All Roadrunner DT albums now available on HDtracks

[TAC]

Can someone provide direct links to SC & BC&SL ?

Systematic Chaos
BC&SL

I don't know. To me it just sounds like the treble is turned up.

[Grizz]

I purchased "Dream Theater" on HD Tracks tonight in ALAC form, because the instructions said that form was compatible with iTunes.
The album plays in iTunes, but will not sync to my iPod.

Any ideas?

Right click in iTunes, Click "Create AAC Version" or something similar. iTunes will create a copy of it with the same compression as a CD import (but still a higher quality master).

[rumborak]

I have to ask the cynical question: Is the way to listen to a DT album these days to wait a few months after the initial release and then listen to the versions that make it sound good?

[theseoafs]

I think that's just the way music works now.

[Perpetual Change]

I think that's just the way music works now.

No, it's not.

For the longest time, DT have been substandard in terms of their sound production.

They seem to only be going backwards with each release.

I don't mean to be a jerk about it, but DT's albums definitely fall far below even the low industry standards.

[dparrott]

Dare I ask...is that RR's influence?

[Perpetual Change]

Dare I ask...is that RR's influence?

For that question, I can only offer opinions. But my answer would be "no", since Dream Theater albums sound worse than those of every other band. Thinking back on all the RR albums I've bought over the years, only DT's stick out as being particularly bad sounding. Also, while the RR albums are the worst, 8vm and ToT were not good at all either.

[Bolsters]

" Album's not available " .

That's because you're in the UK. Anyone outside the US (who isn't using a proxy of some kind) doesn't get to see the albums as we're not supposed to buy them, but we can go to the album page if someone posts a direct link.

That is not true at all. I am not in the US, and I view the website itself perfectly fine without the use of proxies or VPNs. I can even add things to cart and start to checkout. It's not until after that where they block non-US purchasers (basically just before you actually give them money). The exception being anyone who uses Paypal, as those sales for some reason don't get blocked.

[ariich]

" Album's not available " .

That's because you're in the UK. Anyone outside the US (who isn't using a proxy of some kind) doesn't get to see the albums as we're not supposed to buy them, but we can go to the album page if someone posts a direct link.

That is not true at all. I am not in the US, and I view the website itself perfectly fine without the use of proxies or VPNs. I can even add things to cart and start to checkout. It's not until after that where they block non-US purchasers (basically just before you actually give them money). The exception being anyone who uses Paypal, as those sales for some reason don't get blocked.

Maybe it allows you to see it in certain countries then, or maybe it depends on what browser you're using (Chrome with Hola Unblocker installed seems to let you see things)

[volwrath]

Im definitely thinking about ponying up for these albums.. Havent quite pulled the trigger, because $31.00 (after 15% off) is pretty steep for ITPOE, TMOLS, and CoT.  Those are the songs I would really be doing this for.

[425]

Does anyone have any of these (I'm particularly interested in SC) and can verify that they have greater dynamic range (preferably with one of those graphs)? I'm thinking about buying at least SC; I enjoy the album but it sometimes gives me a headache (something few other albums do). I'm not really great at hearing these things, though, so I'm not going to trust my experience with the samples as a basis on which to spend $18.

[seasonsinthesky]

Does anyone have any of these (I'm particularly interested in SC) and can verify that they have greater dynamic range (preferably with one of those graphs)? I'm thinking about buying at least SC; I enjoy the album but it sometimes gives me a headache (something few other albums do). I'm not really great at hearing these things, though, so I'm not going to trust my experience with the samples as a basis on which to spend $18.

here's "Repentence"

[425]

Awesome, thanks! I'm correct in saying that that is quite a significant difference, especially given that Repentance is a quieter song, right?

[DTFan0789]

I bought the HDtracks version of DT 12 (AIFF files) and couldn't transfer it to my iPod touch. It was then that I discovered that iPods can't handle tracks with a sample rate of 96 kHz. If you create an AAC version of it in iTunes, that will change the sample rate to 44.1 kHz, but it will also change the bit depth from 24 (HD) to 16 (CD quality), thus defeating the whole purpose.

I downloaded a file converter for Mac called "XLD" and converted my AIFF files to Apple Lossless Files. This allowed me to change the sample rate from 96 kHz to 44.1 kHz so I could transfer the files to my iPod, but also keep the 24 bit depth. Has anyone else done anything similar?

[Dark Castle]

Yeah, I used it to change my Flac files I got with the vinyl to ALAC for my ipod.

[TL]

I bought the HDtracks version of DT 12 (AIFF files) and couldn't transfer it to my iPod touch. It was then that I discovered that iPods can't handle tracks with a sample rate of 96 kHz. If you create an AAC version of it in iTunes, that will change the sample rate to 44.1 kHz, but it will also change the bit depth from 24 (HD) to 16 (CD quality), thus defeating the whole purpose.

I downloaded a file converter for Mac called "XLD" and converted my AIFF files to Apple Lossless Files. This allowed me to change the sample rate from 96 kHz to 44.1 kHz so I could transfer the files to my iPod, but also keep the 24 bit depth. Has anyone else done anything similar?

Most of the difference between the CD and HDTracks versions of this album are due to using different masters. The change from 24 to 16 isn't going to make much of a difference.

[bobs23]

I bought the HDtracks version of DT 12 (AIFF files) and couldn't transfer it to my iPod touch. It was then that I discovered that iPods can't handle tracks with a sample rate of 96 kHz. If you create an AAC version of it in iTunes, that will change the sample rate to 44.1 kHz, but it will also change the bit depth from 24 (HD) to 16 (CD quality), thus defeating the whole purpose.

I downloaded a file converter for Mac called "XLD" and converted my AIFF files to Apple Lossless Files. This allowed me to change the sample rate from 96 kHz to 44.1 kHz so I could transfer the files to my iPod, but also keep the 24 bit depth. Has anyone else done anything similar?

Most of the difference between the CD and HDTracks versions of this album are due to using different masters. The change from 24 to 16 isn't going to make much of a difference.

Actually it is the same master mix. The CD version has gone through the mastering process, the HD tracks version is what is sent to the mastering house.
I bought DT12 today with the intention of mastering to my taste. After listening, I decided to leave it as is. There is bucketloads of separation and range. Unfortunately the drums still sound horrific, with the exception of some of the rack toms and the octobans.

[Lucien]

Take a look at these:

https://dr.loudness-war.info/details.php?id=46852
https://dr.loudness-war.info/details.php?id=46853
https://dr.loudness-war.info/details.php?id=46804 WOW
https://dr.loudness-war.info/details.php?id=46884 

"Dream Theater used definitly a seperate Master for the analogue and the HDTrack-Version of their album.
Themusic sound very clear and warm. The bass and specialy the guitar and drumparts are much more transparent to hear out."

[theanalogkid7]

Anyone else notice that SC is the only one at 88.2/24?  I suppose that's due to technology limitations at the time?

[TL]

Anyone else notice that SC is the only one at 88.2/24?  I suppose that's due to technology limitations at the time?

I remember hearing that it was almost entirely recorded between when they left Atlantic and when they joined Roadrunner. That may or may not have something to do with it.

[Victor Alexandrov]

Spinning the hdtracks version of Black Clouds right now and I can't hear too much of a difference production wise, to be honest.

On a completely different note, listening to this album again (which I haven't done in a while) makes me appreciate the new DT even more from a musical point of view.

[bobs23]

Take a look at these:

https://dr.loudness-war.info/details.php?id=46852
https://dr.loudness-war.info/details.php?id=46853
https://dr.loudness-war.info/details.php?id=46804 WOW
https://dr.loudness-war.info/details.php?id=46884 

"Dream Theater used definitly a seperate Master for the analogue and the HDTrack-Version of their album.
Themusic sound very clear and warm. The bass and specialy the guitar and drumparts are much more transparent to hear out."

I have confirmed that it is the same master. Although the 5.1 version is a different mix. I asked someone "in the know".

[Bolsters]

Makes sense. No reason to make a second, separate 24/96 master when they could just release the vinyl 24/96 master they already have.

[Kotowboy]

Spinning the hdtracks version of Black Clouds right now and I can't hear too much of a difference production wise, to be honest.

On a completely different note, listening to this album again (which I haven't done in a while) makes me appreciate the new DT even more from a musical point of view.

I thought Black Clouds sounded a lot airy-er than Systematic anyway. And then Dramatic Turn sounded more compressed again.

To my ears - Black Clouds *sounds* the most dynamic of the CDs.

However the HD tracks of DT12 sounds the best.

[Perpetual Change]

Spinning the hdtracks version of Black Clouds right now and I can't hear too much of a difference production wise, to be honest.

On a completely different note, listening to this album again (which I haven't done in a while) makes me appreciate the new DT even more from a musical point of view.

I thought Black Clouds sounded a lot airy-er than Systematic anyway. And then Dramatic Turn sounded more compressed again.

To my ears - Black Clouds *sounds* the most dynamic of the CDs.

However the HD tracks of DT12 sounds the best.

Black Clouds at the time sounded better on the dynamic range level, but has seperate issues, namely the mix and the quality of some of the recordings (i.e., JMX parts are super lo-fi on some parts of the studio tracks).

ADTOE, same thing. Wasn't awful for dynamic range, but the mix was very lacking, and the recordings were also sloppy - on the HD tracks you can hear background noise on some of the recordings.

DT12 is like SC. The mix is actually really good, but it's not dynamic at all. Lots of compression and clipping and other issues not related to mix. Oh and yeah, that drum sound.

[ariich]

Even though I own all the albums, I was so impressed with the HD DT12 that I thought I'd treat myself to the other three albums as well, and I'm really digging them.

One of the things I'm really noticing is the bass. People always complain about JM being absent and how it's great being able to hear him again on DT12, but honestly on these HD tracks I'm hearing a lot of great stuff, especially in TCOT!

[ResultsMayVary]

I can only speak for DT12 and ADTOE, but they sound absolutely fantastic on the HD tracks versions. The CDs mixes don't bother me at all, but the HD tracks version go above and beyond the CD sound.

One thing in particular that sounds incredible is JM's bass and MM's drums. Both are crystal clear and the mix is almost perfect on the HD tracks version. I wish each of their releases allowed JM to shine like this.

[Kotowboy]

Even though I own all the albums, I was so impressed with the HD DT12 that I thought I'd treat myself to the other three albums as well, and I'm really digging them.

One of the things I'm really noticing is the bass. People always complain about JM being absent and how it's great being able to hear him again on DT12, but honestly on these HD tracks I'm hearing a lot of great stuff, especially in TCOT!

I'll probably get them all too when I have the money.

[TheGreatPretender]

I can only speak for DT12 and ADTOE, but they sound absolutely fantastic on the HD tracks versions. The CDs mixes don't bother me at all, but the HD tracks version go above and beyond the CD sound.

One thing in particular that sounds incredible is JM's bass and MM's drums. Both are crystal clear and the mix is almost perfect on the HD tracks version. I wish each of their releases allowed JM to shine like this.

This, very much. But it does very much apply to SC as well.

[OsMosis2259]

I can only speak for DT12 and ADTOE, but they sound absolutely fantastic on the HD tracks versions. The CDs mixes don't bother me at all, but the HD tracks version go above and beyond the CD sound.

One thing in particular that sounds incredible is JM's bass and MM's drums. Both are crystal clear and the mix is almost perfect on the HD tracks version. I wish each of their releases allowed JM to shine like this.

Man I'm so tempted to get these.
Especially DT12 is sooooo loud on the CD. When I listen on my "proper music listening/recording" headphones, it can become tiring. When I listen in the car and on the iphone headphones, the album sounds a lot better...

[425]

I just bought SC. Haven't heard it yet, but if it sounds significantly better to me, I may be tempted to take the jump on the other three.

[TheGreatPretender]

I just bought SC. Haven't heard it yet, but if it sounds significantly better to me, I may be tempted to take the jump on the other three.

It sounds fantastic. The bass on Constant Motion is amazing, and the Ministry of Lost Souls has such a full sound to it.

[volwrath]

I agree SC is great on HDTracks.  I am still debating BC&SL.  I would relly appreciate more feedback on this.  I need to relisten to the CD version as well

[Dark Castle]

I haven't really heard the BC&SL HD at all, but it's never sounded bad to me honestly, I always thought it sounded just dandy.

[Victor Alexandrov]

SC sounds remarkably good. Until now I never knew there's actually a bass guitar on this album.