Dominique Fils Aimé – Nameless – A reference quality audiophile album – Reviewed Digital vs Vinyl record at 45 rpm

[Jean.Francois]

Hello,

Hi-Fi and High End audio shows are a great opportunity to discover new equipment, but also to listen to music in outstanding listening conditions. It was at one of these shows that I discovered Nameless, Dominique Fils-Aimé’s debut album, and more specifically the track Birds.
Released in 2018, Nameless already lays the foundations of the artist’s distinctive sound. The album showcases the meticulous work on vocals, soundstage, and overall sonic precision, qualities that are also found on her latest album, My World Is The Sun (review : High Res 24 96 vs Dolby Atmos vs pureaudiostreaming in 7.1.4 vs Vinyl record) .

This signature sound is the result of the work of recording and mixing engineer Jacques Roy. You can also read our interview with him to discover the artistic and technical choices that shaped the sound and mixing of Dominique Fils-Aimé’s albums.

The graph below compares the spectrum of the Blue vinyl record 45rpm – 2020 (white curve) with the spectrum of the Apple Music – 2018 (blue curve).

A comparison of the two spectrum curves reveals two points that will have a significant impact on the sound quality of the two versions. Above 10 kHz (yellow zone), the vinyl record s level is higher, with an additional 3 dB at 15 kHz and 6 dB at 20 kHz for the vinyl record. As for the bass (green zone), below 200 Hz, there is an attenuation of between 1 and 3 dB in the vinyl record s level.

These two differences will influence the vinyl record s sound, resulting in less pronounced bass and more precise treble; the listening test described below will confirm this point.

The recording and mixing quality of the digital album (Apple 24/96) is noteworthy. It features a very wide soundstage; you even get the sensation that sound is coming from the sides as well (as if you had side speakers in Dolby Atmos). The vocals and instruments are perfectly positioned, with exemplary precision and clarity.
Jacques Roy has created a benchmark album here, particularly the track Birds, which is ideal for testing your audio system. It allows you to evaluate your system’s tonal balance: the bass should be present without being overpowering, the vocals should remain clear and precise, and, finally, the soundstage should extend beyond the speakers.

Given the quality of the digital version, I have to admit I didn’t expect to be blown away while listening by the vinyl version. The bass is less pronounced, but it’s still very present and highly detailed, and the treble are more precise, adding extra nuances to the listening experience compared to the digital version.
The sound quality is therefore exceptional.
I admit I listened to it on different systems to confirm this impression. It’s a reference album that I highly recommend, you’ll feel like you re listening to a studio master.
This is especially evident on the track Birds. Give it a listen to fully appreciate all the nuances and the openness of Jacques Roy’s mix.


You can also find the full analysis (including all graphs and measurements) and samples HERE (link).

Enjoy the listening.
Jean-François

 

[ErVikingo]

Very interesting. I was introduced to that track by a friend that came to listen at home. Great dynamics.

Question, have you compared it to the Qobuz version?

 

[Jean.Francois]

Very interesting. I was introduced to that track by a friend that came to listen at home. Great dynamics.

Question, have you compared it to the Qobuz version?

I haven't compared it to the Qobuz version, but the various streaming services received the same version of the album. So we should get the same result (without taking the player's quality into account).