Redbook CD Is Not Dead


There are dozens of variant of this topic. Nevertheless, I want to start this OP to "defibrillate" an "old" technology -- "redbook" CD. I have posted many comments and questions about the next industry digital/electronic "standard" that old-heads like me should be thinking about. The responses sound like techno-babble. That of course presupposes that redbook CD has seen a better day. A similar view was expressed years ago by many about vinyl, but that technology is still with us.

Ok ... to the point. I wanted to test the proposition that some have made about redbook CD -- 16 bit/44.1K Hz. Specifically, that the technology is NOT obsolete. By contrast, if the music industry was less lazy and profit driven, and we the consumer less tolerant, redbook CD and our trusty CD players have lots of life left in them. Here's a thoughtful and largely understandable link that a member posted in another OP that explains the hypothesis:

http://xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html

So ... to start testing the hypothesis, I logged onto the Acoustic Sounds music website. Here's the link:

http://store.acousticsounds.com/

Acoustic Sounds sells many so called hi-rez redbook CDs, e.g., "Gold," "HDCD," "Super HDCD 24 bit," and so forth. I bought 2 such CDs: (1) The Artistry of Linda Rosenthal, (First Impression Music, Inc.) (CD FIM 022VD) and (2) Jim Croce, Words and Music, (DCC Compact Disc Classics) (GZS-1134). First reactions are -- quite impressive. I'll continue to listen and report back.

I see no reason to trash a piece of equipment, or a technology, if it still has utility and can deliver the sonic goods. I will come back later with a music review of the Linda Rosenthal and Jim Croce CDs. I would like others to do the same, especially if they can suggest a good source of high-quality/almost vinyl quality redbook CD.

I will ask in advance that all member posts stay on topic. There are many threads that discuss the pros and cons of this versus that format or technology. Please keep such discussions in those other threads.

I would like to see a thread devoted to music reviews and sources of excellent quality redbook CD. Perhaps this thread and others like it will rejuvenate an older music medium that can still satisfy.

Thanks all.

Bruce
bifwynne

Showing 11 responses by bifwynne

I may have jinxed the site because I can't download the article now. But here's the link if anyone else can:

http://.....

......people.xiph.org/~xiphmont/demo/neil-young.html
Ok, I've listened to both CDs. I think they sound just fine. If you like the artists, I think you'll like the CDs. They are high quality and very engaging. I look forward to other recommendations.
Chayro, while I am pleased with my CDP, it is expensive -- even preowned. Having said that, there are many excellent CDPs on the market costing far less, e.g., Ayre, Rega, Sony, etc.

I'll check out MA recordings and its offerings. I listed the labels of the 2 hi-rez CDs I just picked up. I'll check out their web sites for offerings of interest. I look forward to reading other postings with CD recommendations.

Thanks.
Charles ..., forgive my ignorance - I am not familiar with Concert Fidelity. Please explain/discuss the Concert Fidelity set-up. Is it a brand? Did the company use redbook CD? Bruce
Just listened to a double CD set -- Aqualung, Jethro Tull 40th Ann. Ed. (Chysalis). The print is pretty small, but I think it was remastered. In any case, well done, well sung and the lyrics are as poignant today as in 1970/71. Recommended.
Thanks Wtf. Just a P.S. to an earlier post. I listed again to my recently purchase Mofi "Gold" reissue "Cars" HDCDs. Do they sound better than vinyl? I dunno know. Do they sound better than the usual run of the mill redbook CDs you can pick up at Best Buys? Absolutely, 100 percent.

My take-a-way is that redbook CD, IMO, is still a very good media source and it's a darn shame that the music industry doesn't do a better job on the mastering, engineering and recording side. I find the musical experience of well produced redbook CDs to be extremely satisfying and relaxing. Heck, it's nice to sit down for an hour or so, play on my computer, and just listen. As much as I like vinyl (and I do), sometimes it's a PITA to get up after 15 to 20 minutes and flip the record. Kinda defeats the whole purpose.
Just found an old 3 CD set of ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) "best of" out of junk box in the house. It was made in the mid-70s. It actually sounds quite good. :)

If interested, respond to the thread and I'll provide details.

Happy Holidays,

Bruce
Wanted to pass along a favorable redbook CD report. Just bought a bunch of older CDs from a vendor who advertised on A'gon. All classical music and in mint condition. I think I paid about $3.50 for each CD.

No point in listing all the labels. But it's worth mentioning that they are older prints and for the most part provide a very nice and engaging musical experience.

If anyone's is interesting in buying CDs, send me an e mail through A'gon and pass along his contact info.

On another note, I just bought 2 "Gold" quality redbook CDs from Acoustic Sounds. The group is the Cars. I am extremely impressed with the playback quality and will continue to buy as much "Gold" or equivalent quality CDs from Acoustic Sounds or any other reputable vendor.

So ... 2 other examples of why redbook CD isn't dead.

Cheers,
Russell ... your Q touches on a subject that has been discussed quite a bit in various OPs. Namely, why isn't the younger generation interested in good audio? Instead, it seems like they like "ear bud" music that's just compressed distortion, IMO.

Right now I'm playing a London CD of George Solti conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance of Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony. I don't think it's a HDCD, but even still it's a really great recording and musically engaging. I seriously doubt many kids would be that interested.

Maybe there's a price barrier. Maybe it's a social thing. Dunno. But as long as there's good music to be had, while my hearing lasts, I intend to listen to good music.