Daniel A

Listening tests are the only way to verfy that a certain psychoacoustical codec is producing a result that sounds the same as the uncompressed source. I was not referring to anectdotal information. I would think the best way to do that is to do a null test on the compressed audio and the uncompressed audio. I'm no expert, but I believe a null test would indicate differences that are not audible when listening to the original compressed signal, since psychoacoustical compression algorithms are relying on masking effects. The purpose is to discard acoustical information that isn't perceptible for humans. Obviously, this doesn't work when the compression gets too heavy, but when one (hopefully) has reached the level where the compressed signal is indistinguishable from the original, a null signal test would probably show a difference anyway.

Returning to Neil Young, Pono has passed 3.5 million dollars on Kickstarter with 30 days to go. You can even get a special Herbie Hancock edition of the hardware!

A bar that would probably have one of Neil Young's worst albums cranked up loud on their PA system.

With a few reservations, I'd say yes.

Listening tests are the only way to verfy that a certain psychoacoustical codec is producing a result that sounds the same as the uncompressed source. I was not referring to anectdotal information.

One possible point of confusion is that I've been talking about MP3 and you're talking about AAC. I don't think that CD "blows MP3 away", but ABX tests show that some people are able to hear the difference on some samples. MP3:s will always be about a size-quality tradeoff. For me there's no point of going past 256 kbps VBR. Others may have a different cut off point. Those dismissing MP3:s as inferior often do not seem to have performed ABX tests, and it's my opinion that the format is better than they think. But as long as someone still is able to hear the difference at a given bitrate, you can't say that it will be "indistinguishable - period."

This is not the case, since there are people that really can hear the difference, even at 320 kbps. They are just not in majority, and it all depends on the conditions. Sorry, I'm just not buying it. The people that claim they can hear the difference are also the same people who think the ABX test is a sin against god. If I ever see a definitive and conclusive ABX of these mythical golden ear types, then I'll believe it. Until then, I'm calling bullshit. Well, visit the Hydrogen Audio forums and see for yourself. ABX tests are the only accepted method of evaluating the development of the LAME MP3 encoder. Maybe we're talking about different things. Since Jerry was talking about MP3:s, I had the highest possible bitrate, 320 kbps, of standard 16 bit MP3:s in mind. There are known "problematic" samples that are often used in the developing process. If some people couldn't hear the difference, further development of psychoacoustical codecs wouldn't be possible.

This is not the case, since there are people that really can hear the difference, even at 320 kbps. They are just not in majority, and it all depends on the conditions. MP3 is a lossy format, so there has to be a lossless source to begin with (unless the files are compiled on the fly by the recording device). But there's room for many different formats. If you want to use MP3:s chances are you'll find a compression rate that's good enough for you.

It is true objectively. CDs are wav files, a lossless format. If the bandwith from 20 to 20 khz is saturated with signal, even 256 VBR will miss something. Try an ABX test and tell us if you still think CD:s blow MP3:s away. It's easy to compare any and every format with CD:s since they've been around for so long. But a recording may be technically inferior to a 16/44 wav and still be indistinguishable from that, depending on the material, compression rate, listener, listening conditions etc.

In the light of your first paragraph, the one that starts with "Hey..." comes across as a bit rude in itself. I'm sure no offence was intended. However I think most of us (myself included) have something to learn from the thoughtful attitude of Mr Aloc himself.

You should, and post your results. I can tell a difference at 160kbps, but haven't tried 192 yet. Who knows, that may be my threshold. Daniel, did you hear a difference at 192? It was a few years back, so I actually can't remember. I really should do it again, because the compression algorithms have been fine-tuned since then. Since becoming a father (for the second time last year) I've hardly had time to make any MP3s. Spotify has also replaced much of my to-go listening.

For MP3:s made with the LAME encoder, it was at a VBR setting resulting in an average of around 256 kbps. Of course, there may theoretically still be problem samples where I would have been able to tell the difference, but for the purpose of MP3:s, it's really good enough.

In just a few days, Neil has managed to raise two and a half million dollars on Kickstarter. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1003614822/ponomusic-where-your-soul-rediscovers-music The good news: it's actually just a FLAC player! But then, what's really the point?

It looks good. A pity there's not more of his symphonies. though. From: http://claude.torres1.perso.sfr.fr/Milhaud/MilhaudParMilhaud/Erato63484-4.html

"Merry Go Round" was reissued in Japan in 2010 as TOCJ-8678. It's now out of print.

If the session master had only two channels (as per standard RvG practice), would it even be possible to mix down only the drums, unless they had a channel of their own? Maybe they rolled off the highs of the channel that contained drums.

Obviously, there's something bogus about the claim that these are Japanese reissues, whereas they are announced as imports in Japan. There's still a fifty year term for so called neighboring rights in Japan, so that recordings up to 1964 have entered the public domain. Not sure if you could get away with selling fake "Japanese" PD reissues in the EU.

I got that as a London pressing, too! Should dig it out (have had my vinyls stored away for some time and managed to bring home the last boxes - letters A to F - last Sunday).

Tonight, I've been mounting IKEA bookshelves whilst listening to 'Swedish Modern Jazz' by Arne Domnerus (RCA Camden). How Swedish can you be?

Thanks for your recommendations, Baker! I realized I actually have one album on Bethlehem (Nina Simone's first), but there should be room for a couple of more titles on my shelves. Daniel, I would not want to be without the two Ellington, the three Mingus, and others are well worth checking out including the two Williamsons, the Tormes (if you're at all into Mel) and the Leveys. ....especially the Levey's! Thanks again! I've checked "This time the drum's on me" on Spotify (where there are just a few releases from this reissue series) and it's indeed very good. I (unwisely?) passed up on an original vinyl copy of "Grand Stan" just yesterday.

Thanks for your recommendations, Baker! I realized I actually have one album on Bethlehem (Nina Simone's first), but there should be room for a couple of more titles on my shelves.

Pre-order price on US Amazon is around $19 for these. Not too bad. http://www.bluenote.com/vinylreissues.html

Actually, I believe it's even 2-3 dB. If the difference is less than that, it would not be possible to hear it.

I don't think I own any Bethlehem releases in any form. What would be the ones to get from a musical and "not available elsewhere/cheaper/likely to be reissued again" perspective?

There's a string of reissues from Sony Japan coming up. The price tag is 1000 Yen for single albums, 1500 for doubles. Many (all?) titles have been reissued before, but some may nevertheless be of interest. For instance, Herbie Hancock's Japan-only album 'Dedication', long unavailable except in the giant Columbia box, is reissued as a single album. This list may miss one or two releases; I tried to copy-paste best as I could. Availability is limited to one year following the release. http://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/sear/groupShw.php?site=S&ima=3642&cd=M002035 Art Blakey - Drum Suite +Bonus SICP-4026 2014-03-12 Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Au Club Saint Germain Vol.1 SICP-3966 2014-02-26 Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Au Club Saint Germain Vol.2 SICP-3967 2014-02-26 Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Au Club Saint Germain Vol.3 SICP-3968 2014-02-26 Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Play Lerner And Loewe SICP-4027 2014-03-12 Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Night In Tunisia +Bonus SICP-4025 2014-03-12 Art Farmer Quintet - Time And The Place SICP-3977 2014-02-26 Barney Wilen - Barney SICP-3978 2014-02-19 Barney Wilen - More From Barney At The Club Saint-Germain SICP-3979 2014-02-26 Billie Holiday - Lady Day SICP-4054 2014-03-12 Bob Brookmeyer - St & Friends +Bonus SICP-3990 2014-02-26 Bobby Hackett & His Orch. - Hackett Horn SICP-4060 2014-03-12 Bud Powell - Swingin' With Bud SICP-3981 2014-02-05 Bud Powell Trio - Strictly Powell SICP-4033 2014-03-12 Bunny Berigan & His Boys - Take It. Bunny! SICP-4012 2014-02-26 Charles Lloyd - Of Course. Of Course +Bonus SICP-4046 2014-03-12 Charles Lloyd Quartet - Nirvana SICP-4047 2014-03-12 Charles Mingus - Mingus Dynasty +Bonus SICP-4003 2014-02-26 Charles Mingus - Tijuana Moods +Bonus (2CDS) SICP-4001 2014-02-26 Charlie Parker - One Night In Birdland (2CDS) SICP-4031 2014-03-12 Charlie Rouse - We Paid Our Dues SICP-4004 2014-02-24 Charlie Rouse - Yeah! SICP-4038 2014-03-12 Chet Baker - Chet Is Back! SICP-3976 2014-02-05 Chet Baker - St & Strings +Bonus SICP-4030 2014-03-12 Chu Berry - Chu SICP-4013 2014-02-26 Count Basie - Lester Leaps In SICP-4061 2014-03-12 Curtis Fuller - Magnificent Trombone Of Curtis Fuller SICP-3975 2014-02-26 Curtis Fuller - South American Coockin' SICP-3974 2014-02-26 Dave Brubeck - Angel Eyes SICP-3970 2014-02-26 Dave Brubeck - Anything Goes! SICP-4021 2014-03-12 Dave Brubeck - Bossa Nova U.S.A. SICP-4022 2014-03-12 Dave Brubeck - My Favorite Things SICP-3969 2014-02-26 Dave Mckenna - Piano Scene Of Dave Mckenna +Bonus SICP-3989 2014-02-26 Doris Day & Andre Previn - Duet SICP-4063 2014-03-12 Duke Ellington - Ellington At Newport 1956 (Complete) +Bonus (2CDS) SICP-4007 2014-02-26 Duke Ellington - Masterpieces By Ellington SICP-4058 2014-03-12 Duke Ellington - Three Suites SICP-4009 2014-02-26 Duke's Men - Duke's Men SICP-4011 2014-02-26 Earl Hines - Fatha SICP-3983 2014-02-26 Earl Hines - Here Comes SICP-4041 2014-03-12 Erroll Garner - Paris Impressions (2CDS) SICP-3984 2014-02-19 Erroll Garner - Soliloquy SICP-4039 2014-03-12 Gerry Mulligan - Jeru SICP-4024 2014-03-12 Gigi Gryce & Don Byrd - Jazz Lab SICP-3988 2014-02-12 Gil Evans - St Orchestra Plays The Music Of Jimi Hendrix +Bonus SICP-4000 2014-02-26 Gil Evans - There Comes A Time +Bonus SICP-4045 2014-03-12 Herbie Hancock - Dedication SICP-4049 2014-03-12 Herbie Hancock - Direct Step SICP-4048 2014-03-12 Herbie Hancock - Feets Don't Fall Me Now SICP-3996 2014-02-19 Herbie Hancock - Mr.Hands SICP-3997 2014-02-26 Herbie Hancock - Sunlight SICP-3995 2014-02-26 Horace Silver - Silver's Blue SICP-4029 2014-03-12 J.J.Johnson - Blue Trombone SICP-3986 2014-02-26 J.J.Johnson - J.J. Inc. +Bonus SICP-3987 2014-02-26 John Lewis - Sensitive Scenery SICP-4051 2014-03-12 Johnny Hodges - Hodge Podge SICP-4059 2014-03-12 Lester Young - Memorial Album (2CDS) SICP-4056 2014-03-12 Louis Armstrong - At Town Hall (2CDS) SICP-4005 2014-02-26 Louis Armstrong - Best Of The Hot Five And Hot Seven Recordings SICP-4055 2014-03-12 Louis Van Dijk - Nightwings SICP-4068 2014-03-12 Louis Van Dijk Trio - When A Man Loves A Woman SICP-4069 2014-03-12 Michel Legrand - Jazzic In Classic [Japan LTD Blu-spec CD II] SICP-30466 2014-02-26 Miles Davis - At Carnegie Hall SICP-3961 2014-02-26 Miles Davis - In Person Friday Night At The Blackhawk San Francisco Vol.1 SICP-3963 2014-02-26 Miles Davis - In Person Saturday Night At The Blackhawk San Francisco Vol.2 SICP-3964 2014-02-26 Miles Davis - Miles In Tokyo SICP-4017 2014-03-12 Miles Davis - More Music From Carnegie Hall SICP-3962 2014-02-26 Miles Davis - Paris Festival International De Jazz +Bonus SICP-3965 2014-02-26 Miles Davis - Quiet Nights +Bonus SICP-4018 2014-03-12 Miles Davis - St In Europe +Bonus SICP-4016 2014-03-12 Miles Davis - We Want Miles +Bonus (2CDS) SICP-4019 2014-03-12 Mongo Santamaria - Mr. Watermelon Man SICP-4053 2014-03-12 Ornette Coleman - Skies Of America SICP-4042 2014-03-12 Ornette Coleman & Prime Time - Chappaqua Suite (2CDS) SICP-4043 2014-03-12 Paul Desmond - Desmond Blue SICP-3971 2014-02-26 Paul Desmond - Glad To Be Unhappy SICP-3972 2014-02-26 Paul Desmond & Gerry Mulligan - Two Of A Mind +Bonus SICP-4023 2014-03-12 Phil Woods - Live From The Showboat (2CDS) SICP-3992 2014-02-19 Phil Woods - St & The Japanese Rhythm Machine SICP-3994 2014-02-26 Phil Woods = Gene Quill - Phil And Quill SICP-4037 2014-03-12 Ray Bryant - Little Susie +Bonus SICP-4028 2014-03-12 Ray Bryant - St Trio SICP-3973 2014-02-19 Rita Reys & Trio Pim Jacobs - Our Favorite Songs SICP-4067 2014-03-12 Rosemary Clooney - Rosie Solves The Swingin' Riddle! SICP-4064 2014-03-12 Rosemary Clooney & Duke Ellington - Blue Rose SICP-4010 2014-02-26 Stan Getz - Captain Marvel +Bonus SICP-4052 2014-03-12 Stan Getz - Master SICP-3991 2014-02-19 Teddy Wilson - Mr. Wilson SICP-3982 2014-02-19 Teddy Wilson - St & His All-Stars Vol.1 SICP-4040 2014-03-12 Thelonious Monk - Criss-Cross +Bonus SICP-4035 2014-03-12 Thelonious Monk - It's Monk's Time +Bonus SICP-4036 2014-03-12 Thelonious Monk - Piano Solo+1 +Bonus SICP-3980 2014-02-26 Thelonious Monk - Underground +Bonus SICP-4034 2014-03-12 Tony Bennett - If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set +Bonus SICP-4015 2014-02-26 Tony Bennett - In Person! SICP-4062 2014-03-12 Tony Bennett - Tony Sings For You SICP-4014 2014-02-26 Tony Williams - Joy Of Flying SICP-3999 2014-02-26 Watanabe Sadao - Sadao Watanabe SICP-4066 2014-03-12 Watanabe Sadao - Swiss Air SICP-4065 2014-03-12