JoshM Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 View full article 🔊 The Best Version Of... 🎧 Link to post Share on other sites
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 I hate to say it, but I'd never listened to this album prior to reading this article. Thanks @JoshM! JoshM 1 Founder of Audiophile Style Announcing The Audiophile Style Podcast Link to post Share on other sites
JoshM Posted March 8, 2019 Author Share Posted March 8, 2019 52 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said: I hate to say it, but I'd never listened to this album prior to reading this article. Thanks @JoshM! Bush is an acquired taste, particularly in the U.S. Did you end up liking it when you listened to it? I saw on Twitter that you’ve been listening to Hot Buttered Soul and Superfly, so I’ll forgive you for not knowing Hounds, given the high-quality albums you’re spinning instead. 😜 Hot Buttered is definitely on my future TBVO master list. 🔊 The Best Version Of... 🎧 Link to post Share on other sites
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 27 minutes ago, JoshM said: Bush is an acquired taste, particularly in the U.S. Did you end up liking it when you listened to it? I saw on Twitter that you’ve been listening to Hot Buttered Soul and Superfly, so I’ll forgive you for not knowing Hounds, given the high-quality albums you’re spinning instead. 😜 Hot Buttered is definitely on my future TBVO master list. Haven't acquired the taste just yet. I definitely hear her influence in many other artists I listen to, so that has been enlightening. JoshM 1 Founder of Audiophile Style Announcing The Audiophile Style Podcast Link to post Share on other sites
lasker98 Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 Thanks Josh. Another great article about a great album. You really do a nice job on these. This probably isn't the place for "requests" but I would love to see you take on King Crimson's "In The Court Of The Crimson King". I've tried so many versions through the years and have never been happy with the sound. The best so far for me is from the 40th Anniversary Edition, although to be honest, probably the most enjoyable was back in my youth listening to the album on whatever turntable was available and everything just sounded amazing. I had no idea about sound quality, just loved the music. JoshM 1 Link to post Share on other sites
barrows Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 Definitely am liking the sound of the 2018 remaster here... Axiom05 1 SO/ROON/HQPe: DSD 256-Sonore opticalModuleDeluxe-Signature Rendu optical--Bricasti M3 DAC--DIY Purifi Amplifier-Focus Audio FS888-JL E 112 sub-Nordost Tyr USB, DIY EventHorizon AC cables, Iconoclast XLR & speaker cables, Synergistic Orange Fuses, Spacetime system clarifiers. SONORE computer audio | opticalRendu | ultraRendu | microRendu | Signature Rendu SE | Accessories | Software | Link to post Share on other sites
paul_riordan Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 2 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said: I hate to say it, but I'd never listened to this album prior to reading this article. Thanks @JoshM! 1 hour ago, The Computer Audiophile said: Haven't acquired the taste just yet. I definitely hear her influence in many other artists I listen to, so that has been enlightening. Kate is not for everyone even here in the UK. Barking mad but that is perhaps one of the reasons why many of us over here love her music so much. The remasters are excellent and well worth a listen. Personally Hounds Of Love is not my favourite Kate Bush album but it is very good, it was also great to see her in concert a few years back. I think it would be worth your while listening to more of her albums there is some excellent music, well produced and well mastered - not a combination we get too often. JoshM 1 Stereo Source: Auralic Aries + Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ Surround Source: Windows PC Pre-amp: Mark Levinson ML380s, Anthem D2v Speakers: ATC SCM50A (L/R/C), C4 (Sub), SCM20-2A (LR,RR) Link to post Share on other sites
JoshM Posted March 8, 2019 Author Share Posted March 8, 2019 2 hours ago, lasker98 said: Thanks Josh. Another great article about a great album. You really do a nice job on these. This probably isn't the place for "requests" but I would love to see you take on King Crimson's "In The Court Of The Crimson King". I've tried so many versions through the years and have never been happy with the sound. The best so far for me is from the 40th Anniversary Edition, although to be honest, probably the most enjoyable was back in my youth listening to the album on whatever turntable was available and everything just sounded amazing. I had no idea about sound quality, just loved the music. I love that album, and it’s definitely on my TBVO list. lasker98 1 🔊 The Best Version Of... 🎧 Link to post Share on other sites
Danny Kaey Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 Fascinating! Love your depth and observations... amazing! PS: I'd be curious to compare the Audiofidelity remasters that Hoffman did some years ago with the new Guthrie 2018 versions... JoshM 1 Link to post Share on other sites
church_mouse Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 Thank you for this review. To date, I have ignored any of the Kate Bush remasters but now I am thinking that I may have to give Hounds of Love a second thought. Whilst it was The Dreaming which really sold me on Kate Bush (causing me quickly to catch up on her back catalogue), Cloudbusting and the entire side 2 of Hounds of Love are her tracks on my "most often played" list. JoshM 1 David MacMini, Mytek Manhattan I DAC, Avantone The Abbey Monitors, Roon Link to post Share on other sites
miguelito Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 2 hours ago, paul_riordan said: Personally Hounds Of Love is not my favourite Kate Bush album Which one is your fave? mini+Roon > dCS Rossini DAC + Rossini Master Clock > Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo G2 system pics Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post beetlemania Posted March 8, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted March 8, 2019 Great article. Guess I need to listen to the remaster! My favorite Kate Bush is Aerial. Michael L and JoshM 1 1 Roon ROCK (Roon 1.7; NUC7i3) > Ayre QB-9 Twenty > Ayre AX-5 Twenty > Thiel CS2.4SE (crossovers rebuilt with Clarity CSA and Multicap RTX caps, Mills MRA-12 resistors; ERSE and Jantzen coils; Cardas binding posts and hookup wire); Cardas and OEM power cables, interconnects, and speaker cables Link to post Share on other sites
paul_riordan Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 40 minutes ago, miguelito said: Which one is your fave? Sensual WoRld... miguelito 1 Stereo Source: Auralic Aries + Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ Surround Source: Windows PC Pre-amp: Mark Levinson ML380s, Anthem D2v Speakers: ATC SCM50A (L/R/C), C4 (Sub), SCM20-2A (LR,RR) Link to post Share on other sites
Daccord Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 I've only ever heard the vinyl, which I bought in 1985. My first impression was wow, the producer really messed this up, especially the way whispered lines are just as loud as shouted vocals. Then I checked the credits. I don't think she did herself any favours. Link to post Share on other sites
JoshM Posted March 8, 2019 Author Share Posted March 8, 2019 2 hours ago, Danny Kaey said: Fascinating! Love your depth and observations... amazing! PS: I'd be curious to compare the Audiofidelity remasters that Hoffman did some years ago with the new Guthrie 2018 versions... I didn’t want to make vinyl comparisons central to the article, since TBVO focuses on digital mastering. But I did compare a rip of the Audio Fidelity vinyl to the other masterings, and it’s uncanny how closely the new 2018 remaster matches the AF vinyl (see footnote 4 in the article). 🔊 The Best Version Of... 🎧 Link to post Share on other sites
JoshM Posted March 8, 2019 Author Share Posted March 8, 2019 1 hour ago, church_mouse said: Thank you for this review. To date, I have ignored any of the Kate Bush remasters but now I am thinking that I may have to give Hounds of Love a second thought. Whilst it was The Dreaming which really sold me on Kate Bush (causing me quickly to catch up on her back catalogue), Cloudbusting and the entire side 2 of Hounds of Love are her tracks on my "most often played" list. 34 minutes ago, paul_riordan said: Sensual WoRld... The only Kate Bush album I find underwhelming is Lionheart. Hounds is up near the top for me, but I don’t know that I’d say it’s my favorite. I picked it for TBVO largely because it’s her most iconic album. 🔊 The Best Version Of... 🎧 Link to post Share on other sites
JoshM Posted March 8, 2019 Author Share Posted March 8, 2019 10 minutes ago, Daccord said: I've only ever heard the vinyl, which I bought in 1985. My first impression was wow, the producer really messed this up, especially the way whispered lines are just as loud as shouted vocals. Then I checked the credits. I don't think she did herself any favours. The album is very dynamic. Are you just referring to compression on the vocals? They seem pretty dynamic to me, too, but insofar as they’re compressed, it must’ve been what Bush wanted, since she produced it herself. 🔊 The Best Version Of... 🎧 Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post Daccord Posted March 8, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted March 8, 2019 2 minutes ago, JoshM said: The album is very dynamic. Are you just referring to compression on the vocals? They seem pretty dynamic to me, too, but insofar as they’re compressed, it must’ve been what Bush wanted, since she produced it herself. I'm not complaining about compression. I think someone had a heavy hand on the "output level" control while mixing. That may be what she wanted, but a more experienced producer may have been able to talk her out of an unfortunate choice. Even great authors need editors. PeterG and Hugo9000 2 Link to post Share on other sites
SuperRoo Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 Thanks, love that album. Ordered a copy of the 2018 remaster. Nearfield setup PPA USB>Ghent JSSG360 USB>Yggy>Freya+>Mono Vidars>Harbeth P3ESR 40th & Martin Logan Dynamo 1100X & Lyr 3> Mr.Speakers Ether 2, Schiit Sol>Puffin, Blue Jeans cables, Pangea power cables Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post rickca Posted March 9, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted March 9, 2019 9 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said: I hate to say it, but I'd never listened to this album prior to reading this article. Warning ... Running Up That Hill is a totally addictive track. Once I hear it, it's stuck in my head for days. JoshM and 4est 2 NUC7PJYH/AL --> Berkeley Alpha USB --> Jeff Rowland Aeris --> Jeff Rowland 625 S2 --> Focal Utopia 3 Diablos with 2 x Focal Electra SW 1000 BE subs i7-6700K/Windows 10 Version 2004/HDPLEX 300W/HDPLEX 400W DC-ATX --> EVGA Nu Audio Card --> Focal CMS50's Link to post Share on other sites
One and a half Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 Another great article Josh and one of my longest favourite pop artists ever in Kate Bush, and her best album. In 1986, I bought Hounds as well as The Dreaming on the same day, "See the light, ram through the gaps in the land" very accurate Australian landscape in the early mornings through trees... anyway. Both CDs are made in Japan but featured only English booklets and covers. For the objective bit: used Musicscope to analyse, here is a comparison of the 1985 Japan disc of Hounds with the CD box set of Hounds, 2018 remaster. 2018 Remaster, note the extended reach to 22 kHz. LRA 5.4 1985 Japan CD: note sharp roll off to 20 kHz, LRA is at 8.0 Added the numerical report as a rar for interest. The 1985 CD as you can see has more peaks and troughs, than the compressed 1985 remastering, on CD anyway. I don't have the 24 bit 1985 remaster to compare, but may re-consider, would it restore the LRA I wonder? Looks like Audacity and Musicscope have a different interpretation of the same piece? For either version, the enjoyment is the same, even on a $5 radio, I do prefer the 1985 version for the dynamics. Thoroughly enjoyed the article, Josh, you're a treasure! KB Hounds.rar JoshM 1 AS Profile Equipment List Say NO to MQA Link to post Share on other sites
JoshM Posted March 9, 2019 Author Share Posted March 9, 2019 23 minutes ago, One and a half said: Another great article Josh and one of my longest favourite pop artists ever in Kate Bush, and her best album. In 1986, I bought Hounds as well as The Dreaming on the same day, "See the light, ram through the gaps in the land" very accurate Australian landscape in the early mornings through trees... anyway. Both CDs are made in Japan but featured only English booklets and covers. For the objective bit: used Musicscope to analyse, here is a comparison of the 1985 Japan disc of Hounds with the CD box set of Hounds, 2018 remaster. 2018 Remaster, note the extended reach to 22 kHz. LRA 5.4 1985 Japan CD: note sharp roll off to 20 kHz, LRA is at 8.0 Added the numerical report as a rar for interest. The 1985 CD as you can see has more peaks and troughs, than the compressed 1985 remastering, on CD anyway. I don't have the 24 bit 1985 remaster to compare, but may re-consider, would it restore the LRA I wonder? Looks like Audacity and Musicscope have a different interpretation of the same piece? For either version, the enjoyment is the same, even on a $5 radio, I do prefer the 1985 version for the dynamics. Thoroughly enjoyed the article, Josh, you're a treasure! KB Hounds.rarUnavailable Thanks for the kind words. (I like MusicScope, too!) However, I'd caution against drawing conclusions about the 1985 versus the 2018 based on "Running" alone. It and "Waking the Witch" are the only tracks on which there's a significant difference in R128 scores (5.5 versus 7.9 for "Running" in Audirvana's calculations) between the 1985 and 2018. I took a look at the waveforms while writing this TBVO, and you can definitely see a few momentary high peaks are slightly shorter on the 2018 "Running," but it seemed insignificant to me after repeated listening. (The DR scores on the song are only one point apart, FWIW.) Taking the whole album into consideration, the 1985 is ahead on more tracks by R128, but the differences are usually only fractions of a dB, and the 2018 is ahead on some songs, too. For the whole album, the DR scores are only one point apart. Given that, I think the better resolution of the 2018 is more important than any minor dynamic differences. But, as you note, on something like a $5 radio, I don't think the differences in resolution would come through. tmtomh 1 🔊 The Best Version Of... 🎧 Link to post Share on other sites
Axial Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 Excellent analysis, Thank you Josh sir. JoshM 1 Sound Matters Link to post Share on other sites
PeterG Posted March 10, 2019 Share Posted March 10, 2019 Hi Josh, Just when I thought you couldn't top the selection of Aja! Enjoying my Fish People version as I read/respond; I will pick up 2018 soon. You might consider Talking Heads's Remain in Light for a future column. Like Hounds it is a complex and multilayered classic. But a recent listen to Angelique Kidjo's magnificent reinterpretation shows (at least my copy of) the original to be muddled. It deserves the The Best. Cheers! JoshM 1 Link to post Share on other sites
JoshM Posted March 10, 2019 Author Share Posted March 10, 2019 30 minutes ago, PeterG said: Hi Josh, Just when I thought you couldn't top the selection of Aja! Enjoying my Fish People version as I read/respond; I will pick up 2018 soon. You might consider Talking Heads's Remain in Light for a future column. Like Hounds it is a complex and multilayered classic. But a recent listen to Angelique Kidjo's magnificent reinterpretation shows (at least my copy of) the original to be muddled. It deserves the The Best. Cheers! A Talking Heads album is definitely on my TBVO “to do” list, and Remain is likely the choice. I’m going to check out the Kidjo version right now! 🔊 The Best Version Of... 🎧 Link to post Share on other sites
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