I agree in a sense, but comparisons are inevitable since the two systems were in competition for a certain period.
Now, I have no intention of using this to argue one system over the other, but I think the Bomberman games give an enlightening perspective on the audio of the SNES and PCE. Many of the basic melodies are the same, for one thing. For another, Hudson put real effort into them, and it shows. The first two Super Bomberman games sound dull, but by the third, they had gotten the hang of it.
(The following are all the same songs.)
Super Bomberman 3 (via SPC, 32khz sample rate):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/muthmi0k9tjtg8e/1-1.%20Super%20Bomberman%203.mp3?dl=0
Bomberman PCE (via HES):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lcaloito7ffpfbh/1-2.%20Bomberman%20PCE.mp3?dl=0
Super Bomberman 3 (enhanced with 44.1khz sound):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/j07jtpcr6if7szj/1-3.%20Bomberman%203%20SNES%20Enchanced.mp3?dl=0
Super Bomberman 3 (unenhanced):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/kyrhm55xlx17yvw/2-1.%20Super%20Bomberman%203.mp3?dl=0
Bomberman 93:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ptjxjqpwtxwqw83/2-2.%20Bomberman%2093.mp3?dl=0
Super Bomberman 4 (unenhanced):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/olqg1o6ib8g7g2b/3-1.%20Super%20Bomberman%204.mp3?dl=0
Bomberman 94 (HES):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bumei7d6togbtv9/3-2.%20Bomberman%2094.mp3?dl=0
Also, here is the official OST rip of the title screen of Magical Chase, preceded by a HES version:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/h9y7shn7ws80ita/4-1.%20Magical%20Chase%20-%20HES.mp3?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cyr1tesd9le3d6a/4-2.%20Magical%20Chase%20-%20OST.mp3?dl=0
I remember comparing the OST to the real game when it came out, and they're very close.
By the way, I used to compare the sound of SPC (emulated SNES sound) to the real thing. If you adjust the settings in your SPC player to be close to the real thing, particularly the sample rate, it's pretty similar. I used a real system, but you can judge for yourself by using an official CD soundtrack.
Unenhanced SPC:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/30c36igosuvd5nw/5-1.%20Corridors%20of%20Time%20-%20SPC.mp3?dl=0
OST rip:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9s4s76mhqd555gb/5-2.%20-%20Corridors%20of%20Time%20-%20OST.mp3?dl=0
EDIT: I might as well add the enhanced SPC if anyone is interested.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7p5w2f7m0tpjcii/5-3.%20-%20Corridors%20of%20Time%20-%20Enhanced.mp3?dl=0
Finally, to my ear anyway, Genesis music seems to get the most drastic boost from emulation enhancement. I'll see if I can track down a good rip from a real system for comparison.
VGM rip at 44.1khz:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wu1hmcpy2d4qjzv/6-1.%20Wave%20131%20VGM.mp3?dl=0
Direct rip:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2akg75i5kwfy4w6/6-2.%20Wave%20131%20Rip.mp3?dl=0
A week late, but at least I finally had a chance to commit my thoughts to a post.
• I think the SFC Bomberman tracks sound glorious (the un-enhanced vs. enhanced versions = different flavors, sure, with some noticeable differences, but I enjoy both, so I am doubly happy).
• Summary: The PCE can hold its own with (1-2) and (3-2) but PCE struggles with (2-2), a pale imitation of the amazingly atmospheric version from SFC (3-1).
•
Who wins Track 1? The SFC arrangement and execution is glorious and gets the win. The PCE is pretty damn good (catchy as hell) and shouldn't be ashamed of its offering. However, the SFC simply nails it: it's subtleties/nuances are so exquisitely executed that the tune, ironically, is not "weak Muzak" but the opposite—GENUINELY POWERFUL and atmospheric.
•
Track 2? As I already stated, the (heavenly) SFC version crushes PCE. ON ITS OWN, the PCE tune is actually a decent track (I like it!), but in a comparison, the SFC stomps all over it—it is such a delicate, brooding piece that is restrained, alternating soundscapes and instruments so gracefully that it makes me cry. The PCE tries to capture the delicate nature of SFC, but the SFC version is so subtle and nuanced in its arrangement.
•
Track 3? I am not a fan of this track (any version), but I feel the PCE version holds the melody better and is stronger overall. The SFC tries to impress us with the percussion—and initially I liked the SFC percussion—BUT THEN I REALIZED THAT THE PERCUSSION OVERPOWERS THE MELODY and doesn't hold up well on the hundredth loop...if the percussion was more subtle, I think the SFC arrangement would be greatly improved. Of course, I'm sure folks would call the PCE percussion anemic (it is, but it is appropriate, IMHO). I guess folks could criticize the PCE for making the cloying melody TOO MUCH OF A FOCUS, and we get sick of it quickly.
What's more annoying? SFC's overpowering percussion or PCE's overpowering (cloying) melody?
Maybe the SFC is better in the long-run. I honestly can't decide. Both tracks irk me after repeated listening.
Chrono Trigger
Corridors of Time will always be an exquisite, delicate, masterful tune. Truly beautiful. Truly. There is such power in the nuances as soundscapes/instruments transition seamlessly.
Streets of Rage is wonderful, too. Of course.
I agree with whoever suggested the OST for Magical Chase was processed by an equalizer...perhaps each PSG channel was "optimized" to provide a more dynamic soundscape than the raw PSG tune could provide. The raw PSG sounds really nice though.
