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Winning Ugly VXII
Blu-ray Audio has the potential to be better but,it depends on the mastering of the disc.
I actually heard that the 2011 Japanese SA-CD of 'Exile on Main Street' was better than the Blu-ray Audio disc because of the master that was used.
Blu-ray Audio discs and SA-CD's should be equal for stereo audio provided the same master source.
I think that all Rolling Stones SA-CD's are in stereo besides one "Sympathy for the Devil" remix but there are / were 5.0 or 5.1 channel SA-CD's from other artists.
Blu-ray Audio Discs could provide more channels for multi-channel mixes : 7.2 channels for an example ....... in lossless high-resolution quality.
To notice the benefit over standard CD's,you would need the appropriate equipment throughout the entire chain. No BlueTooth,no wireless. You need the right amplifier,the right pre-amplifier/sound processor,DAC's,the right source component,high quality speakers,and it all needs to be hooked-up and wired the right way in a decent listening environment.
It's not as easy as buying a Blu-ray disc player and / or a SA-CD player and a disc. It can be an expensive hobby but,it is all relative one's resources.
Beyond that,it has been convoluted in the Stones world by multiple reissues of the same titles with different masters of various degrees of quality.
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Spud
Yep, So many remasters over the years from so many source tapes of varying quality that it's almost a lottery !
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kowalskiQuote
Spud
Yep, So many remasters over the years from so many source tapes of varying quality that it's almost a lottery !
Actually, not "so many remasters" are currently available.
For albums from 1964 to 1970 there's only one remaster since 2002. It's from remasters made by Bob Ludwig in 2002 and the same are used since then, should the albums be released on CD, SACD, vinyl, download...
For albums from 1971 to 1986, two remasters are currently available. Either the 2009 Stephen Marcussen remasters (regular CD's, latest vinyl releases, downloads), or either the 2011 so-called "flat transfers" (released only in Japan on SACD, and then on CD, with the exception of Exile on main St, released also on blu-ray worlwide).
For albums from 1989 to 2005, There are only the 2009 Stephen Marcussen remasters currently available.
Previously available:
- Bob Ludwig 1994/1998 remasters (albums from 1971 to 1991)
- ABKCO mid-nineties remasters (albums from 1964 to 1970)
- Mobile Fidelity remasters from the mid eighties (albums from 1964 to 1970) - those were released under the "London" label.
This means you can get all the Stones discography on CD remastered by Bob Ludwig (except for the releases from 1994 on). IMO that would be the most consistent choice.
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BluerangerQuote
kowalskiQuote
Spud
Yep, So many remasters over the years from so many source tapes of varying quality that it's almost a lottery !
Actually, not "so many remasters" are currently available.
For albums from 1964 to 1970 there's only one remaster since 2002. It's from remasters made by Bob Ludwig in 2002 and the same are used since then, should the albums be released on CD, SACD, vinyl, download...
For albums from 1971 to 1986, two remasters are currently available. Either the 2009 Stephen Marcussen remasters (regular CD's, latest vinyl releases, downloads), or either the 2011 so-called "flat transfers" (released only in Japan on SACD, and then on CD, with the exception of Exile on main St, released also on blu-ray worlwide).
For albums from 1989 to 2005, There are only the 2009 Stephen Marcussen remasters currently available.
Previously available:
- Bob Ludwig 1994/1998 remasters (albums from 1971 to 1991)
- ABKCO mid-nineties remasters (albums from 1964 to 1970)
- Mobile Fidelity remasters from the mid eighties (albums from 1964 to 1970) - those were released under the "London" label.
This means you can get all the Stones discography on CD remastered by Bob Ludwig (except for the releases from 1994 on). IMO that would be the most consistent choice.
Regarding the ABKCO releases, the 2016 Mono box (albums released seperately this year) offered new remasters of the lot. A portion of it in unique mixes. The rest of it in either new transfers or using the same as the 2002's. Still new masterings, though.
Old London or Virgin cd's can be obtained used, and very cheap, on Discogs.
So by meaning "currently available" in this internet-age, is very debatable, as 90% of buying cd's on the market today, is done on the web.
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kowalskiQuote
Spud
Yep, So many remasters over the years from so many source tapes of varying quality that it's almost a lottery !
Actually, not "so many remasters" are currently available.
For albums from 1964 to 1970 there's only one remaster since 2002. It's from remasters made by Bob Ludwig in 2002 and the same are used since then, should the albums be released on CD, SACD, vinyl, download...
For albums from 1971 to 1986, two remasters are currently available. Either the 2009 Stephen Marcussen remasters (regular CD's, latest vinyl releases, downloads), or either the 2011 so-called "flat transfers" (released only in Japan on SACD, and then on CD, with the exception of Exile on main St, released also on blu-ray worlwide).
For albums from 1989 to 2005, There are only the 2009 Stephen Marcussen remasters currently available.
Previously available:
- Bob Ludwig 1994/1998 remasters (albums from 1971 to 1991)
- ABKCO mid-nineties remasters (albums from 1964 to 1970)
- Mobile Fidelity remasters from the mid eighties (albums from 1964 to 1970) - those were released under the "London" label.
This means you can get all the Stones discography on CD remastered by Bob Ludwig (except for the releases from 1994 on). IMO that would be the most consistent choice.
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kowalskiQuote
Spud
Yep, So many remasters over the years from so many source tapes of varying quality that it's almost a lottery !
Actually, not "so many remasters" are currently available.
For albums from 1964 to 1970 there's only one remaster since 2002. It's from remasters made by Bob Ludwig in 2002 and the same are used since then, should the albums be released on CD, SACD, vinyl, download...
For albums from 1971 to 1986, two remasters are currently available. Either the 2009 Stephen Marcussen remasters (regular CD's, latest vinyl releases, downloads), or either the 2011 so-called "flat transfers" (released only in Japan on SACD, and then on CD, with the exception of Exile on main St, released also on blu-ray worlwide).
For albums from 1989 to 2005, There are only the 2009 Stephen Marcussen remasters currently available.
Previously available:
- Bob Ludwig 1994/1998 remasters (albums from 1971 to 1991)
- ABKCO mid-nineties remasters (albums from 1964 to 1970)
- Mobile Fidelity remasters from the mid eighties (albums from 1964 to 1970) - those were released under the "London" label.
This means you can get all the Stones discography on CD remastered by Bob Ludwig (except for the releases from 1994 on). IMO that would be the most consistent choice.
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Winning Ugly VXII
The only reason to purchase a 2009 Stephen Marcussen remaster would be to get a bonus disc.
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GivenToFly15
I'm sorry, but what bonus disc(s)?
This is a very insightful post.Quote
dennycranium
I come from the consumer electronics business.
In short terms, your audio system is as good as its weakest link, or component.
If you have the blu-ray player, the disc, and play it through low or mid range equipment, you probably won't experience a discernible increase in sound quality.
Soundbars and surround systems are mainly for convenience.
Surround systems, do exactly that.
Surround you with well placed sound.
Not necessarily hi fidelity sound.
Soundbars are made to fit under your flat screen TV and you place a wireless (bluetooth) subwoofer in the corner.
They just sound better than your TV, not much else.
If you're looking for better sound without having to buy new discs, or a blu-ray player?
Purchase a good, HIGH-CURRENT, STEREO RECEIVER (or pre-amp/amplifier) with quality speakers.
You can use the discs you already own with better results. You DON'T need expensive speaker wire or rca cables.
Another thing to consider is your hearing. As we age, especially the male population, lose the ability to hear higher frequencies. All the best equipment in the world won't help you if you can't hear it.
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WhaleThis is a very insightful post.Quote
dennycranium
I come from the consumer electronics business.
In short terms, your audio system is as good as its weakest link, or component.
If you have the blu-ray player, the disc, and play it through low or mid range equipment, you probably won't experience a discernible increase in sound quality.
Soundbars and surround systems are mainly for convenience.
Surround systems, do exactly that.
Surround you with well placed sound.
Not necessarily hi fidelity sound.
Soundbars are made to fit under your flat screen TV and you place a wireless (bluetooth) subwoofer in the corner.
They just sound better than your TV, not much else.
If you're looking for better sound without having to buy new discs, or a blu-ray player?
Purchase a good, HIGH-CURRENT, STEREO RECEIVER (or pre-amp/amplifier) with quality speakers.
You can use the discs you already own with better results. You DON'T need expensive speaker wire or rca cables.
Another thing to consider is your hearing. As we age, especially the male population, lose the ability to hear higher frequencies. All the best equipment in the world won't help you if you can't hear it.
Ill be shopping for a good receiver
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treaclefingers
I purchased the GRRR! Blu Ray and much of it is excellent, especially the 60s stuff. Little Red Rooster in particular is revelatory.
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Winning Ugly VXIIQuote
treaclefingers
I purchased the GRRR! Blu Ray and much of it is excellent, especially the 60s stuff. Little Red Rooster in particular is revelatory.
I'm sure that it is but, it's the same as the SA-CD layer from 2002 as far as I know.
Not to say that this is the situation in your case but,I am sure that most people who purchased the 2002 SA-CD / CD hybrid discs only ever listened to the regular CD layer(s).
Furthermore,of those who did access and play the SA-CD layer(s) ..... most probably did not have the correct type of a set-up with their equipment to be able to discern the full benefit of the SA-CD layer.
I am not saying that there is anything wrong with the '60's Blu-ray Audio Discs ..... Only that it might not be a required purchase IF you already own 2002 SA-CD hybrid discs of the same material in the same mix and master.
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kowalskiQuote
Spud
Yep, So many remasters over the years from so many source tapes of varying quality that it's almost a lottery !
Actually, not "so many remasters" are currently available.
For albums from 1964 to 1970 there's only one remaster since 2002. It's from remasters made by Bob Ludwig in 2002 and the same are used since then, should the albums be released on CD, SACD, vinyl, download...
For albums from 1971 to 1986, two remasters are currently available. Either the 2009 Stephen Marcussen remasters (regular CD's, latest vinyl releases, downloads), or either the 2011 so-called "flat transfers" (released only in Japan on SACD, and then on CD, with the exception of Exile on main St, released also on blu-ray worlwide).
For albums from 1989 to 2005, There are only the 2009 Stephen Marcussen remasters currently available.
Previously available:
- Bob Ludwig 1994/1998 remasters (albums from 1971 to 1991)
- ABKCO mid-nineties remasters (albums from 1964 to 1970)
- Mobile Fidelity remasters from the mid eighties (albums from 1964 to 1970) - those were released under the "London" label.
This means you can get all the Stones discography on CD remastered by Bob Ludwig (except for the releases from 1994 on). IMO that would be the most consistent choice.
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BluerangerQuote
kowalskiQuote
Spud
Yep, So many remasters over the years from so many source tapes of varying quality that it's almost a lottery !
Actually, not "so many remasters" are currently available.
For albums from 1964 to 1970 there's only one remaster since 2002. It's from remasters made by Bob Ludwig in 2002 and the same are used since then, should the albums be released on CD, SACD, vinyl, download...
For albums from 1971 to 1986, two remasters are currently available. Either the 2009 Stephen Marcussen remasters (regular CD's, latest vinyl releases, downloads), or either the 2011 so-called "flat transfers" (released only in Japan on SACD, and then on CD, with the exception of Exile on main St, released also on blu-ray worlwide).
For albums from 1989 to 2005, There are only the 2009 Stephen Marcussen remasters currently available.
Previously available:
- Bob Ludwig 1994/1998 remasters (albums from 1971 to 1991)
- ABKCO mid-nineties remasters (albums from 1964 to 1970)
- Mobile Fidelity remasters from the mid eighties (albums from 1964 to 1970) - those were released under the "London" label.
This means you can get all the Stones discography on CD remastered by Bob Ludwig (except for the releases from 1994 on). IMO that would be the most consistent choice.
You are forgetting that ABKCO's MONO box from last year, partly offered new remasters. Some of it is the same mastering, but there are also some new transfers (ie Route 66, Walking The Dog, Street Fighting Man (single version)) and plenty of new remasters of mono masters not previously released on cd.
It's a subjective choice, of course, but for me, Atermath, Between The Buttons and Satanic Majesties in mono are essential purchases.
Aside from this, the old London cd's (MoFi) is still the only releases that offers the UK debut album with the ufaded Tell Me and Aftermath and Between The Buttons does not, as opposed to the 2002 remasters, have the stereo perspective narrowed.
That's not what i understood.Quote
DandelionPowderman
I thought the BTB version in the mono box was a fold-down?
Correct. BTB in mono box is unique mix. There are totally about 40 songs with unique mono mastering in the box.Quote
WhaleThat's not what i understood.Quote
DandelionPowderman
I thought the BTB version in the mono box was a fold-down?