Challenge Classics

astrotoy

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Please keep in mind that Challenge Classics is a label that brings out recordings that are being produced and engineered by different persons/recording engineers. So not all CC sacd’s were/are recorded by Northstar / Bert van der Wolf. My enthusiasm for the various CC files (in dxd and dsd 256) that I shared with all of you in this CC thread has (only) been inspired by the Northstar/Bert van der Wolf productions. The latter can only be downloaded from www.spiritofturtle.com in the original recording format (dxd) as well as in dsd 128 and dsd 256. Native dsd has only dsd 64 files available.

Thanks for the clarification. Larry
 

Audiocrack

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Here is a link with a review of Bert van der Wolf’s latest dxd recording with music of Korngold and Berstein:

https://www.hraudio.net/showmusic.php?title=12808#reviews

I ordered both this recording and Bert’s latest Prokofiev recording (in dxd as well as in dsd 256 format) but did not have the time yet to listen to these two files. Therefore will report my findings later on.
 

Audiocrack

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As mentioned earlier on this thread I ordered the two last recordings on CC made by Bert van der Wolf in the dxd as well as in the dsd 256 format. Have only been able to give the (last) Prokofiev recording - of his second and fourth symphony - a serious listen. What else can I say then that this a beautiful (or should I use the word ‘stunning’) recording. Although not the most ‘easy’ symphony Prokofiev’s second symphony fascinates me due to its extremes while the fourth symphony is just plain gorgeous. Great achievement by all persons involved.
 

Audiocrack

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Due to the various changes and progress in my Tidal LA / Kondo / Tripoint audio system I am currently revaluating (some of) my recordings / files from a sound quality perspective and in that regard I need to correct myself. The Debussy / Ravel recording from Bert van der Wolf in dsd 256 / dxd format - which recording came along earlier in this thread - is better than I originally thought: it belongs to the very best of Bert’s recordings. So gorgeous French orchestral music played as well as recorded gorgeously: get it and enjoy yourself!
 

bonzo75

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Brains behind our Northstar (Bob's) postings. :confused:
 

microstrip

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Here is a link which contains an interview with Bert van Wolf, the brains behind Northstar and the person who is responsible for many outstanding recordings for Challenge Classics:

https://www.psaudio.com/article/bert-van-der-wolf/

Great article, many thanks. Bert van der Wolf views on digital and hi-rez are well founded and he summarizes in a few words the good and the bad of digital, and the connection and bottlenecks between the technical and the emotional.

Curiously that his words depict so well why I always return to the DCS Vivaldi, even after a few experiences with funnier digital - for me, it is closer to the real music, and in the end the realism seems to win over the fun ...

Although the thread is not on DCS, it is worth explicitly referring the video with his views on DCS: https://vimeo.com/118693296

Anyway it is time to pick a couple of new recordings from their catalogue - my only reserve is that they do not sell the DXD versions, just the DSD256 ...
 

Audiocrack

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Aug 10, 2012
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Great article, many thanks. Bert van der Wolf views on digital and hi-rez are well founded and he summarizes in a few words the good and the bad of digital, and the connection and bottlenecks between the technical and the emotional.

Curiously that his words depict so well why I always return to the DCS Vivaldi, even after a few experiences with funnier digital - for me, it is closer to the real music, and in the end the realism seems to win over the fun ...

Although the thread is not on DCS, it is worth explicitly referring the video with his views on DCS: https://vimeo.com/118693296

Anyway it is time to pick a couple of new recordings from their catalogue - my only reserve is that they do not sell the DXD versions, just the DSD256 ...

Just to be sure: you can download dxd versions from www.spiritofturtle.com website, Micro. I always buy Bert’s recordings in dxd and dsd 256. Still not sure which of the two I prefer.
 

microstrip

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Just to be sure: you can download dxd versions from www.spiritofturtle.com website, Micro. I always buy Bert’s recordings in dxd and dsd 256. Still not sure which of the two I prefer.

Thanks, I was referring to those in Channel Classics. Probably the choice will depend on the DAC. However, considering just the The Spirit of Turtle recordings, isn't the DXD the master format and all other formats obtained trans-coding the DXD?
 

Mike Lavigne

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Thanks, I was referring to those in Channel Classics. Probably the choice will depend on the DAC. However, considering just the The Spirit of Turtle recordings, isn't the DXD the master format and all other formats obtained trans-coding the DXD?

I can only speak about how they sound in my system, on the MSB Select II; but I prefer the dxd version for those recordings that are native dxd. Bert's and other's. I have a number of them in both dxd and Quad dsd. just a more relaxed open view on the music. less a recording. yes, objectively more detail too.

not a night and day difference, but one I appreciate and glad I can enjoy. the music is so deep and nuanced that I value the little bit more.
 

APP

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Oct 1, 2014
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This is my absolute favorite recording of the cello suites, music as well as SQ, superb! Highly recommended.


https://www.channelclassics.com/catalogue/12298-Bach-6-Suites-for-violoncello-solo/
 

LL21

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