To appreciate the , avoid Bluetooth headphones. You need:
Observing the spectral analysis of the 24-192 FLAC, the frequency response extends naturally past 30kHz with dither noise, rather than cutting off sharply at 22kHz (which would indicate an upsampled CD source). The dynamic range (DR) value scores between DR12 and DR14 across the album, significantly higher than the brickwalled DR6 of the 1999 "Remastered" CD.
A rare hard rock gem. The 2013 remaster unclips the bass guitar. You can feel the attack of Rick Wills’ fingers on the strings. The high-res transfer handles the tape saturation beautifully; when the band crashes in, there is no digital brickwalling. Foreigner - Agent Provocateur -2013- -FLAC 24-192-
The standout track, "I Want to Know What Love Is," benefits immensely from the 192kHz sampling rate. The New Jersey Mass Choir’s backing vocals, which can sound like a singular wall of sound on lower-quality files, are revealed as a collection of distinct, harmonizing voices. You can hear the decay of the reverb in the studio and the subtle grit in Lou Gramm’s iconic vocal delivery.
| Format | Pros | Cons | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Warm analog compression; great for the choir track. | Surface noise; inner groove distortion on "Reaction to Action." | | 1985 CD | Quiet background; portable. | Harsh upper-mids; digital "glare" on synth pads. | | 2013 FLAC 24-192 | Vastly improved soundstage; no perceived jitter; tape hiss is musical, not annoying. | Requires high-end DAC; large file sizes (~2GB for album). | To appreciate the , avoid Bluetooth headphones
The keyword points to a specific iteration of the album that is highly prized in the audiophile community. But what happened in 2013?
The production on the album was dense. Layers of keyboards, backing vocals, and synthesized drums were stacked on top of Jones’ guitar riffs. This density is precisely why high-fidelity audio formats are crucial for this specific record. On low-quality MP3s, the mix can sound muddy, the cymbals harsh, and the choir compressed. But in the right format, the separation between the instruments becomes clear, revealing the meticulous studio craft. A rare hard rock gem
Foreigner's 1984 release, Agent Provocateur, remains a fascinating pivot point in the band's multi-platinum career. While it yielded their biggest hit, "I Want to Know What Love Is," the album also showcased a darker, more experimental synth-rock edge. For audiophiles, the 2013 high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz FLAC remaster isn't just a digital file; it is the definitive way to experience the atmospheric production of Mick Jones and Alex Sadkin.
But the album is more than just that single. The opener, "Tooth and Nail," is a ferocious rocker that proves the band hadn't lost their edge. "That Was Yesterday" showcased a keyboard-driven progression that fit perfectly alongside peers like Journey and Van Halen.