@folkfreak Some of the oldest recordings are indeed superb. i don't think that they are actually a good representative of a marginal or poor recording, generally. Main reason that I think some of the older recordings are superb, is because they were recorded using simple tube gear and not much in the chain to disrupt the signal. Same goes for golden era mono. BUT, I am mostly talking about poorly recorded and mastered pieces ( contemporary or otherwise) that just don't sound good regardless of the gear you play it back on.
Does it come down to the mastering quality only??
Listing to some of the Rudy Van Gelder Blue Note reissues and some of the original Blue Note releases, i am beginning to wonder if the quality of the recording...and therefore the overall SQ that one is going to get through your system is more dependent on the quality of the mastering than any other aspect! If the mastering engineer nails the recording and is able to record onto the tape the most 'live' sounding instruments and voices, then you will get a superb recording that will do almost ANY system proud ( IMO Rudy's recordings onto the master tape are incredible ( most) ). OTOH, if the mastering engineer somehow screws up, then the result will be nothing special...regardless of how great the system playing it back is...or for that matter ALL future reissues and techniques of re-mastering the original tape..'One Step' Direct to Disc etc.
To sum up, if the original master tape is recorded poorly, ( due to the electronics used, or to any number of other variables) then all subsequent releases will simply be a polishing of a turd!
Thoughts???
To sum up, if the original master tape is recorded poorly, ( due to the electronics used, or to any number of other variables) then all subsequent releases will simply be a polishing of a turd!
Thoughts???