2. digital
  3. 195373-91149

Remastered CDs, HDCDs, SACDs

CD is my only source. My album collection is somewhere around 800 discs. I have found significant differences in SQ (sound quality) comparing original releases to remastered releases. To my ear, Bob Ludwig was the best engineer for that. 

I was speaking with a local recording engineer and mentioned how much I liked Bob's work. He replied Bob boosted 2 dB at 150 Hz.

In order of SQ (worst to best) my rankings are original CD, original HDCD, remastered CD, remastered HDCD, original SACD, remastered SACD.

Those rankings are usually the case, though occasionally they may vary.

Happy listening to all. Enjoy the music!

tomcarr
cycles2
213 posts
 

I used to rank SQ as many have stated starting with Redbook CD, then HDCD, remastered CD, remastered HDCD, original SACD, and the highest being  remastered SACD.

This ranking system falls apart when you listen to the Redbook CD track called 'All About You' on the album 'Soul' by Sophie Zelmani.  

Give it a listen.  You'll be amazed at how good Redbook CDs can sound.

tomcarr OP
1,702 posts
 

@cycles2 I love it when a standard CD sounds exceptionally good!  Thanks for letting us know about "Soul".

cycles2
213 posts
 

I don't have the 'Soul' CD, but I stream it via Qobuz. I assume it's also available on Tidal.

tomcarr OP
1,702 posts
 

@cycles2 Good to know. Thanks for the clarification!

thom_oz's avatar
thom_oz
49 posts
 

@ fastfreight

 

S. Wilson is not a mastering engineer - he remixes everything from the multitracks, often into 5.1 or Atmos as well as stereo.  He's doing a lot more to those reissues than a mastering engineer could dream of doing.

More to discover