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How to find the good CD recordings?

I'm new to high end audio but have a decent system. One of the things I've noticed with this new (old) system, is that some of my CDs which I used to think sounded fine just don't sound all that good anymore while some of them sound great. A lot of these CDs are 30 years old and came from CD clubs (remember those?) and typical record stores.

I've noticed in particular that some of my Led Zep CDs just sound a little flat and a little shallow while some of the Pink Floyd and Rush CDs sound quite good. 

Is this just a matter of Floyd and Rush having higher production quality from the beginning? 

Would later "remastered" Zep CDs sound better? Is "remastered" always an indication of better or superior quality? Is it just marketing hype sometimes?

Anyway, with this new system I am inclined to buy the best quality recordings of any newer music I buy and possible replace some of my old favorites.

So is there a place on the internet where one can go to get reviews of the actual recording quality and not just the music itself. I don't see iTunes or Amazon as particularly useful here. At this point I am not interested in pursuing vinyl or high end audio files. I'm still just getting my feet wet and CDs seem like a cheap way to do that.

Any assistance much appreciated,

George
n80

Showing 1 response by rettrussell

rettrussell's avatar
rettrussell
175 posts
 
I’m a little confused about some previous comments: in my opinion Jimmy Page has done a great job of producing LZ; the vinyl was amazing and dynamic from the first release forward, and hearing the super deluxe dvd audio HD versions of any of the first 4 albums will make a believer out of the crustiest skeptic. Bonham’s drums have to be heard to be believed. I have Conrad Johnson tubes, Klipschorns, and a Modwright tubed oppo disc player to listen through, and the the K-horns reveal everything!
If sound quality is your thing, pure Blu-ray audio will not disappoint anything but your budget. The new Sargeant Pepper Blu-ray disc, to me, is the best jaw-dropping state-of-the-art experience out there.
It takes some searching, but Amazon typically features reviews from people like us who care about sound and remastering quality. I typically go to the “latest reviews” link (sometimes at the bottom of the first page of reviews) and nearly always find at least one comment about the remastered sound quality. Tip: look at the “format” listed....mp3 purchasers obviously will not comment on this subject.
Good luck!
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