Just read about this on the BBC news page.

Might be worth investigating for all you mp3 afficcionados

Just had a look at the website. http://www.passionato.com I got:

"Thank you for visiting the Passionato website, due to the extreme popularity of the website this morning we are experiencing a few technical problems. We are working to resolve these issues and full service will be restored as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience."

Ah well, we'll see what it offers when it's accessible. Formats look good though (I just hope it's easier to navigate and download than from Chandos).

Well I managed to register, but then all I get is:



I hope it's not a scam just to get hold of names and postcodes!

If it is genuine, they'll be in competition with eclassical. I've used this site a few times, but they don't always have what I'm looking for. Maybe this one will be better.

Steve

Just tried it and is working OK now.

You have to search on first names strangely enough.

so Argarich is under 'M' - but Midori is under 'M' as well not 'G'

Emusic has thousands of classical CDs, basically everything not covered by the 4 big labels. its worth checking out.

The problem I have with online track ordering, is that it is generally more expensive than getting a boxed CD (to some extent that might be because I'm happy with cheaper versions, and box sets).

I think the whole point of the site is that it's for those who are *not* MP3 aficionados.

I *hate* MP3 and the way it destroys the music.

All MP3 on Passionato are 320kbps, which is the best MP3 can do.

BUT - even better - you can download in lossless FLAC format to get the full CD quality.

Not as good as Linn's 24/96 downloads, of course, but as good as a CD.

If you navigate Google and read about how the formats compare, you find that the world has changed an awful lot in the last ten years. There are still people who demand the very best quality on the very best speakers as they did in the 70s and 80s - remember the 'HiFi buff' jokes?

But these days people seem to be either pure sound CD/LP buyers or the more tolerant MP3 buyers who in all liklihood wouldn't notice the difference on their earphones between 196 or 320 kbps.

This website is aimed at mp3 people, so although they will no doubt be delighted at a wider choice, will be keeping a beady eye on the cost of downloading.

British websites seem to have an awful reputation of being very parochial and also charging more than more international websites.

However, the cost of internet businesses in the UK is actually very low compared to their European competitors, so in theory, their prices should be extremely competitive!

Perhaps we could give them a few months, then do a comparison and review?

Steve

What software do you use to play 24/96 once you've downloaded it John?



Searching and general navigation still seemed pretty slow even at getting on for midnight but downloads were commendibly quick (vastly better than Chandos).

A couple of niggles.
1. Track listings don't include composer (as seems to be the case on several other music sites including HMV who should know better). So when I look at a compilation CD and want to download one piece, I need to figure out which is the correct one.
2. As a test I downloaded some Heinz Holliger listed as "Schumann - 3 Romances", "Schumann - 5 Pieces in Folk Style". I got my 3 Romances but only 2 of the 5 "Pieces". I guess it's because it's a compliation, but it was certainly not obvious that the full set was not there. I shall be having words!

Sequoia

But that is a £2,000+ mastering program.

You can also use Samplitude LE which is the very basic version for about £50 - or Reaper is a free download.

Right oh, I might give it a go. I remember listening to some comparative recordings on a Nagra a few years back and thinking there was a miniscule improvement in dynamics and ambience going to 24/96. I'd be interested to see if my aging ears are still up to it - especially in the living room at home.