The Codec and the Canyon: Evaluating the Audiophile Archival Status of Simon & Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits (1972) in the High-Resolution Digital Era
If you have the "88/24" version:
In audiophile circles, “88” often refers to (common for high-resolution FLAC derived from analog masters). “Hot” suggests a mastering that preserves dynamic range, transient punch, and analog warmth — avoiding the “loudness war” compression. A truly hot FLAC rip of this album would:
The 1972 compilation was a massive commercial success, peaking at No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the UK Album Chart. It remains the best-selling album by a duo in U.S. history, certified 14x Platinum with over 14 million units sold. Critically, the album arrived at a time when the counterculture began to view Simon & Garfunkel’s intellectual, meditative folk as "old hat," yet its enduring sales proved their universal appeal across generations. Unique Characteristics of the 1972 Release