2Xhd Audiophile Analog Collection P2 will soon be released on the tape. I’m having a luxury of previewing the tracks on the DXD (352.8/24 Bit) and this album is stunning to say at least. A reference level stuff! All the tracks are captured on analog tape with Nagra master EQ curve, so there was an additional +4 dB gain at the recording session. The DXD (352.8/24 Bit) is a new set up for 2020 at 2xHD to get a better sound in digital. Do not miss this release when it’s up for grabs. It really shows what a high-end system is capable or lack of!
The 2xHD Fusion Mastering System: In the constant evolution of its proprietary mastering process, 2xHD has progressed to a new phase called 2xHD FUSION, integrating the finest analog, with state-of-the-art digital technology.
The mastering chain consists of a selection of high-end vacuum tube equipment. For the recordings on this album, the original 1⁄4” 15 ips NagraMaster curve, NAB and CCIR master tapes were played on a Nagra-T tape recorder, modified with high-end tube playback electronics, wired with OCC silver cable from the playback head direct to a Nick Doshi tube head preamplifier. The Nagra T, with its four direct drive motors, two pinch rollers and a tape tension head, has one of the best transports ever made. A custom-built carbon fiber head block and a head damp- ing electronic system permit 2xHD FUSION to obtain a better resolution and 3D imaging.
The resulting signal is then transferred into high resolution formats by recording it in DXD using a custom 2xHD Technologies A to D converter. All analog and digital cables that are used are state of the art Siltech. The 2xHD FUSION mastering system is powered by a super capacitor power supply, using a new technology that lowers the digital noise found in the lowest level of the spectrum. A vacuum tube NAGRA HD DAC X is used as a reference digital playback converter in order to A and B with the original analog master tape, permitting the fusion of the warmth of analog with the refinement of digital.
Tracks info and description
TR1: LIGHTS OF BARCELONA
Accompanied by bass player David Hughes, and percussionist Christian Paré, virtuoso guitarist Marc Vallée picks his way through a set of original compositions that blend a variety of musical styles with dazzling improvisations. This album was awarded the ‘Best High Resolution Recording’ by Soundstage! in 2003.
TR2: LIBERTANGO
Cello, accordion and double bass, TRIO DE CURDA is a new 2xHD recording of Tango music to be released on Reel to Reel tape in 2020. Pure Blumlein recording with Neumann SM 69 tube micro- phones on a Nagra IV-S
TR3: SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST – Introduction
This recording is indicated as being the best version of SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST. The Casavant organ used in this recording is the 4th most powerful organ in the world, with a reach of below 20 Hz.
Soundstage.com: “The sensation of being in the church during the recording session is overwhelming. This is among the best-sounding recording I’ve ever heard. “
(A note of caution: Be very careful with the playback level on first listen. The dynamics are wide, and there is a 16Hz organ tone that can cause distress to your speakers if you’re not careful.)
TR4: THE SKY IS CRYING
One of the top blues players /singers of all time, Sonny Boy’s harmonica spoke the language of his time, with its tortured, wailing, crying and strangely beautiful tone. This track was captured with two Scheops tube microphones to provide the realistic presence ‘to die for.’
TR5: DOREEN SMITH, ROUTE 66
From the album that was awarded the ‘Best Recording of the Year’ by Soundstage in 2001: “Ms. Smith has a way with these songs and a vocal style that will grab you right from the get-go.”
TR6: This beautiful recording of Scarlatti’s LE VIOLETTE with Tenor and Harpsichord was recorded in M/S mic technique which gives it a truly realistic presence and imaging.
TR7: ÉCHANGES SYNAPTIQUES INTERDITS
Composed by Frederic Alarie for the 11.5 ft high Octobass and Double Bass, this unique experience was performed at Montreal’s La Maison Symphonique. In this analog recording, you can hear the hall’s beautiful acoustics and the very deep bass tone (below 20Hz).
TR8: MUSICUS PERCUSSION #3
To obtain the powerful and refined sound of this recording, a selection of the best microphones was used: 2 AKG C12, 4 Neumann U67, 2 B&K 1 inch, on a Nagra T recorder.
TR9: CHURCH BELL
The Church of St. Madelaine’s bell was recorded on a Nagra IV-S, using two schoeps omni-directional microphones.
TR10: TOCCATA AND FUGUE IN D MINOR, BWV 565
This version is a reference for many music lovers. It was recorded at Montreal’s St-Joseph Oratory with 2 Neumann microphones on Nagra IV-S.
TR11: PICTURES AT AN EXIBITION, EXCERPTS
Recorded at Montreal’s Place des Arts using two B&K omni-directional microphones on a NAGARA IV-S, this is a great example of 3D imaging obtained with the two microphone technique used to record a full orchestra.