How this release compares directly to the or Atlantic Records original vinyl pressings.
The (DACs and headphones/speakers) needed to properly decode a 24-192kHz FLAC file.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Is 192kHz overkill? For some albums, yes. But Close to the Edge is not "some album." It is a dense, layered tapestry of Rickenbacker bass runs, Hammond organ swells, Mellotron choirs, and Steve Howe’s acoustic arpeggios that flicker like candlelight. Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192-
This ambition paid off commercially as well, peaking at number 3 on the US Billboard 200 and number 4 on the UK Albums Chart, a testament to its immediate impact and enduring appeal. Generations of listeners, musicians, and audiophiles have since hailed it as one of the greatest albums ever made, a status cemented by its inclusion on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. For decades, fans have sought the definitive sonic representation of this intricate and powerful recording.
Among audiophile communities (e.g., Steve Hoffman Forums, What Hi-Fi?), this 2013 edition is generally praised as a definitive digital version, though some note that the 192kHz rate may exceed human auditory capability (typically 20 Hz – 20 kHz). Critics argue that 96kHz/24-bit would be sonically indistinguishable. However, proponents cite reduced aliasing distortion in the audible band due to gentler anti-aliasing filters made possible by the ultra-high sample rate. How this release compares directly to the or
Before examining the technical specifications, it’s crucial to understand the source material. Released in 1972, Close to the Edge is Yes’s fifth studio album and is widely regarded as the band’s magnum opus. The album is famously comprised of just three expansive tracks: the 18-minute title suite "Close to the Edge," the folk-infused "And You and I," and the energetic rocker "Siberian Khatru". It represents a snapshot of a band at the peak of its creative powers, daring to push the boundaries of rock music by blending classical, jazz, and symphonic elements into a cohesive and compelling whole.
To truly appreciate the release, your playback chain matters. Listening on Bluetooth headphones will compress the audio back down, defeating the purpose of the high-resolution file. For some albums, yes
Musical highlights in high resolution
The original master tapes were recorded at Advision Studios in London, engineered by the legendary Eddy Offord. Offord’s production was revolutionary—capturing massive dynamic ranges, from the whispered sound of running water and birdsong to the cataclysmic organ blasts that shake the speakers.
The of Yes’s progressive rock masterpiece Close to the Edge is highly regarded for its Steven Wilson remix , which utilized newly-rediscovered 16-track master tapes to provide unprecedented clarity and depth to the 1972 recording. The 2013 Release Details