The Dude [SHM-CD] [Limited Release]

SHM-CD brings benefits of varying degrees to different customers, depending on factors such as: 1) Original quality of the recording. The poorer the original recording, the higher the chance that a modern remastering (with or without SHM-CD technology added) can fixed the recording quality via the use of better engineers, equipment, monitors, etc. 2) Original recording format. Old recordings mastered via the old Sony PCM 1630 recorders may have suffered from the teething problems of digital. Or, if an analog tape was used for the original CD, the tape can now be sampled at higher rates (96KHz) for the modern remastered CD. Or, A CD made with analog content containing RIAA equalisation can now have that problem corrected in a modern re-issue. 3) Quality of CD playback equipment. Since SHM-CD attempts to reduce error correction, jitter and related issues that reduce sound quality. So, those with cheap CD players (containing lower-quality transport mechanisms, error correction algorithms and power supplies) may experience a slight improvement in sound -- depending on which CD playback weakness is ameliorated by the reduced readback error rate and jitter. In Mr Hudson's review, his expensive, CD player is probably more immune to jitter/error correction issues which SHM-CD attempts to reduce. Thus, he wouldn't hear any benefits except those caused by re-engineering. Conclusion: Generally, a well recorded, well engineered album released on CD within the last 15 years may not benefit much from any modern-day re-issue. Throwing SHM-CD into the equation may thus increase costs without a good return on investment (for the consumer). Conversely, if an old recording is not well re-engineered for release on SHM-CD, then it may sound even worse than the old original. (for example, if the SHM-CD is made "hotter" in volume levels via compressors or excessive EQ) Much older recordings (those of lower recording, engineering or mastering quality) may benefit from remastering by any company such as Mobile Fidelity or JVC. SHM-CD releases will not be much different from those audiophile-oriented remasters, except for the use of a clearer plastic substrate to improve readability. Generally, SHM-CD costs too much for too little improvement except in situations where no other quality-oriented re-issues or remasters have been available in the market. Please choose each title prudently!

IT WAS WITH GREAT ANTICIPATION THAT I PURCHASE MY FIRST SHM CD.IAM A CERTIFIED AUDIOPHILE WITH VERY EXPENSIVE AUDIOPHILE GRADE EQUIPMENT.I HAVE EVERY FORMAT UNDER THE SUN IN MY COLLECTION...TODAY I WAS NOT IMPRESS WITH SHM (SUPER HIGH MATERIAL CD)IT IS NOT WORTH THE EXTRA COST AND LIKE 24K GOLD CD IS ANOTHER MARKETING GIMMIC.