Debussy Préludes, L123, Book II [Pure DSD]

Review: I attempt to provide the reader with context for the review comments. The subject is Debussy Preludes, Book 2. This is a collection of short piano works available from Native DSD.

Performance: This performance occurred in Hunnia Record studio on June 17, 2023. David Bell is the pianist. The performance is an appropriate interpretation of Debussy impressionism. Pay particular attention to the third work “La Puerta del Vino” for his cascading rhythms.

Production. The recording was made by the Hunnia team in Pure DSD 256 Stereo.

Playback System. The playback system is designed to be highly resolving in order to adequately evaluate the selection’s attributes. A brief description of the playback system components follows for those interested in such details: Stromtank 2500 power regeneration; Atlas Assimi grounded cables; an Innuos Statement network server; Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC; Tom Evans MasterVibe preamplifier; monoblock Audion Golden Dreams with PX25; and Songer 1x single point source field coil speakers.

Reference Works. For review purposes, I did not compare this work with any others.

Review Elements. Live or Studio Setting; Channel Dominance (Right, Centered or Left;) Soundstage (Deep or Shallow, Narrow or Broad;) Audio Spectrum (Narrow, Wide, Bass Depth, Treble Clarity;) Dynamic Range (Compressed or Expanded volume range;) Instrument Separation (Distinct or Muddy;) Realism (Recorded or Life Like;)

Review: This is a studio production. The channels were balanced with remarkable soundstage depth and breadth, particularly for a single instrument recording. The audio spectrum was wide with Bass Depth and Treble Clarity. The acoustics of the recording studio were superb. This is a solo piano performance. The recording detail is finely detailed. The striking of the hammers on the keys has a “live sound” to it. The reverberation of the piano sound board is subtle and fades to nil with realistic precision. The instrument location was lifelike and distinct with the treble range on the right and bass range on the left as if the listener were a few feet behind the pianist. The Dynamic Range is excellent. The bass is rich and the treble is clear, not harsh.

Conclusion: As one would expect, this Pure DSD 256 recording is studio grade. Actually better than vinyl or tape. A “must have” if one enjoys French impressionism piano works and Debussy. It would be hard to imagine a higher total experience piece. For the combination of all these factors, this is a reference work of this piece.