Note: this write-up treats the request as a detailed examination of the 2013 high-resolution 24‑bit/192 kHz FLAC release of Yes’s album Close to the Edge. I assume you mean the official 2013 remaster / high-resolution release commonly distributed in lossless 24/192 format. If you meant a different edition or a fan remaster, say so and I will adjust.
If you want a deeper dive—liner-note transcription from the 2013 edition, exact mastering credits, waveform/SNR measurements, or an A/B blind test protocol—say which of those and I’ll produce it.
Close to the Edge
It was a crisp autumn evening in 2013 when I first laid ears on the remastered FLAC 24-192 version of Yes's iconic album, "Close to the Edge". I had always been a fan of the progressive rock band, but I had never heard their masterpiece quite like this before.
As I settled into my listening room, surrounded by vintage audio equipment and vinyl records, I carefully cued up the digital file on my player. The opening notes of "The Solid Time of Change" floated through my speakers, and I was immediately struck by the stunning clarity and depth of the sound.
The remastering process had clearly done wonders for the album, bringing out subtle details and textures that I had never noticed before. The guitars, keyboards, and vocals seemed to occupy a precise, three-dimensional space, drawing me into the music like a vortex.
As the album's 18-minute title track unfolded, I found myself transported to a different world. The soaring vocal harmonies, the intricate instrumental passages, and the epic, poetic lyrics all combined to create a sense of sonic grandeur that was both exhilarating and overwhelming.
I closed my eyes and let the music wash over me, imagining the band members in the studio, pouring their hearts and souls into this magnum opus. I pictured Chris Squire's bass thumping through the speakers, Steve Howe's guitar work shimmering like sunlight on water, and Rick Wakeman's keyboards conjuring up swirling clouds of sound.
As the album's second half, "Total Mass Retain", began, I felt a sense of trepidation. Would the music sustain its lofty heights, or would it falter under the weight of its own ambition? But Yes, ever the masters of their craft, effortlessly segued into the complex, polymetered rhythms and melodies, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
The last notes of "I Get Up, I Get Down" faded away, and I sat in stunned silence, feeling as though I'd been on a journey through the very fabric of sound itself. It was clear that "Close to the Edge", even 40 years after its initial release, remained a work of genius, an awe-inspiring testament to the creative potential of progressive rock.
As I opened my eyes, I knew that I would return to this album again and again, eager to explore its depths and uncover new secrets hidden within its remastered sonic landscape. For in the world of Yes, "Close to the Edge" remained an enduring masterpiece, an odyssey of sound that would continue to inspire and captivate listeners for generations to come.
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.
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 Definitive High-Resolution Audit: Yes – Close To The Edge (2013 Steven Wilson Remix) The 2013 release of Close To The Edge
in FLAC 24-bit/192kHz format represents a landmark intersection of 1970s progressive rock peak performance and modern digital restoration technology. This specific edition, part of the "Definitive Edition" series, features a meticulously crafted remix by Steven Wilson
(of Porcupine Tree), widely regarded as the premier architect of classic rock surround-sound and stereo archival projects. Technical Specifications & Formats
The "FLAC 24-192" designation refers to two distinct components of the 2013 high-resolution package: Original Stereo Mix (Flat Transfer): The 24-bit / 192kHz files are typically flat transfers Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192-
from the original 1972 master tapes. This provides the most authentic representation of the original production by Eddy Offord, preserved without modern EQ or compression. Steven Wilson 2013 Stereo Remix:
While the Blu-ray contains these mixes, they are often presented at 24-bit / 96kHz
for the new stereo and 5.1 surround versions. These remixes utilize the original multitrack recordings to uncover instrumental details previously buried in the original 1972 mix. Dynamic Range:
High-resolution FLAC files allow for a much higher dynamic range and frequency response than standard CDs, which is critical for the "I Get Up, I Get Down" section’s transition from delicate pipe organ to full-band crescendo. Daily Vault The Steven Wilson Intervention
Steven Wilson’s 2013 remix aimed to polish the "family silver" rather than reinvent it. Key improvements noted by audiophiles include: Daily Vault Bass Clarity:
Chris Squire’s Rickenbacker bass, which sometimes sounded "bloated" in previous masters, was brought under tighter control, allowing for greater punch without overwhelming the soundstage. Instrumental Separation:
Listeners can more clearly distinguish the interplay between Steve Howe's visceral guitar attacks and Rick Wakeman's lush keyboard textures. Atmospheric Detail:
In the title track’s quiet interludes, the sound of dripping water and ambient textures achieve a "near-tactile" realism in the high-bitrate environment. Historical Significance of the Work Originally released on September 13, 1972, Close To The Edge
is considered the "zenith of symphonic ambitions" for the band.
Yes — Close To The Edge (2013 Steven Wilson Remix) Format: FLAC 24-bit / 192 kHz (Original Flat Transfer) | 24-bit / 96 kHz (New Remix)
This 2013 "Definitive Edition" of Yes’s 1972 masterpiece is a landmark release for audiophiles. Produced by Steven Wilson, the set offers a complete sonic overhaul from the original multi-track tapes, providing unparalleled clarity and instrument separation for what many consider the band's career-defining work. Audio Specifications
The high-resolution FLAC files in this edition typically include:
Original Stereo Mix: A high-resolution flat transfer from the original 1972 master tape, presented in 24-bit / 192 kHz.
2013 Stereo Remix: A completely new stereo mix by Steven Wilson, available in 24-bit / 96 kHz.
Instrumental Mixes: The new stereo mix with vocals removed, also in 24-bit / 96 kHz (exclusive to the Blu-ray/high-res digital versions). What Makes This Version Special?
Enhanced Detail: Wilson’s remix reduces the harshness of earlier remasters and improves the "roundness" of the sound. Listeners often note that Chris Squire's bass and Bill Bruford's percussion are significantly more resonant and crisp.
Bonus Tracks: Includes a new remix of the Simon & Garfunkel cover "America" and an early assembly/rough mix of the title track.
Needle-Drop Transfer: A unique addition featuring a pristine 24-bit / 96 kHz transfer of an original UK vinyl A1/B1 pressing. Tracklist Close To The Edge (18:43) I. The Solid Time of Change II. Total Mass Retain III. I Get Up I Get Down IV. Seasons of Man And You And I (10:09) I. Cord of Life II. Eclipse III. The Preacher The Teacher IV. Apocalypse Siberian Khatru (8:57) Purchase & Streaming Options Exhaustive write-up — "Yes — Close to the
Yes - Close to the Edge (2013 Steven Wilson Remix) High-Resolution Audio Feature: 24-bit / 192kHz FLAC The 2013 definitive edition of Yes’s 1972 masterpiece, Close to the Edge
, represents the pinnacle of progressive rock preservation. Remixed from the original multitrack tapes by Steven Wilson, this 24-bit/192kHz restoration provides a level of transparency that was previously impossible to achieve on vinyl or standard CD. 🔊 Technical Prowess Resolution: 24-bit depth offers 144dB of dynamic range.
192kHz captures frequencies far beyond human hearing to eliminate aliasing. Sourced directly from the original 1972 analog masters.
Handled by Steven Wilson (King Crimson, Jethro Tull) for maximum tonal balance. 🎹 Sonic Highlights Spatial Separation:
In the title track, the chaotic "keyboard storm" intro is untangled, allowing Wakeman’s organ and Howe’s sitar-guitar to occupy distinct spaces. Low-End Definition:
Chris Squire’s Rickenbacker bass "growl" is tighter and more visceral, especially during the driving sections of "Siberian Khatru." Vocal Clarity:
Jon Anderson’s layered harmonies in "And You and I" lose the "mud" often found in older pressings, sounding breathy and immediate. Noise Floor:
The near-silent background allows the church organ solo in "I Get Up, I Get Down" to emerge with haunting, cathedral-like scale. 💿 Comparison: Original vs. 2013 192kHz Original 1972 Mix:
Warm, compressed, and iconic, but often suffers from "frequency crowding" in dense sections. 2013 Wilson Mix:
Expansive and surgical. It doesn't change the "soul" of the album but cleans the "lens" through which you hear it. FLAC 24/192:
Unlike the Blu-ray or DVD-A physical discs, this digital file offers the highest possible bit rate for local media servers without mechanical playback interference. 🛠️ Recommended Playback Path
To truly experience the 192kHz depth, ensure your signal chain is optimized: Must support native 192kHz decoding (avoid downsampling).
Use bit-perfect players like Roon, Audirvana, or Foobar2000.
Open-back headphones or full-range floor speakers to capture the massive soundstage. If you'd like, I can help you: Compare this to the 2023 Rhino High Fidelity track-by-track review focusing on specific instruments. best settings for your specific audio equipment to play FLAC files. Let me know which part of the listening experience you want to explore next!
You cannot just double-click this file in Windows Media Player or iTunes and expect it to work properly (or at all). Because it is a high-resolution FLAC, you need specific tools.
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. Release background and context
Yes - Close To The Edge - 2013 (FLAC 24-192) release is a highly regarded audiophile edition, primarily known for being the first entry in the band's "Definitive Edition" series remixed by Steven Wilson Key Technical Specifications Resolution: 24-bit / 192kHz (and 24-bit / 96kHz for specific mixes). Primary Format:
FLAC (audiophile downloads) and LPCM (on Blu-ray/DVD-A physical media).
Remixed from original multitrack tapes and flat transfers from the original master tape. ProStudioMasters Version Breakdown
The 2013 high-resolution files typically offer three distinct ways to experience the album: Original Stereo Mix (24-192):
A high-resolution flat transfer from the original 1972 master tape, preserving the original sound with maximum clarity. 2013 Stereo Remix (24-96):
Remixed by Steven Wilson to bring out individual instrumental and vocal clarity while staying faithful to the original spirit. 5.1 Surround Mix (24-96):
Available on the Blu-ray and DVD-A physical versions, also handled by Wilson, providing a greater sense of space. Additional Content in the 2013 Series
Digital and physical versions from this 2013 release often include high-resolution bonus material: Instrumental Versions: 24-bit / 96kHz stereo instrumental mixes of the full album. Bonus Tracks:
New mixes of "America" and early rough assemblies of the title track. UK Vinyl Transfer:
A 24-bit / 96kHz "needle-drop" transfer of an original A1/B1 UK vinyl pressing. Artwork & Notes:
The physical editions included a 20-page booklet with new liner notes by Sid Smith and unreleased Roger Dean artwork.
This version is widely considered the definitive way to listen to the album due to its use of high-resolution digital transfers from analogue sources and the meticulous remixing by Steven Wilson. You can find these high-resolution downloads on sites like ProStudioMasters to the more recent 2025 Super Deluxe Edition
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.
If you listen to this on standard iPhone earbuds or laptop speakers, you will not hear the difference between this file and a standard MP3. To benefit from "24-192," you need:
A common question: Isn't the 2013 edition just a re-issue? While Steven Wilson’s famous 5.1 surround remix of Close to the Edge came later (2014), the 2013 stereo FLAC 24-192 release coincided with a broader industry shift toward “audiophile-grade” catalog downloads. It is often sourced from a fresh, high-resolution transfer done by engineer Isao Kikuchi (for the Japanese SHM-SACD release) or directly from the Atlantic master tapes.
Unlike the 1994 “Expanded Edition” (brickwalled), the 2013 high-res version retains the original dynamic range. Analysis tools like the DR (Dynamic Range) Database often rate this 24-192 transfer with scores of DR12 or higher, whereas most CDs hover around DR8. That means the quiet parts are quiet, the loud parts are pristine, and the music has room to breathe.
