Audiophile Masters Volume XI vs Tangent: Album Comparison
By High-End Audio Products & Audio Equipment | PS Audio | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Comparisons
Compare two exceptional PS Audio albums: Audiophile Masters Volume XI and Tangent. Find out which one better suits your listening preferences and system.
Quick answer
Choose Audiophile Masters Volume XI if you want a varied covers collection from multiple artists; pick Tangent for creative jazz arrangements of modern pop songs with a cohesive trio sound.
Why the recording source matters for your system
Both albums are recorded on Octave, PS Audio's own label, ensuring high-resolution sound that reveals detail and depth. However, the musical content and arrangement style differ significantly, affecting how they engage your listening experience.
Audiophile Masters Volume XI is a covers collection featuring songs you know and love performed by various musicians. This variety can showcase different vocal styles and instrumental textures, making it a great test for system versatility.
Tangent, on the other hand, is a focused trio recording with Simple Math (Charles Blenzig on keys, JJ Mazza on drums, Hunter Roberts on bass). It blends NYC jazz with a Colorado vibe, offering creative jazz arrangements of pop hits. This cohesive approach may appeal to listeners who enjoy extended improvisation and interplay.
Trade-offs: How to decide
- Audiophile Masters Volume XI: A diverse covers collection with multiple artists. Ideal if you want familiar songs performed in new ways and enjoy variety across tracks. Great for showcasing system versatility but may lack the cohesive feel of a single ensemble.
- Tangent: A focused trio recording with creative jazz arrangements of pop songs. Perfect if you appreciate improvisation, tight interplay, and a consistent mood. Offers a more unified listening journey but may not satisfy those seeking vocal diversity.
- Recording quality: Both albums are recorded on Octave, ensuring high-fidelity sound. Your choice should be driven by musical preference rather than technical quality. Either album will reveal your system's capabilities; pick based on the musical experience you want.
Product facts at a glance
- Audiophile Masters Volume XI: Audiophile Masters Volume XI is a covers collection with songs you know and love performed by favorite musicians recorded on Octave. This variety makes it an excellent choice for testing different vocal and instrument timbres across your system.
Audiophile Masters Volume XI - Tangent: Tangent is the first recording of Simple Math with Charles Blenzig, featuring creative jazz arrangements of modern pop songs by Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, Radiohead, and D'Angelo. The trio format and jazz reinterpretation offer a fresh, intimate listening experience that highlights acoustic detail and spatial imaging.
Tangent
Which album fits you?
Best for
- Listeners who enjoy a variety of vocalists and instrumental styles across familiar songs
- Audiophiles wanting to test their system's ability to handle different recording sources and timbres
Not ideal for
- Those seeking a cohesive, single-artist jazz trio experience with extended improvisation
- Listeners who prefer original compositions over cover versions
