@leemaze from your source: "The HD vinyl process involves converting audio digitally to a 3D topographic map. Lasers are then used to inscribe the map onto the “stamper,” the part that stamps the grooves into the vinyl. According to Loibl, these methods allow for records to be made more precisely and with less loss of audio information. The results, he said, are vinyl LPs that can have up to 30 percent more playing time, 30 percent more amplitude, and overall more faithful sound reproduction." Ok, my vinyl is 40-50 years old, the sound quality is incredible on original pressings, no digital process involved. The best engineers worked on some classic albums (Jazz, Soul, Latin ... etc). Some Japanese virgin vinyl formula is even better and quieter. I would buy more vintage vinyl of my favorite music on original pressings. |
Seems like this involves a major digitization step (the 3D topography).... Might that be a turn off to the analog enthusiasts to whom this is probably directed? Or is this directed to the casual listener and I'm missing the point entirely? |
"Finally someone is trying to make better vinyl"? A LOT of people have for a long time been working on making better vinyl, and vinyl better. You've never heard of Mobile Fidelity? How about Michael Fremer and his Analog Planet site? Chad Kassem and his Analog Productions company, and all the other audiophile vinyl enterprises? This has been going on for decades. "Finally"?! |
Take digital out of the process. I have 50s - 80s analogue LPs and the sound is fantastic. Crystal clear (even through the crackles). I have been lucky to get a cache of immaculate jazz and blues LPs from a collector. Almost all my digital recordings have a perceptible haze which is very tiring. |
Crystal clear (even through the crackles)
?? Really? I'm not sure how that happens, but if you can imagine it, good for you. I love records and digital. Both have their place in my audio enjoyment. But my digital is much clearer and has no "haze". It certainly has no "crackles" I have to imagine clarity through.
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The biggest advantage here is that the first disc pressed, and the 10000 disc pressed, from the same stamper will be of the same quality, rather than a slow drop off of quality during the total production run. Since most LP's are from high res files now anyway, the digital part should not cause any down side. Of course it will not be completely AAA, but pressing quality will be much improved.
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