Dream Theater

Anyone purchase the ADToE HD Tracks yet? Any thoughts?

http://www.dreamtheater.net/board_posts/a-dramatic-turn-of-events-hd-track

I'm gonna haft to wait to get them, plus it looks like I may need different equipment to get the benefit, since I use an iPod.

Hi,

I purchased 'A Dramatic Turn of Events' from "HDtracks" and I must tell you that I love it! The sound is 10 times more sharp and crisp if you compare it with the CD provided you're using a good pair of Speakers. The 96 Khz / 24 Bit sound is definitely sharp but it will also take 1.55 GB of your hard drive space which is not a matter of concern if you're an audiophile.

The format is FLAC which we all know is a lossless format. People keep debating that a human ear doesn't have the capability to hear the details at 96 Khz / 24 Bit, it might have a psychological effect on the brain and that's about it! I do not agree with this opinion because I do not have a pair of tin cans...I have ears which can easily distinguish the difference when I play the CD and play this amazing FLAC file! I think it's a must have for every hardcore "Dream Theater" fan out there. I am glad that I bought it and love every bit of it. Download it and enjoy listening!\m/

I purchased it the day it came out. In fact, had HD Tracks offered this in their highest resolution (24/192), I'd have bought THAT! The recording quality is absolutely terrific and the 24/96 platform allows the band to use less compression than would be necessary for CD or even vinyl. A wonderful set; thanks guys!

How about some high rez back catalog on HD Tracks!??!??

Hi,

I agree with you, I would have done the same had they released (192 Khz / 24 Bit) resolution. Well the good news is that "Dream Theater" are planning to release 'Systematic Chaos' and 'Black Clouds & Silver Linings' on High Definition as well! I am eagerly waiting for that to happen.

I also bought "Steven Wilson's" 'Grace For Drowning' from "HDtracks" but the resolution is slightly poor as compared to "Dream Theater's" 'A Dramatic Turn of Events'. It is available at (48 Khz / 24 Bit) which is not bad if you play and listen to it and don't compare at the same time.

Keep your finger crossed because "Dream Theater's" back catalog might show up on "HDtracks" very soon indeed.

"Dream Theater" all the way \m/ \m/

Yes, it does sound considerably better!

Having said that, the biggest win is the increased dynamic range, and in all honesty, they could have done that on the regular CD as well. The additional advantage of 96 Khz / 24 Bit is a much more delicate affair.

I hope DT follows artists such as Peter Gabriel in the future. You get a voucher for a free download of 96 Khz / 24 Bit with the the purchase of the special edition of his latest album.

They are the definitive versions for two reasons. As has been said, the dynamic range was kept intact. You can clearly hear the base and the drums have more power. You can feel the music. When the first power chords kick in on Lost Not Forgotten it is more dramatic and powerful. It will make you wonder why they choose to compress the dynamic range on the cd release.

Also, the high resolution sounds closer to live sound. It is like the difference between HD TV and old TV. They have a free download on HD Tracks that has classical, jazz, folk samples. Download them and listen on a good system or headphones. You will notice the difference.

The HD Tracks will make you wonder why all music is not like this and help you to see what we are actually missing. The file sizes are huge but I was able to burn them to a disc. To listen on your computer download Media Monkey or other free audio player that has the ability to play flac files.

=Thoughts said:
The HD Tracks will make you wonder why all music is not like this and help you to see what we are actually missing. The file sizes are huge but I was able to burn them to a disc. To listen on your computer download Media Monkey or other free audio player that has the ability to play flac files.

I am in Australia and theis site will not sell these out of the US. After listening to and relly hearinf the quality of the free downloads through my Sony 5700ES which plays 96/24 Flac directly through USB, I am pissed that I am unable to purchase these and seems to be the only site that these are available from. Is there a way of tricking the site to thinking I am purchasing from the US? Thanks in advance.

@RuskyTheaterBear: Hi, I live in India and I purchased this album from 'HDTracks' without much ado. All you have to do is create an account on "PayPal" which is free and make your payment via. "PayPal" which is easier done than said. Happy listening! \m/ \m/

Here's the Dynamic Range comparisons between the CD version and the HDTracks version.

www.dr.loudness-war.info/details.php?id=17997 - HD Tracks
www.dr.loudness-war.info/details.php?id=10794 - CD Rip

You can clearly see AND hear the difference. I can't wait for more HD Dream Theater albums. I wish they would release more than the Roadrunner albums though, I would buy Scenes From A Memory in a heartbeat!

Amen! I would buy Scenes in a heartbeat. I would almost buy their whole catalog.