@roberttdid
I.e. copy of a master tape and a hi-res digital file of said master-tape.
In my case, the comparison was made between a reel purporting to be a copy of master tape(s), and files that were (supposedly) 24/96 conversions of the same master tape(s) (Pink Floyd The Wall + DSotM).
Keep in mind that I don't mind tape hiss one bit.
So, to the sound:
I won't rehash the hi-end vocabulary (jaw dropped, etc). Suffice it to say that the sound was exceptionally good -- we had depth, height, instrument separation, dynamic impact, sound-effects, and sonic details: all over the place and in spades. The music made sense and it was difficult to sit and think about the SQ -- rather than just get immersed in the music.
Digital: consistently more energy especially in the lower register (i.e. bass notes were more powerful and went deeperR2R: a slightly sweeter upper register (more pronounced even harmonics maybe?). Bass just as clear but not as deep (small differences).
OTOH, cymbals were slightly longer-lasting on digital
Perhaps classical would have helped us spot more differences -- alas, we didn't have any such content.So there you have it - a recent R2R - digital experience!
....almost all those making the claim have never heard a really good analog tape machine and high resolution digital side by side. (...)Coincidentally, I am one of those who have (a restored Studer compared to an Ideon Audio Absolute Suite - streamer-reclocker-dac). None of this equipment belongs to me, I was just a happy bystander.
High quality analog tape and high quality digital sound very similarApples to apples I would agree BUT we don't often get the opportunity to compare identical sources, do we?
I.e. copy of a master tape and a hi-res digital file of said master-tape.
In my case, the comparison was made between a reel purporting to be a copy of master tape(s), and files that were (supposedly) 24/96 conversions of the same master tape(s) (Pink Floyd The Wall + DSotM).
Keep in mind that I don't mind tape hiss one bit.
So, to the sound:
I won't rehash the hi-end vocabulary (jaw dropped, etc). Suffice it to say that the sound was exceptionally good -- we had depth, height, instrument separation, dynamic impact, sound-effects, and sonic details: all over the place and in spades. The music made sense and it was difficult to sit and think about the SQ -- rather than just get immersed in the music.
Digital: consistently more energy especially in the lower register (i.e. bass notes were more powerful and went deeperR2R: a slightly sweeter upper register (more pronounced even harmonics maybe?). Bass just as clear but not as deep (small differences).
OTOH, cymbals were slightly longer-lasting on digital
Perhaps classical would have helped us spot more differences -- alas, we didn't have any such content.So there you have it - a recent R2R - digital experience!