I didn't have to. The one I like is just so much netter sounding when turned up it was no comparison.
First of all, "almost same" is not the "same" and 32DP mastering clearly has higher DR. Secondly, DR values don't always tell the whole story of compression. I have several examples where a particular pressing taken from source tapes farther removed from the master tapes has better DR values than another pressing taken from the master tapes (or very close to them) with lower DR values and the one with the lower DR values sounds more dynamic (and better in every way). [Contrary to their banner "Original Master Recording", I don't think MFSL always had access to the original master tapes and sometimes they heavily manipulated the EQ, which sometimes added to the compression at certain frequencies. I think compression is necessary for good sound but too much compression at certain frequencies can sound "wrong" to some listeners on certain audio equipment and setup.] Thirdly, Dave is NOT saying that the MFSL is to be avoided because it is bad. He is saying that he likes the 32DP better than the MFSL. While I personally like the JVC Japan for US CD pressing the most, I do agree with Dave that the 32DP mastering is more "crankable" than the MFSL gold CD of Building the Perfect Beast. The MFSL gold CD sounds good in its own way, however, especially on a "mid-fi" system.
It's certainly good to listen first, but once I've formed an opinion on a recording I find it informative to measure the DR to see whether my listening experience ties in with the DR measurement. I'd also like to experiment with looking at frequency graphs but I've not worked out how to generate them yet. I think it's important to listen first as that way I can't be swayed by DR figures etc (but of course I might be subconsciously swayed by what I've already read on this forum).
Same here as I always found it more definitive than the DR figures. Reading them if they were close always left me going " Why doesn't it sound as close as these DR values would have me believe?"
If you dont volume match and then say one sounds more forward at all frequencies then the other I have to wonder...
I do try to pull the same volume out of any album I listen to, but I don't own a decibel meter and honestly don't require one to determine whether a pressing sounds good or not. That's what my system is for.
Any update on James Taylor? What ended up beating Gaucho? I noticed it was on the original list and no longer is.
I hope the mfsl sacd 2239 - Dire Straits On Every Street, mastered by Rob Lo Verde - will make the List. It is the best version i have heard.
If you're speaking of the Dad Loves His Work album I haven't got around to comparing any other release to it. Gaucho was easily bettered by the 1986 Japan 32XD-394. On that note the 1984 CSR Japan for USA might be a good choice although I've never it or the 1984 JVC Japan for USA either.
How is the imaging from front to back and side to side on your JVC pressing George? The only reason I didn't venture beyond mine was because it is spectacular being near, if not a 3D sonic presentation.
It's excellent, though and my small apartment I don't have my speakers set up anywhere close to how I would ideally like to have them.
For what it’s worth, the 32XD of Gaucho has the same peak levels as the JVC Japan-for-USA pressing. (The CSR J4USA does not.)
I have the JVC JPN for US, the MFSL UDCD & 2009 limited edition SHM. I will pay attention when some reviews come out for Gaucho AP SACD, but after not being knocked out over the AJA AP SACD I may pass on it.
