by Kevin OBrien on 03/02/2012
 
I came across this Cannonball Adderley HDAD album looking for DVD-Audio and SACD titles at my local record store. Yes, record stores are still barely surviving but they are still around. That's an entirely different discussion! This is one of Classic Records' HDAD's. It is playable in DVD players/ compatible CD Transports but in HD resolution at 24/96 and 24/192. They are very similar to DVD-Audio discs but without digital copyright protection. A lot of these types of formats are going out of print these days. I wish record labels would continue to produce more hi-res discs but apparently there is not a huge demand. That really is unfortunate because I'd love to see way more titles out there.
 
'Somethin' Else' was a nice addition to my hi-res collection as I had a friend convert the disc to 24/192 FLAC files. You can give this DVD-Audio ripping software, DVD Audio Extractor, a shot but it will cost you just under $35. I think it's more than worth it but you can decide on that for yourself. I love when my music is in FLAC and WAV because it makes it especially convenient to play back. I use JRiver 17 for digital source files playback and it has been giving me great results. This digital HD album is no exception.
 

I'm sure most folks have heard the story behind the recording so I'll spare you the details but we all know this should have been Kind Of Blue Part II. The sound of the cymbals really gets me every time I listen. They actually sound like the real thing, which can be tough to do. Maybe I'm just dreaming here but wouldn't it be great to see Brubeck's Time Out and Miles' Kind Of Blue in 24/192 format? I'm just sayin'. Some day it would be nice to see. For now I'm just excited to hear some classic 1958 Miles in 24/192 so you can consider me happy.

If you're a jazz fan this is a must have. It seems like it could have been overlooked based on the actual title but don't let that sway you. Give it a listen and tell me I'm not crazy here. There is a definite audible difference between the 16/44 and the 24/192 releases. It sounds great in my system and I'm sure it will perform well in any system. Hear it for yourself.

Happy listening!

-KOB

Associated Equipment for this Review:

  • YFS/ SCH Custom Speakers
  • YFS Custom Room Treatment
  • YFS HD Ref-1 Computer Music Server
  • Musical Fidelity V-DAC
  • YFS Custom CA-60a Preamp and Custom 6L6 Tube Power Amp
  • YFS Custom Interconnects and Cables