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Thursday, January 10, 2019

Neil Young Archives: Realizing The Full Potential of Streaming Audio


Neil Young wants us to know how to realize the full potential of the Archives streaming audio.

In a posting MUSIC MOVES AGAIN! : THE SOUND OF TOMORROW?, Neil provides some specifics on the shortcomings of the Apple iPhone audio quality:


Neil then provides a "solution" which involves adding an external DAC (Digital Audio Converter) to your iPhone:
The solution

Add a simple external device, some less than the size of your thumb, called a DAC, that upgrades the phone’s lower quality internal DAC. Simply, insert the DAC between the data port of phone (or computer) and headphone, speakers or amplifier, and you’ll hear music at its very best audio quality. Below are some DACs that are well-rated and capable of playing full High Res. They’re available from your local dealers and from Amazon.

Remember, a DAC is not something you need to make ‘Xstream by NYA’ sound better than anything else through your phone; it already is doing that and you can hear it. An added DAC simply will allow you to unlock and hear all of the music, more has ever been heard from any Iphone.
Here are the NYA recommended DACs:

NextDrive Spectra




Meridian - Explorer2 USB DAC




Chord Mojo





Word has it that Android phones have built in DACs. Feel free to discuss and provide recommendations in comments below.

15 comments:

  1. What about Pono ? When did listening to music get so complicated ? On Songs for Judy these enhancements are not relevant and I'm not convinced we need any of this. Buy it on vinyl or cd and just play it for heavens sake - stop analysing

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  2. One thing though I’m totally enamored by this new app but I will not invest in new little toys like I did with NYA1. We all remember The promises of NY1 made by NY and archives team. I’ll just wait , listen with my crappy ear buds and enjoy this music . Then after NY2 comes out indulge myself if I’m financially able.

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  3. Good old Neil must somehow have retained all of his hearing powers. Gotta hear all that hiss!

    (I sure don't -- and what remains is being tinnitussed out seemingly more each day.)

    Just let us know when Archives 2 is released.

    ReplyDelete
  4. First of all, I find listening to music and watching movies on my iPhone a complete waste of time. Yes I own a iPhone but my life doesn’t revolve around it. It’s simply a tool I own because of my job. When it comes to listening to music, I own a high quality stereo system with turntable and tube CD player and three sets of speakers. To watch movies I have a 55 inch hi def TV with a surround sound system.

    The future will show that using ear buds will lead to tinnitus and hearing loss as for long term staring into a small screen will lead to eye fatigue and damage. I’m not convinced that the technology is a benefit to humanity, but it’s here whether we like it or not.

    Peace

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  5. The previous two comments speak with clarity & sanity, so "Hear! Hear!" (Pun intended...)

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  6. The one idea from Pono that was spot on was SD-cards. Luv that idea. I've always like giving friend music like CD or vinyl...But now days very few have a player. It be nice to hand someone CD-card (maybe there needs app with encryption) with art work and sayin "check this out" would being back the joy of sharing/giving music again?
    In fact that"s how i got turn back on to Neil was a Album lent to me and I could not stop listening to Neil ....
    How do people give music as a gift?? if they don't have a CD or recorded play

    Cheers Steve Rust Down Under
    ps lucky there is still live muse ...Got given for Xmas, tickets to see Nick Cave live in Brisbane, sorry of topic

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  7. I have Harvest on DVD Audio which is amazing...you can choose either DTS OR Dolby audio & I seriously hear the Stray Gators and Neil in ways that it's like they're in the room playing live...

    I love the online Archives format but I miss the Blu-Ray audio and the DVD audio I just referenced...yes I have a pretty high-end system

    I'm not into listening to music on my phone at all but I'm working on a way to transfer the Archives audio through my home stereo...

    sigh...

    and after a bong hit or two, it's all great to me

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have On The Beach & Stars & Bars on DVD audio as you say stunning sound and a host of great photos on OTB from 1974

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  9. Odd. In a previous article they also recommended the AudioQuest - DragonFly Red USB DAC/Headphone Amplifier which I bought for use with my Notebook. I assume it also works with an iPhone but would need an adapter.

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  10. That’s cool but I am still waiting on the Blu ray Archives 2 box. I have everything he has ever put out, more or less, and I yearn for that one too. I built my Blu Ray home theater for archives 1, and I have a good amount of Blu Ray audio now. Like Jimi’s Electric Ladyland, for instance. Come on Uncle Neil, let me have it! -Alan in Seattle

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  11. Now we all know deep down inside that there will never be a Blu ray box set for Archives 2, but as long as Neil releases Homegrown next year and a majority of the 72 thry 1980 unrekeased studio gens, then it's all good....... We have been waiting 8 long years to hear this stuff. And I wipl not be buying DAC for my Samsung smart phone. I will just listen to it with my phone plugged into the car stereo system while I am i delivering pizzas here in Portland. I know how to sing and play a large portion of Neil's catalogue. So Neil, give the die hard fans what we have been waiting for. And nake a new album with Crazy Horse, solo, or with POTR or any band of your choosing. And please write some real songs from the heart like you did before in 2010,2012, 2014, 2016 etc....

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  12. The Rider not a fan of the recent stuff ? Pill last record I enjoyed and thought Neil's still got it. Since then I've bought and filed, revisit from time to time but there's nothing there. What I love is the hardy fans that enjoys nay tell us that the 5-6 albums are classics - they are not.

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    Replies
    1. I've revisited The Visitor alot lately and really enjoy the album as a whole

      Delete
  13. I don't think the last 3 albums were classic, but I did think each album had a few or more memorable tunes on them. i thought the solo version of Storytone was a nice, simple from the heart collection of songs. And i think there's some killer tunes from the last few years, such as Wolf Moon, Peace Trail and Forever.

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  14. Mellow My Mind on Songs For Judy is blowing my mind with how great Neil sounds...damn

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