The title track alone is an 18-minute sonic journey inspired by Hermann Hesse’s novel Siddhartha . It shifts seamlessly from chaotic, avant-garde fusion jams to soaring, spiritual vocal harmonies, and church organ movements. Recording this in 1972 required pushing the existing 24-track analog tape technology to its absolute breaking point, resulting in heavy tape splicing, bouncing, and inherent generational audio degradation. For decades, standard vinyl pressings and early compact disc transfers suffered from a muddy mid-range and a compressed soundstage that failed to capture the true scale of the band's vision. Enter Steven Wilson: The 2013 Definitive Remix
: 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
Yes - Close To The Edge - 2013 (FLAC 24-192) release is a highly regarded audiophile edition, primarily known for being the first entry in the band's "Definitive Edition" series remixed by Steven Wilson Key Technical Specifications Resolution: 24-bit / 192kHz (and 24-bit / 96kHz for specific mixes). Primary Format:
Do you need help for bit-perfect 24-bit/192kHz playback? Share public link
When combined, a file is a digital master. For Close to the Edge , this format was used for the "Original Stereo Mixes - Flat Transfer From Original Master," meaning the 1972 analog master tape was transferred directly to a 192kHz/24-bit digital file without any additional processing, EQ, or limiting. The result is arguably the truest digital representation of what was originally captured on tape in 1972. Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192-
If you need help choosing the for bit-perfect playback
If you have high-quality headphones or a decent speaker setup, this is the version to own. It allows you to hear the intricacies of Bill Bruford’s drumming and the majesty of Jon Anderson’s vocals with a transparency that arguably makes this the best-sounding version of the album ever released to the public.
A "flat transfer" from the original master tapes with no additional EQ, providing the most authentic digital representation of the original Eddy Offord production.
To help you get the most out of your high-resolution audio library, let me know: The title track alone is an 18-minute sonic
As Steve Howe tunes his 12-string guitar and counts in, the high sample rate captures the microscopic friction of fingers sliding across metal strings.
A 24-bit / 96kHz "needle-drop" transfer of an original A1/B1 UK vinyl pressing. Artwork & Notes:
Origins and musical architecture
Standard CDs are limited to 16-bit resolution, offering 96 decibels of dynamic range. A 24-bit file delivers up to 144 decibels. This extra headroom allows the quietest acoustic guitar plucks by Steve Howe and the loudest synthesizer swells by Rick Wakeman to coexist without digital compression. Micro-Detail and Spatial Realism For decades, standard vinyl pressings and early compact
Open-back headphones or full-range floor speakers to capture the massive soundstage. If you'd like, I can help you: Compare this to the 2023 Rhino High Fidelity track-by-track review focusing on specific instruments. best settings for your specific audio equipment to play FLAC files. Let me know which part of the listening experience you want to explore next!
As an ethical note: always purchase high-resolution music. This specific version is available from:
Zero data is discarded. You receive a bit-perfect copy of the master studio studio output, compressed only in file size, not in audio quality. Track-by-Track Sonic Breakdown in 24/192 1. "Close to the Edge" (18:41)
Is this the greatest prog album of all time? In this resolution, it’s hard to argue otherwise.
dizzying array of acoustic, electric, and pedal steel guitars.