Why hiss on classical music

[DannyG]

Even if it's recorded on CD I find there's still hiss on songs featuring classical music. I got the Rob Dougan album 'Furious Angels' and there is distinct hiss with orchestral sections. I sense it's because that portion is not recorded in an isolated studio on a track format, so is more susceptible to noise. Anywhere near correct?

[moonacre]

I think the likely explanation is that the original recording was made some years ago or was done on the cheap so the recording quality is below modern standards. With the advent of CD technology, imperfections that would not be apparent on say vinyl or cassette become audible. This hiss can be cleaned up electronically but it can be a challenge with classical music as the dynamic range is so great (filter out the hiss in a quiet part and you filter out some of the wanted sound!). For cost reasons you are likely to find this happens more on budget classical CDs.

[DannyG]

But the recording in question was made on a high-budget album. I think...

[moonacre]

I can think of only 4 main areas where hiss could be introduced: in the original recording, in the mastering, in the CD pressing (manufacture) and in the playback. A high budget album should avoid the first 3 which leaves your system. It could be that your CD player/amp etc doesn't cope well with the compression and/or equalisation used in the CD. If so then I'd expect this to be evident on any CD you played which had a similar dynamic range. If it's only this CD then I'd say you might have a faulty pressing - CD manufacture is generally outsourced to a number of companies and quality can vary greatly.

[DannyG]

I hear hiss on some other CDs too. My system isn't a top budget one, and I've tested these CDs in other players where the hiss is still evident. My main system's weakness is a poor CD player. I also tried it in a personal CD player, and on my PC. Mind you, I have CDs which have no hiss. Just to confirm this I threw on my Smashing Pumpkins Meloncollie CD - almost none. Guess it does vary CD to CD. Thanks.