KeithL
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Post by KeithL on Sept 28, 2014 2:00:00 GMT -5
In the last few years, a lot of albums have been issued (or reissued) in various high definition audio formats.
As you might expect, a lot of "stores" - mostly online - now sell them....
Let's use this thread to talk about stores you've dealt with, and high-def album downloads you've bought, and your experiences with either.
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KeithL
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Post by KeithL on Sept 28, 2014 2:03:57 GMT -5
HDTRacks....
The "grand-daddy" of all online stores for high-definition audio downloads has to be HDTracks (www.hdtracks.com).
+ They have an very wide selection. + The user experience is reasonable (it works and won't drive you nuts).
- They tend to charge "list price" for most of their offerings. - They don't always give full details (like telling you what type of master a download was made from).
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KeithL
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Post by KeithL on Sept 28, 2014 2:07:43 GMT -5
Acoustic Sounds....
Another popular supplier of high-definition audio files (www.acousticsounds.com).
+ They have an pretty wide selection, which includes many different formats. + The user experience is reasonable (it works and won't drive you nuts). + They seem to beat HDTRacks prices by $1 or $2 on some commonly available offerings. + They seem to provide more information about more albums than HDTRacks.
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Post by Davecski65 on Sept 28, 2014 7:45:01 GMT -5
I use HD Tracks,and yes they can be pricey,but I have always had good luck with them and no issues with them yet!
Will have to try the other site you mentioned.
Thanks Again Keith
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Post by MaisterK on Sept 28, 2014 7:50:51 GMT -5
I am looking for Miss America, an album issued on 1988 by Mary Margaret O'Hara, out of print. Do you know where can I find it?
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Post by jmilton on Sept 28, 2014 8:43:28 GMT -5
2L offers samples in hi-Rez as well as DSD. Free, too.
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Post by sct on Sept 28, 2014 8:53:18 GMT -5
I belong to a group that has amassed what is probably the largest collection of hi-res and multichannel music on the internet. Membership is by invitation only and I will make the appropriate introductions for those who are honestly interested. PM me for more details....
SCT
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Post by ÈlTwo on Sept 28, 2014 10:08:09 GMT -5
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Post by AudioHTIT on Sept 28, 2014 10:26:40 GMT -5
I belong to a group that has amassed what is probably the largest collection of hi-res and multichannel music on the internet. Membership is by invitation only and I will make the appropriate introductions for those who are honestly interested. PM me for more details.... SCT When I last inquired about one of these groups it was 'unlicensed' material where the artists receive no royalties. If this is the case with your group you should clearly state it and (IMO) not post about it here.
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geebo
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Post by geebo on Sept 28, 2014 10:36:16 GMT -5
I belong to a group that has amassed what is probably the largest collection of hi-res and multichannel music on the internet. Membership is by invitation only and I will make the appropriate introductions for those who are honestly interested. PM me for more details.... SCT When I last inquired about one of these groups it was 'unlicensed' material where the artists receive no royalties. If this is the case with your group you should clearly state it and (IMO) not post about it here. Why would a legitimate seller of downloads be by invitation only?
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Post by AudioHTIT on Sept 28, 2014 10:57:59 GMT -5
I've pretty much only used HDTracks for High Rez. To reduce the higher costs I try to wait for the '20% Off Entire Site' sales that happen a few times a year (they have more frequent 10% off specific categories). They do respond to requests, I asked for a 'wish list' a couple years ago and they added it earlier this year - it's a good place to store items while you wait for the sale.
You do have to install their Download Manager, but that's typical, I've had a couple problems downloading a particular album and the manger recognizes the error and keeps the album 'open' to download again. I wish it was more intelligent and would just re-download the offending song, but it starts over at the beginning.
Like Keith I would like better information on the mastering, but this is also something I struggle with when buying CDs, I wish there was a better way to get mastering info on all recordings. I agree with the comment that the right Redbook CD can sound just as good when done right.
I'm interested in trying some of the other sites mentioned here.
Edit: Just FYI, I only buy 96/24 (or less). HDTracks supports: AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, WAV, I use ALAC.
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geebo
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Post by geebo on Sept 28, 2014 11:10:44 GMT -5
I used HDTracks quite a bit but now use SuperHiRes more. But I did just get the Tony Bennett / Lady Gaga colaboration from HDTracks because of a lower price with the 15% current discount code. Both sites carry the 96/24 Flac But SuperHiRes lists it for $24.95 and HDTracks cost me $19.53. SuperHiRes seldom has sales but also offers DSD downloads.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2014 22:20:32 GMT -5
I am looking for Miss America, an album issued on 1988 by Mary Margaret O'Hara, out of print. Do you know where can I find it? Qobuz has several of her songs, but not that one.
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Post by drtrey3 on Sept 29, 2014 8:22:05 GMT -5
I also purchase occasionally from ProStudioMasters.com. When they first opened shop they had some titles that were not available on HDtracks. I use the latter quite a bit and am always happy with their service and usually happy with the product. My most recent purchase was Big Star's first album. I have not compared the download with my pretty good cd quality version yet though. May have to do that tonight.
Trey
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Post by Percussionista on Sept 29, 2014 12:52:12 GMT -5
Linn Records out of the UK also sells their wares online in Hi-Rez formats, depending on the album. From 88.2 to 192kHz (as well as 44.1 CD quality). www.linnrecords.com/All genres, though heavier on classical/orchestra and jazz, folk... Some of the downloads are licensed from other labels.
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Post by jmilton on Sept 29, 2014 14:06:20 GMT -5
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Post by Bonzo on Sept 29, 2014 16:10:53 GMT -5
These guys also have SACDs you can buy which I prefer when I can.
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emovac
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Post by emovac on Oct 1, 2014 1:25:00 GMT -5
I prefer having (purchasing) the disc medium, and convert to flac using DVD Audio Extractor. I've had good luck with HDTracks as well.
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Post by sct on Oct 1, 2014 8:30:02 GMT -5
>>Like Keith I would like better information on the mastering, but this is also something I struggle with when buying CDs, I wish there was a better way to get mastering info on all recordings. I agree with the comment that the right Redbook CD can sound just as good when done right.<<
Unfortunately, with HDTracks you have to resort to actually checking the bit rates and ultrasonic spectra to ensure that the files for which they charge a premium are actually hi-res after all...
SCT
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Post by memotiva on Oct 1, 2014 16:26:14 GMT -5
To each their own. I refuse to give money to anything RIAA related. My money isn't going to fund scumbags who sue grandmas and break laws on a consistent basis.
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