Theater, Heart Alive in Seattle (My wife and I were in attendance), my wife is a big Elton John fan so we play Live at Madison Square Garden and Rocketman often, she also loves Beegees - one night only, and the Eagles Farewell tour, Jeff Lynnnes ELO Wembly or Bust, The Last Waltz, Supertramp Live in Paris, Bohemian Rhapsody, many versions of Phantom of the Opera, Pink Floyd Sound of Thunder, and a number of other concert discs and musicals. Even old classics like My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Misérables, I'm sure I'm missing to list many.

I asked my wife for a request when I made my last LP order and she requested Carol King Tapestry. It was the first record she remembered owning. I still prefer the engagement of spinning a record over digital.

View attachment 251872

I should have listed Heart's Alive in Seattle -- love that BD concert. I am jealous that you were actually there! Ann Wilson has an amazing voice. I also have The Eagles Farewell Tour BD. I don't have Billy Joel's Live at Shea Stadium, but can recommend his BDs of Live at Yankee Stadium (the 2022 BD release is much better than the old DVD) and A Matter of Trust: The Bridge to Russia (Deluxe Edition).

 

[Wes Candela]

A Matter of Trust: The Bridge to Russia (Deluxe Edition).

Scott, is the bridge to Russia, a deluxe version of the :

Billy Joel – Концерт ?​

Release?

EDIT:


I just answered my own question. Yes, it is the deluxe version of the 1987 concert in the USSR/Russia.

I remember when it premiered on HBO in the 80's.

He performed his heart out.
His version of "Honesty" and the stellar

"Angry young man"
Just a bezerk intro...hammering the middle C key...

The album is phenomenal.

Billy Joel flipped out during one of the performances, getting mad at the cameraman and Video crew because they were not letting him “do my show for C@&$&@sakes!!!”

 

[Scott Merryfield]

Scott, is the bridge to Russia, a deluxe version of the :

Billy Joel – Концерт ?​

Release?

EDIT:


I just answered my own question. Yes, it is the deluxe version of the 1987 concert in the USSR/Russia.

I remember when it premiered on HBO in the 80's.

He performed his heart out.
His version of "Honesty" and the stellar

"Angry young man"
Just a bezerk intro...hammering the middle C key...

The album is phenomenal.

Billy Joel flipped out during one of the performances, getting mad at the cameraman and Video crew because they were not letting him “do my show for C@&$&@sakes!!!”


View attachment 251874

Yes, it's an expanded version of the concerts in Russia that was originally on the Kohuept album. The new version contains a BD concert disc that includes a great documentary of the entire Russian tour, as well as a CD of the concert. It's a terrific package.