Ultimate HQCD (UHQCD) - new CD format, King Crimson on UHQCD and more

They're back for you:
OPPO Digital - Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Players - Buy Direct from the Manufacturer
Just grab it.

 

Though so.

 

What? That's just an old bookmark you saved. Totally meaningless other than OPPO didn't bother to delete it. I've got a link for the Sonica DAC. Doesn't mean you can buy it: OPPO Digital - Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Players - Buy Direct from the Manufacturer

 

That’s not a cached page. It’s live on the oppo.com site for the 205 preorder.

 

oppo.com or oppodigital.com? How would I access that page from either of those sites?

 

I’m not sure but as it’s still functional (you can enter an email address) to sign up, it seems to me that the 205 is still on track for its final production run. The OP suggested otherwise.

 

Here it is...
OPPO Digital - Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Players - Buy Direct from the Manufacturer

Click on either the 203 and 205 and then you'll see a tab to "Register For Potential Availability" for both players. The 205 page says that more will be available in August. On the 203 page it doesn't list a date or if additional players will be made available at all.

203 - OPPO Digital - Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Players - Buy Direct from the Manufacturer
205 - OPPO Digital - Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Players - Buy Direct from the Manufacturer

 

Thank you . . sheesh.

 

Dedicated thread is: Japan Mini LP SHM-CDs - New Releases, George Harrison and more
Here you will find a lot of information, almost every issue. (For instance, info about a new UFO release with 2018 remastering was posted there just a moment ago).

As for the "slim packaging" in the new Uni Hi-Res CD project... I remember that they tried to distinguish the packaging twice before. In 2010, as a stunning cardboard sleeves (in Mini LP size). Then in 2013, as a real Mini LP, packed in an individual handmade boxes of white cardboard. Now it looks like their third attempt.
I have a feeling that this is something cheap - now they are silent, but back then they showed pictures of white boxes before release.

First attempt:









Second attempt:

 

P.S.
If this is not jewel cases and not cardboard sleeves, what else it could be?
I remember how, at the same time, Uni launched another Hi-Res project called High Fidelity Pure Audio in France. Blu-ray Audio discs were based on the same mastering as Japanese SHM-SACD editions and packed in cheap BD cases made of transparent plastic:

 

(Post #321, Page 13)

toilet_doctor said: ↑
I ordered two titles being released just 5 months apart:
UCCU-8033 Julie London Her name is Julie Vol. 1 UHQCD
UCCU-5763 Julie London Her name is Julie Vol. 1 SHM-CD
for comparison test, I never did. I compared UHQCD vs. Reg. CD, but not vs. SHM-CD. I'll report result. (Old Uni remaster was good).

Report:
UHQCD vs. SHM-CD

First impression:
I compared Julie London UHQ with SHM. UHQ won, but not with a large margin. It sounds a bit more spacious and precise, more transparent.

It's obvious and listenable, but not at the level that, if you have already SHM, you must upgrade to UHQ - no.
It rather sounds like: if you have to choose between SHM and UHQ, it's worth spending 4 bucks more on UHQ. [even $8! - post remark]

The difference in SQ between SHM and Regular CD is greater than between UHQCD and SHM-CD. This corresponds to the waveform charts provided with the UHQCD.

I have to point out that in the case of Uriah Heep (SHM-CD vs. Regular CD, post 320), I compared mass-pressed regular disc with a limited pressing SHM, standing 7 years apart. While in this case both discs are Japanese limited pressing, standing a few months apart.

 

Thank you for pointing out.



June 29, 2018

John Coltrane The Lost Album (Regular Edition, SHM-CD) [$21.94]
John Coltrane The Lost Album (Limited Deluxe Edition, 2 UHQCD) [$29.25]

(translation)
The Lost Album [SHM-CD] [Regular Edition] / John Coltrane
"Jazz history's best charisma, a completely unreleased studio recording by John Coltrane excavated a miracle! Includes official sessions at the Van Gelder Studio on March 6, 1963, led by the golden quartet. In the quartet session that was held the day before the second recording of John Coltrane & Johnny Hartmann, the "Jazz Historical Heritage" is exactly "Jazz's Historic Heritage"! The regular edition contains 7 Master Takes (about 47 minutes), three of which are unreleased original songs of Coltrane. Two songs including the representative song "Impressions" are precious recordings in trio formation without McCoy Tyner. <Personnel> Recording at John Coltrane (ts, ss), McCoy Tyner (p), Jimmy Garrison (b), Elvin Jones (ds) March 6, 1963, Van Gelder Studio, New Jersey This product is for Friday sale commodity, delivery of goods will be on or after the release date."

The Lost Album [UHQCD] [Limited Edition Deluxe Edition] / John Coltrane
"Completely unreleased studio-recorded tracks by John Coltrane unveiled. This features John Coltrane's session tracks held on March 6, 1963 at Van Gelder studio.
Disc 1 includes seven mater takes (47 min., approx.).
Disc 2 includes alternate takes.
Features UHQCD format. *UHQCD (Ultimate High Quality CD) is an upgraded version of HQCD, a high fidelity CD format developed by Memory-Tech."

The difference in the price is about $7.31.
Upgrade from SHM to UHQ is about $4.50.

For the remaining 3 bucks you will get: One more disc and Limited pressing of the highly collectable item.

It will disappear in a few months, as if it was not released at all.
You cannot buy it even for a double or triple price - no one will offer it.

 

Isn't the Pono version a bit different?

 

Had to post this Exile on Main Street description for upcoming uhqcd pressing on ebay……..no joke.





Japanese UHQCD pressing. High Resolution CD name board series is a high sound quality CD (UHQCD) that can be played on all CD players (44.1 kHz / 16 bit).

01. Rocks Off
02. Lip · Joint · Joint
03. SHAKE YOUR HIPS
04. Casino · Boogie
05. Roll the dice
06. Sweet Virginia
07. Tone And Fred
08. Black Angel
09. Loving cup
Ten. Happy
11. Tard On The Run
12. Ventilator Bruce
13. I want to see him.
14. Let It Ruth
15. All Down The Line
16. Stop · Breaking · Down
17. Light up the light
18. Seoul · Survivor

Release Date: 20 June 2018

 

In order now... no joke.

 

I have to repeat one of my posts due to two threads are merged together:

Hi-Res CD Samplers 2CD set [$9.07]

June 20, 2018

Hi-Res CD Sampler for Rock
Hi-Res CD Sampler for Jazz
Hi-Res CD Sampler for Classical

"Japan only Hi-Res CD (MQA-CD x UHQCD) compilation featuring two discs--one with tracks in Hi-Res CD quality and the other with the same tracks in standard CD quality so that you can compare the sounds. Green color label coating. If you play Hi-Res CD on MQA-enabled hardware, you can listen to the hi-res quality sound based on the original master. *Hi-Res CD can also be played on regular CD players in UHQCD 44.1kHz/16bit resolution. However, MQA-enabled hardware/software is necessary to harness the full potential of this Hi-Res CD."

Hi-Res CD Sampler for Rock [Hi-Res 2CD (MQA x UHQCD)]

DISC 1 (Hi-Res CD)
1 California Girls / the Beach Boys
2 Tears of Rage / The Band
3 You Don't Love Me / The Allman Brothers Band
4 John Barleycorn Must Die / Traffic
5 Mr. Big / Free
6 Mandolin Wind / Rod Stewart
7 In the dead of Night / U.K.
8 Shout / Tears for Fears
9 What's Going on / Marvin Gaye

DISC 2 (Regular CD)

Hi-Res CD Sampler for Jazz [Hi-Res 2CD (MQA x UHQCD)]

DISC 1 (Hi-Res CD)
1 AUTUMN LEAVES
2 SAY IT (OVER AND OVER AGAIN)
3 THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA (STEREO VERSION) / Joao Gilberto
4 MOANIN'
5 DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES
6 OLD DEVIL MOON
7 CLEOPATRA'S DREAM
8 THE CAT (ALBUM VERSION) / Lalo Schifrin

DISC 2 (Regular CD)

Alongside with 3 Hi-Res 2CD Samplers, Universal releasing 100 Hi-Res CD titles:

Price is 3000 Yen (currently - $27.20); comes in a "slim case" (?)
The same price was for Jewel case SHM-SACDs


June 20, 2018

Hi-Res CD Pop & Rock Titles /Date of Remastering

Rolling Stone Sticky Fingers (2011)
Rolling Stone Exile on Main Street (2011)
Rolling Stone It's Only Rock 'n Roll (2011)
The Who Tommy (2010)
The Who Who's Next (2010)
The Who The Singles (2011)
John Mayall & The Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton (2010)
ream Disraeli Gear (2013)
Cream Wheels of Fire (2013)
Blind Faith S/T (2013)
Derek & Dominos Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (2013)
Eric Clapton 461 Ocean Boulevard (2018)
Traffic John Barleycorn Must Die (2018)
Free Fire and Water (2018)
Rod Steward Every Picture Tells A Story (2013)
The Beach Boys Pet Sounds (2014/18)
The Beach Boys The Endless Summer (2014/18)
The Velvet Underground & Nico S/T (2018)
The Band Music from Big Pink (2014)
The Band S/T (2014)
The Allman Brothers At Fillmore East (2014)
The Allman Brothers Brothers and Sisters (2018)
Wishbone Ash Argus (2013)
10CC Original Soundtrack (2013)
Queen A Night at the Opera (2011)
Queen The Game (2011)
Genesis Foxtrot (2007)
Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells (2011)
Tangerine Dream Phaedra (2015)
Ritchie Blackmore Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (2014)
U.K. S/T (2014)
U.K. Danger Money (2014)
Azia S/T (2010)
Steely Dan Pretzel Logic (2014)
Steely Dan Royal Scam (2018)
Steely Dan Aja (2018)
Roxy Music Avalon (2015)
Bryan Ferry Boys and Girls (2015)
Supertramp Breakfast in America (2013)
Sex Pistols Never Mind the Bullocks Here Is Sex Pistols (2013)
Dire Straits S/T (2013)
Dire Straits Love Over Gold (2013)
Dire Straits Brothers in Arms (2014)
Police Synchronicity (2013)
Tears for Fears Songs from the Big Chair (2011)
Carpenters Singles 1969-1973 (2014)
Stevie Wonder Talkin' Book (2011)
Stevie Wonder Innervisions (2011)
Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key of Life 2CD (2011)
Marvin Gaye What's Is Going On (2013)

Hi-Res CD Jazz/Fusion Titles

Stan Getz Getz / Gilberto (2002)
The Oscar Peterson Trio We Get Requests (2010)
Bill Evans At the Monteux Jazz Festival (2010)
Bill Evans Alone (2010)
Ella Fitzgerald Ella and Louis (2002)
Antonio Carlos Jobim The Composer of Desafinado, Plays (1995)
Wes Montgomery California Dreaming (2008)
Wes Montgomery Smokin' at the Half Note (2008)
Anita O'Day Anita Sings the Most (2007)
Jimmy Smith The Cat (2010)
John Coltrane Quartet Ballads (2010)
John Coltrane A Love Supreme (2002)
John Coltrane John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman (2004)
John Coltrane Blue Train (2011)
McCoy Tyner Night of Ballads and Blues (2011)
Oliver Nelson The Blues and the Abstract Truth (2011)
Cannonball Adderley Something Else (2017)
Sonny Clark Cool Struttin (2017)
Herbie Hancock Mayden Voyage (2017)
Art Blakey & Jazz Messengers Moanin' (2017)
Art Blakey & Jazz Messengers Night in Tunisia (2017)
Sonny Rollins A Night at the Village Vanguard (2017)
Bud Powel The Scene Changes (2017)
Kenny Burrell Midnight Blue (2017)
Lee Morgan Candy (2017)
Marvin Gaye What's Is Going On (2013)

9 Titles with 2018 "Latest DSD Master" (flat transfer)

Eric Clapton 461 Ocean Boulevard
Traffic John Barleycorn Must Die
Free Fire and Water
The Beach Boys Pet Sounds (partially 2014/18)
The Beach Boys The Endless Summer (partially 2014/18)
The Velvet Underground & Nico S/T
The Allman Brothers Brothers and Sisters
Steely Dan Royal Scam
Steely Dan Aja

Steely Dan The Royal Scam is only title which is new to the previous Uni project SHM-SACD/Pt SHM and non-Pt SHM.

"Reissue in Hi-Res CD format (UHQCD format x MQA technology). Features the DSD master in 2018, using US original master tapes. The DSD master is available in 352.8kHz/24bit high resolution (perfect for MQA-enabled audio players). Comes with lyrics and a description. Green color label coating. Comes in a slim case packaging. *The disc can also be played on regular CD players in UHQCD 44.1kHz/16bit resolution. However, MQA-enabled hardware/software is necessary to harness the full potential of this Hi-Res CD."

(translation)
"Aja [MQA / UHQCD] [Limited Release] / Steely Dan
[Hi-Res CD series] MQA-CD × UHQCD = High quality sound disc that you can listen to high res. This is the final evolution form of CD! Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, the 6th album that they became the unit of the strongest two, released smart musicality, skillfully incorporating elements of soul and jazz Sophisticated performances by musicians of the Grammy Awards, and the sound quality that won the Grammy Award for Best Recording Awards gathers a tremendous reputation for eternal masterpieces. (Announced in 1977 / master of 2018)
● Recording by converting the latest DSD master of 2018 based on US original analog tape to 352.8 kHz / 24 bit (high resolution undelivered sound source)
● Commentary / lyrics
● Green Color Label Coating
● Slim Case Belt
* High Resolution CD Series is a high-quality CD (UHQCD) that can be played on all CD players (44.1 kHz / 16 bit). If you use MQA compatible equipment, you can play with the high quality of the original master street.

We will discuss the end result that looks promising: there are many positive reports from those who heard it, pointing out the clarity of the sound called "de-blurring".

However, what we need to keep in mind:
If recording/mastering was not good, don't buy MQA version! (Genesis, Queen come to mind).
Please first check the best SHM-SACD Part 3 list.

(from the Stereophile forum)
"The "de-blurring" happens during the encoding process, not the decoding process. That's what makes even an un-MQA-decoded file sound "better."
I have heard the result on very revealing systems and can attest that it is both different and an improvement. It's no "magic bullet;" no container can fix a bad recording. But, with a good to great recording, this container system does less harm. The most revealing demo I've heard was a live recording made in a church. The "regular" file sounded good. The MQA file, though, was spectacular: The reverb in the space became more specific, more real. The audience's conversation was more intelligible, the host's speech was clearer, the choir became a collection of singers as opposed to a mass voice and the vocalist's performance was even more magical. I liken the process to focusing a photographic image.
However, the system isn't magic. If the original recording sucks, there's not much that MQA can do."

 

Since a new project is kind of a continuation of SHM-SACD one, I think make sense to re-post The Best Digital Version Lists:

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
Tangerine Dream - Phaedra
Tangerine Dream - Rubycon
Tangerine Dream - Stratosfear
Traffic - John Barleycorn Must Die
Van Der Graaf Generator - The Quiet Zone / The Pleasure Dome
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
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 *
John Lennon - John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band*
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 - Exile on Main St.
Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers
Rolling Stones - Goat's Head Soap
Rolling Stones - Black and Blue
Rolling Stones - Tattoo You
Sonny Rollins - Way Out West
Roxy Music - For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music - Siren
Roxy Music - Avalon
Sex Pistols - Never Mind The Bollocks...
Supertramp - Breakfast in America
Tangerine Dream - Ricochet
Thin Lizzy - Black Rose
Van Der Graaf Generator - The Least We Can Do Is Wave To Each Other
Van Der Graaf Generator - H to He, Who Am the Only One
Van Der Graaf Generator - Still Life
Van Der Graaf Generator - Pawn Hearts
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
Roxy Music - Country Life (btw good/average)
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. 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 and other reissues.

(Last edited: May 17, 2015)

 

Plan9 List

"I generally don't compare them with LPs or analogue versions (unless stated), only with other digital versions. This is all after comparisons:

Best
Black Sabbath - Master of Reality
Black Sabbath - Vol. 4
Black Sabbath - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

Camel - The Snow Goose 2014 SHM-CD
Camel - Moonmadness
Camel - Rain Dances

Caravan - In the Land of Grey and Pink 2014 SHM-CD (only bested by a 1st UK LP pressing.)
Caravan - For Girls Who Grow Plump in the Night
(for both of these the original CDs are excellent)

Dire Straits - Dire Straits 2013 SHM-CD (on the fence with the Excellent category. Bested by some LP pressings)

Elton John - Elton John

Gentle Giant - Octopus (no contest)

Hiromi Uehara - Voice (same mastering as the CD, but Hi-Res advantage)

JJ Cale - Naturally 2013 SHM-CD

John Lennon - Plastic Ono Band (no contest, 2010 mastering like the 96/24 download)

Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells (no contest)

Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers (I think I prefer the mastering of the common tracks on the old London Hot Rocks CD, the rest of the album would be in the Best category)
Rolling Stones - Black and Blue
Rolling Stones - Tattoo You

Roxy Music - Roxy Music (cleaner transfer than the 2012 CD, though close)

Steely Dan - Gaucho (Hi-Res advantage)

Supertramp - Breakfast in America

The Band - Music from Big Pink
The Band - The Band (Hi-Res advantage)

The Police - Regatta De Blanc 2014 SHM-CD
The Police - Zenyattà Mondatta 2014 SHM-CD (I also like the 2003 SACD)

Tom Waits - Rain Dogs (almost a tie with the original CD mastering)

T.Rex - Electric Warrior (better than the stereo mastering on the original SACD)

U.K. - U.K.
U.K. - Danger Money
(both cleaner transfers than the original CDs, though close)

Van Der Graaf Generator - The Least We Can Do Is Wave To Each Other
Van Der Graaf Generator - H to He, Who Am the Only One


Excellent
Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath (on the fence for the Best category)
Black Sabbath - Paranoid (yes, it doesn't sound like any other but I rather like it)

Dire Straits - Dire Straits 2010 SHM-SACD
Dire Straits - Communiqué (bested by the original CD)
Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms (bested by the original CD or the MoFi SACD)

Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (bested by the original DJM CD, though close)

John Lennon - Imagine (although I prefer the remix on the MoFi Gold CD, this 2010 remaster is the Best digital version of the original mix)

Rolling Stones - Some Girls (probably Best in spite of the limiting)

Steely Dan - Countdown to Ecstasy (I prefer the original CD)
Steely Dan - Pretzel's Logic (I think I very slightly prefer the original CD)
Steely Dan - Aja (only bested by Steve Hoffman's CD mastering. Not a fan of the Cisco LP)

Tears For Fears - Songs From The Big Chair (although possibly the best digital version of the original mix, I prefer Steven Wilson's stereo remix...)

The Who - Who's Next (I slightly prefer SH original CD mastering)

Roxy Music - Avalon (I slightly prefer the mastering of the original SACD, although the SHM is excellent in its own right. Also cleaner transfer than the 2012 CD)

Meh
Caravan - In the Land of Grey and Pink 2010 SHM-SACD

Fairport Convention - Liege and Lief (although OK in its own right, I find it too dark and muddy. Bested by original CD. Worth noting it has tape damage)

Avoid
Aphrodite's Child - 666
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Where I haven't done a direct comparison:

Dire Straits - Love Over Gold 2013 SHM-CD
Dire Straits - Making Movies

Fairport Convention - Unhalfbricking

Rolling Stones - Exile On Main Street
Rolling Stones - It's Only R 'n' R
Rolling Stones - Undercover

Roxy Music - For Your Pleasure

Stevie Wonder - Talking Book

Traffic - John Barleycorn Must Die

Van Der Graaf Generator - Pawn Hearts
Van Der Graaf Generator - Godbluff

^ These are all truly Excellent-sounding and could very well be the Best available digital version."

(Last edited: May 17, 2015)

 

The list by Claus is a good starting point but I would disagree with some of his placements. There's no real equivalency between the two Fairport Convention SHM-SACDs for example, one is vastly better than the other.

 

Hi Patrick, no I don't think so. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

It's a good point, but I believe we have to concentrate on the titles within new project: Post #641 - please, guys.

 

Redfox, I knew that you would be interested in this new Uni project, and this is the place to talk about.

Remember, a few years back you compared Pt SHM vs. non-Pt SHM, felt the difference and posted a good report... The same with UHQCD.

Interestingly, if earlier the term SHM-CD (Super High Material CD) was used by Uni and Warner, whereas HQCD (high-quality CD) was used by Sony, now they all adapted only one name: Ultimate HQCD (UHQCD), where Ultimate means the addition of another layer of Photopolymer in its liquid state during the manufacturing process (Post #1).

I compared UHQCD vs. Reg. CD of the newly recorded title with a very promising result, indicating substantial improvement in SQ (Post #3).
And UHQCD vs. SHM-CD (Post #636), pointing to a further improvement.

Also I spent a lot of time comparing UHQCD vs. SACD (Post #368, 370-372), indicating that UHQCD came very close to SACD sound.
And UHQCD with FORS system came maximum close to SACD.

I'm glad that we have a member and a big UHQCD enthusiast Andymodern (not to be confused with Andymion), who is directly involved in the UHQCD production in Hong Kong and Japan. He conducted the test Pt SHM-CD vs. UHQCD at the Munich Hi-End Show (Post #373).
Andymodern found time to leave a couple of comments for the thread (Post # 458, 459).

When the MQA broke through, it was meant for streaming and downloading first of all. And, as a physical media guy, I felt like discriminated.
Now Uni has chose UHQCD as carrier for MQA files in the new Hi-Res CD project.

I personally invested heavily in SACD playback and I should resist the project, but I am a believer...
I believed SHM, Pt SHM and UHQCD, and I believe in MQA too.

You will read many unpleasant things about MQA, but mostly from people who have never heard it.
(People are social animals - just one of them throws a stone they all do the same, and everyone tries to hit harder.)

I do not have MQA playback, and I have no plans to buy it until the new format becomes a real thing.

Nevertheless, I am buying new releases (new recordings and remasters) of my favorites anyway...

If the new format will lead to new remasters... so let they be MQA capable.
Let they be a Hi-Res CD.
Maybe someday the industry will offer something suitable for my system...
In a mean time, I will listen to them only as UHQCD.
(For a long time I could not even listen to the SHM-SACD at all, but I was buying them regardless...)

As for a "slim case packaging", I asked about Japanese dealer, he had no idea.
I think of something like re-shaped Jewel case, but it's my guess only...

 

Toilet Doctor:- Thanks for collating all these lists. These have prompted me to seek out a couple of original CDs to compare against my SHM-SACDs. When I've received these I'll post my own, far shorter, list.

 

Simple question. The UHQCD of Who's Next is going to sound better than the 2010 SHM SACD I already have ?

 

I assumed that you asked about new Hi-Res CD, which is MQA-UHQCD.
Beside Uni, no one has tried these discs yet. However, my guess is:

If you listen to it only as UHQCD without MQA-decoding, SHM-SACD will sound better, but UHQCD will be close in SQ to SHM-SACD. Thus, these discs are great for those who don't have SACD playback.
With MQA decoding it could sound slightly clearer than SHM-SACD version. But that likely may not worth to upgrade.
Conclusion: Stay where you are.

From another point of view:
You do have Who's Next 2010 SHM-SACD and (just imagine) Blu-ray Audio version of the same master.

Now, a simple question: Will Blu-ray Audio sound better?
It will, if your Blu-disc player is better quality then your SACD player and can squeeze more info/details from the disc. Even in the same universal player as Oppo, different circuits for different playback will read info in different ways.
Conclusion: Select the best sounding album and try two versions in your system.

Generally, these new Hi-Res CDs are of interest to us for new titles such as Steely Dan Royal Scam - the current bestseller in Japan
or for a new transfer, such as Free Fire and Water, with the hope (just a hope) of improving SQ.