Billy Joel; Believe it or Not!

[Cohibaman]

The way I see it...

Format can and does matter, but it is not necessarily the only indicator of a great recording.

The mastering plays a huge role in the way the final track sounds. But one shouldn't just assume a "remastered" album download, CD or SACD is automatically better than the original release. In fact, many old CDs sound better than newly remastered albums, especially when it comes to compression and dynamic range.

I have numerous CDs from the 80s and 90s that I thought sounded absolutely shrill and horrible. It turns out it was my system (namely the CD players I owned); not the recordings, the mastering, the transfer, or the format. I began ripping some of these "horrible sounding" CDs to lossless files and I'm playing them back on a moderately descent music server (my Sony HAP-Z1ES), which yields great results. I can only imagine how good they'd sound on an Esoteric spinner!

A CD can sound better than an SACD because of different mastering. In general however, an SACD should sound better than a CD because they are targeted to audiophiles and usually are done right, but that doesn't always hold true.

Bottom line, get reacquainted with and keep those old CDs folks...and do your homework. It's not always about the file type and "remastered" is not always better (but sometimes it is better). How's that for confusing!?

[rnrmf1971]

I have the MOFI sacd's, and the Sony sacd's and like both.
But if this box set is good, I'll be looking at the HDTracks versions, and assume they may be hi-res versions of this box, unless I read different before I hear them.

[Audiophilehi]

Originally Posted by rnrmf1971

I have the MOFI sacd's, and the Sony sacd's and like both.
But if this box set is good, I'll be looking at the HDTracks versions, and assume they may be hi-res versions of this box, unless I read different before I hear them.

I have the hi-res version of the box set. IMHO they are better than the MOFI and previous hi-res versions which I own as well. Much more dynamic and detailed.

[rnrmf1971]

Originally Posted by Audiophilehi

I have the hi-res version of the box set. IMHO they are better than the MOFI and previous hi-res versions which I own as well. Much more dynamic and detailed.

Where did you get a hi-res version of this set?
I only see individual albums at HDtracks and Acoustic Sounds
Do you think these are different masters?
HDtracks lists the copyright on their albums from 2012 to 2014 for the few that I looked at.

[vintage_tube]

Has anyone read post #8

Best sir

Bob

[Audiophilehi]

Originally Posted by rnrmf1971

Where did you get a hi-res version of this set?
I only see individual albums at HDtracks and Acoustic Sounds
Do you think these are different masters?
HDtracks lists the copyright on their albums from 2012 to 2014 for the few that I looked at.

Hi Christian,

If memory serves my correctly it was a download from Acoustic Sounds Quobuz Edition. I know longer see it on their website.

[j3brow]

I just searched my server. I have Billy Joel in 24/96 hdtracks versions along with MFSL SACD rips and a couple of the actual physical MFSL SACDs .......

Compared the files via Aurender N10 and Meridian 808v6 DAC.

The hdtracks are outstanding. Better than the MFSL at every turn. Yes, the MoFi's were mastered at a significantly lower level but I handily prefer the hdtracks hi-res versions.

I imagine the hi-res hdtracks versions are sourced from the same masterings as the cd complete albums collection , but that's just a hunch.

By the way, I also found the cd box in stock but limited at bullmoose dot com. $236 IIRC for those wanting the box.

[vintage_tube]

Walmart still has it at $213 + pennies & FREE shipping. 5 left.

Bob

[vintage_tube]

Walmart came thru. Received an email last week stating delivery on 15 to 21 June. This was in my mailbox from USPS today. Free shipping and $213.38. Provided by DEEPDISCOUNT.com out of Kentucky.

Walmart website shows 5 left.

Cool Beans I say.

Best

Bob

[GaryProtein]

I just got my boxed set today. YEA!

I have not listened to the CDs yet, but I have to say I wish the disks were in Jewel boxes instead of those crummy envelopes.

EDIT: Since I'm complaining I just went to put them away on the shelf and the damn box is too tall to fit upright on the shelf with all the other Billy Joel disks.

If Ivan says they sound magnificent, I am sure they do and I can't wait to hear them!