Recent Finds No. 33 International Phonograph Inc (IPI) Pure DSD256 Transfers are Back!

Let there be rejoicing among fans of Pure DSD recordings—transfers from the IPI analog master tapes to Pure DSD256 are back at HDTT! They disappeared for a while when IPI owner and recording engineer Jonathan Horwich decided to retire and withdrew them. But now the International Phonograph, Inc., catalog is returned to HDTT. These albums are some of the most outstanding freelance recordings of live jazz performances available (including live performances by Benny Goodman, Clare Fischer, Warne Marsh, Jeremy Kahn, Lee Konitz, Martial Solal, Joe Policastro, Mike Garson, Oscar Peterson, Stan Getz, and many other excellent performers.

Here are just some of the IPI recordings I've treasured in my music collection which are once again available from HDTT—all transferred from the original 15ips 2-track edit master tapes in Pure DSD256:

Why have these recordings been so highly valued by audiophiles for decades? Several reasons: 1) many great artists are captured; 2) these are live recordings (for the most part) with that spontaneity that comes only from performances before an audience; 3) the recording quality is consistently outstanding, with no compression and minimal-to-no post-processing; 4) they were available in reel-to-reel tape dubs directly from Jonathan; 5) the Pure DSD256 transfers are made directly from the analog edit master tapes using high quality ADC and ancillary equipment.

As with any live recordings, these will have some audience noise here or there. And, while the microphone setup is consistently very good, placement had to accommodate the needs of the live performance itself and the dictates of the venue management. Overall, the results are magnificent.

I've reviewed quite a few of these albums in earlier articles, see below. This article is simply a public service announcement (PSA) to say that these wonderful recordings are once again available. If you missed them earlier, now is the time to rectify your loss.

The Jonathan Horwich Recordings at HDTT - Pure DSD256 from the Master Tapes

Recent Finds No. 19 - HDTT Adds New Bundles of Joy

Recent Finds No. 2 - All Jazz! From HDTT