After The Gold Rush [SHM-CD] [Limited Release]

I've read a few reviews here that claim little sonic improvement in these new formats; some have been "disappointed." My response is: compared to what? In this recording's case, you've got to compare it to the old 'red book' CD release. You can't compare it to another format such as LP, or SACD, even if it WAS available. Also, what are you doing your critical listening through? I'm sure it's hard to hear sonic details if you're playing it on less-than-revealing equipment(my gear's not great, but it beats the hell out of a boom-box). And, last but certainly not least, you've got to know how the original LP sounded (in other words, the engineer's original mix). Some old records (like some new) had pretty pristine sonics for the day, some did not. If the original mix was muddy, SHM-CD will give you a CLEANER muddy mix, but a muddy mix all the same. I now own about 20 of these CD upgrades, including some on HQCD, Blu-CD, and SHM-CD. A few are classic jazz albums from the late '50s/early '60s. They sound great as well...for recordings almost 50 years old. Of course, the sonics on those old albums (like this album) won't sound 'modern'; how COULD they? My system is not really high-end (again, compared to the state-of-the-art), but on this release ( and all the others, as well ), it allows the SHM "treatment" to reveal the added punch in the kick drum, the shimmer & snap of the cymbals, the extra bite in the electric guitar. There's just much better definition, soundstaging, separation, and best of all, much quieter backgrounds. Tape hiss is almost non-existent; the music emerges from a 'blacker' background, allowing you to get 'into' the music with greater ease. And, isn't that what its all about? Simply put, this is the best this release will probably EVER sound, barring a very clean slab of vinyl & a good analog system to play it on. Is the SHM-CD of 'After the Gold Rush' worth $28 in today's economy? Depends on how much you love the album & how nice that boom-box is.

What a great surprise, but the SHM-CD sounds better than the standard CD, really ! It sounds more analog.