Reviews of the remix note that high-resolution playback offers an "inside the instruments" feel, particularly during Rick Wakeman's church organ solo, where the air and space within the recording are palpable. Superior Bass:
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
More than fifty years after its release, Close to the Edge remains a masterwork of human imagination. Thanks to the 2013 Steven Wilson remaster and the unrestricted canvas of 24-bit/192kHz FLAC audio, listeners can finally hear the album exactly as Yes heard it in their minds when they created the blueprint for progressive rock. Share public link
To understand the significance of the 2013 release, one must first appreciate the original album. Released on September 13, 1972, Close to the Edge is widely regarded as Yes's greatest masterpiece and a cornerstone of the progressive rock genre. It was a bold artistic statement from a band at the peak of its creative powers, featuring the classic lineup of Jon Anderson (vocals), Steve Howe (guitars), Chris Squire (bass), Rick Wakeman (keyboards), and Bill Bruford (drums). The album consists of just three complex, multi-part suites: the 18-minute title track, "And You and I," and "Siberian Khatru". Rolling Stone magazine has called it "probably the most fully realized album in progressive rock," capturing the band during an incredible creative peak.
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. Yes - Close To The Edge -2013- -FLAC 24-192-
To help you get the most out of your high-resolution audio library, let me know:
Close To The Edge by the progressive rock band Yes is a pinnacle of musical ambition. Released originally in 1972, the album defines the boundaries of symphonic rock. In 2013, remix pioneer Steven Wilson gave this masterpiece a definitive high-resolution upgrade. The 2013 release in FLAC 24-bit/192kHz format represents the ultimate listening experience for audiophiles and music historians alike.
If you want to optimize your setup for this album, let me know:
Listening to the 24/192 FLAC file on a high-quality Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) and a good pair of audiophile headphones or speakers reveals details previously buried in the mix. 1. "Close To The Edge" Reviews of the remix note that high-resolution playback
To fully appreciate the depth of a FLAC 24-192 file, your audio chain needs to support high-resolution playback:
Wilson’s philosophy was not to modernize the album with contemporary production tricks, but rather to clean up the analog clutter. By returning to the original multi-track master tapes, Wilson bypassed decades of tape-copy degradation. He corrected original panning errors, tamed harsh frequencies, and balanced the EQ. The 2013 stereo remix honors the intent of the original 1972 mix while utilizing modern digital precision to pull back the "sonic curtain" that had previously veiled the music. Why 24-Bit / 192kHz FLAC Matters
Option 1: The Audiophile's Perspective (Detailed & Enthusiastic)
As Steve Howe tunes his 12-string guitar and counts in, the high sample rate captures the microscopic friction of fingers sliding across metal strings. Thanks to the 2013 Steven Wilson remaster and
The 2013 remix is vastly superior to the "louder-is-better" 2003 masters, offering higher dynamic range. 4. Contents of the Panegyric Blu-Ray Edition
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.
Wilson, known for his work with Porcupine Tree and prog-rock remixes, was tasked with remixing the original multi-track tapes. The result is a dramatically clearer soundscape compared to the often-dense original 1972 mix.
The title track benefits the most from the 24-192 resolution. The chaotic, avant-garde fusion intro can sound muddy on lesser formats. In this high-resolution FLAC version, every instrument is perfectly separated in the stereo field. During the pipe organ solo in the "I Get Up, I Get Down" section, the low frequencies shake the room while the high register notes maintain absolute clarity. 2. And You And I (10:09)
For audiophiles and music historians alike, this specific digital pressing is not just a reissue. It is a time machine that brings listeners directly into the studio room with Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, and Bill Bruford. The Masterpiece Defined: What is 'Close To The Edge'?