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More Reviews on this page: History In Hi-Res...

About "The Window" (HIFICRITIC 2020, Top 5 Best All Time DSD Recordings
"...let's make it clear that the songwriter/guitarist not only produces great music, but also great sounding recordings, going his own way, with self-released albums that still set standards almost 2 decades on...

Not only that, he was also a DSD pioneer, recording The Window direct to the format, and in multichannel too, using an early version of the Sonoma DSD Workstation to capture the live acoustic sessions in eight channels. It’s another one of those recordings all about a realistic live
sound of the musicians playing together, and can still induce a shiver with the absolute ‘you are there’ ambience, whether in stereo or 5.1 channels, and above all Elias writes ridiculously catchy songs and performs them with superb musicians." - HIFICRITIC 2020

"As usual your music makes me always so quiet, so at ease as almost no other music can.Thank God for your talent." - Gert, The Netherlands

"Never have I enjoyed nor experienced from music what you were able to do and communicate through your heartfelt expressions. Well done! Congratulations." - Doug L, underground 1960's FM DJ, Berkeley

"I am now on my second listen [Crossing] and the sound quality is glorious. Your voice sounds close miked? Your voice also sounds similar to Chris Rea's. My wife also mentioned this! It is a wonderful album, chilled and mostly laid back, and your voice, guitars and percussion all sound very natural with classy musicianship." - Jonathan, UK

"Id already got the DSD download [Slipper DSD Sessions: And The Bit Goes On], and bought this MQA version to compare them. They are subtly different, both excellent. I’m playing the MQA back through an ordinary dac (not MQA enabled), but even so, the quality at 24/44.1 and 1419kbps was way above what would be expected. It seems the reviews of MQA timing accuracy delivering superb quality even without MQA decoders were correct." - David C., UK

"Truly fantastic master, [Acoustic Trio] hints of the typical audiophile presence bump but nonetheless free of grain and exaggeration. After scouring hundreds of famous recordings these are one of the five albums I find truly worthy as a reference. Beautiful composition, effortless vocals, keep up the great work!" - Xiaorong Y. on Bandcamp

"Every 'great' recording requires 'great' music, and that's what this disc [The Window] is all about. The result can truly be considered a work of greatness. From the moment the disc begins, one is instantly grabbed by the intimate soundstage; Elias sings the majority of lines no louder than a whisper, almost as if all the songs are lullabies, but it sounds as if he's doing so while sitting on your lap, such is the feeling of a real, confined acoustic space and a close proximity to the performers. The experience is startling, even to a hardened listener such as myself." - Stuart Robinson - High Fidelity Review

"This was my first purchase of David's work [Acoustic Trio DSD Sessions] and there's not a track I don't love.. The lack of that PCM 'compressed' sound with the DSD recording and the 'Live' feel he manages to achieve make this an outstanding album. Outstanding! :)" - Simon B., Australia

"From the first note, it's apparent that this [Crossing] is an extraordinary recording...This is intelligent and melodic pop folk-rock, and Elias's singing is honest and tuneful." - Kal Rubinson, Stereophile Magazine.

"What excellent compositions [Acoustic Trio]…exceptional performances…and rich, harmonic, organic sound, as natural and mellow via DSD as one could wish...10 stars...Love it, big time" - Dr. David W. Robinson, Positive Feedback Online

David Elias High Resolution Audio

Feature Interview with David Elias by The Witchdoctor in New Zealand

"The High Resolution Musician", by Dr. Richard Varey

"Anyone serious about experiencing realistic recorded music reproduction should hear David’s high definition albums on a high performance playback system."

"Gawd, what cool music you make. I am lovin' it and telling my friends." - Richard C.

"Thank you too for doing such fine recordings. I don’t think I have ever heard a more natural sounding recording." - Eric D.

"I was actually listening to some of your music last night when I received your email. I'm finding your Acoustic Trio really quite addictive. I particularly love The Riddle Song and Good Old Days but I'm honestly relishing every single track in the album and I can't say that about many albums I own. I've been streaming your Coffee House Playlist also and that sounds great so I'll probably download that one this week too. The only problem with the DSD files I'm having now is that after listening to them, the rest of my music collection just doesn't sound as good anymore lol.

I plan to fly home to the UK for a while around Christmas time and Im looking forward to introducing your music to some friends and family. I think my father in particular will love it and will probably be blown away by the quality of the recordings too, just as I was." - Pete, Viet Nam

"If you want to know what SACD is all about...then get a SACD player and this SACD. Every time I queue it up in my 5 disc changer/player, even if I start doing something else in the interim, I stop and sit and smile for at least a song or two when this one comes up. David's voice and acoustic guitar, the supporting musicians, the clarity of the recording, the overall production of the album are second to none. Many, if not most, other SACD recordings are mixed into the SACD format either after being recorded before DSD/SACD format was invented or after being recorded on the more typical/standard studio equipment; a true DSD recording, such as this one, is still a rarity. If you're an acoustic music fan this one is a must have." - S. Whittenton

"I don't know how you did it, cause technically its not possible, but it sounds higher res than a CD - its awesome quality music too." - Fiona Joy, Blue Coast SACD/DSD recording artist, Grammy Winner

"The sound is incredible.  The loudspeakers vanish.  It sounds like you and the band are right here.  Very well done with the music and recording." - Herb B., High fidelity music listener

As I said on the poll for "The Window," there is more going on in the rears here than there is on the other album. Notwithstanding, both albums perfectly exemplify how flawless hi-res sound and surround mixing can draw you up-close into already intimate recordings. Just wonderful." - QuadraphonicQuad Forums

 "...the MQA sounds like you have more room to breathe,… It is just easier on the ears. In the low regions there is no distortion, even when I turn up the volume more than I would normally do and the high regions sound ‘calm’. What is even more important (I never met you in person, so maybe I am wrong), I think your voice is sounding more like the original in the MQA version." - Eric B., Audiophile

"Doesn't get any better than this. Euphoric! David has hit on all cylinders with this one [Crossing]. May as well be as inviting him and his wonderful band into your living room. Every aspect from composition,personnel and end results in the mastering process are as good as these 55 year old ears have heard. I can't wait til the next one." - Tom H.

"I've just got this [The Window] as a DSD DVD (plays on the Oppo as a data disc) and really like the album, the music is good (think Folk with a Fairport/JJ Cale feel), sound quality is excellent, the mix is immersive wrap round with instruments appearing in the rear channels. I think my favourite track is Half An Hour Away, love the intro. So its a solid 9." - Duncan S., UK

"Wow, [The Window is] a SACD that made me listen and love folk music. Never thought it would happen. Most of the things I would have said have been said (see below) but I can say the artistic value inherant here is phenomenal in both the music and technical areas. This is a prototypical SACD. I have only heard one that surpasses it for SACD sound, a little known one from Romero called "Un Segundo Una Vida." It is the highest fidelity recording I have heard on SACD. Period. It is half and half vocal/intrumental, in flamenco and latin jazz style. I received the two of them together (from CDbaby.com, great company) and have never had a day as jaw dropping as the day that I received these both and played them back to back in the dark with the volume pumped..." - Mhantra, SA-CD.net

"There is nothing like great music, except great music in a superb quality. I really enjoy the timbre and dynamics of your recordings, which I think the non-compression takes at least some credit for." - Erik N., Denmark

"The CD I have is David Elias, Rare to Go, December Solstice. I also have the MQA download version. YOU have a beautiful voice Mr. Elias, and you have created a stunning CD. You have poured your heart and soul into your work, and especially this recording. I think it's a masterpiece, it's that good." - Online Audiophile\

"The [Crossing] SACD is brilliantly recorded, the music reminds me a bit of the Transatlantic Sessions (a brilliant BBC series), Folk/Americana, lovely album, the mix makes you feel like you're sitting in amongst the band, with them in a circle around you." - QuadraphonicQuad Forums

"In your work I have been amazed by the presence and intimacy of your voice that creates a closeness and a bond that is impossible not to stop and listen to the lyrics. Congratulations also for the lyrics that I would define not stories but single emotions and moods (clearly yours, but that each one can share), in one word poems. In the end I do not know if I could explain what I felt; I simply felt emotions, desire to understand and share your own emotions." - Anonymous Hi-Res Listener

"Very realistic SACD of absolutely wonderful Folk Music. Never heard of David Elias, his SACD "The Window" was recommended by several posters on the High-Rez Highway as one of the best SACDs for music and sonics. I agree all the instruments sound REAL and David Elias has of the most beautiful voices in folk music. And all the Songs are fantastic, every single one! This is one of my favorite SACDs! Highly, highly recommended!" - SA-CD.net

"The more I Listen to the CROSSING MQA CD  the more I’m impressed with it , just fabulous , I’m doing a fill in this afternoon for 3 hours of Country Rock and Bluegrass and will be featuring CROSSING MQA" - Pete, DJ in Australia 2Max FM 91.3

"I'm overwhelmed by your Music and the Hi-res quality is strongly addictive!! You've got yourself a FAN!!...Very Cool David! Your music is getting under my skin. For some time I've found it kind of hard to find music that I REALLY enjoyed listening to...your music came as a gift...now we're back on track" - Verner N., Denmark

"Finally, took a moment to listen [to your MQA] with headphones. DAMN!" - Bill H., drummer on the Big Island

"How did you get it [MQA] to sound so amazing in my funky little computer speakers?" - C.P., Music Lover

"I just listened to the Mch download [The Window] from NativeDSD. I remember starting the playback with track1, then the room disappeared while the music played. It was as if I went into a trance, captivated by a great performance and wondrous sonic. 10....Listening to this right now [Crossing]. Every time I listen to both the David Elias surround albums, I'm all taken away by their strong moods. Truly beautiful music, and I love his voice." - QuadraphonicQuad Forums

"Dear David, again thanks for your wonderful music. My wife and me will enjoy it [Lost in the Green (MQA)] along with the one or other good espresso or cappuccino." - Rainer L., Germany

"I've been an audiophile since before they even called it that. My love for music led me into things that allowed me to be involved with the industry in many other ways besides actually being a musician.

First let me say you are one very talented musician. Aside from the recording the two downloads [Crossing, and Acoustic Trio] I bought were outstanding just thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. I love the soulful way you play the guitar and your lyrics are incredibly powerful.

The unique thing is that there wasn't one song I didn't enjoy as much as the other. That's never happened to me before. I've always had 2 or 3 songs I like as opposed to everything else on the recordings I bought or listened to. I was really blown away! Every track had its own unique journey.

I use the word journey because that's what it felt like. Each track seemed to take you on a journey ultimately yielding to an experience of its very own. The lyrics expressed through the music combined left me in a place of awe. Seriously each taking ahold of me leading on to a fulfilling emotional experience. Each unique and distinct from the other but always creating a hunger for more.

I got to tell you I've been an audiophile for 40 years (I'm 65). Never have I enjoyed nor experienced from music what you were able to do and communicate through your heartfelt expressions. Well done! Congratulations." - Doug L, underground FM DJ in Berkeley in the 60's...

"Sounds like Chris Rhea / Dire Straights - Very Good" - Dale on Facebook, 5-star Review

"Excellent music, [The Window is] folksy but with many influences, so I recommend it to a broader class of listener. Beautiful and immersive sound quality and the music itself is quite addictive". - Dr. OctoDivx on SA-CD.net

"Reviews by their nature often say less about the artist and his/her works than about the reviewer themselves. I would simply like to say that I found David's latest cd " The Window" lived up to the many praises I have heard about it. I thought the recording was very "lifelike ie. I could imagine with my eys closed while listening to this cd that I was in fact in the room with these talented musicians while the music was being played.This is I think in large part is due to the DSD recording but also due to the arrangements and the use of acoustic instruments more than electric instruments. I also found that David's lyrics to be thought provoking and very accessible/universal. This is an album that I am highly recommending to those who enjoy listening to music that has a down to earth, honest approach, and that celebrates the human condition. ie. love,sadness,hope,joy. rather than much of today's contemporary music that seems to focus so much negativity ie. money,crime,politics,religion, or just singing about cars/sex/partys etc. etc. etc. " - Alan W. on SA-CD.net

"Enjoy your music, a friend used your material to introduce me to MQA, because of that I had to buy a Mytek DAC - thought you would be interested to know I picked up on your CD's recorded at KAOS in Olympia that is signed by all the engineers etc. Anyway, thanks for your commitment to quality music." - Dave S.

"Yesterday I've visited your homepage and saw your offer for the Two Track and just downloaded it. First time hearing‎: Amazing. Full time relaxing with a lot of joy. The foot bobs up and down with a grin on my face. Pure emotions. Your recording quality is really fine. MQA on my XRP sounds great." - Joerg D., Germany

"Hi David, Amazing sound quality with the MQA. Your music is extra enhanced with MQA. I am using a Mytek Brooklyn Dac that can handle MQA and listening thru my Martin Logan electrostats. - Stig B., Sweden

"I can confirm that your [MQA] "crossing remastered" unpacks to 352 kHz here in the USA via Tidal. Sounds great!" - Vorticity, Meridianunplugged forum

"I'll start the ball rolling, check out David Elias https://www.davidelias.com  his stuff is recorded straight to DSD, I have The Window and Crossing, both excellent albums, recorded live in the studio with no overdubs and a bunch of superb musicians." - LENNIEH, NaimAudio.com forum

COFFEEHOUSE ACOUSTIC - 50% OFF
David Elias MQA Remasters to hear
No special hardware/software required (24/44.1k)
MQA decodes as 24/352.8k

New songs to hear and download...

YouTube Video Playlist for "Where Singles Meet"
Original Videos by David Elias