I'm not sure if its possible to do directly - but you could play the analog output of a SACD player into a computer's soundcard or into a CD-R recorder. That's not perfect - but you might be able to see the differences. Is the basic idea that even if your ears can't hear the difference, you still want the best looking waveforms because you know at one point you might change out your playback equipment and or speakers and THEN be able to hear the difference ?
Okay, I tried this on an original post and got crickets. Maybe someone can help me on this one? I just received Ghost In the Machine Japanese CD version UICY-93192, mastered by Bob Ludwig in 2002. A/Bing this with my original AM+, I'm noticing two differences: 1. The Japanese disc has more bass... kinda reminds me more of what I remember from the record when I had it. 2. I have to turn the AM+ to double the volume to achieve the same loudness as the Japanese pressing. I think it may have more to do with the AM+ being exceptionally quiet versus the Japanese pressing being exceptionally loud. Has anyone else listened to this? Also, how would I go about having someone to check the compression differences between the two versions? I'm thinking compression is on the Japanese version, even though I like the bass better on it.
I'm afraid there can be a lot of crickets here on our awesome board when it comes to The Police...at least that is what I have found.
I wish I could help, but have only owned The Police catalog on vinyl, the "Message in a Box" CD set, & the SACD's. Sorry.
Just got a copy of the old AM+ GHOST IN THE MACHINE, pressed in West Germany, and wow - great sounding disc! Tremendous bass on this one, and a very warm sound overall. Really nice, and all for $5.99.
Hey guys, I don't mean to hijack the thread, but I have a quick question. Has anybody bought The Police cd's from yourmusic.com lately? If so, which ones are they? They have that box at the top of the screen saying they have a new Police cd coming soon, I'm wondering if they are getting the digipack ones or the new 2-disc comp. Thanks in advance!!!
As I just posted in another thread - I have to conclude now that after all week A/B comparing different issues I have of ZENYATTA, GHOST, and SYNCHRONICITY - all early AM+ American issue discs vs the Ludwig 2003 remasters - I feel the remasters have the edge. Neither series is bad but the Ludwigs sound more like my original LPs, in some cases better in terms of sonic detail. They are just ever so slightly compressed but overall they have the breath of life and they are much less thin/tinny on top than the earlier discs. I think Ludwig done good on these.
Can anyone tell me whether the masterings on the Japanese D32Y pressings are actually different from the earlier Japanese 38XB and 32XB pressings? I am not a huge fan, but will look for them if the difference is significant.
Rick, does the 38XB have a different mastering than the AM+ CD-3730 or are the two digitally identical? Or are you talking about pressing differences?
That would be helpful. I didn't have a problem with the sound on the first two, Ghosts and Syncronicity which I bought around the late 80's in Europe but I can't think for the life of me why I replaced them for the 2003 single issues. That kind of thing I find troubling.
I just picked up an early Outlandos CD-4753 in mint shape. My question is, has anyone compared/done a shootout including the very rare Japan 24k gold discs (not the MFSL)? There are photos of these 24k gold Police discs on this page: http://www.batini.com/_scripts/blcdpages.php?blpage=ojpgp Specifically: Are the gold ones just the Japan orig mastering but 24k? Anyone know? -s1m0n-
I dunno about the rest of them, But I just got a Zenyatta Mondatta CBS Japan For Europe DIDZ 10102 matrix that kills anything else I've ever heard, including the original Japan for U.S. AM+'s.
I too, would like to know whether the Japan 24kt gold CD's are the same mastering as their silver counterparts...they go for big$$$!
Very interesting as in the Police (CD) threads I've read many suggest that the early/first A&Ms are smashing and I do like my Outlandos. How hard are these Japan made first pressings to find? -s1m0n
This might be hard to say, as I think the West German AM+ Polygram pressings came out right after the Japan(DIDZ matrix)CD's. It would be a beautiful thing if the original WG and Japan for Europe CD's had the same mastering, which is clearly incredible. If anyone has clips of the Zenyatta 38XB or Europe pressing, I'd be happy to put up some clips and/or waveforms to compare.
Just as an example, here's Don't Stand So Close To Me from the first Japan For Europe DIDZ matrix disc.
I think the A&M+ discs sounded better than the box. The box was too bright! The only one I play on cd anymore is the gold Synchronicity. I have the "Outlandis" SACD and do not like it. VERY hard sounding. I'm playing import vinyl (UK, Japanese, Canadian "Audiophile Masters" reissue) of the other albums.
Hmm, I use Audacity (Windows) so I'm not used to seeing such a screenshot and am rather green when it comes to interpreting "wave forms" et al. This screenshot makes it look like your Japan made CD is pretty "loud" no? Also, what Mac program is that you are using? -s1m0n
Here's a Don't Stand So.. waveform from my Japan for US (made by Nippon Columbia [Denon] ) CD 3720 A-1Z matrix. Looks a lot like the one LesPaul666 posted, However we are using different programs, plus our images are different sizes, so who knows... I'm surprised such an early CD was cut so hot. I figure mine is from 85 or 86, KeithH probably can give us more detailed info. Rick P.S. I have never heard a CD pressing of Zenyatta that I thought was really good.
That is Bias Peak Pro. The top mastering/editing software for Macintosh. Look at the top waveform for a more "familiar" look. The bottom one is -minus'd to fit the screen. It is cut rather loud. I think Rick's later Denon pressing might have the same mastering as this one.