Universal Music Details First 36 Blu-ray Audio Titles

Next week, beginning on May 13th, Universal Music will release its first 36 Blu-ray Audio titles under the High Fidelity Pure Audio banner. Each title will feature PCM, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio 96kHz/24bit audio tracks. Artists and composers available include John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Eddy Mitchell, Nina Simone, Jacques Brel, Serge Gainsboro, Johnny Halladay, The Velvet Underground, Miles Davis, Beethoven, Mahler and many more.

Each title also comes with a coupon to download MP3 or FLAC versions of the tracks for play on portable media devices. The downloads are being made available via mShuttle, a feature developed by Pure Audio Blu-ray and utilized by 2L.

The first High Fidelity Pure Audio titles are as follows:

● John Coltrane: A Love Supreme
● Stevie Wonder: Song in the Key of Life
● Supertramp: Breakfast in America
● Bob Marley: Legend
● Zazie: Zizanie
● Eddy Mitchell: Grand écran
● Alain Bashung: Fantaisie militaire
● Alain Bashung: Osez Joséphine
● Nina Simone: I Put a Spell on You
● Jacques Brel: Ne me quitte pas
● Jacques Brel: Les Marquises
● Pierre Henry: Messe pour le temps présent
● Oscar Peterson Trio: Night Train
● Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong: Ella & Louis Again
● Barbara: L'aigle Noir
● Derek and the Dominos: Layla
● Noir Désir: Tostaky
● Serge Gainsbourg: Aux armes et caetera
● Serge Gainsbourg: Melody Nelson
● Diana Krall: The Look of Love
● Quincy Jones: Big Band Bossa Nova
● Hélène Grimaud: Credo
● Miles Davis: Ascenseur pour l'échafaud
● The Velvet Underground: The Velvet Underground & Nico
● Johnny Hallyday: Sang Pour Sang
● Johnny Hallyday: Rock'n Roll Attitude
● Mylène Farmer: Monkey Me
● Verdi
● Stan Getz & João Gilberto: Getz/Gilberto
● Wagner
● Ludwig van Beethoven: Violinkonzert-Violinromanzen
● Mahler: Symphonie n°5
● Beethoven: Symphonie n°9
● Beethoven: Symphonies 5 & 7
● Antonin Dvorak: Symphonie n°9 - Moldau - Préludes
● Anna Netrebko: Sempre libera

Second Wave of HFPA Blu-ray Audio Titles Announced

Universal Music has announced the second wave of Blu-ray Audio titles under their High Fidelity Pure Audio (HFPA) banner will be released world-wide on October 8th. Titles include legendary albums from Nirvana, Queen, Beck, Amy Winehouse and Supertramp. Additionally, the first wave of HFPA titles – previously exclusive to French retailer FNAC - will also be available on that date.

● Nirvana: Nevermind
● Nirvana: In Utero
● The Rolling Stones: Exile on Main Street
● Supertramp: Crime of the Century
● Beck: Sea Change
● Amy Winehouse: Back to Black
● Nick Drake: Five Leaves Left
● Queen: Night of the Opera

(Except from bluray.com)

Hi. Am curious if there is anyone here who would consider investing in bluray audio disc?

Personally I only have 2L Audiophile Reference Recordings: The Nordic Sound, which blows me away but had not been able to find additional disc.

I do have some DVD Audio disc, but the bluray disc is much much higher sound resolution!!

Please share

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Oct 20 2013, 09:24 AM

Only have normal 5.1 amp.
What's the damn point getting it?
My dad bought bluray player for playing the free Avatar 3D and that's about it.
The dumber thing he did is having a Smart TV and Smart BluRay player.
not really saying he is dumb, but it is a waste of money.
he also played some pirated DVDs. HAHAH.

Only 96/24? What's the point?

Those Nordic Sounds discs are even better when 192/24 audio.

**Update**

Surprisingly Universal Malaysia is bring these in.

Each is suppose to be RM69.90

I'm getting these

● Diana Krall: The Look of Love
● Quincy Jones: Big Band Bossa Nova

Will keep you guys posted.

That's surprising news, and that's a pretty decent price point considering a CD costs between RM42.90 - RM49.90 these days.

Hi, mind to share where can buy this at KL/PJ area? Thanks..

I'm actually based in Melaka!!

I'm getting it from Inverno (They are in Mahkota Parada, a shopping complex in Melaka)

I do believe if you goto Victoria Music (Amcorp Mall & Sungai Wang), they can bring them in for you as well (they are sister company to Inverno).

Because it is being distributed by Universal Malaysia, I'll be very surprise if most music shop cannot do that.

But bare in mind, the boss in Inverno said that Universal Malaysia get one shipment of these Bluray Audio as they are being release oversea. Meaning, they will not do additional order once they have sold out stock in hand. Goes figure, if something is selling don't order some more. Order only things that does not sell...

Not sure how this business model works...

The first batch consist of

● Diana Krall: The Look of Love
● Quincy Jones: Big Band Bossa Nova
● Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong: Ella & Louis Again
● The Velvet Underground: The Velvet Underground & Nico
● Miles Davis: Ascenseur pour l'échafaud

I've ordered

● Diana Krall: The Look of Love
● Quincy Jones: Big Band Bossa Nova

The stock has arrived. I can only get them this weekend (busy)

Will keep you guys posted on quality.

If good, I might get more...

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Oct 2 2013, 03:02 PM

Thanks for the information..

cheap, i wonder how good would it sound

You are welcome

Yes it is...

Will keep you guys posted

have to compare it wiht analog to see how it sounds

That's correct.

I have this on original CD as well.

● Diana Krall: The Look of Love

So that will be my baseline!!

if u have it on normal CD, im pretty sure the hfpa would be better
if u have it on vinyl, then maybe can make a comparison

I've never got into Vinyl.

I understand about the "warmth" of the LP sound, and have to add, the "hassle" of maintaining the LP is what that is keeping me away.

Don't get me wrong, I've used LP before, when I was a wee lad (... ah our old Sansui setup...)

Now, I mostly pump everything I have through my AV amp. If the source is stereo, then I pump that to my D/A C which is connected to my AV amp.

It is "NOT" 100% vinyl, and have to add it is close minus the hassle of maintaining the LP (Storage, Cleaning etc).

For the review, I'll be playing the CD through my D/A C and then the bluray audio (with or without the D/A C) and come up with my comparison. The reason why I said, with or without the D/A C is because so little is publish about the HFPA disc, I'm not even sure if it is stereo/5.1 (like The Beatles' The Love album, lovingly restored and remaster by the maestro of sound engineer himself, Mr George Martin [with a little help from his... son... no pun intended ]).

My reviews of the topics I have posted so far were never meant to be the "end all" for the topics. They are just my singular opinion of the said topics...

sure, looking forward to ur reviews
me also curious

i remember i tried this 5.1 audio before once, santana, its like hearing the dvd concert without the image, tats all

*Sigh*

Okay, I was suppose to do this next week.

But curiosity (I know, I know, did in the cat!! But I'm no cat... ) got the better of me.

Got both the

Diana Krall: The Look of Love
Quincy Jones: Bossa Nova

Because I've got Diana Krall: The Look of Love on CD as well, that is what I've attacked! (So to speak )

Okay, I'm trying to channel Audiophile (The Star?) here...

Bluray Player: Panasonic DMP BD60 (Old School, I know)
D/A C: Brik D/A Converter
Amplifier: Yamaha RX-V1900 (Yes, another Old School)
Front Speakers: Monitor Audio Silver Floorstanders
Center Speaker: Monitor Audio Silver Center

1st Test:

Diana Krall: The Look of Love (CD, Local press, [forgive me, I was young and foolish, once])

CD was place in my Bluray player, which is connected to my D/A C (via optical) which is in turn connected to my amp (RCA Audioquest, Turquoise).

I must confess, I have not listened to this CD for... EONS.... and I was staggered by how POOR the sound is... Diana Krall sounded like she had a sore throat and the instrumentation sounded muffled... I kid you not... I usually run flac files on my media player through my D/A C and have always been happy with the sound... I was really REALLY disappointed. But the test must go on...

Tracks I listened to

1) S'Wonderful
5) Besame Mucho
9) The Look of Love

I cannot emphasis how disappointed I was with the sound...

2nd Test

Ripped open the plastic wrapper on Diana Krall: The Look of Love Bluray Audio.

Unlike the bluray movies, these comes in a semi transparent white boxes. Same size as their movie counterpart.

I tried this bluray audio disc exactly like the above.

The sonic difference is DAY and NIGHT

Okay wait, before I go further there is a feature I want to emphasis here

When you put this disc into your bluray player a main screen comes up, and it automatically starts the music. On the left hand side, the cover of the album appears, on the right hand side, the track number appears on top and at the bottom, there are three options for you to choose, namely,

2.0 PCM 24-bit/96Khz
2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio 24-bit/96Khz
2.0 Dolby TrueHD 24-bit/96Khz

(Not sure if this applies to all Universal's Bluray Audio)

When the first song start, it auto selects 2.0 PCM 24-bit/96Khz.

As I had stated above, the sound is much MUCH better.

The sound scape wider. There is weight behind the sounds. When the ivories are tinkled on the piano, there is a crispness to the notes.

Miraculously, Diana Krall is cured of her sore throat...

(Sorry, I do not know all the technical jargon to describe the above)

3rd Test

Now I played the bluray audio disc without the D/A C (Bluray Ray player connected to amp using QED Profile HDMI) and the sound is cleaner, minus a little bit of warmth. (Still in 2.0 PCM 24-bit/96Khz)

Now here is an unexpected surprise:

2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio 24-bit/96Khz
2.0 Dolby TrueHD 24-bit/96Khz

will not work with D/A C (I'm assuming because they are digital format). I however suspect, in the bluray setup, under the sound option, if I switch the HDMI setup to PCM, no matter what I select, I would be able to pump the any sound option through my D/A C. Something to investigate on a later day.

Another surprising thing is, when I choose these two options (when HDMI setup is bitstream), my center speaker, kicks in....

It is my believe that audiophiles might just stick to the 2.0 PCM 24-bit/96Khz option.

So what is my conclusion?

I believe this is actually a good medium for music and I'm loving my new Diana Krall bluray audio disc!! (My CD copy is now the "bad" example)

I do however see several pit falls for this said format

1) After so many "failed" audio format, many an audiophile will be reluctant to adopt "another" white elephant format (this I believe is the MAIN huddle)

2) As good as Diana Krall: The Look of Love album, it is already 13 years old (it was first launch in 2001). So in terms of marketing, I don't think the music industry is even trying to target the "hip" and "young" market, but instead focusing on the the very "cynical" (excuse my french) and jaded audiophiles segment, which bring me back to the above...

3) To add to point two, during the 70s, we have Mike Oldfield and Jean Michel Jarre experimenting the heck out of music. Michael Oldfield literally built Virgin Music with his Tubular Bells. We need something like this to reinvigorate the music industry, probably using this media so people can see/hear, oh, so THAT'S what this can do... I really do not see that at this point in time...

4) I also have a suspicion that the sound quality has alot to do with how much care was put into transferring the master to this new digital format (just like movies) so NOT all Bluray Audio disc would sound as good as this.

Frankly, I've seen them all, A Tracks, DAT, Mini Disc, SACD, DVD Audio (I know I miss some, it is 9:27pm, and I have been listening to the Look Of Love since 7pm, it is beginning to get to me, so cut me some slack). All promising to BE the future... but not quite.

Personally, I see alot of potential in this format. I just feel that instead of "recycling" material that had been in ALL the format I had stated above, push out new and fresh stuff on this format, so EVERYONE know what it is and that is it new.

So, STAND UP Bluray Audio and ... simply matter!!

I don't think I will be able to review Quincy Jones Bossa Nova tonite.

I have been sitting here for some time now, my butt need some reprieve....

Will be outstation most of the weekend as well, not the best timing, I admit...

Next weekend perhaps?

My Two Sen



This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Oct 5 2013, 12:30 PM

Finally blu ray audio disk

Nordic sound had had it for some time, but they specialise for really really AUDIOPHILES only, not the general market...

Hi Guys

I promised to post my review of Quincy Jones's Bossa Nova and have to add, because of some issues, I might have to return both Quincy Jones and Diana Krall.

Having said that I have made several more purchase, namely:

● Bob Marley: Legend
● Stevie Wonder: Song in the Key of Life
● Supertramp: Breakfast in America
● Derek and the Dominos: Layla
● Stan Getz & João Gilberto: Getz/Gilberto
● Kaufmann Wagner
● Queen: Night of the Opera
● Antonin Dvorak: Symphonie n°9 - Moldau - Préludes

Am now listening to Antonin Dvorak

Will post my reviews soon

Cheers

Okay. Unlike the Diana Krall scenario, I do not have the CD equivalent to this Bluray Audio.

Having said that, I do have RCA Victor Living Stereo series, Dvorak New World Symphony with conductor Fritz Reiner & Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

It is NOT a good comparison, because there are both different conductors and Orchestra....

To top it off, I've got the Living Stereo CD version since 1993, so very likely to be bias...

Okay, for the Classical Music lovers, I'm am NOT familiar with conductor Ferenc Frisay. From what I can piece together from the Bluray Audio cover, he is a German conductor (goes figures, since it is a Deutsche Grammophon disc).

The sound from the CD sounds a little more subdued...

There is more "fire" in Ferenc Frisay, and because of the format, but over all I still prefer Fritz Reiner version, even with the subdue sound.

Performance is more "polish" and "expensive".

I would go as far as to say that if they publish Fritz Reiner's version on Bluray Audio, I would buy that in a heart beat!!

Even though it is on a compressed format, the sound is more "expensive"

So the bluray audio format like all other formats are very dependent on the quality of the masters and the care in which the master are transferred to the digital format.

As I say, this is not really a fair comparison.

I do wish other producers (other then Universal) would release stuff on this format...

Next stop Getz/Gilberto. That I have the CD for...

My Two Sen

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: May 14 2014, 03:52 PM

● Stan Getz & João Gilberto: Getz/Gilberto

Stan Getz & João Gilberto got together in 1963 and recorded this album. It was a serendipity meeting, because together they created a new form of music, coined as Basso Nova!!

This is my all time favorite CD. Verve in 1997 took out their master copy and remastered them, and re-issued them under the Verve Master Edition series on CD, which unfortunately, I only have this CD (everyone has their limits).

Am listening to the said CD, track 01, The Girl From Ipanema, and it is BEAUTIFUL.

Separation between voices and the different instruments (piano, bass, saxophone, percussion) are clearly define! João Gilberto vocals coming out of the left speaker and Astrud Gilberto coming out from the right. As I said, a thing of beauty.

Track 04. Desafinado pure magic and now Track 02. Doralice...

There is something very PURE about this album. The two artist got together to make music was created for music sake, which basically makes this album a work of ART!

For this review, I'm sticking to this setup, CD/Bluray Audio Disc was place in my Bluray player, which is connected to my D/A C (via optical) which is in turn connected to my amp (RCA Audioquest, Turquoise).

In short everything is PCM.

Now for the hairy part, switching over to the Bluray Audio copy...

Just popped in the Bluray Audio disc, fingers crossed...

As they say, the devil's in the details...

So much more details, the minutes nuances...

The percussion more crisp, the sax, more weighted, piano is more tingly...

Sorry again I do not know the "official" terms for the about and can just express my feeling on the matter...

Definitely more detail in the High and mid and the bass is more weighted!!

I LUV this disc!!

This is a good comparison.

Because the Diana Krall was a local press, it was not really a good comparison, my CD for this is an imported one so, this is probably the bench mark I use for comparison...

On another note, I did bring my Diana Krall to my hifi reseller friend who is familiar with the LP sound, and after listening to the Bluray Audio disc, this is his verdict, he feel that the LP high is more natural... and added that the bluray audio disc has better mid and bass...

So, from the above the above, I can draw these conclusion

1) The format is sound, and is actually reliant on the quality of the master & transfer of the sound files.
2) Compared to LP, there are still differences (LP supposedly has better high freq) and have to add this format has supposedly better mind and bass.
3) If you have a bluray player, you can play this at your setup.

So, if the right album comes along, I'll probably purchase more disc.

I'm really not sure if there is much interest in this topic. This will probably be the last review I'll post, unless there are request for more.

My Two Sen



This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Jan 2 2014, 09:52 PM

Can we rip the HFPA Bluray Audio Disc to .flac using software without downgrade the audio quality?
I know Universal Music allow to download MP3 or FLAC versions of the tracks it is the same quality audio to the HFPA Bluray Audio Disc?

HFPA Bluray Audio Disc for storage it is need to be keep into dehumidify dry cabinet(those to store DSLR camera lens)? For long term 10 years above collection.

Because humidity cause mold like those day VCR and cassette tape era.
CDs Are Not Forever: The Truth About CD/DVD Longevity, “Mold” & “Rot”
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/cds-truth-cdd...evity-mold-rot/


Last time I read somewhere the CD is the best to archives because one 'dot mold' cover not so much of data compare to blu ray due to more fine and dense.

This post has been edited by wkkm007: Nov 20 2013, 01:03 PM

Interesting. Anyway I can get them online? I am from Sarawak. Looking for


● Nirvana: Nevermind
● Nirvana: In Utero

mov_freak, can do me a favor to get them?

This post has been edited by fx20: Nov 20 2013, 11:59 PM

Yes, every HFPA disc you buy has a voucher for you to access the uncompressed MP3 and/or flac files.

All the one I've purchase so far are MP3 only

I've downloaded the files and have never gotten the chance to do a side by side comparison. Will try that out this weekend.

I'm sure you one can rip bluray, it should apply for HFPA disc but for the life of me, I don't have the... "skills"...

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Nov 21 2013, 02:32 PM

I can ask if they can be ordered. Will let you know. My advice to you would be to use @Mov_freak in the future should you require by feedback on this thread. Don't jump to Audiophile too often nowadays...

My supplier just text me back. These two titles were release in Malaysia a couple of weeks back. She don't know if they have anymore stock, and will try to order. If the order arrive, she will text me back. Please PM me your contact information. Thanks



This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Nov 21 2013, 02:37 PM

-- Deleted --

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Nov 21 2013, 02:38 PM

Tested Amy Whitehouse. Overall, I am quite happy with the sound quality. It has more good detail in the high range (clear piano note and crispy cymbals). Vocal are ok, not much different than the 16bit flac. It has good bass, especially the kick drum is discrete and solid with detail.

Overall, for RM70, it is a good buy if you haven't owned the CD.

Thank Mov_frak for bringing those HDPAs to me.

Would like to get my hands on these too but Rock Corner and Speedy not carrying them...

Would like to get my hands on these too but Rock Corner and Speedy not carrying them...

Gosh, now you have to go and make me blush... And it is mov_freak!!

This is how I can sum up on the HFPA:

Its a mixed experience listening to these blu rays... Each disc offers only 2.0 channels but either in PCM, DTS MA or Dolby TrueHD and all at 24/96.

In summary:

1. Via a DAC using coaxial cable through a 2 channel set up, the Dolby TrueHD sounds best.

2. Via an AV receiver using HDMI, although its 2.0 channels source, listening to it in 5.1 is more pleasureable. And there is quite a significant difference between the 3 audio coding. The best is Dolby TrueHD to me.

3. Comparing to FLAC files at 192, it does looses out a little bit on details. The HFPA however delivers good low frequency respond.

4. LP however still sounds more involving and natural.

More details on 2 channel in my blog...

http://www.notanotherhifiblog.blogspot.com...s-part-one.html

Hi Elhefe

Great review on your blog, not sure how I can leave comments there though...

Erm... can you bluray player sound option be switched to PCM? This way your bluray player will be doing the decoding for the Dolby TrueHD and DTS MA and then pump that signal to you DAC, so you don't end up with the high screeh sound... The 48Hz thing is perplexing...

4 different version/formation of Getz/Gilberto!!!?!... Can you say, HARDCORE!! Though have to admit it is a fantastic album.

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Dec 21 2013, 12:04 PM

Hi mov_freak,

After a lengthy discussion with aa fellow comrade in the US, and going through manuals, there is currently no way to output 24/96 native digital signal from a blu ray player tto a DAC via coaxial or optical. We can only listen to raw 24/96 via HDMI to an AV amp or a DAC with HDMI input. This is due to copyright protection.

So what I have been listening through my DAC is a downsampled signal from the player to 24/48. However, there is still a different sound from standard CD. I am trying to figure out whether the player can still output the 24/96 via its analogue RCA connection ie the player is doing all the decoding work. I know for SACD it can.

I have tested the discs using HDMI on my Yamaha amp....and yes.... there is a different compared to the downsampled version through my DAC.

Ah... Thanks for that

Hi elhefe77

How are you?

Please note that Beck's Sea Change (2002) album (Bluray Audio) is 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio 24bit/192kHz or 5.1 PCM 24bit/192kHz

No Stereo option

Am listening to is in 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio 24bit, the 5.1 mix is very impressive.

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Dec 23 2013, 08:15 PM

*** Deleted ***

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Dec 23 2013, 08:14 PM

waaaahhh thats great. A true 24/192...

Do u know what other albums with 5.1 channel?

Is there a eference website or something?

Nope...

The best I can find is Bluray Audio

Draw of the luck really, but from 37 title, Universal is expanding it to 200 titles (by 2014)! And with that Warner And Sony are also interested in issuing their own Bluray Audio disc, which is good!!

Hmm.. interesting. I might have to rethink my setup.
Keep us updated with the reviews Mov_freak.

Hello Kiddies... (Great, now I'm beginning to sound like the Crypt Keeper )

Good news, Universal Malaysia have received a new batch of Bluray Audio, namely:

1) Corigliano / Beethoven / Pärt "Credo"
Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Hélène Grimaud, Esa-Pekka Salonen

2) Vivaldi: The Four Seasons
Jan Jansen, Maarten Jansen, Julian Rachlin, Stacey Watton, Janine Jansen

3) Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.6 - "Pathetique"
Valery Gergiev, Wiener Philharmoniker

4) Mahler: Symphony No.2 - "Resurrection"
Christa Ludwig, Zubin Mehta, Wiener Staatsopernchor, Ileana Cotrubas, Wiener Philharmoniker

5) Dvorák: Slavonic Dances
Iván Fischer, Budapest Festival Orchestra

6) Discoveries
Gustavo Dudamel

7) Imagine
John Lennon

8) Tommy
The Who

9) Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols

Out of the nine titles, I have ordered everything except for No 8 & 9...

My poor wallet

Will post more reviews when I had the time to listen to more of the titles

Cheers

Amy Winehouse: Back To Black Bluray Audio (2008)

Ah, Amy Winehouse... Nothing like the third day of Chinese New Year morning, and the song Rehab, to make your day...

Drums are thump, thump, thump, Horns are crisp, and the detail of the other instrumentation are apparent. And let's not forget the voice of Ms Winehouse!

The only way I can describe it is, throw back.

She actually reminds me of Grace Slick from Jefferson Airplane (remember the song White Rabbit, from their Surrealistic Pillow album??)

With only 2 studio albums under her belt and the circumstance in which she passed away...

Which only makes her two albums are now deemed... more precious?... (Jeff Buckley's album Grace [You hear me Sony/Columbia, release the bluray audio already] anyone?).

But I digress, the material on this album is first rate.

The sound from this Bluray Audio as far as a recording artist is concern, is definitely reference.

Vocal is define and instrumentation is fine, fine, fine!!!

As "contemporary" as this album is, it cannot help but transport it's listener to the 50s...

Add this to your collection why don't ya

My Two Sen

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Feb 2 2014, 12:31 PM

Lionel Richie: Can't Slow Down Bluray Audio (1983)

With tracks like All Night Long (All Night), Stuck On You, Penny Lover & Hello in the album, no wonder this album as a big deal back in it's day (oh and also the fact that MTV was born and the All Night Long (All Night) had a pretty good music video)

As most of you probably read in this thread from other forumer, there are usually three track available for each song, namely:

2.0 PCM 24-bit/96Khz
2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio 24-bits/96Khz
2.0 Dolby TrueHD 24-bit/96Khz

In this album more then any other I have on hand, there difference between the tracks is very VERY apparent!!

My suspicion is with older material the different methods of remastering the tracks (from Analogue master) emphasize the differences of the sound tracks

And as the other forumer had stated the 2.0 Dolby TrueHD 24-bit/96Khz seems to be an obvious choice! Everything just seem... brighter...

At this point in time, this disc format is really really impressive.

This is a really good album.

I have not heard All Night Long (All Night) for a long LONG time and when it started all the little percussion and details come flooding out and it is BEAUTIFUL!!

Again, I implore the music industry to give more shelf space to this product. It is really REALLY good. And also to use this album as a template for how to remaster older source to this format.

If Lionel Richie's 1983 effort can be this amazing, I can only hazard a guess as to how Michael Jackson's Off The Wall (1979), Thriller (1983) and Bad (1988) album will sound in this format... (Sony are you listening!!!?!)

Please sires, can I have some more....

My Two Sen

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Feb 2 2014, 01:13 PM

Hi everyone.

More new releases from Universal Music

1) Selling England By The Pound
Genesis

2) Are You Gonna Go My Way
Lenny Kravitz

3) Handel - Messiah
Colin Davis/London Symphony Orchestra And Chorus

4) Beethoven And Mendelsshon - Violin Concertos
Mullova/Gardiner

5) 1612 Italian Vespers
I Fagiolini

6) Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 6 - Gregiev
Wiener Philharmoniker

7) Bruckner - Symphony No. 4
Bohm

I had made a mistake in my last post

6) Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 6 - Gregiev
Wiener Philharmoniker

Is not released. Instead, the below:

Tchaikovsky Ballet Suites (Swan Lake ● The Sleeping Beauty ● The Nutcracker)
Wiener Philharmoniker
KARAJAN

Has been released.

Sorry for the misinformation

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Feb 22 2014, 03:27 PM

Tchaikovsky Ballet Suites (Swan Lake ● The Sleeping Beauty ● The Nutcracker)
Wiener Philharmoniker
KARAJAN

I've always known KARAJAN as an exceptional conductor.

I also know he is best known for his Beethoven work.

Much to my surprise, he also is quite well received for Tchaikovsky and had made 4 recorded works by Tchaikovsky on 4 separate occasions...

Supposedly, Karajan championed work of less known composers during the span of his career.

Karajan was also very familiar with Wiener Philharmoniker and this Bluray Audio is a compilation of the following recordings:

Swan Lake 1965
The Sleeping Beauty 1965
The Nutcracker 1962

I do no have much material (CD) to compare with this Bluray Audio.

I do have the soundtrack to Fantasia (1940) by Leopold Stokowski & The Philadelphia Orchestra and have to add it is a very unfair comparison.

Again like the other reviews I have done before, the beauty of the bluray audio is in the small sounds. The triangle and percussion instruments, all come out beautifully!!

Karajan's work is very different compared to Leopold Stokowski.

Leopold Stokowski's version lacking a better term is more... "romaticise" (I believe this could be persuaded by Walt Disney), while Karajan's version is more Urgent, determine and "brutal" (not a bad thing).

For the list of tracks for this bluray audio disc, please goto: Tchaikovsky's Ballet Suites

Again, I had chosen the Dolby TrueHD audio option.

I really like this bluray disc.

If you like Classical Music, give this a try why don't you.

My Two Sen.

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Apr 9 2014, 08:34 AM

Hi Everyone. This is being release this week by Universal Malaysia

George Michael / “Symphonica” Deluxe Edition and Blu-ray Audio

A compilation of Mr George Michaels concerts, consisting of these tracks:

01. Through
02. My Baby Just Cares For Me
03. A Different Corner
04. Praying For Time
05. Let Her Down Easy
06. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
07. Feeling Good
08. John And Elvis Are Dead
09. Roxanne*
10. One More Try
11. oing To A Town*
12. Cowboys and Angels
13. Idol
14. Brother Can You Spare A Dime
15. You Have Been Loved*
16. Wild Is The Wind
17. You’ve Changed

Apparently, Mr George Michael will be releasing a brand new studio album later this year. Wonder if they are brave enough to release THAT brand new album on this format, making it the first concurrent release of a new album on CD and Bluray Audio.

Am picking up my copy this weekend. Will keep you posted.

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Apr 9 2014, 08:32 AM

Another interesting release by Universal Malaysia.

Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 40th Anniversary Blu-Ray Pure Audio

Tracklistings

01. Funeral For A Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding (2014 Remaster)
02. Candle In The Wind (2014 Remaster)
03. Bennie And The Jets (2014 Remaster)
04. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (2014 Remaster)
05. This Song Has No Title (2014 Remaster)
06. Grey Seal (2014 Remaster)
07. Jamaica Jerk-Off (2014 Remaster)
08. I've Seen That Movie Too (2014 Remaster)
09. Sweet Painted Lady (2014 Remaster)
10. The Ballad Of Danny Bailey (1909-1934) (2014 Remaster)
11. Dirty Little Girl (2014 Remaster)
12. All The Girls Love Alice (2014 Remaster)
13. Your Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock'n' Roll) (2014 Remaster)
14. Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting (2014 Remaster)
15. Roy Rogers (2014 Remaster)
16. Social Disease (2014 Remaster)
17. Harmony (2014 Remaster)

A couple of good tracks here. I am getting a little concern. The producers are issuing whole albums, instead of compilation albums, greed for sales/money...

Not sure if that is the best decision for the format...

Have also placed an order and will pick it up this weekend.

Hopefully I can post something this weekend.

interesting thread to say the least.

Currently, only Universal Music, Naxos and a very obscure 2L company are releasing albums on Bluray Audio. I understand Sony and Warner would follow suit this year. Will be interesting when that happens.

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Apr 9 2014, 12:04 PM

what kind of bluray player that you guys use?

Oppo boss.

That is a great bluray player, and have to add, the bluray audio disc will work with all bluray players.

Been sitting on this for a long time. Finally cracked it open and popped it into my Bluray player and it is the best decision for a long time.

I am listening to it now on 2.0 Dolby TrueHD 244-bits/96Khz, one word BEAUTIFUL!!

Currently on track Summer - Presto!!

The Intensity!! The ensemble consist of 2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello, 1 double bass, 1 double bass, 1 theobo (mandolin like instrument), 1 box organ and a harpsichord and the separation is FANTASTIC. I usually cannot make out the theobo and box organ in the performance and here I can!!

Very immersive. You want to continue listening to the pieces!!!

Fantastic! Simply Fantastic!!

I'm signing off now so I can continue listening to this wonderful disc.

My Two Sen

Quincy Jones Bossa Nova

If you think you don't know a thing about this album, well, think again.

The theme song from the Austin Powers movie is from this album.

Bossa Nova means "new wave", "new voice" or "new thing""!

Once the album starts, again the wide sound stage, the sound separation fro the different instruments are very VERY apparent!!

You cannot help but tap you feet!!

This album is a must for the lover of Bossa Nova movement!!

Okay, I'll shut up now and enjoy the album

My Two Sen

Dvorak Slavonic Dances

I need to apologise here...

I am not very familiar with Dvorak. I do love his Brave New World and have to add, I'm only vaguely familiar with this particular work of his (Part of Slavonic Dances Op 46)

Recording is great.

The beauty of this format is when the orchestra get loud, ALL the different instruments are clearly define... That is a joy to hear!!

I'm definitely going to get more familiar with this disc

My Two Sen

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 by Valery Gergiev

I am familiar with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky works. Namely, Romeo and Juliet, The 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite, Swan Lake & The Sleeping Beauty, and for some odd reason, again, I apologise that I am unfamiliar with his Symphony No. 6, which is suppose to he his BEST orchestration work!!

Listening to it, again, I cannot remember ever hearing this work, and have to add, very impressive work!!

I really need to listen to this more!!

Recording again, very good, and is well presented in this format!

Check it out why don't you.

My Two Sen.

from the 3 format is there any difference?
DTS vs Dolby vs PCM

Very much so.

In terms of sound quality, I can state from best to good are

1) Dolby TrueHD
2) DTS Master Audio
3) PCM

Dolby overall sounds more open, full and spirited...

I cannot explain why

PCM are original file
Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio are lossless compression

Will portable audio player support Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio Now support DSD file

This post has been edited by wkkm007: Apr 17 2014, 01:11 AM

Not sure if portable audio player supports Dolby TrueHD... I know media players can downsample it to stereo... Another thing about the Universal Bluray Audio disc is that for some of the disc, there is a voucher to goto the Universal Website to download the MP3 equivalent file. And have to add, alot of the classic disc DO NOT have disc voucher... Goes figure...

Ludwig van Beethoven & Felix Mendelssohn – Violin Concertos ~ Viktoria Mullova & John Eliot Gardiner, Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique

Not one of my best purchases...

It is not that the sound quality is no good. The lead violinist and me did not click. She is technically sound, It is my opinion that her playing lacks... something (fire?).

I am familiar with the Track Three Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op 6, III Rondo and Mendelssohn' Violin Concerto in E Minor, op. 64.

Just a pity I did not appreciate the lead violinist's performance.

My Two Sen.

Anne-Sophie Mutter Beethoven Violin Concerto . Romances

Like my previous review, this bluray audio also contain the performance of Beethoven's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Minor, op. 61.

I like the performance on this disc much much better!!

Very lively!

Very Bright!!

Very very enjoyable!!!

Very good disc!

If you are a Beethoven lover, please consider!!

My Two Sen

Elton John: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Now, this is what I call bluray audio.

If this does not sell you the capability of bluray audio being an audiophile format, I don't know what will.

When you load the disc onto my bluray player, the first menu ask me if I want to listen to it in Stereo or Surround Sound.

I selected Surround sound.

The audio is automatically set to 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio 24-bits/96kHz!!!

The first few note of the song Funeral for a Friend came on... I was BLOWN AWAY!!

I could not restrain myself, I quickly selected the track Bennie and the Jets. My surround speakers kicked in, I could hear applauses and then the piano came to life and Sir Elton John came on... I WAS BLOWN AWAY AGAIN!!!

The title track is playing now (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road)...

I am signing off now to enjoy this album, boo if you never do.

My Two Sen.

Addendum to Elton John: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Have gone back to the main menu and selected the Stereo option.

In the Sterreo option you can choose between
2.0 PCM 24-bits/96kHz
2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio 24-bits/96kHz
2.0 Dolby TrueHD 24-bits/96kHz

As usual the 2.0 Dolby TrueHD 24-bits/96kHz sounds the best and have to add the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio 24-bits/96kHz sounds exceptionally good!!

I cannot recommend this more. AMAZING disc

My Additional Two Sen

John Lennon - Imagine

There is no denying, when you think of John Lennon you think of this title...

I have to admit, I was expecting a little more from this album, and have to add that after listening to Elton John, that had an advantage over this album.

Don't get me wrong, Imagine never sounded better, I just wanted... more.

The very first track IS Imagine and it is as haunting as ever...

My Two Sen

George Michael: Symphonica Blu Ray Audio

This is really an odd release...

This is actually a concert done by George in 2011- 2012... Why on earth would they release this on Blu ray Audio, instead of a blu ray disc (concert)...

It was touted as the first blu ray audio release concurrent with it's CD counterpart (well, at least for a big record label)

Sonically, it is good. George Michael back by a Symphony!!

It is good that a season recording artist show young'un how it is done (eg. no lip synching). You hear him hitting the keys and also breathing, with the crowd cheering him on!!

Supposedly, he will be releasing a new album (studio) later this year. Wonder if he will release that concurrently on Blu ray audio!!

Also a few surprises here, him singing Terence Trent D'Arby (Let Her Down Easy), E Maccoll (The First Time, I Ever Saw Your Face), Anthony Newley & Leslie Bricusse (Feeling Good) and Sting (Roxanne).

This album don't seem to have any fast song.

In 1990 - 1992 George had a famous "break-up" with Sony. George accused Sony for not promoting his second solo album (Listened Without Prejudice Part 1) and Sony retaliated by stating it is George own fault for the low sales number by refusing to appear in any of the MTVs and attending any live promotion himself!

From what I understood from that situation, Sony wanted to maintain the "Sex Symbol" status of George Michael while George Michael wanted to sell "Sensitive Artist" instead...

What I can say is George Michael is sticking to the later and that could explain the lack of Concert Bluray for this...

I for one think that a concert Bluray would have made more sense.

This is a well recorded "live" performance

To each their own

my Two Sen

Grace Jones - Nightclubbing (1980)

Okay, I Confess (Great Alfred Hitchcock movie ), I am intimidated by Grace Jones!! Why?... She just so... angular....

I am never a fan of her music or her movies... until I re-watched Frantic (1988)...

There was a song that is at the background that I like, and this time round I had the internet by my side and found out that the song I like is Grace Jones' I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango).

My CD shop called me and asked me if I wanted that on Bluray Audio the day before I re-watched Frantic, and I had told the boss no, but after watching the movie I had to call her up and asked her to order the bluray audio in for me.

I just got it and as usual, the sound is great, and again the "small" sounds come out so beautifully.

The drums and bass comes out and is noticed and the voice come out in the middle...

What else would you want.

If you like Grace Jones and own a bluray player, you know what to do.

My Two Sen

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Jun 9 2014, 01:42 PM

Hi Kiddies

How is everyone?

Update on the Bluray Audio front. Two new items, namely

Karajan/Strauss - Deluxe Edition (11CD+1 Blu-ray Audio) (Album)

Deep Purple - Made In Japan

Guess which I have placed an order for (sorry Deep Purple fans...)

Queen - A Night At The Opera

I have had this for quite some time now and for some odd reason had never played it...

Took it down the shelf, dusted it off and placed in on my bluray player and...

It is good!

I know this album is one of Queen's most popular album, but from a remaster perspective it is VERY good!

Not quite as good as Elton John's Yellow Brink Road, but close.

There is something unusual about this disc though, namely the sound format.

Usually there are three sound options, namely

2.0 PCM 24-bit/96Khz
2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio 24-bit/96Khz
2.0 Dolby TrueHD 24-bit/96Khz

But on this disc the sound options are:

2.0 PCM 24-bit/96Khz
2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio 24-bit/96Khz
5.1 PCM 24-bit/96Khz
5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio 24-bit/96Khz

Basically Dolby TrueHD option is not available, though there are two 5.1 options...

I keep switch back and forth between the two different 5.1 mix and cannot really hear any major difference...

I do enjoy this disc and yes I play Bohemian Rhapsody over and over and OVER again, call me cliche!! (Pressing the repeat button!!)

B e a u t i f u l . . .

My Two Sen

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Jun 9 2014, 01:41 PM

Bob Marley Legend: 30th Anniversary Edition in 5.1 Sense Surround



Something interesting happened at my local CD store today.

The lady boss contacted me and told me that the above is now available.

I texted her back pass (meaning I'll give it a pass). Two days later, she texted me back that my order has arrived!!

She took my "pass" as in pass the exam, I want!!

So I picked the disc up today and discovered this is mix in 5.1.

Got back, put in in and... IT IS GOOD!!!!

So much better compared to the Stereo version!!!

Sound separation, vocals and instrumentation are all clearly defined!!

This albums has most of Bob Marley greatest hits.

No Woman No Cry, Three Little Birds, One Love & I Shot the Sheriff, all here.

It would really REALLY sad if this format does not take off even with all these wonderful titles.

My Two Sen

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Aug 3 2014, 07:32 PM

5.1 is great. I might get it even I have bought it from hdtrack already.

The best so far is Elton John's Yellow Brick Road. That is a MOST not miss.

Followed by Queen's Night At The Opera and this!!

Enjoy

Finally an option for that rm1M av. Minus the visual I think.

I am not a elton john fan. But I want to know what do you like so much about that EJ bluray? Maybe I can consider getting it as well.

Thank you for bringing this up.

Usually, the bluray Audio disc consist of a main menu which allows you to pick songs you want to play and also the sound option (You get to choose between PCM, DTS Master Audio or Dolby TrueHD, all in Stereo).

Surprisingly, the Bob Marley disc, apart from having a Sense Surround Option, when the music is playing, a slide show consisting of Bob Marley Photos are displayed as background!!

if insert into PC Blu Ray drive can window open the file contain inside the disk or read as CD something like .cda file?

Again, another interesting question.

For the longest time, I only used the disc on my Bluray player, an old Panasonic Bluray player...

I recently bought a bluray rom for my laptop... Have not tried putting the bluray audio on that will try soon and let you know...

Good info bro. Damn dvda just took off then come this.

Trust me. The sound from this is much much better compared to DVD Audio.

I took a sample to a guy who sells LP and LP player, and even he was blown away by the bass and mid, although he still believes that LP give "crispier" high freq...

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Aug 4 2014, 04:20 PM

Thus, it's as good as lies. Don't take me wrong but yea I get your riff. Damn poison.

Definitely the sound staging...

It really REALLY feels like that he is performing RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU.

The Bass.

The Sound Separation

The Clarity!!!!!!

I don't know how else to express the sensation one gets when you listen to this disc.

It is staggering

I have a friend who is very "CD is for my Stereo setup and Movie is for my Home Theater setup and never the twain shall mix" kind.

He DESPISES SA-CD and DVD Audio, saying that Sense Surround has NO PLACE in music listening...

On Saturday, I invited him to my place, put in Lionel Richie (Stereo)... When All Night Long started... he went all silent, which means, he is fully concentrated at finding fault with the format... No negative comment came!!

Then he said he has stuff to do and that he can only listen to one more disc, I went for the kill and put in Elton John with the Sense Surround option, waiting for his to criticize the HECK out of the remaster/format... He was stunned silence...

Does this help you??

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Aug 4 2014, 04:19 PM

Er... Please elaborate, what is as good as lie??

One thing for sure that I'm not saying that you're lying. I don't even think you're lying. BR has larger capacity than DVD so there's so much space to install higher definition file. We might be seeing larger than 500MB for a 3 minute song. It's just I remembered a dialouge which goes:

A: Why'd you listen to him?
B: Because it's good what he said.
A: What if he's lying?
B: I know a lie when I heard one.
A: So what if you know he's lying?
B: I'd listen to him too.
A: Why?
B: Because it's a good lie. I'll listen not to anything that's mediocre, I am an audiophile. If it's a lie then it better be a good one.

I dont think its better. it just different experience.
Like a concert, its not 3D surround sound, it just plain stereo.

Wonder if they will release Dire Straits: Alchemy in this format.

This post has been edited by raizil: Aug 4 2014, 04:50 PM

In fact, I told mov_freak once I like SACD better than bluray because most blu ray audio are 2.0. But with 5.1 it is a total different experience to listen to my favorite music, I like the separation of vocal and instrument and that what I am looking for, be it audiophile or not, it is the listening experience.