Review by miklet
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Tchaikovsky: The NutcrackerAndre PrevinEntire Performance on One Disc
An outstanding recording of my favorite symphony. The entire performance captured on one single disc. No more changing four albums or even 2 CD discs.
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Piano Man 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition [SACD Hybrid + Blu-spec CD2 + DVD / Limited Edition] [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)]Billy JoelSo much content and all great sonics
There is much music for price. The Quad SACD version is worth the price of admission alone. But, there is much more and all in high resolution. To top it off, great memorabilia. So much stuff. The release is 13mm thick. So save some shelf space. Highly recommend this collectible release by a great artist.
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Visions [SHM-SACD] [Limited Release] [Japan Bonus Track]Norah JonesImproves with each listening
This album is the most complex release from Norah Jones so far. Each song showcases a different range of vocals and music. There are quiet moments that focus on voice performance. There are robust songs with strong bass lines. Each time I listen to this album I discover more details I enjoy. Recommend the SACD version for sonic excellence.
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Blow By Blow - SA-CD Multi Hybrid Edition - [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)] [Limited Edition]Jeff BeckMy New Favorite Version
I have the vintage vinyl and the Sony SACD layer only stereo version. This new Multi-Channel SA-CD version is my new favorite. The mixing is excellent. Balance of audio is right on for full room sound. My ears cannot tell a difference between the stereo layer of both SACD, but the Multi-Channel layer of the new release is magic!
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The Dark Side Of The Moon (50th Anniversary Remaster) [Limited Edition] [Import Disc]Pink FloydGreat new surround options
Incredible classic Pink Floyd in a new surround format. The Dolby Atmos output to 9.2 speaker arrangement.
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Ten Summoner's Tales [SHM-CD]StingA favorite Sting album w/improved sonics
My second favorite Sting album done in SHM-CD material. All songs come through clear and impactful. Sting demonstrates his vocal range with passion. Only topped by Sacred Love album. Both must have albums in any Sting/Police music library.
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What's New [SACD Hybrid]Linda Ronstadt & The Nelson Riddle OrchestraPleasant surprise
Linda Ronstadt demonstrates a wide vocal range in this release. When listening to the 5.1 version, her voice is clear and ranges several octaves. Beautiful music from and orchestra backs her but never overwhelms her performance. Recommended especially in SACD multi-channel.
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The Dark Side Of The Moon - Live At Wembley Empire Pool, London, 1974 [Limited Edition] [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)]Pink FloydOutstanding Live Concert audio
One of the best sounding live concerts I have ever heard. The music is well mixed and engineered. The band performs live versions of one of the greatest rock albums ever made in great fashion. Subtle artistic effects work their way into each track. A wonderful bonus is the delightful crowd behavior. Much like a classic music concert, the crowd waits for songs conclusion before applause. Any outbreaks of cheering at the beginning of a song are quickly quieted down. The crowd noise does not detract from the performance at all. This is a great addition to my Pink Floyd library. Much recommended!
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Abraxas SA-CD Multi Hybrid Edition [Limited Edition] [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)]SantanaQUAD Channel Bliss
My favorite 4 channel QUAD SACD release. (so far) Without a center channel and without LFE bass effect allows the fascinating stereo sound reproduced by this mix. The sound engineers have masterfully mixed stereo between each set of speakers has you go around the room. Front to back is exceptionally mesmerizing as your focus is on the full side rather than the front. Must be listened to while shifting your position to take in each wall of sound. Highly recommended.
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The Dark Side Of The Moon 50th Anniversary SACD Multi-ch Hybrid Edition - [7-inch Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)] [Limited Release]Pink FloydRead the full product description
To be fair, this 5.1 SACD version is excellent. Great sonic range and booming bass lines. The classic we all know. I made a mistake. Seeing the golden OBI from the original QUAD release, I jumped on the purchase thinking this was part of Sony Music Japan cycle of 4.0 QUAD SACD re-issues. Like the Santana and Herbie Hancock material that I liked much in the SACD QUAD format. However, this is the Hybrid 5.1 as mastered by Analogue Productions in 2021. Anyway, read fully before purchasing, this release is CD / Stereo SACD and Multi-channel 5.1 SACD. It is not QUAD 4.0
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The Nightfly [SACD Hybrid]Donald FagenA great addition to collection
This album is sonically fantastic from start to finish. A real value. Multi-channel material is less frequently issued in favor of stereo. This release is a great reminder to those of use with a room of full range speakers and multiple subwoofers. I will play this release many more times. Recommended.
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Birds Of Fire SA-CD Multi Hybrid Edition [Limited Release] [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)]John Mclaughlin / Mahavishnu OrchestraFour Channels of Sound
Features some of the most powerful instrumental jazz. First track opening is overpowering from the front left speaker. Gradually each group in the orchestra joins in, channel by channel. My favorite is track two. The stereo imaging in the front two channels is excellent and well complimented by the surrounds. Enjoying these reissues in quad and SACD.
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Flights Of Fantasy [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)] [SHM-CD] [Limited Release]VenturesVintage guitar pedal effects replicated.
Sonics likely limited by original material. High frequencies show it on several tracks. Most pronounced in mono versions. Made me check my speaker function and performance with other material. However, at medium volume playback this album is an enjoyable throwback to 50's and 60's surfer movie soundtracks. I will play it again.
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John Barleycorn Must Die +4 [SHM-CD]TrafficClassic rock at its finest
SHM brings high resolution sound to a favorite record of mine. The added tracks are long running live versions that make this a good addition to your collection even if you have the original album. Recommended. Play it loud!
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Head Hunters (SA-CD Multi Hybrid Edition) [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)]Herbie HancockQuad version is brilliant.
Very much enjoyed the quad version. Compared to the 5.1 multi-channel release the individual instruments on the quad version are more localized in each speaker. The sound from the surround speakers in the quad version have more presence and authority. An outstanding addition to a surround sound collection.
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Live! SA-CD Multi Hybrid Edition [Limited Edition] [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)]Carlos Santana & Buddy MilesStereo layer favored over the quad
This is a great album. The music is vibrant and Buddy Miles participation makes it historic. The stereo layer is magnificent. I was not as impressed with the quad layer for one reason: the crowd noise. In this quad surround mixing the instruments are spread across all four speakers. When the crowd claps or cheers or whistles, they are right there with the brass. On stage! or when the clapping starts at the beginning of a track with drums in the surround speakers and they are clapping right on stage with the drummer. Distracts from the performance. I will listen again and see if my hearing can disregard the noise. I must have from a classic recording position, but rate it on the stereo layer. Thats how it would have sounded live.
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What A Wonderful World-louis Armstrong Best Selection [SHM-CD]Louis ArmstrongIncredible sonics from 35mm film
This release is sonically the best copy of Louis Armstrong I have ever heard on disc. Much like the 78 rpm versions I heard once. Granted that was on a much better system than my own. I recommend this version.
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Hotel California [SACD Hybrid]EAGLESAstonished by harmony and dynamic range
The 5.1 layer is wonderfully full of smooth vocals and thundering instruments. The bass on all tracks of crisp and clear. This version has shown how good my hi-fi system can sound. A must have for any surround sound collection. I am happy to have a copy and it will serve as reference material for my own sound system calibration. WOW!
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Caravanserai SA-CD Multi Hybrid Edition [Limited Edition] [Cardboard Sleeve (mini LP)]SantanaFavorite sounds better in quad
The new quad version is excellent. One of my favorite albums in stereo is now available in the SACD multi-channel format. The sound engineer places the listener in the center of the band. The drums coming from surround left on track one is crisp. I moved around the listening room during playback. It appears that stereo sound manifests between each set of speakers. Not only right and left front, but right front and right surround form a stereo pair. As does left front and left surround. I enjoyed this album in quad and will hear it again soon. From many seating positions in my room.
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Wheels Of Fire [SHM-SACD]CreamLive performances shine in SACD
Excellent sound engineering has given us several historic live performances by Cream. The 16 minute live version of Spoonful has guitar and drum solos that never sounded better. The studio portion of the album includes the hit White Room but not much else. I find several songs hard to listen to, as they lack meaningful lyrics and bland music. Still a great value with 17 tracks and about 90 minutes of running time.