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Old 01-23-2023, 06:28 PM
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Default Half Speed Masters

I was reading a B&W article/email and in the email they talked about half speed masters. Is there a benefit to half speed master vinyl? It sounds like the reproduction would better. but is the sound worth the cost Would love to hear your thoughts
Thanks Ed
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Old 01-23-2023, 07:02 PM
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In my personal experience, the answer is yes.
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Old 01-24-2023, 10:55 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by edkoz View Post
... Is there a benefit to half speed master vinyl? It sounds like the reproduction would better. but is the sound worth the cost ...
Half-speed mastering doesn't guarantee a better product but it certainly can contribute to one, imo.
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Old 01-24-2023, 11:53 AM
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Case in point, I have a Nautilus half-speed master of Springsteen’s Born to Run. Comparing this version to my standard version the Nautilus version is so much better in all aspects: depth and soundstage, liveliness of the recording, and PRaT.
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Old 01-24-2023, 12:03 PM
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I ordered 1 to see(hear) how it sounds thanks to all for the feedback.
ED
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Old 01-24-2023, 08:29 PM
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Half speed mastering allows better controlled and more extended HF response in the cutting process. But after that it is very much dependent on the source. If the source is analog tape then you end up with better high end at the expense of flat LF response as the head bumps on the repro tape machine will now be 2x what they would be otherwise. If the source is digital then there are no head bump artifacts to deal with.
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Old 01-25-2023, 03:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cleeds View Post
Half-speed mastering doesn't guarantee a better product but it certainly can contribute to one, imo.
Agreed. I would also say it indicates that exceptional care has been taken on at least one aspect, and at least to me that indicates that they probably took more care elsewhere. I would always buy the half speed when given a choice
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Old 01-27-2023, 07:32 AM
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Isn't it going to take twice as long to listen to the album?

Sorry I had too.

I know what you are thinking "Those digital guys"
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