Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -flac 24-192- -
Rating: 9.5/10
The "Yes - Close To The Edge - 2013 - FLAC 24-192" is essential listening for audiophiles and prog-rock fans. It respects the original mix while utilizing modern technology to extract every ounce of detail from the master tapes.
If you have high-quality headphones or a decent speaker setup, this is the version to own. It allows you to hear the intricacies of Bill Bruford’s drumming and the majesty of Jon Anderson’s vocals with a transparency that arguably makes this the best-sounding version of the album ever released to the public.
The 2013 definitive edition of Yes's Close to the Edge represents a major milestone for audiophiles, as it was the first in a series of expanded editions to feature new high-resolution mixes. While various digital versions exist, the FLAC 24-bit / 192 kHz format is specifically associated with the "Flat Transfer" of the original 1972 master tape. High-Resolution Audio Specs
The 2013 release, spearheaded by Steven Wilson, offered multiple audio configurations across Blu-ray and digital download:
Original 1972 Stereo Mix: Transferred directly from the original analogue master tape at 24-bit / 192 kHz with no additional EQ or compression.
Steven Wilson 2013 Stereo Remix: Typically presented at 24-bit / 96 kHz to match the resolution of the multitrack source tapes.
5.1 Surround Sound: Available in DTS-HD Master Audio at 24-bit / 96 kHz.
Bonus Content: Includes the single version of "America" at 24/192 and high-resolution instrumental versions.
The 2013 high-resolution reissue of Yes’s progressive rock masterpiece, Close to the Edge, is widely considered the definitive audiophile version. This specific release, part of the Definitive Edition series, features a complete remix by Steven Wilson from the original multitrack tapes, aiming for modern clarity while faithfully preserving the 1972 spirit. Technical Specifications & Formats Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192-
Format: Typically available as a 24-bit / 192kHz FLAC download or via physical Blu-ray/DVD-A sets.
Source Material: Includes both Steven Wilson's 2013 Stereo Mix and a high-resolution flat transfer of the Original 1972 Stereo Mix. Contents: "Close to the Edge" (18:43) "And You and I" (10:09) "Siberian Khatru" (09:01)
Bonus Tracks: Often includes the full version of "America" and early rough mixes. Key Features of the 2013 Remix
Title: Diving into the Deep End: Why Yes’ ‘Close to the Edge’ in 24-bit/192kHz FLAC is a Revelation
Introduction There are album remasters, and then there are archival events. In 2013, Panegyric Recordings—in conjunction with Steven Wilson and the estate of Yes—undertook the monumental task of future-proofing the band’s most sacred text: Close to the Edge.
For the first time, the master tapes of the 1972 prog-rock magnum opus were transferred directly to high-resolution audio. The result was a digital release that silenced the critics of the loudness war and gave audiophiles a reason to recalibrate their systems. Today, we are looking at the Yes – Close to the Edge (2013) – FLAC 24-bit/192kHz version.
Why 24/192 Matters for This Album 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.
The 24-bit/192kHz FLAC file captures:
Track by Track Breakdown
1. Close to the Edge (18:43)
2. And You and I (10:09)
3. Siberian Khatru (8:55)
The Technical Verdict
Who Is This For?
How to Listen (Properly) Do not listen to this on your phone speaker or laptop headphones.
Final Score
Bottom Line: The 2013 24-bit/192kHz FLAC of Close to the Edge is the definitive digital edition. It proves that Yes didn't just write songs; they built cathedrals of sound. If you have the bandwidth and the DAC, buy this file. Throw away your old MP3s. You are about to hear I get up, I get down with a clarity that will give you chills.
Get the Album: Available on HDtracks, Qobuz, and ProStudioMasters. Rating: 9
What is your favorite isolated moment on the 24/192 version? Let us know in the comments below.
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.
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.
Downloading Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192- is only half the battle. To resolve that information, you need a proper playback chain:
To fully benefit from 24/192 FLAC:
Listening to the 2013 FLAC 24-192 release reveals details previously masked by lower-resolution formats.
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is crucial here. Unlike MP3 or AAC, FLAC compresses the file without removing any data. The 2013 FLAC 24-192 file is a bit-perfect replica of the high-resolution master. For the listener, this means zero generational loss. Title: Diving into the Deep End: Why Yes’