Alice Cooper School's Out Audio Fidelity

I just picked up Schools Out gold cd at a local store also along with Pet Sounds.This sickness must come to an end for me!

 

Which song again? Clones?

 

I found two copies today... low numbers as well.

Both in the 400's.

 

I received mine this morning. To my ears, the standard U.S. CD release sounds just a little better than the AF version. Less muddy. I guess everyone does hear things differently.

 

I used to think the same thing as well. Listen to the realism of the finger snaps in Gutter Cat Vs. The Jets and the more detailed presence generally across the whole album. Don't dismiss this one so quickly as you may need time to adjust without the added 10K elevation. I know I did.

 

For me it's the bass/high-hat/exhale intro to "Blue Turk" that made me pay attention. When the harpsichord kicks in, it snaps and I'm hooked. Does anyone else feel this song is a Doors tribute?

 

Do you have a HDCD capable player? This could be the difference.

 

Is there anyone who feels that the WB CD of School's Out sounds better than the AF? All I'm interested in is the best sound quality. I like a nice, smooth, warm sound.

 

I have to say - with some reluctance being as this is the SH forum afterall - that after many listens I prefer the original WB CD too. There's just something about the sound of the Audio Fidelity version which sounds a little lifeless, or dry perhaps - difficult to put into words. And yep I've tried both with and without using HDCD decoding. I'm sure its something to do with the HDCD encoding process that Steve was talking about in the other thread (where he's made the decision not to use HDCD now). I actually gave away my WB CD when I got the AF thinking I'd never need the WB again, but I thankfully discovered I hadn't deleted it from my lossless backup drive! I'll have to get that one again I think. The WB just sounds right to me on a gut level.

- John

 

Valvehead, are you speaking in particular of School's Out?

 

Me. I bought all three AF Alice Cooper albums at the time but the Warner Brothers CD's are, for the reasons you mention, a more pleasant listen IMO.

 

The gold Audio Fidelity discs are hit and miss, and not just on the Alice Cooper titles.

 

Listened to original SO twice today with headphones and thought the WB quite good even though I wish for a deluxe edition one day...also listened to Killer without cans and thought it fair.....bit dull.
I have the Australian No Action release and thought it good without cans this morning.
Still debating the Old school box set...wish it had more SO stuff on it but for $30 it is probably a no brainier although I am concerned on the sound quality.....