Upsampled downloads from the 2xHD label

[CatManDo]

I noticed that there is an increasing number of hi-rez downloads available which consist of upsampled PCM recordings (originally on Naxos). These are being offered by the "2xHD" label

 

2xHD - The most musical high resolution standard available

 

http://www.hdtracks.com/music/label/view/id/525/

https://www.highresaudio.com/label.php?caid=1966&cr=2xHD

2xHD - Naxos | Acoustic Sounds

 

For example, there is the Berlioz Symphony Fantastique by Slatkin, recorded by Naxos in 24/96

 

BERLIOZ, H.: Symphonie fantastique / Le corsaire (Lyon National Orchestra, Slatk

 

2xHd makes this recording available in 24/176, 24/352 and DSD, with a significant price premium

 

Symphonie fantastique

 

Here's their explanation

 

2xHD is recognized by the industry leaders as one of the best high-end music companies in the world

 

Our unique process enables us to dig deep in original recordings, to bring out all hidden information,

without altering the music in any way.

 

We uncover nuances, warmth, depth of field. Even the air around the musicians.

 

We immortalize your newly polished masters

 

Once you hear HD, you can't go back to MP3

 

At 2xHD, we have developed over the last ten years our own proprietary system in conjunction with state of the art audio equipment manufacturers. It is the most accurate and the most musical mastering system available today, earning recognition from our peers and from the specialized trade publications around the world.

 

The 2xHD standard resolution of the mastering transfer is DXD 24Bits/352.8kHz or DSD. From that resolution, 2xHD offers the most popular download HD format – 24Bits/96kHz, 24Bits/88.2kHz or 24Bits/48kHz. 2xHD also offers 24Bits/176.4kHz or 24Bits/192kHz, as well as DSD formats for high end download websites.

 

A higher resolution transfer leads to a more open sound and the feeling that there is no ceiling because there is less digital filter.

 

They are also offering 24/44 downloads of older Naxos recordings, such as the Prokofiev piano concertos by Kun Woo Paik, made in 1991 and probably recorded in 16bit.

 

http://www.hdtracks.com/prokofiev-piano-concertos-nos-1-3-4

 

Has anyone tried some of these and compared them to the original releases? I'm a bit suspicious about this method.

[CatManDo]

Sorry, I just noticed that there is already an older thread on this subject:

 

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f15-music-general/fidelio-and-2xhd-18461/

 

But it does not address my question about comparisions

[Boris75]

Fidelio's own description suggests that they convert the signal to analog before recapturing it in high res, a bit like Esoteric engineers do for their SACDs.

2xHD is Fidelio Technologies’ proprietary mastering process through whichaudio masters of all formats, including analog tape, Protool HD, DASH, digital audio tape (DAT), 16Bits/44.1kHz or even a vinyl disk (in cases where the master is lost) are converted to the powerful DXD format (24Bits/352.8kHz) to create a unique listening experience. The standard resolution of the 2xHD mastering transfer is DXD or DSD, from which Fidelio offers the most popular downloads of 24Bits/88.2kHz or 24Bitsd/96 kHz. Fidelio also offers 24Bits/176.4 kHz or 24Bits/192 kHz, as well as DSD formats for the high-end download customers. The process uses extremely high-end audiophile components and connectors. In some cases we even use batteries in order to benefit from the cleanest power source possible. This variable and tailored equipment combination creates the most accurate reproduction of the original recording, unveiling information previously masked by the use of analog EQ, transformers, patch bays, extended cable length etc. The selection of components is critical, as many A/D and D/A converters are unable to pierce through these digital filters that bring a ceiling effect to the sound. The 2xHD system preserves the dynamics of the original master, so if the listener finds that the 2xHD version sounds less loud than the original CD, a slight increase in volume will present a far better dynamic range. 2xHD was created by producer/studio owner André Perry and audiophile sound engineer René Laflamme, two music lovers determined to experience only the warmth and breath of the music, without hearing the equipment. We capture the feeling.

2xHD - The most musical high resolution standard available

downloaded from http://cdn4.orastream.com/pdf/064027110128.pdf

[CatManDo]

Thanks.

 

Their marketing speak is also similar to Esoteric, who rave about the equipment they use, to hide the much more important fact that they are using PCM copies of analogue recordings as a source for their SACDs.

 

ESOTERIC New Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted by Sir John Barbirolli / Mahler Symphony No.5 in C sharp minor | ESOTERIC COMPANY

[Boris75]

The 2xHD team converted Moussorgsky's Pictures at en Exhibition, orchestrated and conducted by Peter Breiner, from 24/96 PCM to analog before capturing it in DSD and 24/192 PCM:

 

This album was mastered using our 2xHD proprietary system. In order to achieve the most accurate reproduction of the original recording we tailor our process specifically for each project, using a selection from our pool of state-of-the-art audiophile components and connectors. The process begins with a transfer to analog from the original 24bits/96kHz, or 88.2 kHz resolution master, using cutting edge D/A converters. The analog signal is then sent through a hi-end tube pre-amplifier and (if needed) will be EQ’d before being recorded directly in DXD using the dCS905 A/D and the dCS Vivaldi Clock. All connections used in the process are made of OCC silver cable. DSD and 192kHz/24Bit versions are separately generated, directly from the analog signal.

[Musicophile]

The 2xHD team converted Moussorgsky's Pictures at en Exhibition, orchestrated and conducted by Peter Breiner, from 24/96 PCM to analog before capturing it in DSD and 24/192 PCM:

So basically they just add some tube coloring. Well, that's one way of "improving" sound.