As with any remaster, the 2019 version of Undertow has sparked passionate debate among fans. The general consensus is that the remaster offers a clearer, more polished version of the album. Instruments are better separated, the low end is tighter, and the overall presentation is undeniably more modern. Some listeners feel that the new mastering provides a much-needed sonic upgrade, fixing the "muddier" aspects of the original mix.
For casual listening on Bluetooth headphones or cheap earbuds, a standard 16-bit rip or a lossy streaming file will suffice. However, for anyone possessing a dedicated Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) and a hi-fi sound system, the release is an essential acquisition. tool undertow 2019 flac 2496