Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -flac 24-192- -

Unlocking the Apex of Prog: Why “Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192-” is the Definitive Listening Experience

In the pantheon of progressive rock, few albums stand as tall, as complex, and as spiritually immense as Yes’s 1972 masterpiece, Close to the Edge. For decades, fans have debated which pressing, which remaster, and which format best captures the thunderous lows of Chris Squire’s bass, the ethereal chime of Steve Howe’s guitar, and the cathedral-like vocals of Jon Anderson.

That debate effectively ended in 2013. For the discerning listener searching for the ultimate digital transfer, the specific string of descriptors—“Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192-”—represents not just a file format, but a key to an auditory universe. This article dives deep into why this particular release is the gold standard, what those technical specifications mean for your listening session, and where the magic of this 2013 high-resolution transfer truly lies.

1. “Close to the Edge” – The Solid Time of Change

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 24-192, you hear the texture of the water—the separation of droplets, the spatial positioning across the soundstage.

When the band crashes in at 1:45, the lower bitrates tend to compress the attack. Here, Chris Squire’s Rickenbacker bass hits with a percussive, growling thud that vibrates through your chest. The high frequencies of Steve Howe’s steel guitar have shimmer, not sibilance.

How Does It Compare to Other Versions?

Many Yes fans ask: Why buy the 2013 24/192 FLAC if I have the Blu-Ray or the Steven Wilson remix?

  • vs. The Steven Wilson Remix (2013): Wilson’s 5.1 and stereo remixes are incredible, but they are reinterpretations. Wilson separated tracks, adjusted panning, and changed levels. The 2013 FLAC 24-192 of the original stereo mix preserves the authentic 1972 Eddy Offord master. It is the album as it was intended, just with modern resolution.
  • vs. The 2003 CD Remaster: The 2003 version suffers from the "Loudness War"—dynamically compressed to sound loud on iPod earbuds. The 2013 24/192 has a much wider crest factor (the difference between peak and average volume).
  • vs. Vinyl: Even a pristine original pressing of Close To The Edge suffers from inner-groove distortion on the long title track. Digital 24/192 eliminates this entirely, providing perfect tracking and zero surface noise.

Conclusion: The Edge Worth Reaching For

Progressive rock is about pushing boundaries—musical, temporal, and technological. To listen to Close to the Edge in standard definition is to see a cathedral through a dirty window. To listen to “Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192-” is to stand in the nave, gaze up at the stained glass, and feel the organ vibrate through the stone floor. Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192-

For fans who have memorized every note, this 2013 high-resolution release offers a fresh revelation: the sound of five virtuosos at their absolute peak, preserved in a digital container worthy of their ambition.

Download it, light a candle, and get up, get down—all the way to the solid time of change.

Word count: ~1,250. For the collector: Pair this FLAC with a good tube headphone amplifier to soften the transient peaks, and you’ll hear why 1972 was prog’s annus mirabilis.

The Yes - Close To The Edge - 2013 - FLAC 24-192 refers to a specific high-resolution digital version of the seminal 1972 progressive rock masterpiece, primarily sourced from the 2013 "Definitive Edition" reissue on Panegyric Recordings. This release is celebrated for featuring brand-new stereo and 5.1 surround mixes by Steven Wilson, as well as ultra-high-resolution transfers of the original production. Technical Breakdown

This specific 24-bit / 192kHz FLAC typically originates from the Blu-ray component of the 2013 set, which contained multiple audio streams: Unlocking the Apex of Prog: Why “Yes -

Original 1972 Stereo Mix (24/192): A "flat transfer" from the original master tapes with no additional EQ, providing the most authentic digital representation of the original Eddy Offord production.

Steven Wilson 2013 Stereo Mix (24/96): While the Wilson remixes are often provided at 96kHz, some high-res storefronts like ProStudioMasters offer a 192kHz version.

Instrumental Mixes: The set included Wilson’s new stereo mixes without vocals, allowing for deep focus on the complex interplay between Wakeman, Howe, Squire, and Bruford. Key Features of the 2013 Edition

Unrivaled Clarity: Steven Wilson’s remix is widely praised by Discogs reviewers for better instrument separation, particularly bringing Rick Wakeman’s keyboards more forward and tightening Chris Squire’s famously "growly" Rickenbacker bass.

Bonus Tracks: Includes the full-length version of "America" (Simon & Garfunkel cover) and previously unreleased "Early Assembly" or rough mixes of the title track. Conclusion: The Edge Worth Reaching For Progressive rock

Spatial Integrity: For those with the full physical set, the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio is considered a benchmark for surround sound, specifically the "I Get Up, I Get Down" section with its soaring church organ. Performance Summary

Based on the file naming convention you provided, this appears to be the 2013 HD Remaster of the classic progressive rock album Close to the Edge by Yes.

Here is a guide on what this specific file entails, why it is significant, and how to get the most out of listening to it.

The Verdict: The Definitive Digital Experience

If you are looking for the absolute best way to experience Yes’s 1972 masterpiece in a digital format, the 2013 24-bit/192kHz FLAC transfer is widely considered the gold standard. It bridges the gap between the warmth of the original vinyl pressings and the convenience of modern digital audio.

Here is a breakdown of why this specific file format and remaster stand out.

How to Properly Enjoy This Release

Having the file “Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192-” is only half the battle. To appreciate it:

  1. Hardware: Use a DAC that genuinely supports 192 kHz/24-bit (e.g., AudioQuest DragonFly, Schiit Modi, or any modern receiver). Do not rely on your laptop’s headphone jack.
  2. Speakers/Headphones: High-resolution reveals flaws. Use neutral studio monitors (like Sennheiser HD 600 headphones or KEF speakers) to hear the true transfer.
  3. Software: Play via a lossless-capable app like Audirvana, Roon, or even VLC (configured correctly). Ensure your OS isn’t resampling the signal to 48 kHz internally.
  4. Environment: Close your eyes. This is not a “background at work” album. Dedicate 38 minutes of darkness and silence.

4. Comparison to Other Versions

  • Vs. Spotify/Apple Music (Lossy): There is no comparison. The lossy streams flatten the soundstage. The 24/192 FLAC has a 3D quality where instruments are placed specifically in the left, right, and center field.
  • Vs. Original Vinyl: Vinyl purists will always argue for the original Atlantic pressings. However, the 2013 24/192 master gets closer to that vinyl sound than any previous CD. It retains the "warmth" but adds a stability in the pitch and a lack of surface noise that vinyl collectors have to tolerate.