HDTT is introducing a new series of recordings called the VRR (Vinyl Record Restoration) series. As the name implies, we will be releasing high-resolution transfers sourced from great sounding vinyl record pressings, in many cases original pressings. We have done many months of trials with numerous configurations of vinyl playback systems and have come up with an exceptional sounding one. Our experience seems to be proving, yet again, the old saying that recordings have always captured better sound than their contemporaneous playback systems were able to deliver.
You may ask why we are offering a series transferred from vinyl when our primary sources have been tape. Well, we have been extremely impressed with the vinyl record playback advancements that have become available in the last few years, and helped by High-End Audio manufacturers; we are convinced that this will be an exciting new series for our customers. In some cases, when we compared the commercial tape release (and amazingly, many 15ips 2-track dubs) with the corresponding LP release (especially the original pressing, which often sounds better than subsequent reissues), the LP was superior to the tape source, mainly due to the recent advancements in LP playback. A very significant advancement relates to the best new cartridge designs, which reveal that LP grooves can actually be very quiet--what we previously assumed was unavoidable LP groove noise was actually cartridge noise. Advancements in turntable design can be equally dramatic. Improved electronics likewise play a large part. HDTT has maximized every link in the chain to achieve the most up-to-date improvements in record playback.
We have also implemented our 16 years of experience with noise reduction techniques for the VRR series, which will result in the best possible, least intrusive restoration from the transfers.
We are committed to offering our customers the best sound quality no matter the source format, and with our reputation for outstanding sound, adding vinyl record playback will expand our already great-sounding catalog. All titles released in the VRR series will show the logo on their product page.
Some customers may have a preconception that if something is transferred from vinyl, it can't be better than a transfer from tape. Please listen before you make any such decision. The proof is in the sonics; we believe that you will be as surprised and impressed as we were.
Special thanks to Harry & Mat Weisfeld from VPI Industries and Merrill Wettasinghe from Merrill Audio.
HDTT's Vinyl Playback system consists of the following:
VPI - HW-40 Anniversary Direct Drive Turntable - Ortofon MC Anna Diamond Cartridge - Merrill Audio Jens Phono Stage Preamplifier - Purist Audio Cables - Synergistic Research UEF Record Weight & UEF Record Mat - Power Conditioning by the Shunyata Everest 8000 - Degritter ultrasonic record cleaner
16 commentaires
I wonder where you can get old LPs from which are still in a good shape.
I downloaded the movement. I have the RCA (aka Sony/RCA) CD from the complete Reiner recordings set. I find this recording to be smooth and representative of 1960 when it was recorded (I had a first edition LP, as well). For a person wanting Reiner’s version…if he/she did not have any previous version…this HDTT reworking is a flawless representation of the original and thus recommended. I find the 1st violins, particularly, to be less strident in this version than in the CD version…so the frequency and bit rates used by HDTT come closest to duplicating the original LP sound.
I enjoyed the sample track immensely. I found the music to be powerful and intense. Looking forward to more selections from the VRR series.
This is exciting news and I look forward to hearing some excellent digitized versions of great sounding vinyl. As a collector for more than 50 years, I can vouch for many releases that capture the emotion and intensity of performances that have stood the test of time, and given HDTT’s track record of uncompromising sonic quality, I wish you only the best in this endeavor.
I am impressed with the quality of sound you have been able to extract from the Reiner Schubert Living Stereo LP. It sounds like my memory of the LP! Perhaps not the last word in transparency, and just a little plummy, but this is exactly what I would expect of a first pressing Living Stereo. And the transfer is very clean, very low noise! I look forward to hearing more from your VRR series.
I wish you luck with this new venture but I find this first issue rather tame, too smooth lacking in dynamics and detail compared to your ‘from tape’ issues. It might be that particular recording. It would b useful to me to hear a transfer from an LP that you have also transferred from tape to hear the comparison.