Hi folks, I am sure this has been discussed before but I am new to the subject. I discovered this database and I am wondering if it is a good tool to go with when looking to buy new CD’s. I’m not an engineer, so I can only go by what information I can find in order to get the best sounding version of a CD.
Looking at this database, it appears all the older versions have the best sound or dynamic range. Any thoughts? Thanks for your help
Even though DR isn’t necessarily a sure sign of a recording’s sound quality I do use that database quite frequently when shopping for CD’s that have had many releases over the years. Quite useful when perusing the used bins.
Additionally I do use it when I’m interested in a brand new release. If the number is really bad that tells me I don’t need to spend top dollar for the disc and should wait to find it cheap later, if at all. It is depressing to see recent releases from artists I enjoy with DR numbers of 4 and below.
It provides a little bit of information which many take much too seriously.
It is depressing to see how much compressed crap there is out there. Looking at these ranges may not be official, but it does verify what I have been hearing all these years.
The DR Database is a great tool but dynamic range is not the only indicator of mastering quality.
I have found reading and searching the stevehoffman.tv forum is the best way to find the best CD, SACD, and hires masterings for most albums.