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SACD-Heathen David Bowie

At last I can report a disc that shows a noticeable difference on SACD over normal CD replay in my system.
This shows the kind of difference on SACD I was hoping for,more organic and more "real" sounding instruments than the CD version.
To be fair my previous analysis has only been on older source material and the Stones hybrids which I think sound great but arguably better on the CD layer(?!)in my system.
Biggest bonus for me is that this was my favourite record this year (I know some have been disappointed by it.)
The one thing they have messed up is that they've taken the track listing on the slip case direct from the CD version-there are 16 tracks on this as opposed to 12 on the original CD.
Only Converstion Piece has been previously availble (on the original ltd edition double cd which I have)
I would guess the other three tracks are from the Heathen sessions.
The disc is a single layer multichannel-I am refering only to the stereo playback.
ben_campbell

Showing 3 responses by sean

sean
6,231 posts
 
Ben, i was thinking about buying this on SACD. As it is, i wandered into Best Buy today and found it for $10.99 on standard "redbook", so i bought it. I have yet to listen to it though, so i can't comment on either the sonics or performance. If i like it, i'll pick it up on SACD and try comparing the two. Sean
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sean
6,231 posts
 
Ben: After listening to the redbook tonight, i would have to say that the SACD version would have to sound MILES better to even think about spending the money on it. This disc was purposely recorded "lo-fi" so as to simulate much of the sound of Bowie's early work. I can't see increased resolution helping the sound of this disc out any since the recording itself is "hurting" to begin with. Obviously, that's just my take on things having not heard the SACD version. Needless to say, i won't be spending any money to make such a comparison. Sean
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sean
6,231 posts
 
Ben, the sticker on the front of the CD stated "Classic David Bowie circa 2002". After listening to the disc, it was very apparent to me that both the sound and many of the songs were an attempt at being a "throw back" to Bowie's early aka "classic" sound.

If you've got a vinyl rig and some of Bowie's early recordings, go back and listen to them and then listen to this disc. You should be able to tell what i mean right away. If you are strictly digital based, i can understand where something is getting lost in the transaction. I grew up listening to Bowie courtesy of my Father, so i could relate to the sound of this disc right away. Sean
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