Press release | PS Audio’s Octave Records announces the debut of two new releases: Audiophile Masters, Volume II, the follow-up disc to the label’s acclaimed Audiophile Masters, Volume I, and a limited-edition vinyl LP release of Temporary Circumstances by pop-rock band Clandestine Amigo. Both releases are recorded in Pure DSD for extraordinary musical realism and fidelity.
Audiophile Masters, Volume II is available as a stereo SACD and download bundle and features 10 all-new tracks, ranging from a string quartet by composer Michael McLean to the soulful funk of saxophonist Briana Harris, the acoustic guitar duo of Taylor Sims and Kyle Donovan, and even an audiophile solo accordion performance.
The tracks were recorded in pure DSD using Octave Records’ Sonoma DSD recording system at Animal Lane Studios in Lyons, Colorado and the First United Methodist Church in Boulder, CO, to capture the varied performances, vocal and instrumental sounds, and the sound spaces of the recording venues with ultimate fidelity and musical realism. Paul McGowan, PS Audio CEO noted, “As with all Octave Records releases, our goal in releasing Audiophile Masters Volume II is to provide listeners with state-of-the-art audio quality, especially in a sampler disc like this one that shows the full range of what we can do – but more importantly, we want the sound to communicate every nuance of our artists’ musical expressiveness.”
Audiophile Masters Volume II, SRP 29 USD, is playable on any CD, DVD, or Blu-ray player. It also has a high-resolution DSD layer that is accessible only using a PS Audio SACD transport, or by copying the DSD tracks on the included DVD data discs. In addition, the master DSD and PCM files are available for purchase and download from psaudio.com at this link.
The album showcases an eclectic variety of musical styles and sounds. To name just a few: Michael McLean’s Tango is a string quartet piece that combines the ensemble’s lively playing with the warm acoustics of Boulder’s United Methodist Church, with every instrument clearly defined yet with a smooth ensemble blend. Amethyst by Briana Harris captures all the power and groove of her quintet, a sound that hearkens back to the classic jazz of the 1950s and 1960s. The captivating Me and My Baby, an acoustic guitar duet by Taylor Sims and Kyle Donovan, conveys the harmonic richness, depth and sparkle of their instruments with stunning presence and clarity. And… an audiophile reference track featuring accordion? Alicia Jo Straka’s Musette au Paris will make everyone who hears it a believer – the instrument is recorded with remarkable depth, complexity and ambience.
Clandestine Amigo’s Temporary Circumstances features singer/songwriter/pianist Jessica Carson’s reflective songs about lost love and resilience, and combines state of the art sound with inviting and compelling music. The vinyl LP release will be available in a limited, numbered edition of 500 copies at a suggested retail price of 59 USD each. The discs are pressed on 180-gram virgin vinyl using world-class pressing equipment, using the highest-quality Neotech vinyl compound, NiPro Optics electroplating, GrooveCoated stampers from Gotta Groove Records, state-of-the-art temperature control during the manufacturing process, and other refinements. Each record is scrupulously hand-inspected to ensure the ultimate in pressing quality. The album is also available as a hybrid SACD disc with a master DSD layer and a CD layer, and as a download bundle including DSD64, 192kHz/24-bit, 96kHz/24-bit and 44.1kHz/24-bit PCM formats.
About PS Audio
Founded in 1973, PS Audio has earned a worldwide reputation for excellence in manufacturing innovative, high-value, leading-edge audio products. Located in Boulder, Colorado at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, PS Audio’s staff of talented designers, engineers, production and support people build each product to deliver extraordinary performance and musical satisfaction. The company’s wide range of award-winning products include the all-in-one Sprout100 integrated amplifier, audio components, power regenerators and power conditioners.
For further info:
to the Octave Records website
to the PS Audio website
