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 .
The track opens with the sound of flowing water (a field recording of a English creek) before Jon Anderson’s ethereal “A seasoned witch...” In standard MP3 or CD, this water sound can feel like a flat noise floor. In , you hear the texture of the water—the separation of droplets, the spatial positioning across the soundstage.
For casual listening, MP3s or standard streaming options suffice. However, for a record as structurally complex as Close to the Edge , the format acts as a time machine directly into Advision Studios. Audio Specification Standard CD (Red Book) High-Res FLAC The Audiophile Benefit Bit Depth 24-bit
For any progressive rock enthusiast possessing a high-fidelity DAC and high-end headphones or stereo speakers, the digital archive is not just a luxury; it is the definitive way to experience one of rock music's greatest achievements. Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192-
Modern digital tools lowered the noise floor without sacrificing the warmth of the analog tapes. Why 24-Bit / 192kHz FLAC Matters
: 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.
While the Wilson remixes are often provided at 96kHz, some high-res storefronts like ProStudioMasters offer a 192kHz version. The 2013 Definitive Edition, released on via Panegyric
Rather than brick-walling or radically altering the classic album, Steven Wilson approached the original 1972 multi-tracks with a restorative mindset. His 2013 stereo mix rectifies several technical limitations inherent to 1970s vinyl master constraints.
The physical editions included a 20-page booklet with new liner notes by Sid Smith and unreleased Roger Dean artwork.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Is 192kHz overkill? For some albums, yes. But Close to the Edge is not "some album." It is a dense, layered tapestry of Rickenbacker bass runs, Hammond organ swells, Mellotron choirs, and Steve Howe’s acoustic arpeggios that flicker like candlelight. In , you hear the texture of the
: A 18-minute sonic narrative based loosely on Hermann Hesse's novel Siddhartha , balancing chaotic avant-garde passages with serene, spiritual melodies.
This release is a masterclass in high-resolution audio. To understand its value, it's important to break down the technical terms in the keyword.