OST vs Emulated Sound Format

Well guys, I'm sure you aware already if there are emulated sound format sets for many games available in the internet (such as zophar.net). Some are tagged so accurately in the basis of the original OST, so it could save lot of time for those who have slower connection (and saving space, obviously).

But I'm wondering lately, does the sound quality of these emulated sound format have a real difference with the original OST (the SPC, GYM, PSF, PSF2)? Honestly I'm not audiophile so I couldnt really tell any difference (especially if the sets have been converted to mp3), but perhaps people here have better ear than mine.

What is your opinion about the emulated sound format? Do you feel any difference when listening them, compared to the real OST?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Spikey

Anyway. To come back to the point of this thread- aren't the emulated formats only as good as the quality of your sound card? And your speakers or headphones for that matter, but that's subjective mainly.

Um actually I dont think soundcard really matters on these emulated sound. Sound card does have effect on the output quality toward our speaker. I'm talking about how "realistic" the emulated sound could be, compared to the OST released (like how realistic the sampling could be emulated). =O

Originally Posted by Taisai

Strictly speaking, it's not always an appropriate way to compare emulated formats with soundtracks, since composers and engineers sometimes mix and master thier score for the release of a soundtrack.

Actually I'm thinking the same thing. But remastered tracks and remixed tracks are two different things arent they?

CMIW, if composer remasters the track, he usually uses different synthesizer than the one he used in the console chiptunes (for example Rockman ZX, we have two different music, the game rip with NDS chiptunes and a remastered tracks with better synthesizer). Also does the term "remastered tracks" apply to SNES soundtrack as well? I've been trying to point out difference between mario world SPC set and the OST, and to be honest, I couldnt find much difference.

There's nowhere I can't reach.