Blue Note Tone Poet Series

Nitewulf,
We seem to be in agreement on this issue.  One of the things that has been discussed and explained, but that I just can't grasp is why or how it is that a digital master or CD can be used to make a vinyl record and almost invariably the vinyl version will sound better assuming the surfaces are clean and the spindle hole is centered.  That just defies logic.  In any event the WaxTime records that I have bought all sound very good.

I could not agree more, the Tone Poet records are really special.  Between the new formula vinyl, the remastering and new pressings, they easily surpass every one of the older Blue Notes in my collection.  They are just fabulous.

To my ears the Tone Poet series sound even better than the Music Matters series because they benefit from the new vinyl formulation that did not exist before.  This manifests itself as quieter surfaces, hence greater dynamic range, more obvious on some releases than others.  In other respects not much to choose between them.  Don't re-buy releases that you already have from Music Matters.

Nitewulf,
A case can be made for WaxTime, sound quality is similar the basic Blue Note re-issues.  Records are well made, 180 gram vinyl, clean, quiet surfaces, with centered spindle holes!  Packaging includes poly-lined dust covers and nice artwork.  In addition to the original liner notes, there is always updated information and in most cases one or two additional cuts per side.  Most importantly, the company is issuing music that is long out of print and hard to find used if excellent condition is important.  I recently purchased an entire set of Oscar Peterson Trio recordings each focused on a major songsmith.  Gershwin, Kern, Arlen, Berlin, Porter etcetera.  I have been trying for a while to get clean copies of these and they are hard to find.  Interestingly enough, the WaxTime ones all sound better than the few originals I have.
Bill

tablejockey,

'I play a big ol' Jazz box like Joe Pass. Being a LP devotee, I will always default to the record. BUT, having heard high level of both LP/digital I say BOTH can be breathtaking"

We are in agreement.  That does not address my wonder, however, at the fact that a digital source that is used to make a vinyl record can sound better than the digital source itself does. The original conversation was based on European records such as WaxTime that may have been sourced from digital masters, but now we also have the example of the MoFi controversy to back up this conversation.  I just don't understand it.  I know it to be true, but it doesn't make sense to me. To be clear I am not wondering about digital sound vs. analog sound per se.