Popular Post esimms86 Posted February 10, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted February 10, 2018 Todd Rundgren is an unconventional pop/rock musician, even when compared to other pop/rock musicians. I've loved his (admittedly uneven) oeuvre ever since I took home a copy of his iconic masterpiece, "Something/Anything?" in 1972. To this day, it's still one of favorite pop records and I never tire of it. Another favorite of mine is the incredibly quirky, nonaudiophile "A Wizard, A True Star." It appeals to a certain taste and some would describe it as "for completists only." I don't care. I've loved it unashamedly since its release. Analog Sparks, a fairly new (and small) audiophile label has just released both of these albums in SACD/CD format. The remasters were done by Kevin Gray at his own Cohearent Studios in California. I have other audiophile releases remastered by KG and he has never disappointed me. And yes, Gus Skinas is responsible for authoring the DSD portion. Now, I would never, ever recommend AWAT as an audiophile record to die for. If you love the music as much as I do, however, this is THE definitive release. KG wrings the best sound possible out of the master tapes of this beautiful, flange laden oddity. Yes, it's far better than the HDTracks hi res release. As one person put it on the Steve Hoffman Forums, any faults in the sound of this, well, are ALL TODD. I would be willing to bet that this one sounds better in digital than in vinyl. Before anyone flames me, let me explain that the original vinyl was greatly compromised by the length of the album. As KG points out on his website, vinyl sounds best when limited to no more than 18 minutes per side. I believe the original vinyl release of AWAT included a disclaimer regarding the sound, specifically due to the length of the album. Listening to "S/A?" I hear improved midrange and treble, and marked clarity of the countless vocal overdubs. The cymbals and tambourines sound more like cymbals and tambourines than any other previous version that I'm familiar with(though I can't speak for vinyl as I haven't had a turntable in over a decade). Yes, it sounds better to my ears than the MFSL CD release which itself was no slouch. Listening to the albums I can only wonder what KG could do with "Runt. The Ballad of Todd Rundgren," another personal favorite. If you're a diehard Todd-o-phile and you love these albums as much as I do, well, you can't go wrong with these two. And BTW, KG does not adhere to loudness wars; rather, he essentially tells prospective clients that, if it's compression they want, they should seek a remastering engineer elsewhere. One technical note: "S/A?" is a 2 disc release. Disc 1 includes the complete recording in SACD format, plus sides one and two of the double album in redbook format, playable on any CD player. Disc 2 has sides three and four in redbook only, again playable on standard CD players. Les Habitants and BuzzG 1 1 Link to comment
ted_b Posted February 10, 2018 Share Posted February 10, 2018 Great! "Is It My Name" is a true unsung rocking classic IMHO. Can't wait to hear these in DSD. Thx for the heads up. "We're all bozos on this bus"....F.T. My JRIver tutorial videos Actual JRIver tutorial MP4 video links My eleven yr old SACD Ripping Guide for PS3 (needs updating but still works) US Technical Advisor, NativeDSD.com Link to comment
One and a half Posted February 10, 2018 Share Posted February 10, 2018 I wonder how the MFSL of 'Something Anything' compares? Analog Spark did a great job on Sound of Music. AS Profile Equipment List Say NO to MQA Link to comment
firedog Posted February 10, 2018 Share Posted February 10, 2018 I have the original LP, the standard CD, the MFSL, and the 24/96 from "The Seventies Collection". I like the 24/96 the best, followed by the MFSL. I'd be really interested if they ever make this into a download. BTW, " The Seventies Collection" in 24/96 is available for less than $30 (7 albums) at: https://www.highresaudio.com/en/album/view/wyskm4/todd-rundgren-the-70-s-collection-remaster You need a German/Euro VPN or IP to log on and order. Main listening (small home office): Main setup: Surge protector +>Isol-8 Mini sub Axis Power Strip/Isolation>QuietPC Low Noise Server>Roon (Audiolense DRC)>Stack Audio Link II>Kii Control>Kii Three (on their own electric circuit) >GIK Room Treatments. Secondary Path: Server with Audiolense RC>RPi4 or analog>Cayin iDAC6 MKII (tube mode) (XLR)>Kii Three . Bedroom: SBTouch to Cambridge Soundworks Desktop Setup. Living Room/Kitchen: Ropieee (RPi3b+ with touchscreen) + Schiit Modi3E to a pair of Morel Hogtalare. All absolute statements about audio are false Link to comment
KDinsmore Posted February 10, 2018 Share Posted February 10, 2018 DR is the highest on the 1990 Rhino and appears to be the same on the SACD. I wonder how this sounds overall? Furutech GTX-D, GTX Wall Plate,106-D Cover > NCF Clearline >Custom Computer>J River [Current] > Curious Cable Evolved USB > Chord Hugo MScaler > WAVE Storm Dual BNC> Chord DAVE>DCA Stealth>my ears > audiophile brain Link to comment
BuzzG Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Thanks for posting this. Just ordered both. Your assessments are spot on with my feelings about both discs. Between these and his just announced Utopia tour this is turning into an expensive Runt week. Link to comment
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