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Redbook Digital Can Sound Great -- On Occassion

Just spun a new CD last week that really impressed me. The CD is Michael Buble, To Be Loved (Reprise 2013). Mr. Buble sings old standards like -- You Make Me Feel So Young, It's A Beautiful Day, Something Stupid, Come Dance With Me, among many others. Sometimes I think it's Frank Sinatra or the other original artists actually singing, but with Mr. Buble's own vocal style. For those who like the old standards, it's a unqualified "Buy" recommendation.

But there's an added surprise. There's a number of threads currently running that speak to the pros and cons of digital, in generally, and redbook CD, in particular. IMO, the recording playback quality of this CD is exemplary (almost as good as vinyl), which I think permits the inference that if the industry did a better recording job in the redbook format, there could still be life in that medium.

So, if anyone has the CD, I'd appreciate hearing your comments. And, if you like the old standards, it's a "Buy" recommendation -- just for the enjoyment of listening to a modern re-do of the music.
bifwynne

Showing 4 responses by bifwynne

bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Rja, I don't think "the computer thing is temporary" but here to stay. But having said that, as I mentioned above, there are some very well engineered redbook CDs out there and I think I tripped into a few. I read in another thread that some vendors sell "gold" quality CDs. I seem to recall Acoustic Sounds in Kansas being mentioned. I'd call the company to find out for sure.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Riparian, I have conjectured the same point you did about the industry being in a state of flux. Hopefully, the industry will come together and decide on the next format. It happened in the early days of vinyl (RIAA) and in the early 1980s when redbook was made the reigning standard.

In addition, many of the DAC brands out there have designed and built DACs with 4 to 6 different format capabilities. That's a big waste of design and manufacturing time which just increases cost.

I checked the Acoustic Sounds web site last night to get a sense of its high quality CD offerings. They have a nice selection. I plan on ordering one or two CDs to see if it's hype or real. I'll report back.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Whoa there "pardnah" -- I was around when there was only 4 VHF stations (3 (NBC), 6 (ABC), 10 (CBS)) and 4 UHF stations (17, 28, 39 and 48) in my neck of the woods -- Philly. I liked the ole' rabbit ears/metal clothes hanger antennae that were the rage back in the 60s and 70s. Anyone remember Soupy Sales?? Sh*t, I'm old! :-(
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Wonder if Soupy is still alive???? I can't believe how many years have passed.

When I was a kid in the early 70s, my dream rig was my Crown IC 150 pre, Crown DC 300 amp, Thorens TD 160 TT and Infinity 2000a speakers w/ electrostat tweets. Today, folks sniff at my Crown gear.

Hate to tell ya how many ESL panels and cross-overs I burned out. The dealer kept telling me the speakers were rated at only 35 watts (I think). I drove them so hard they smoked.

Today, I drive my rig so hard, my wife smokes. ;>')
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