30 Trips Around The Sun Box & Digital USB

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September 4, 2015 - 10:38am

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admin

Joined:
March 9, 2007

"When we began discussing audio projects to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead back in 2012, we knew we wanted to do something completely unprecedented. We could think of nothing more exciting or ambitious than a career-spanning overview of the band's live legacy focused on what best tells the story: complete concerts. Our first criterion was the very best live music to represent any given year in the band’s history. We wanted to make sure that there were not only the tent-pole shows that fans have been demanding for decades but also ones that are slightly more under the radar, but equally excellent. For those who listen to the entire box straight through, chronologically, the narrative of the Grateful Dead's live legacy will be seen as second to none in the pantheon of music history." - David Lemieux

We are more than pleased to announce the Grateful Dead's most ambitious release ever: 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN. Available as both an 80-disc boxed set and a custom lightning-bolt USB drive, the collection includes 30 unreleased live shows, one for each year the band was together from 1966 to 1995, along with one track from their earliest recording sessions in 1965. Packed with over 73 hours of music, both the boxed set and the USB drive will be individually numbered limited editions.

The 80-disc boxed set is individually numbered and limited to 6,500 copies, a nod to the band’s formation in 1965. Along with the CDs, it also includes a gold-colored 7-inch vinyl single which bookends the band’s career. The A-side is “Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks)” from the band’s earliest recording session in 1965 with the B-side of the last song the band ever performed together live, “Box Of Rain” recorded during their final encore at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 9, 1995.

The box also comes with a 288-page book that features an extensive, career-spanning essay written by Nick Meriwether, who oversees the Dead archives at the University of California, Santa Cruz, along with special remembrances of the band submitted by fans. Also included is a scroll that offers a visual representation of how the band’s live repertoire has evolved through the years.

The USB drive version* will be shaped like a gold lightning bolt with the Grateful Dead 50th anniversary logo engraved on the side. The drive includes all of the music from the collection in both FLAC (96/24) and MP3 formats and is an individually numbered limited edition of 1,000 copies. Digital version of the book also included on USB.

Shows will NOT be sold individually on CD. This release is sure to sell out quickly so pre-order your copy today and stick around as we will be revealing a mighty fine selection of music, art, and much, much more right here.

(Looking for a smaller 50th Anniversary commemorative keepsake? September 18th will see the release of a four-CD version of the collection titled 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN: THE DEFINITIVE LIVE STORY 1965-1995. More on that here.)

ROLLINGSTONE.COM SONG PREMIERE AND EXCLUSIVE DAVID LEMIEUX INTERVIEW
Head on over to Rollingstone.com for the very first listen of "Morning Dew" 9/18/87 Madison Square Garden, David Fricke's exclusive interview with archivist David Lemieux, and the reveal of 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN's '69 and '84 shows.

*Helpful hints for using your USB:

Running the 30 Trips Player / Reader program:
On Windows – Navigate to the USB drive and double click the PCStart.exe file to run.
On MacOS – Open the GD 30 Trips drive, and double click the MacStart to run.

Viewing the digital book:
You can either view it within the program that comes on the drive, or by opening the PDF directly.

To view the PDF, open the PDF folder on the drive and the USB_bk_spreads_08-31 file within. Selecting the option within your PDF reading application to view as a “single page” might be preferable to viewing as a continuous document.

Importing music into iTunes and other library programs:
When you import the songs from the USB into your library, the information used to identify the track will likely leave them sorted incorrectly. Please use the song list found here to re-number the songs for each show so that they playback in the correct order.
PDF
Text

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June 16, 2015 - 12:50pm

#6641

novembereleven

Joined:
March 12, 2015

Keith quote from Blair Jackson's Goin' Down the Road book

In the tape collector's section in the back, Jackson introduces each year's "top 10" and in the 1978 blurb he states "Keith is a non-factor in many shows." I don't have the book with me for the exact wording, but that's pretty close. But he also says something along the lines of it's hard to tell much difference between the best of 1977 and 1978, which would echo your sentiments. That was published in early 1992 and probably the first time I saw it. I tend to agree with you Love Jerry. While I think 1977 is amazing, some of the 1978 stuff is at least as good. That brief upper Midwest tour in late January - Early February '78 is amazing. The southern/SE tours in both April and December are really good and of course the Winterland shows after Egypt and New Years are epic! Seems many fans and the band thought things were getting stagnant, but there were a ton of good shows taking place in '78 and early '79 with Keith and Donna. Perhaps the marriage troubles were becoming too much to handle or the opiates or who knows. But the music still stands up to me as some of their best.
June 16, 2015 - 12:48pm

#6642

brokedowndude

Joined:
April 18, 2014

2nd that emotions

I have to say, I'm with lovejerry on this one.... That post is a post I've been thinking about writing for along time now, but have found that this topic is growing tiresome..... Still. My ears just dont hear the RAPID or TERRIBLE decline..... Having gotten thru the first 3 shows in my Europe trunk with what I call "deep listening", I find myself in utter disbelief at what he's doing on piano during that run.... Beautiful, creative and flourishes of piano runs that make me dream of bucolic rolling green hills on a lazy summer day..... His playing had such a dreamey, subtle vein running through it.... So if one is to compare what he sounded like from Europe 72, to 78, then I guess I can see your point....those flashes were significantly less, however the peaceful, subtle, floating style is still very much alive to my ears in the latter years.... Put on some headphones and REALLY listen to what he's doing on a row jimmy, Peggy-o and the jerry ballads...... It's still beautiful and unique for the notes he chooses NOT to play, rather than the notes he chooses to play.....Keith's energy always seemed to me to be aloof, quiet and passive..... I think that energy is much more pronounced in the late 70s, and it comes thru in the playing..... So yes, he was no longer "playing like a god" as Phil said about him during the Europe run, but still an incredible almost savont like player who just got more and more mello, as the dead got more and more intense...... P.s. Much like the 70s v 80s debate, this topic should prob be set aside for a couple of years? Anyone?
June 16, 2015 - 12:21pm

#6643

Cousins Of The…

Joined:
September 10, 2009

Re: Keith

Something else that contributing to their departure was the volatile nature of their relationships, which also had to do with alcohol consumption.On the other hand, I think it's a paradox that Jerry would complain abnout Keith playing going south, while at the same time allowing Bob to play out of tune slide guitar! I was just listening to DaP from 1978, a nice Scarlet followed by what would have been a great Fire on the Mountain, ruined by Bob slide soloing OVER Jerry's solo.
June 16, 2015 - 12:20pm

#6644

MrHeartbreak

Joined:
August 2, 2013

@LoveJerry

From wikipedia: Following the group's 1975 hiatus, Godchaux increasingly yielded to a simpler comping-based approach that melodically emulated Garcia's guitar work. Lesh has retrospectively opined that by 1978, "Keith's playing had degenerated to the point that most of us were simply trying to lose him onstage... never a paragon of self-esteem, Keith's increasing drug & alcohol use had put him in an almost vegetative state. His musical timing was suffering, and he had developed some annoying habits onstage, notably slavish imitation of Jerry's lead lines, a tic that began to irritate Jerry to no end." My comments about Keith being a "non-factor" were not as harsh as what Phil supposedly said, but my experience with listening to Dead shows is that what Keith played was just not that noticeable anymore post-hiatus...especially in '77 and after. Listen to the wonderful bouncy Keith solos on the Europe '72 tour for a contrast. Maybe he was turned down in the mix, too, in later years? Whatever the case, I just don't think there is much Keith love in the post-hiatus era namely because he wasn't doing much of interest. Still love his contributions to the Dead overall: my favorite of all the Dead keyboard players.
June 16, 2015 - 12:03pm

#6645

LoveJerry

Joined:
March 19, 2015

Keith

I think all of the talk that he was not contributing to the live music effectively after 1977 is a bit over-hyped, based off of (as best I can tell) one comment to the effect that Keith would echo back what Jerry was playing, which irritated Jerry to no end. Well I don't hear it in any of the live music available. I have everything released from '77 and '78, and I'm just not hearing any difference in what Keith is playing. I've even looked through the archives, and as close to the end as you can get - Jack Straw, January 1979 - sounding pretty good. I don't even know if the Jerry quote is legitimate, as it did not appear in any official publication that I've seen. Yet everyone always says "yeah, Keith was a non-factor this in the end, or Keith wasn't playing well that in '78". Who can point me to a song / songs where this deficiency in Keith's playing is discernible? Estimated on Dick's Picks 18 from '78 sounds as good as all Spring '77; Cassidy on Dave's Picks 7 from '78 has some great piano, which actually evolved since '77; Fire On the Mountain from Rocking the Cradle '78 has some great piano from Keith, just as good as '77; The Wheel on Dick's Picks 18 evolved and Keith's playing sounds better than '76; Terrapin Station from Closing of Winterland '78, just as good as anything in '77; he has a kickin' solo in Big River from Closing of Winterland that's as good as anything he's done in that song previously. I could go on all day - what is this rubbish that his skills declined? One unsubstantiated quote and the guy gets dragged through the dirt. What I've read in multiple places, including Rolling Stone, is that the rift had more to do with the fact that Keith didn't want to play synthesizers. So be it, but the way folks talk about "Keith's decline" you would think there would be an endless supply of examples, like you get when people knock Brent (his vocals are off-key here, here, and here; his piano sounds like a child's toy here, here, and here; his voice sounds awful here, here, and here). Where is this pattern of decline? I just don't hear it. The man is innocent of everything except refusing to take the music in a substandard direction, which, as much as I love Jerry, I have to say, Brent Mydland was not what the sound needed (it may have been what Jerry needed personally, but certainly not what the sound needed - it was doing just fine).
June 16, 2015 - 11:40am

#6646

JimInMD

Joined:
June 27, 2011

3-Piece, Tie Died Suit and Wingtips

Wingtips came up briefly on the DaP 14 thread, so you know us deadheads are a classy, well-dressed bunch. Researched has shown the first head to sport Wingtips was Uncle Charlie from the sitcom My Three Sons (you can tell by the psychedelic intro with tripped out, cartoon wingtips). Close inspection of re-runs on Nickelodeon suggests that Uncle Charlie must have dosed Chip and Fred McMurray before taping. If I have dated myself.. I apologize. ..but enough about fashion, back to the music.
June 16, 2015 - 11:38am

#6647

Coconut Phil

Joined:
June 4, 2007

Media and the Dead.

Funny how these TV networks that capitalize on raking in advertising revenue are even being mentioned on this site. Who cares what network people watch? I really could care less. I watch Fox Business network in the morning while sipping my coffee. Does that put me in a red or blue isle? I served my country for 6 years in the armed forces. We live in the greatest free nation on Earth. We are all in the same boat. Peace
June 16, 2015 - 11:03am

#6648

Ridin that Train

Joined:
June 5, 2015

politics?

I've never been political, to me they are ALL crooks and liars. I have never understood how we as a nation can be so divided along party lines. It makes no sense to me at all, never has. People are people, we are all just trying to make it on this crazy ride we are on. Life is WAY too short to worry about who we think is wrong or right. I just want to listen to some good tunes and enjoy my family and get along in peace with everyone as much as possible.
June 16, 2015 - 10:58am

#6649

floridabobaloo

Joined:
April 30, 2014

Take Too

What I find the most comical is that WE fall for this crap. Watch the ads on Fox then CNN or MSNBC. They really think these products are the favs of cons or libs! Anyway to segment and swindle the market to ones advantage. Its gotten to the point that the marketers have seeped into creating taste rather than serving it. Oh well. I have learned one helluva lot about the band and its fans from being on this site, and what is clear, there is no norm except the peoples love of the music. If you wear tie dye with Birkenstocks, or a three piece suit, it doesn't matter. The only thing I can say with certainty is that my wife knows I have a crush on Megyn Kelly. I try and tell her its because she's so smart, which leads to the "Uh Uh" response that you KNOW hasn't fooled anyone. Its gonna be 100 degrees down here again today so all thats left to do is Smile, Sweat, Smile! And thanks for the ear Sam and Jim!
June 16, 2015 - 10:33am

#6650

SAMTHARDMAN

Joined:
September 9, 2012

Well Said Fl. Bob

Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock my soul. Sam T

John Perry Barlow

John Perry Barlow

Forums

Dead Store Products

"When we began discussing audio projects to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead back in 2012, we knew we wanted to do something completely unprecedented. We could think of nothing more exciting or ambitious than a career-spanning overview of the band's live legacy focused on what best tells the story: complete concerts. Our first criterion was the very best live music to represent any given year in the band’s history. We wanted to make sure that there were not only the tent-pole shows that fans have been demanding for decades but also ones that are slightly more under the radar, but equally excellent. For those who listen to the entire box straight through, chronologically, the narrative of the Grateful Dead's live legacy will be seen as second to none in the pantheon of music history." - David Lemieux

We are more than pleased to announce the Grateful Dead's most ambitious release ever: 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN. Available as both an 80-disc boxed set and a custom lightning-bolt USB drive, the collection includes 30 unreleased live shows, one for each year the band was together from 1966 to 1995, along with one track from their earliest recording sessions in 1965. Packed with over 73 hours of music, both the boxed set and the USB drive will be individually numbered limited editions.

The 80-disc boxed set is individually numbered and limited to 6,500 copies, a nod to the band’s formation in 1965. Along with the CDs, it also includes a gold-colored 7-inch vinyl single which bookends the band’s career. The A-side is “Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks)” from the band’s earliest recording session in 1965 with the B-side of the last song the band ever performed together live, “Box Of Rain” recorded during their final encore at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 9, 1995.

The box also comes with a 288-page book that features an extensive, career-spanning essay written by Nick Meriwether, who oversees the Dead archives at the University of California, Santa Cruz, along with special remembrances of the band submitted by fans. Also included is a scroll that offers a visual representation of how the band’s live repertoire has evolved through the years.

The USB drive version* will be shaped like a gold lightning bolt with the Grateful Dead 50th anniversary logo engraved on the side. The drive includes all of the music from the collection in both FLAC (96/24) and MP3 formats and is an individually numbered limited edition of 1,000 copies. Digital version of the book also included on USB.

Shows will NOT be sold individually on CD. This release is sure to sell out quickly so pre-order your copy today and stick around as we will be revealing a mighty fine selection of music, art, and much, much more right here.

(Looking for a smaller 50th Anniversary commemorative keepsake? September 18th will see the release of a four-CD version of the collection titled 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN: THE DEFINITIVE LIVE STORY 1965-1995. More on that here.)

ROLLINGSTONE.COM SONG PREMIERE AND EXCLUSIVE DAVID LEMIEUX INTERVIEW
Head on over to Rollingstone.com for the very first listen of "Morning Dew" 9/18/87 Madison Square Garden, David Fricke's exclusive interview with archivist David Lemieux, and the reveal of 30 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN's '69 and '84 shows.

*Helpful hints for using your USB:

Running the 30 Trips Player / Reader program:
On Windows – Navigate to the USB drive and double click the PCStart.exe file to run.
On MacOS – Open the GD 30 Trips drive, and double click the MacStart to run.

Viewing the digital book:
You can either view it within the program that comes on the drive, or by opening the PDF directly.

To view the PDF, open the PDF folder on the drive and the USB_bk_spreads_08-31 file within. Selecting the option within your PDF reading application to view as a “single page” might be preferable to viewing as a continuous document.

Importing music into iTunes and other library programs:
When you import the songs from the USB into your library, the information used to identify the track will likely leave them sorted incorrectly. Please use the song list found here to re-number the songs for each show so that they playback in the correct order.
PDF
Text

A few more boxes

I should buy a second one and sell it later. Based on what I've had to fork over for copies of past Dave's picks and the May '77 box.. I should be able to sell one of these for a small fortune.

All gone

again:)

Waiting for the Box

I appreciated the offer of the streams, but I want to listen to this on a system that will let me feel it as well as hear it. I don't have an audiophile budget or anything, but I expect that this box will sound sweet on my decades old Genesis speakers at a high volume.

Dave's next....

I think, in order of likelihood: '76, '71, '73

Waitin on the Box

Have Mercy, been waitin on the box all day!

update?

Thanks for the thrill mine still says backorded until 10/31/2015 but I did think it was going to ship soon based on the e=mail sent last week...how many boxes are going? I think 6,000 and 6,000? so maybe some people may have a changed status...i'm excited...incase anybody didn't know jerry Garcia had a release in june 2 discs acoustic 1 disc electric.

1973

Okay everyone... I have the Winterland '73 box. That is all I have for official live releases for 1973. Here's a chance for any of you '73 enthusiasts to shine. What would be a great addition to my '73 catalogue? Best of the best.

1973

I don't know about the best of the best, but I like Dicks Picks 19 from 10/19/73 a lot. If you don't already have it, you might also try the Merle Saunders and Jerry Garcia Complete 1973 Fantasy Recordings, a stellar release.

Come On

I don't know about y'all, but I could do without the advertisement of single shows for sale by a guy who bought 2 boxes so he could sell one of them a la carte. Can't that be done on eBay or elsewhere? Looks like his sales are not going so well so he repeats the same pitch over and over. I think we've all heard it.

This one's for Come On

Had a few orders whove paid and some who havent so for now those shows are still available - $55 per show inc shipping from oz (sent day i get box): A SPECIAL RATE IS AVAILABLE FOR COME ON - $65 PER SHOW LOL showS available still are 68 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 88 90 92 93 94 95 Also taking offers on scroll, single and book from box as a set or per item

@Lowspark - 1973 - Pauley Pavilion - 11-17-73 DaP5

A week after Winterland and one of the best shows of the year. The recording quality is much better than Winterland and the show quality ranks up there with Winterland. Highlights for me: Here Comes Sunshine China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider Playin'>UJB>Dew>UJB>Playin'

HDCD and hi-res tests

Well, I used the 3/29/90 Wake Up To Find Out show to set up some tests using the HDCD conversion process I described earlier. I chose this show because I have the CD from the box, plus I have the 24/192 download that I purchased back when FourWinds and I were discussing the issue of dynamic range compression being applied to the CD's. So, this is what I have to test with: File1: I ripped the CD to lossless files. These are 16/44.1 lossless files. File2: I compressed File1 to 256kbs variable bit rate mp3 File3: I took File1 and ran HDCD.exe to extract the HDCD encoding to 24 bit files. These files are lossless 24/44.1, but not true 24 because it's the 16-bit plus whatever information the HDCD encoding added, so it's really 20-bit at the highest, just encapsulated in 24-bit files. File 4: I compressed File3 to 256kbs vbr mp3 File 5: raw 24/192 download from Dead.net left as is File 6 I compressed File5 to 256kbs vbr mp3 I applied 6db of gain to File sets 3 and 4. This is because extracting the HDCD encoding and moving that information into the above-16 bits area of each sample has the affect of dropping the amplitude by 6db across the entire file. I believe that this is one of the things that the link Ziffle was referring to when it warns about the possibility of peak level compression when playing HDCD in regular CD players. But, it appears that this was done carefully in this case because the peak levels of the basic ripped file from CD peaks at just below 0db, whereas after running hdcd.exe on the file, the peak level is just below -6db, so it looks like at no time is there any clipping, and there is room to adjust the gain back up by 6db after running hdcd.exe. This will make the volume during playback exactly the same for each of the files. I have a friend who is an audiophile nut. I don't know the specs of his equipment, but it's tube amp and preamp. He has electrostatic hybrid speakers that have added cone woofers and subwoofers. He uses an external DAC that feeds from his computer into the preamp. We will also be using his Sennheisers (I don't know the model offhand, but they were around $700) going through a Grado headphone amp. I am going to set up a double blind test by setting up a "playlist" that consists of one track in each of the 6 File versions, and then set that playlist to play random. No one needs to know which order the files were played in until after listening and judging. Then I can look and see what order the playlist is in, noting it down. We can then reshuffle and replay. Also, during each play, the listener can pause and move around each of the 6 files in the playlist (without seeing which is which) taking listening notes and making judgements. This process can be repeating as often as we want, and then repeated with headphones instead of speakers. This guy swears by hi res everything, and repurchases tons of music he already had in various formats so that he now has them in hi-res. He's one of those "I can't wait to get this in 24/192" folks. I've debated with him endlessly about the merits of hi-res, but people get pretty set in their beliefs. I will be having him guess which file is which during each session, and also note which he thinks sounds the best during each session. I will only look at what order the randomized playlist was AFTER each session, and note it down. When all the listening is done I will compile the results. I'll do the same testing after him. Anyone want to take bets on whether he (or I) can tell the difference between these files with anything much over chance (guessing), and whether he picks the higher res files as being better with anything much over chance? Hint: I wouldn't bet a lot. We'll probably do it this weekend or next. I'll let you know!

Double Blind

On the other hand, I am VERY interested in the double blind audio trial. I will guess the mp3 files will be distinguishable from the 16-bit and 24-bit files. I will also guess that no audible distinction will be made between the 16-bit and 24-bit files. I was the subject of a double blind listening test in my studio and while I thought I was hearing a difference between 16 and 24 bit, I wasn't. My results were the same as guessing. I have yet to see any scientific evidence that anyone can hear the difference, and I had to try it myself to become convinced there was negative value to me buying hi-res audio (higher cost per release, larger files, and re-purchase of stuff I already have).

@OneMan

Thanks, I'll post the results. I'm guessing that it will take the better part of a whole day to do this, which is why we need to wait for a weekend day that happens to work for both of us, because to make this valid we need to do a lot of iterations. Unfortunately, if the test results end up like I think they will, it won't convince most folks. But, anyone can set this up for themselves. The only software needed is hdcd.exe, a free download, dbPowerAmp or equivalent (to do the ripping and format converting) a free download, a software library that will let you create playlists and shuffle them (I think we will be using iTunes), and software to apply the 6db of gain to the files that had hdcd.exe applied to them - I used GoldWave which is $20 for a one year license). I think that is all you need.

Wjonjd

Unless your audiophile friend is one of those elusive special people with super-human hearing (who mysteriously refuse to reveal themselves to the audio researchers that have been searching for them all their lives), my guess would be along the same lines as One Man's guess. Unfortunately, I don't have super-hearing, so I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. My super-power is the ability to take longer and more frequent naps in increasingly unusual and inappropriate places. Interestingly enough, my super-power only seems to grow stronger as I get older.

My old ears

Yeah, I'm guessing that I won't even be able to distinguish the 256kbs mp3's from the others. Not sure about my friend. We'll see. Edit: Dantian, your super power and mine are frighteningly similar. I believe I can now "nap" without any effort at all, and without knowing I accomplished the feat. Anywhere. Anytime. :)

Lowspark

I second Boblopes recommendation of Pauley Pavilion...great sound quality, great show.

Wjonjd

That's how it starts. As it grows stronger you may someday attain my level of power...the ability to nap during wedding ceremonies and awards banquets. In the Halls of Justice, they call me "The Sandman." Keep practicing, you'll get there...

Something to look forward to

This padawan eagerly awaits the day I can advance from family gathering incidents and the occasional driving incidents to weddings and awards banquets. Practice makes perf ...zzzzzzzzz

You see, Wjonjd

I have now attained the highest level of power possible...the ability to put other people to sleep too ;)

@ wjonjd

> compressed ... to 256kbs vbr mp3 Why vbr and not cbr?

@Lowspark 1973

As others have said, DP19 & DaP5 are primo '73.And let's not forget DP1 Rock on

Re: 1973

Is it wishful thinking that perhaps the best of 1973 is yet to come? I am partial to the DS>MJB>Morning Dew from 10/19/73 with Pauley coming in a close second because it sounds so good and is a complete show. ..and what about RFK and PNC or am I getting ahead of myself? ..and to my narcoleptic friends, successfully falling asleep at a wedding is a skill very few possess usually reserved for Grand Masters.

@Chastason and last thoughts on the testing

Variable bit-rate is superior to constant bit-rate because what it does is use higher bit rates for complex sections and lower bit rates for simple sections, making the average 256 (whatever number you choose). Constant bit-rate has to use 256kbs even where that's more than needed at any particular point in time, and can't go above 256kbs even where that matters a lot. Variable bit rate uses those simple sections to drop to a bit rate that will do, so that it can use bit rates higher than 256 where that would be most beneficial. The average will be 256. The disadvantage is that not all players/software that play mp3 are compatible with variable bit rates (but nowadays most are.) Also, I realized that for my testing, I am going to have to do two separate tests because there is no way to make the purchased 24/192 file (and it's resultant mp3) the same volume as the others, because the CD did have some dynamic range compression applied. So, we will have to compare the HDCD.exe'd files to the CD files (which can be made exactly the same volume), and then to do the test with the Hi Res download, I will use software to "downgrade" the 24/192 files to 16/44.1 with noise shaped dithering (using whatever default settings the software allows) and make mp3's of each of these. Then these files will have the same volume as each other. There is no way to get the 24/192 volumes to match the CD based files unless I mess with the 24/192 files to apply dynamic range compression to match the CD (I don't know how to do that), or to UNdynamically compress the CD files (I don't know how to do that either.) But, that should be fine. So, the tests will be: Test1: CD lossless mp3 from CD lossless hdcd extracted file mp3 from hdcd extracted file Test2: 24/192 file mp3 from 24/192 file 16/44.1 file made directly from 24/192 file mp3 from 16/44.1 file made directly from 24/192 file. Using the volume control knob is not good enough. Minute differences will invalidate the test. The volume knob must be SET and not moved throughout the test.

@JimInMD

What rank do you get for accomplishing this feat at your own wedding?

Trey Anastasio

On Friday night, I had the pleasure of seeing Trey Anastasio talk with Alec Wilkinson as part of the New Yorker Festival. Much of what they discussed was about Trey's experiences with the guys from the Grateful Dead (and with Bill Walton), both preparing for and performing at the Fare Thee Well concerts. Trey also played acoustic versions of a few of his own songs. It was a delight to be there, and thought I'd share. http://blog.phish.net/1444067800/trey-anastasio-new-yorker-festival-int…

vbr v cbr

> Variable bit-rate is superior to constant bit-rate because what > it does is use higher bit rates for complex sections and lower > bit rates for simple sections, Ok - I get that. When I make mp3s for ipod, etc., I use 320 cbr, as 320 vbr will never be at 320 (or so I have read). I also read (sorry no link) that changing compression rates in the same song can cause more ear fatigue (even if there is no discernible difference in sound quality). Something to do with pressure changes on ear mechanics.

lowspark '73

Everyone who said DaP 5 is correct - great show. For the money, however, you can get on e.ba.y. the Winterland 1973 box set brand new for 120. 3 shows from right before the pauly pav show 11/9, 11/10, 11/11. in my mind, a much better buy, plus you get a lot of songs not on DaP 5, including the best version i've ever heard of Loose Lucy - very unique performance.

@keithfan

The Winterland box is the one thing I actually already have from '73. I bought it back when it came out. Sadly, even if I find a DaP5 on eBay, it will likely cost MORE than the 3 show box set that I already own.

Speaking of...

Did the Winterland '73 box come with a bonus disc? I got mine from the local record store and it definitely did not have a bonus disc.

lowspark

It would help if I actually read your original post, huh. Sorry, was at a red light and saw some of the responses and thouhht , whoa I need to let this guy know cheap you can still find Winterland '73 - it's the only good deal you can find on a box set. Actually not sure why that one is not in higher demand - I love it, despite my complaints about the mid-range being too high(last year). Yes 12/4/73 Cincinnati is the bonus disc.

Bonus Discs

I really should have been keeping my eyes on Dead.net better over the past 10 years. I missed a lot of stuff I would've loved to have.. without paying price gougers on eBay. Not a mistake I will make again!

W73 - mine did not have the bonus disc either but w77 did

My Winterland 73 box did not have the bonus disc, but my Winterland 77 box did, which was re-released as part of May77 (which I bought). Wronged by the fat finger of fate... Check your pm

re: falling asleep at your own wedding

Surely this only occurs in legend and lore. A fable of the unobtainable, a flight of Icarus. But pulling this off would surely give you the supreme title of Shogun. Master of all Samurai, commander of all people and ruler of all fiefdoms.

Bonus Discs/'73

I don't think I have the bonus material from Winterland '77 either. I had my own facts a little off regarding my '73 catalogue. Besides the Winterland '73 box, I do also have the Download series show from 12/10/73. But that doesn't sit on a shelf in physical form with the rest of my collection, so it's easy to forget about.

Winterland 1973 box

$109 delivered from Amazon brand new (from Mill Valley Music - good people )

re: falling asleep at your own wedding

Surely this only occurs in legend and lore. A fable of the unobtainable, a flight of Icarus. But pulling this off would give you the supreme title of Shogun. Master of all Samurai, commander of all people and ruler of all fiefdoms.

Falling Asleep

Hey guys fall asleep at their wedding. Wifey will fall asleep shortly afterwards.

wjonjd, hdcd & hi res tests

Interesting that you found a 6dB drop between the decoded vs not hdcd discs. Makes sense, they do sound softer, and better. I believe that this is because without decoding the low amplitude parts of the signal are boosted, and the cd sounds too hot (like most cds), i.e. compressed up). I've never heard software decoding, but the hardware decoded hdcd's sound fine, normal amplitude. Your test sounds interesting. I'm not an adherent of double blind testing, but it is fun to try. Here's an easy experiment to work in, if you want: Take a track that you like from Spring TOO 192/24 bits. I used Crazy Fingers 3/14 because it has interesting things going on in the harmonics. Transcode the original FLAC to AIF, WAV, ALAC. Have someone put the four (FLAC, AIF, WAV, ALAC) files in a random order. Have someone play back the first minute of each, or pick a random minute in the middle. Do you hear a difference? Do you have a preference? That's a listening exercise that I'd like to hear about. The amplitudes are supposed to be identical, the quality, supposed to be identical. In fact, the files are supposed to sound identical with identical data content (after decoding). If you have an extra couple of minutes, give it a try. I do not know Windows software to transcode, I use XLD, but I think that is Mac only. Incidentally, I use equal 125 step analog volume controls. When a CD (or download) is poorly mastered, (compressed for loudness), the first couple of steps give a huge jump, much too loud, pragmatically demonstrating the compression. This problem doesn't exist with HDCD decoded or true high res material. The unencoded HDCD exhibits the same problem as overly compressed CDs. For your bet: No idea. Auditory memory is really poor. Listening side by side, assuming well mixed, well mastered recordings, probably yes. Listening to several versions, doubtful. But you answered your own question! You noticed that it is impossible to volume match the hi-res audio.

Got my Winterland73 box from Mill Valley Music too

Super score & between that & the FW69 those could be the finest two mini boxes!! other sweet scores in the last week or so - Dave's Picks 14 - Academy of Music w/Bonus disc Sealed & (box cutter slice Ahahah) for $35 - Garcia Plays Dylan - & - Garcia Plays Dylan Again - bonus disc 3 tracks combo pack for $25 - Skeletons from the Closest - vinyl - $5 - Fallout from the Philzone - Interview disc - Way After Midnight - JGB killer stuff

Lowspark75 & suggestion

Go with Dicks Picks 14 !!!! Holy cow that's about as good as it gets The 2 February shows from another Dicks Picks is also killer.. 2.28.73 !!! Sugaree Box of Rain El Paso He's Gone Jack Straw 2nd set -> China > Rider Big River Row Jimmy !!!!

Cincinnati 12.4.73....

....i.e. the bonus disc from Winterland '73.... ....got the box two (?) years ago with bonus. Listened to it. Meh. Spun it again six months later. Still meh. Dusted it off a year later. Post-Drumz woke me up, but still meh. Played it last night....got to Truckin', got bored, then popped in Denver 11.21.73 (i.e. RT 4.3)....now That's a Truckin'....not to mention a first set Brokedown, and a relaxing Uncle John's encore....entrancing... ...maybe one day Cincinnati Gardens will grab my collar....one day

'73

Everything released from '73 is worth owning. Glad you mentioned the Denver Road Trips VGuy, it's spectacular, but I'm surprised you're not more enamored with the 12-4 bonus disc. That's essential listening in my book. 10-19 is an all time favorite for me going back to the cassette days so Dip19 is a MUST have IMO. 12-2-73 set II was one of those life changing tapes for me years ago (okay, that may be a bit melodramatic but hopefully you get my point) so DiP14 is essential even though I've never really gotten over the exclusion of Sugar Mags before the Morning Dew encore. I'd love to hear some thoughts on the Cleveland bonus disc, 12-6. It's almost as if they tune a bit and eventually find themselves playing Dark Star.

Alec Wilkenson

Glad to hear you mention him, UV1, he's a good writer. I'd recommend his book, Mr. Apology and other Essays to all of you. There's a couple essays about Bob Weir and at least one about the Buena Vista Social Club. A couple more about hockey. Good stuff.

updated show list

Remaining shows now ONLY $50 per show inc shipping from oz (sent day i get box): And to Come On - yeah I make a little doing this but am saving for an op as some heads here know (some even offered donations of their own good heart too - they know who they are) and people like keithfan get that one killer show they want. So to Come On - Go On (still $65 per show for you) - everyone else take your picks and email me at gilmourstephen@hotmail.com showS available still are 68 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 88 90 92 93 94 95 Also taking offers on scroll, single and book from box as a set or per item

Test Parameters

When the audio test is conducted this weekend, you could limit the clip played to a minute or so, as suggested here. Depends on what happens during that minute, I guess. I used the studio version of Candyman from the top through the first chorus. Also, you could use a WAV editor like Peak (Mac) or WaveLab (PC) to adjust the gain. But if (as you say) any dynamic compression or limiting has been applied to any of the mixes, that is much harder to replicate on a non-compressed file. I like your idea of splitting up the test. Be sure to take some breaks so that ear fatigue does not set in. Also, you could try listening without -- and then with -- certain psychoactive enhancements. I REALLY wonder about that.

12-6-73 Bonus Disc and Falling Asleep

rdevil - Love it. Probably tied for best bonus disc in my book, along with Rockin' The Rhein's bonus disc from The Academy of Music (although 11-14-71 is quite good too). Also love the description rdevil: It's almost as if they tune a bit and eventually find themselves playing Dark Star. JimInMD - I would have to modify it to Smoking a Bowl on the 18th Hole Unbeknownst to My New Wife Who Doesn't Know I'm a Pothead and Falling Asleep at My Own Wedding.

Countdown Revisited

9 OR 25 days until BOXZILLA SHIPS.

Import delivery charges - a suggestion!

Given that we are fast approaching the delivery of 80 CDs can I respectfully ask a favor of the dispatchers? In view of the fact that import duty here in the UK will probably cost me an arm and a leg, can you send this with the import duty label describing the box as a rabbit hutch (rabbit not included)? I've checked Amazon and they don't cost much so won't attract import duties. Thank you so much!

30 Trips Order

Status: Backordered (again) Estimated Ship Date: October 31st I'm starting to feel a little grumpy about this...

product sku

081227955892