Alice Cooper - Billion Dollar Babies - Quad Blu-ray Audio review

Alice Cooper's "Billion Dollar Babies" returns in sensational quadraphonic glory on a Blu-ray Audio disc from Rhino Records. The DTS HD Master Audio 192kHz / 24-bit Quad and Stereo mixes unveil an unprecedented sonic odyssey after nearly a half century. This is absolutely an exquisite revamped of his legendary opus meticulously resurrected from the original half-inch four-channel masters, delivering a vibrant listening experience that is poised to redefine one’s perception of the sound of this recording.

Absolutely a quadraphonic marvel wherein parts are spread out two the far corners of the room, immersing listeners in the sonic splendor as the music fully envelops them around the sweet spot. With four distinct audio channels seamlessly intertwined, Alice Cooper's symphonic wizardry takes on a new dimension, creating an expansive and captivating auditory landscape that is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Sure, most long-time fans have only heard the stereo version, and a subsequent 5.1 mix released on DVD several years back – but now it is time to surround oneself with the quad edition of Alice Cooper "Billion Dollar Babies." This artistic album melds spellbinding theatricality with hard-hitting rock anthems like "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and the timeless "Elected." Ascend to musical nirvana by basking in the high resolution vibrance of an album that claimed the coveted #1 spot on both the U.S. Billboard 200 and the prestigious U.K. Album Chart. With accolades like these, it's no wonder that "Billion Dollar Babies" achieved platinum certification, etching its name into the annals of musical history.

Simply this Quadio Blu-ray release is filled with sonic wonders, including drums that pulsate with newfound life and bass lines resonate with unparalleled richness. Listeners like me reap the benefit of auditory discovery of hidden nuances and intricacies of the music, revealing a level of transparency and detail that should leave you spellbound. Take note of the guitars that leap forth with newfound vigor, elevating the aural experience to rockin’ heights. Still, some may find the departure of the quad mix from the traditional stereo mix annoyingly different, instead I find this divergence adds a layer of intrigue to the familiar tunes. These artistic mixing variances are most obvious with the vocals that possess a distinctive dryness, guitars that emerge with newfound prominence, and an overall sense of spaciousness that transforms the listening experience into a mesmerizing odyssey.

Alternatively, for connoisseurs of high-resolution stereo sound, the Blu-ray contains a dynamic and fantastic sounding stereo version, meticulously transferred from the analog master tapes to capture every subtle nuance. For digital backup geeks, these are found as part of the quad chapters due to technical aspects arising from timing differences between the quad and stereo mixes. Thus, those files will have silent back channels.

Whether you're a seasoned Alice Cooper aficionado or a curious newcomer, this extraordinary quadraphonic Blu-ray provides an unforgettable auditory adventure that will leave you craving for more.

Released June 23, 2023.

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 About the Author

Wesley is a lifelong music enthusiast. He started his career in the recording industry in New York City as an audio engineer, producer, and studio manager. Subsequently he toured across America as a guitarist with the short-lived band Land's Crossing. After many years in the technology sector and amassing a substantial vinyl and CD collection, he delved into immersive audio and created Hi-Res Edition to share with other listeners about the sound quality and discrete mixes available on many formats. He recently upgraded his system to 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos and continues to seek out and share about the best sounding releases.