Remember this is all in-house, Universal owns Capitol. So it's possible they have access to better tapes than was given to MFSL.
So it seems that folks are hearing a level of clarity on The Band SHM-SACD not heard on the MFSL SACD. Do folks hear similar differences when comparing the SHM-SACD to the Audio Fidelity gold CD?
Probably Universal Japan had a better copy from the 2nd album. Mofi claimed they used the original tapes on the first album, but the SHM-SACD is just better. If Mofi used the original tapes.... they tweaked too much. Mofi don't have a constant good mastering.... it's a hit and miss! The Band, Hall & Oates SACDs for example.... that's the difference to Audio Fidelity
Has anybody compared the SHM-SACD of Music From Big Pink to the MFSL Gold CD? Also has anybody compared the SHM-SACD of The Band (S/T) to the Audio Fidelity Gold CD? Thoughts?
I've noticed on the Lennon and Roxy Music releases there is a choice between SHM-SACD and SHM-Platinum. If I have to choose, the SHM-SACD is the wiser choice, correct?
Actually there are 3 choices; SHM-SACD, Platinum SHM-CD or SHM-CD. The latter is the cheapest option. It really just depends on your playback system and how much you're willing to spend.
Since this thread states "packaging" in its title, I would love to see some photos of the new mini LPs the ones without the white box.
Here a couple of the Lennon SHM-SACD. I don't know where the talk of over size mini sleeve came from. These are the same size as all the rest I have.
I'm holding John Lennon Walls and Bridges in my hands. SACD version has gate-fold cover replica of UK original LP with cut-out front. The cover has two OBI. One is light red paper strip, wrapped around the cover with EMI logo - this is replica of original Jpn LP OBI. Another OBI is similar to what white box has, but in black with a lot of info: price Y3,910, catalog #, Stereo <Rock>, Universal and Apple logos on the front. On the back OBI extended to entire cover with more info about SACD, SHM, DSD, the other Lennon albums, track list and bar-code. It gives us release date 14.12.3 and states: "Digital remasters 'p' 2010 The copyright of this sound recording is owned by Calderstone Production Limited (a division of Universal Music Group). 'c' 1974 Calderstone Production Limited (a division of Universal Music Group). "Apple" and the Apple logo are exclusively licensed to Apple Corps limited. The cover is placed in the re-sealable plastic outer sleeve. Here is the pictures for you: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-JOHN-L...442?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f45bac412 Pt version is the same, but second OBI is in dark red. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-JOHN-L...351243344615?pt=Music_CDs&hash=item51c7bc1ae7 Great album. "hatred and jealousy gonna be the death of me I guess I knew it right from the start" John Lennon ('Scared' Wall and Bridges)
The mini-LP sleeve used for SHM-SACDs is not the last word on packaging. The jewel case was the first word. The mini-LP sleeve falls somewhere in the middle as far as words go.
Listening to The Band Brown Album or s/t if you prefer. Also have the Mofi sacd hybrid. The Mofi sounds incredible. Lots of depth, great separation and the vocals really shine. Difference is that the shm sacd is like a time machine! Sounds like you're sitting in the room with the guys. It's absolutely stunning and you will definitely hear things you've never heard and the voices... Wow the voices are just right there singing to you. Don't give it a second thought. Buy this immediately.
Listen to King Harvest on the new Shm sacd and tell me what could possibly sound better. They're not just in your room, they're practically in your lap. Which yeah could be weird. Point is I listened, sold all my MOFI stuff today, and ordered the rest of the shm sacd offerings from CDjapan. The members who bought the MOFIs get a great deal and a chance to experience The Band in hi res and then can make the choice for themselves but, for me, these new releases are definitely the way to go.
[email protected] I came across this email address and used it to send Universal Music Japan some suggestions for future SHM-SACD releases. Guess what? I received an answer in less than 24 hours. Here is UMJ reply: "Thank you very much for your use. You'll make a contact and I report on sale of you requested SHM- SACD to a charge department of each artist. Thank you very much for your request. Also please take care from now on. Universal music Customer service center" Let Universal Music Japan know your suggestions for future SHM-SACD releases. Maybe UMJ will hear us.
I really want to "like" your post, but tell me what titles will you release soon? What packaging did you request? Did you request only Uni titles or Warner too? Did you request them to redo Average and Worst sounding titles from Claus List?
I think you misunderstood my post. I will not release any titles (I am not UMJ). I didn't request anything. I just suggested some bands for future release on SHM-SACD and urged other SHForum members to do the same. Universal titles only, of course, as UMJ doesn't own the rights to the Warner catalogue and Warner doesn't do SHM-SACD. UMJ representative just said he has forwarded my suggestions to the appropriate department, not they will release them.
"Maybe UMJ will hear us." -- Alexandre I deeply believe that Uni will not react to someone musical preferences - they make decisions over the sales numbers and contracts first of all. However, Sound Quality of future releases... that an issue we can try. "What Universal is doing is quick Flat Transfer job, which give good result only, when tape is good. If you will look at Claus List of the Best SHM-SACD, only 60% of the titles are Outstanding and Good in a sound quality. 40% are Average and Worst. "Good" percentage would go up, if Uni will redo Part 1 titles from the Original Masters. But anyway, why to release even those 30% of average and bad sounding discs, if everything is under your hand and you are already working on it?" -- from the Pt tread Claus' List: Outstanding Black Sabbath - Master of Reality Carpenters - The Singles 1969-73 Dire Straits - Dire Straits * Bill Evans - Explorations Bill Evans - Moon Beams Gentle Giant - Octopus Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells Mike Oldfield - Ommadawn The Police - Zenyattà Mondatta Jimmy Smith - The Cat Steely Dan - Countdown to Ecstasy Traffic - John Barleycorn Must Die Wishbone Ash - Argus (btw outstanding/good... the Plat-SHM CD is better) The Who - Quadrophenia The Who - Who's Next (SH's MCA is very close) Good Allman Brothers Band - Beginnings Anne-Sophie Mutter - Carmen-Fantasie The Band - Music from Big Pink The Band - The Band Black Sabbath - Vol4 Black Sabbath - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell Bruckner - Symphony No. 4 Camel - Moonmadness Camel - Snowgoose* Caravan - For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night Cream - Fresh Cream Cream - Disraeli Gears Cream - Wheels of Fire Derek & The Dominos - Layla * Dire Straits - Love Over Gold * Dire Straits - Love Over Gold Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms Bill Evans - Waltz for Debby Espana - Capriccio Espagnol etc Fairport Convention - Liege and Lief Fairport Convention - Unhalfbricking Free - Tons of Sobs Free - Free Free - Free Live Free - Fire and Water (original Island is slightly better) Getz/Gilberto - ST Astrud Gilberto - ST Elton John - ST Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road John Lennon - Imagine * Oscar Peterson - We Get Requests Art Pepper - Meets the Rhythm Section The Police - Regatta De Blanc The Police - Synchronicity * Rainbow - Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers Rolling Stones - Black and Blue Rolling Stones - Tattoo You Sonny Rollins - Way Out West Sex Pistols - Never Mind The Bollocks... Supertramp - Breakfast in America Thin Lizzy - Black Rose Tom Waits - Rain Dogs The Who - The Who Sell Out The Who - Tommy Stevie Wonder - Innervisions (Audio Fidelity or MFSL sound better) Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life (Audio Fidelity sounds better) Average Beethoven - Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7 Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath Blind Faith - Blind Faith Caravan - In the Land of Grey and Pink Eric Clapton - 461 Ocean Blvd Eric Clapton - Layla Dire Straits - ST (btw good/average) Dire Straits - Making Movies (btw good/average) Dire Straits - Communiqué Dire Straits - Alchemy (best digital pressing) Grand Funk - Shinin' on Kiss - Destroyer John Mayall - Bluesbreakers Rainbow - Rising (btw average/avoid) Rainbow - Difficult To Cure Rolling Stones - It's Only Rock'n Roll Rolling Stones - Some Girls Steely Dan - Aja Steely Dan - Gaucho Steely Dan - Pretzel's Logic Rod Stewart - Gasoline Alley Rod Stewart - Every Picture Tells A Story (btw good/average) 10cc - Original Soundtrack Tears For Fears - Songs From The Big Chair T.Rex - Electric Warrior (Original CD or MC-SACD are the better choice) U.K. - U.K. U.K. - Danger Money Uriah Heep - Look at Yourself Worst Asia - ST (Audio Fidelity is the best one) Black Sabbath - Paranoid Rainbow - LLRR * Platinum SHM-CD P.S. I explain my ranking... SHM-SACD vs Original LP/Original LP-rip, Original CD and other reissues. The category "Outstanding" doesn't mean audiophile sound, but outstanding quality compared to original pressings. Claus, would you please give us one more version of your List from Audiophile point of view, comparing SHM-SACD to each other and Ref. discs, regardless of original versions.
I think the biggest determinant is what masters are available and which musicians are willing to play ball. Notice how it is much easier to release audiophile issues of dead singers. Often the biggest hurdle is a musician that has complete control over their catalog.
Certainly. But if many show the same preferences, maybe they´ll have them into consideration, don't you think? That's my point.
People do vote by their valets. Only exceptional sound quality can drive crazy audiophiles to buy the same title again and boost sale. That's the most important for them. That why, I think, we have a chance to be heard on this issue.
