While a CD samples audio 44,100 times per second, a 192kHz file samples the audio 192,000 times per second. This massive influx of data captures the microscopic nuances of high-frequency overtones and transient responses. The decay of Rick Wakeman’s grand piano, the shimmer of Bill Bruford’s cymbals, and the sharp attack of Steve Howe's acoustic guitars are rendered with perfect analog liquidity, completely devoid of digital harshness. Track-by-Track Sonic Breakdown in 24-192 1. "Close to the Edge" (18:41)
(of Porcupine Tree), widely regarded as the premier architect of classic rock surround-sound and stereo archival projects. Technical Specifications & Formats Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192-
: Transferred directly from the original analogue master tape at 24-bit / 192 kHz with no additional EQ or compression. While a CD samples audio 44,100 times per
: Open-back audiophile headphones (like the Sennheiser HD600 series) or high-fidelity studio monitors will best reproduce the expansive soundstage and deep instrument separation of this master. The Verdict Track-by-Track Sonic Breakdown in 24-192 1
To truly appreciate the scale and nuance of this masterpiece, we recommend listening to a of the album’s opening section. A short clip does not capture the full dynamic range or the precise stereo imaging of the 24/192 mix, but it provides a glimpse into the unparalleled clarity and immersive soundstage that define this release.
The original source for the audio is the "Definitive Edition" Blu-ray disc (catalogue number GYRBD50012). This physical disc was the direct way to access the 24/192 flat transfers of the original stereo mix and the single edits, as included in the original 2013 press release. It has since appeared as a digital download on platforms like HDTracks, offering the high-resolution files directly. In the years since, the 2013 Steven Wilson mixes have been reissued in other formats, such as on vinyl (as part of a 2018 box set) and on the UHQCD format in 2019, but the 2013 Blu-ray remains the definitive source for the high-resolution digital files.