beatcomber
Well-Known Member
I've read much about how the "Casino Royale" soundtrack is a favorite of audiophiles for its unusually good sound, so I finally decided to track down a copy of the coveted RCA Indianapolis pressing on Colgems with a 3S suffix in the deadwax. My hifi is better than average (my speakers are worth more than many pay for their entire systems), and the involvement of Dusty, Herb and Burt made it irresistible. Fortunately prices have gone down from 30 years ago, when hifi nuts were shelling out hundreds for a copy, and scored on eBay a VG+ copy still in the shrink for about $20.
I gotta say, all of the audiophile buzz is justified. The dynamics are extraordinary (apparently little or no compression or limiting was utilized), the frequency extension is unusually broad for a 1967 vinyl-cutting, and the imaging is absolutely holographic, particularly Dusty's vocal (as often noted).
I know that the album has been re-released on CD, and while I haven't heard it, my understanding is that the sonics are not on par with the 1967 LP.
On top of all that, for an A&M fan, the music is a lot of fun!
I gotta say, all of the audiophile buzz is justified. The dynamics are extraordinary (apparently little or no compression or limiting was utilized), the frequency extension is unusually broad for a 1967 vinyl-cutting, and the imaging is absolutely holographic, particularly Dusty's vocal (as often noted).
I know that the album has been re-released on CD, and while I haven't heard it, my understanding is that the sonics are not on par with the 1967 LP.
On top of all that, for an A&M fan, the music is a lot of fun!