Geoffkait
re: Adele 25
I suspect the real question is, why are both formats so POOR? You know, on the Dynamic Range Database the lowest number for a rating of Good Dynamic Range is 14. The number 8-13 are transitional, and 1-7 represent BAD dynamic range.
So for the Adele releases listed above on the Database, both CD and vinyl, the numbers for Average, Lowest and Highest Dynamic Range are what should probably be described as abysmal.
That DR database has been around forever and it pops up in forum discussions here and there. I do find it is pretty consistent but I have not let it guide my music buying. Its easy enough to look up on your phone when buying new or used music. Some findings.
I played 3 new for me cd's including Adele 25.
Diana Krall - Stepping Out '93, Adele 25, Bizet Carmen - Classical Gold '94
Diana Krall Stepping out from 1993 cd first. Set the preamp gain and volume levels. Enjoyable listen. Then I put the Adele 25 cd in. Holy moly.
I stopped the cd bring out the Diana Krall Cd again, and start taking spl measurements - curious. The SPL Meter was set to 90 db as the midpoint for Krall's album. Peaking at the meter sitting next to me it went from low 80's - 95 db. With Adele 25 - no change in preamp settings, the SPL meter needed to be set at the next notch - 100 db midpoint (so as not to break the needle). The Adele 25 album in my room A went from 90 - 100+ db at my listening position about 13 feet from speakers. The space is easily pressurized by the speakers/amp. The 3rd Bizet cd - again enjoyable levels like the Krall CD.
Diana Krall Stepping Out - The Early Recordings (original CD) 1993
13 12 15 lossless Unknown - All Green
http://dr.loudness-war.info/album/list?artist=diana+krall&album=
Bizet Carmen Classical Gold 1994 London Festival Orchestra - can't find this Cd on the database but it's a good recording. The Bizet's shown in the database high green marks.
http://dr.loudness-war.info/album/list?artist=Georges%20Bizet
Now here's the thing. Most long term audio music friends I know - have 2 if not more system kits set up in their house. With my two system kit setups
In the room that plays full range and is easily pressurized I found the CD way overblown with huge bass extensions. And I say this as a music lover.
But I am pretty sure from past music, since I haven't done it yet, in my example, if Adele 25 gets played in room B on the Quad 57 system with no sub/s and their 45hz limits - It will sound much more listenable. But the more important thing here to me - the music, and its message. I can see females blaring this out in their car with windows down. If they are I would steer clear of them. hold on - ok... put my teflon suit on.
GK - so getting back to your question. Why are both formats so POOR ? and this thread's topic
In this example the DR ratings show the vinyl album with slightly better transitional ratings versus the cd's poor ratings. Is vinyl enough to save this one ? Let someone come on hear and tell us since I haven't heard the vinyl.
I do think if engineers think the music is going to played mostly in a car or mobile, they will turn up the bass. If they think its staying indoors on a turntable, they do what they can to make it better. In this case maybe just putting lipstick on a Pig ? They (engineers) know what they are doing. This is about making money. Look to the target audience.
Happy (DR) Listening.