More Vestman links guaranteed to fuel the debates

[David R. Modny]

Within that other article was a link to a Q & A on analog; Also one about compression and the "60's sound". I actually found the one on analog to be a fairly interesting take.

http://www.johnvestman.com/analog.htm


Finally, one that's sure to leave a few people scratching their heads. He lists some well recorded and mastered recordings in his opinion. Even if you don't agree, his descriptions are colorful to say the least. Seems that Bernie Grundman is his personal hero.

http://www.johnvestman.com/commercial_cds.htm


These controversial writings are all pretty interesting when you consider that that he has several purist notions when it comes to recording and mastering, yet admits to using a (gasp) digital workstation approach in many other instances.

To be honest, I'd never heard of this guy before I stumbled across his website...check out his varied, and bizarre, bio!

[Grant]

Well, his bio is either made up or slices of truth streched out to the outer limits! I have NEVER seen his mastering credits on one single CD or LP, EVER! Have you?

And, if this guy has such an impressive bio he wouldn't have to advertise for business.

Man, I hope you guys aren't going to turn this nobody into something great just because you agree with a couple of things he says about analog and digital.

[David R. Modny]

Calm down Grant, I don't think anyone's going to turn him into a hero. This is just an engineer stating the sometimes obvious and the sometimes out in left field.

I, personally, just find it interesting to see how particular recording engineers view the tools and product they work with...especially when they go on to list what *they* consider to be examples of the best resulting product. Proof positive that we ALL hear things differently.

[Patrick M]

Originally posted by David R. Modny
Finally, one that's sure to leave a few people scratching their heads.

I'm amazed someone actually owns a Don Dokken solo album and admits it.

[GMav]

And there are peolple out there who feel and think that CD's are the final say in sound quality, and vinyl and tape can only finish a poor, dismal distant second.

I, of course, disagree with that.

[Grant]

Greg, you have an irrational hatred of anything different.

[GMav]

Grant,

I figured it wouldn't take you very long to throw a totally useless comment back. You make it sound like my statement was directed to you (which is wasn't).

I have no HATRED of anything different. I have purchased my share of CD's. What I meant by my starement was, I PREFER the
sound of vinyl........ TO ME. If you want to believe differently, so be it.

Judging by your comments concerning John Vestman, perhaps it is you who is having the problem dealing with an opinion that differs from yours?

[Grant]

I don't have a problem with Vestman's opinions because He's not doing any major remastering for any major artists, thank God!

Greg, a person is going to believe anybody or anything that supports their opinion even if it flies in the face of fact.

Besides, I know you can't be totally anit-digital because according to the Cool Edit user forum you've been downloading mp3s and burning them onto CD-R yourself. No big deal, just pointing that out.

[GMav]

Grant,

There are several problems with your comments.

1.) I have no idea what or where the Cool Edit forum is....but yes I have downloaded music on the computer. And that is exactly where it has stayed....on my computer.

2.) I have NOT burned my own CD-R's off the computer, because I do not own the necessary hardware OR software to do so....nor do I plan on purchasing any.

3.) With regards to point number 2 above...as I have stated on this forum, and other forums you frequent, I was thinkng about purchasing a Yamaha CDR 1000 Audio CD Recorder. If and when I do....THAT is how I will create my own personal CD's for my use (and my use alone).

4.) For the last time (and I hope you pay close attention this time)..........I am NOT anti-digital........I just happen to prefer analog on vinyl. Why is that so hard for you to grasp?

[Grant]

Well I don't care about your #4. Is that so hard for you to grasp? I don't like digital on vinyl!:p

Have some respect for those who happen to think digital can sound better than vinyl. And, I don't care if SH or anyone doesn't think so. They both have a place and I have both and listen to both. I just don't like extraneous noise that goes along with vinyl playback.

[GMav]

Grant,

You have every right to have an opinion that differs. That has never been an issue. And I have NEVER had dis-respect for someone who disagrees with my opinion. Like someone in these forums said earlier....calm down.

And by the way......I do grasp what you are saying..........about your opinion of which format YOU prefer.........but that is not what I was trying to get you to grasp.........I was trying to tell you (for the umpteenth millionth time).......that I am not anti-digital.

One other thing...what made you think I was burning my own CD-R's?????

Sheez....and you called me irrational?

[Grant]

Sorry GregMav, wrong Greg. I just realized there is another Greg called "GregM" wandering around here.

Hey, we just get passionate about what we like. I have no problem with anyone who prefers vinyl on vinyl, analog on vinyl, vinyl on analog, whatever. But analog/vinyl lovers are not superior in any way, nor do they posess any kind of special or golden ear because of what they prefer. Because I prefer digital does not make me a Phillistine.

But, I also hate to see this forum turning into an "us" against "them", meaning the vinyl lovers vs. digital advocates. We're all into music for the love of it.

Peace.

[GMav]

Grant,

It's OK.....just remember that GregMav is your old buddy Greg from the Ice Boards.

And I have never tried to project myself as being superior to someone who has a differing opinion about something than I do.

As always...it is a pleasure to discuss things with you.

And, as you said, people are passionate about their feelings, beliefs and opinions. I share your hope that things do not get too out of hand.

[Grant]

I was going to block you out just to avoid these stupid little arguments we have. I don't know.

But, I understand where vinyl lovers are coming from. I use a high-end VCR, have for years. It produces a superior picture and records better than anything I have ever witnessed. I can pull excellent quality from movie rentals. I am happy, and I don't get too crazy about hi-fi sound when I'm watching T.V. Everyone keeps telling me how great DVD is. I know DVD and i'm still not impressed with it. But, that's just me. That must be close to hpow you all feel about digital audio. Not the same, but close.

[GMav]

Grant,

You were going to block me out?.....Because of what you call a "stupid argument"? Why?.....because I happen to have a different opinion about something than you do? You have got to be kidding? Are you going to block out everybody else who's opinion might differ from yours?

Man.......this type of action reminds me of how it used to be in Junior High School.......been there, done that.

I am not a big fan of DVD either........sound or vision. I keep my video system and my audio systems separate anyway. I may look at it down the road if they can come up with a unit that records video, and isn't through the atmosphere with regards to price.

Why you continue to think I have this problem with anything digital, escapes me.

I wonder how many recordings around the world, in the vaults in various studios have been transfered from master tape to master digital disc?

[Grant]

Originally posted by GregMav
[B]Grant,

You were going to block me out?.....Because of what you call a "stupid argument"? Why?.....because I happen to have a different opinion about something than you do? You have got to be kidding? Are you going to block out everybody else who's opinion might differ from yours?

No, man, it just because it always sounds like a nasty argument and our back and forths take up a lot of time. I guess i'm really not in that much of an argument mode these days. Long work week is getting to me, I guess. I have no problem with your views.


Why you continue to think I have this problem with anything digital, escapes me.

Because of the way you present your views. You really do come off as a digital-hating, worse than Michael Freemer-type hardcore audiophile, at least, to me, anyway...

[GMav]

Grant,

If I was Digital-Hating.......I wouldn't own any of it. I will admit, compared to how many albums and 45's I own.....my CD collection is small.....perhaps 2,000 give or take a few.

Like I said....I am NOT a Digital-Hater. I just like Analog on Vinyl better. Simple as that.

[SVL]

Originally posted by David R. Modny
He lists some well recorded and mastered recordings in his opinion. Even if you don't agree, his descriptions are colorful to say the least. Seems that Bernie Grundman is his personal hero.

http://www.johnvestman.com/commercial_cds.htm




I am not familiar with most of the albums that he is listing, but Sting - Brand New Day as an example of a good-sounding CD? That was a disappointing album at many levels, including sound quality - bland, overproduced and generally a mess, IMO.