Hi-Rez Highway

Posted by tonyo123 (A) on June 30, 2009 at 17:54:53

Curious if anyone has picked this up. I received it a few days ago. The MoFi packaging is very elegantly done. Lyrics on their own pull-out booklet. A soft sleeve around the CD-SACD and a hard folder around the that. A nice write-up on Gain 2 and Ultradisc UHR. Feels like platinum.

First, I must say that I have not done a full critical evaluation so these are just first impressions that I wanted to test against other listeners.

I did a CD sample to my ipod the first evening using Apple Lossless. With nice headphones the CD layer did not sound better than the old CD release previously sampled to my iPod. However, it did sound louder with more hiss than I anticipated.

The next morning I listened to the SACD layer and it definetly played louder, maybe several dbs (rough visual on the Radio Shack meter) meaning that I had to turn it down versus other CDs. Not sure what this really meant in terms of the dynamic range (compressed or expanded?). The top end definetly came through crisper although RLJ's voice sounded a little muffled and spread across the stage in some of the songs (We Belong Together) especially when competing for clarity with multiple instruments. However, in listening to all three presentations (old CD, new CD and new SACD layers), it was just about equal so, likely, the hiss is just part of the original master tape. However, in comparison to pure DSD recordings that seem to have a bottomless black floor it felt a bit short (listen to the more recent Diana Krall or Eleanor McEvoy recordings - hope you got your hands on some). What was outstanding was the seperation and dimensionality of the instruments which were clearly placed in space and in some cases moving disticntly across the sound stage (cymbals & drums in 'Living it Up') with good dynamics and solid, tight and full bass.

The performance has been commented on many times. For me, this is some of her best original material, best recording, great emotional variance, and production on par with Pop Pop or anythingelse in pop. A great 2nd album after the heralded first self titled effort. Recommended for RLJ and SACD fans.

Having written all that, I am curious if others have the same impressions. Frankly, I was surprised no one has reviewed this release as good pop recordings don't often come out in SACD these days. So, please reply.

My appreciation to MFSL for issuing this. Maybe MoFi can issue 'Pop Pop' next (these tapes must still be in pretty good shape given the recent number of analog reissues) then how about taking one more turn on an SACD of 'Crime of the Century'? O have this one as a Original Master AND a UHQR record (maybe played only 2-3 times - I must have been waiting for these 30 years for the right time to record it at a high sample rate to my PC - yeah that must be it)? CotC is great music, with great dynamics, great performance, and broad dynamic range with low noise floor (at least they were). Count me in as a buyer for both.

Edits: 06/30/09

• I'll second Crime of the Century nt - Ozzie 17:29:41 07/01/09 (0)
  In Reply to: RE: RLJ Pirates SACD (& how about 'Pop Pop' and 'Crime of the Century'?) posted by tonyo123 on June 30, 2009 at 17:54:53

  nt
  

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• A little confused - Maggie Mancave 15:22:09 07/01/09 (1)
  In Reply to: RE: RLJ Pirates SACD (& how about 'Pop Pop' and 'Crime of the Century'?) posted by tonyo123 on June 30, 2009 at 17:54:53

  I was excited about this release, but I am confused...you say the old CD and the new SACD are pretty much a toss up, but then you mention that it is for SACD fans. Pretty packaging isn't worth the 30 bucks. So you appreciate Mobile Fidelity for releasing an SACD that sounds the same as the older one? Don't get me wrong, this is my favorite RLJ, I love the music, love my SACD's...but if there is no sonic improvement guess I don't see the point...
  

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  • RE: A little confused - tonyo123 11:56:29 07/02/09 (0)
    In Reply to: RE: A little confused posted by Maggie Mancave on July 01, 2009 at 15:22:09

    To my ear, there are sonic improvements in the high frequencies and overall seperation but the hiss bothers me a bit. THat's why I recommend it for RLJ and SACD fans. If you are a casual listern of her music maybe not worth the investment.
    

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• RE: RLJ Pirates SACD (& how about 'Pop Pop' and 'Crime of the Century'?) - Steelhead 12:02:32 07/01/09 (1)
  In Reply to: RE: RLJ Pirates SACD (& how about 'Pop Pop' and 'Crime of the Century'?) posted by tonyo123 on June 30, 2009 at 17:54:53

  I pre-ordered Pirates but have not received it yet.
  
  I am really looking forward to it. I have a original pressing on vinyl and the SACD will have to be pretty damn good to top it. The vinyl is well recorded and has a nice flow to it. I love Rickie Lee and am very happy mo-fi got ahold of it.
  
  Music from Big Pink in SACD was wonderful on first impression. I have only spun it once but seems like a winner on the sound quality.
  
  Mo-fi is producing excellent product. I think Santana Abraxas on vinyl is incredible. I don't like spending 30 bucks on a title, but if they are going to produce the quality I am getting, I shut up and pay it.
  

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  • Any New Reviews??? (RLJ Pirates SACD) - tonyo123 07:13:15 07/13/09 (0)
    In Reply to: RE: RLJ Pirates SACD (& how about 'Pop Pop' and 'Crime of the Century'?) posted by Steelhead on July 01, 2009 at 12:02:32

    Anyone else care to review? I am interested on what others hear...
    

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• RE: RLJ Pirates SACD (& how about 'Pop Pop' and 'Crime of the Century'?) - barondla 19:20:21 06/30/09 (0)
  In Reply to: RE: RLJ Pirates SACD (& how about 'Pop Pop' and 'Crime of the Century'?) posted by tonyo123 on June 30, 2009 at 17:54:53

  Good report. Would also buy cotc in a heart beat. Have it on Mofo lp (unfortunately not UHQR). Always thought Supertramp was capable of giving pink Floyd a run for the money. Both like dynamics (rare in rock these days). Do enjoy the Judas Priest Nostradamus album.
  thanks
  barondla
  

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