The 2013 reissue is not just another remaster. Steven Wilson went back to the original multi-track tapes to rebuild the mix from scratch.
Sampling at 192,000 times per second captures ultra-high frequencies well beyond human hearing. Its true utility lies in the elimination of phase distortion and the deployment of gentle anti-aliasing filters. The result is an incredibly realistic soundstage where instruments have physical space.
The album’s closing track is a groove-heavy workout. The 192kHz sampling rate ensures that Bill Bruford’s intricate, jazz-inflected drumming is perfectly preserved. The snap of his snare drum and the bright, shimmering decay of his cymbals never sound harsh or digital. The track's complex outro, where multiple vocal melodies and guitar riffs compete for space, remains perfectly separated and easily decipherable. Hardware Requirements for the Ultimate Playback
: Wilson’s remix reduces the harshness of earlier remasters and improves the "roundness" of the sound. Listeners often note that Chris Squire's bass and Bill Bruford's percussion are significantly more resonant and crisp. Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192-
Here is a deep dive into why this specific high-resolution edition remains an essential cornerstone of any digital music collection. The Definitive Steven Wilson Remix
The side-long title track benefits immensely from high-resolution digital architecture. The chaotic, avant-garde intro—combining field recordings of running water and chirping birds with abrasive full-band fusion improvisations—is delivered with total clarity.
When dealing with a file labeled , you are looking at the pinnacle of consumer audio specifications. Here is what those numbers mean for your ears: The 2013 reissue is not just another remaster
If you are a fan of progressive rock, and specifically Yes, the release is an essential purchase. It is not merely a "cash grab" but a thoughtful, lovingly crafted restoration of one of the greatest albums ever recorded. The FLAC format ensures the best possible sound quality, bringing the listener closer to the edge than ever before.
The 2013 Definitive Edition, released on via Panegyric Recordings, was the first in a new series of expanded Yes editions and set a new benchmark for how classic rock albums could be reissued. Curated by the acclaimed musician and producer Steven Wilson (of Porcupine Tree fame), this release is a treasure trove of high-resolution content, but its crown jewel is the Original Stereo Mix , presented as a flat transfer from the original master tape at an astonishing resolution of LPCM 192kHz/24-bit .
Your browser does not support the audio element. *Listen to a sample of the album's opening section. This low-bitrate, compressed preview cannot convey the full dynamic range or precise stereo imaging of the 24/192 mix, but it illustrates the intricate arrangement and delicate interplay between instruments.* Its true utility lies in the elimination of
If you are interested in exploring this release further, I can help you: Compare the 2013 remix to the 2013 flat transfer.
The famous clack and growl of the bass strings gain pristine definition.