Does Steely Dan sound bright to you?
This is going to sound like a somewhat random question but I’m wondering how many of you find Steely Dan’s recordings to sound a bit bright. I’m particularly thinking of Gaucho, and Aja but some other recent recordings, too, such as Fagen’s Nightfly.
My typical media include streaming (CD and HD quality) and CD’s. I have not played my old vinyl because I’m presently without a turntable.
At first I thought it was my system and it was driving me a little bit mental; eventually, I decided it wasn't my stuff, it was their stuff. Because most other recordings on the same system with no other changes don’t typically have the brightness of Steely Dan.
Whether or not you’re a fan (I am) Steely Dan has often been a go-to for testing out equipment, so I imagine there will be experiences people have had about this.
P.S. Any other recordings which, for you are unnaturally bright?
"My typical media include streaming (CD and HD quality) and CD’s. I have not played my old vinyl because I’m presently without a turntable." To my ears, those albums mentioned don't exhibit excessive highs on my LP's. Having heard those albums on better digital setups, the only thing I experience is the ol LP vs digital "something's off" phenomena. |
'Some are great, some horrible (Pretzel Logic, anyone?)." ozzy62- I'm more of a pre Aja fan on LP. Pretzel Logic on LP has to be heard from an original press. https://www.discogs.com/Steely-Dan-Pretzel-Logic/release/512366 It took me several tries until I found one intact and in good condition. The album version of "Rikki" with flapamba(marimba) intro is a litmus test for any LP based system. Better Records sells this hard to find(they're out there, if you have the patience)copy for $500. This of course is for the "white hot stamper" I think the "regular stampers" are under $300. Most copies in the bins are the later yellow label 2-3rd run prints. The black label ABC gatefold delivers the goods. Taking my copy to shows and noticing it gets everyone's attention confirms I found a good pressing. Hearing the title track at full tilt on an uber setup reminds you what the fuss is all about. |
