I recently realized just how absolutely incredible the track "Stronger Through the Years" by Roxy Music (on the album "Manifesto") sounds to me now. After doing some tweaking to my speaker positioning, this track above any other I have yet to hear, just dazzles in a way I've never heard before, and really showcases the soundstage possibilities. The vocals swell in and out, back to front and swirl around, while guitars fade in, out, above & below. Sax appears to dangle and dance above my head from left to right in quick, pulsating rhythm. Synths stretch out here and there.... There's just sooooo much going on for your ears to smile about in this song. I should also mention I'm referring particularly to the remastered edition, here, from 1999.
They craft some great sounding albums. Liquid Skin is another fine example, check out Revolutionary Kind
I heard what was either the SACD or DVD-Audio release at a friend's place way back when and was immediately taken by it. Unfortunately, by then they were out of print and the price on the used market for either was just nuts. I kept looking for years for one at a reasonable price. When the Blu-ray Audio version was released some ten years after the SACD / DVD-Audio, I jumped on it and got a copy brand new for next to nothing (comparatively.) For a while that knocked the crap out of the price for the SACD and I snagged a used copy of it for next to nothing as well. I now see that the Blu-ray is listed as "Currently unavailable" on Amazon.com, which probably explains why the prices shown on discogs are once again nuts - with the Blu-ray leading the pack for nuttiness. Regardless, the multichannel version remains one of my favourites. Jeff
I only own and have heard the CD. Would like to acquire the SACD at some point but the CD sounds great.
Thanks for helping to lighten my wallet. I just ordered the 20th anniversary 2 LP edition from that auction site.
I mentioned the Convergence album she did with Boris Blank upthread - the whole album is very well recorded and Magnetic Lies is definately a stand-out, Cheers, Robert
My short term memory is more than a little questionable these days Indeed a gem of an Album. I'm spinning The Turning Point atm, thanks for jogging my memory
You bet, @GyroSE, I have and enjoy those albums very much. With tracks like Limbo from the Toy album, well, there is a lot of stuff going on, it's a treat to listen to. Cheers, Robert
A bit off topic. a good song to test for sibilance and make sure speakers you are auditioning aren’t just impressing you in a store because of raised treble. Take Five - Dave Brubeck if the speakers are too sibilant morellos Cymbal will tire you quickly since he is riding it my experience with the B&W 804 D4’s horrible
Stan Getz - Getz/Gilberto recorded in 1963 on Verve. I have first pressings of the mono and stereo version. The stereo version is fantastic.
A B&W N804 owner here; please tell us more about your listening experience with the 804 D4’s. What kind of hi fi gear was used upstream?
Rotel integrated. Heard them at magnolia. Yeah not the best place to hear em. But they were in the well set up room with the 802 D4’s as well. The clarity was amazing though the 802’s were less piercing. they did sound like this Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Series 804 D4 loudspeaker Measurements
On the edge between electronica and jazz, I'd like to recommend Nils Petter Molvaer. Big and warm enveloping bass (if your setup allows for it!) soundstages/scapes on most of his albums.
Nils Lofgren - Acoustic Live, Keith Don't Go. Don't own this but have heard it many times at Audio Shows.
‘ My Favorite Things’ Tony Bennet. yeah it’s a Christmas song but it’s got a super wide soundstage. And a killer glockenspiel solo. Lol
