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What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

#1921
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4/5/09 at 4:56pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Scoggins
Word of caution: At least they claim to be the SACD on the Marketplace...I have had to return many redbook CDs from Amazon sellers since I was expecting the SACD.

Be careful out there.
It's a good general admonition, but I find that all that's required is some basic "defensive shopping": I've identified a few Marketplace sellers with whom I've had no issues purchasing high rez. Caiman and Newbury Comics are on that list.

If the options are slim and I "have" to purchase from someone I've never done business with before, I e-mail them first to confirm that it's an SA-CD or DVD-A. They either respond in a reasonable amount of time and confirm that it's what I want . . . or they don't respond and I find someone else to buy from.

In any event, Amazon's "got your back": very good customer service and they will refund your money and deal with the merchant directly if you have to file what they call an "A to Z" claim.
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#1922
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4/6/09 at 6:26am
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

That's also good advice Paul. I've had very good service with Newbury Comics as well.

I just mentioned this as I have been burned with ebay sellers a lot. It seems much of the automated content software will pull SACD descriptions and many of them do not catch the difference or don't care. It just happened to me on a Top Gun SACD I thought I was buying but the seller did the right thing and refunded me...even let me keep the CD.

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#1923
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4/6/09 at 8:12am
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Scoggins
I just mentioned this as I have been burned with ebay sellers a lot. It seems much of the automated content software will pull SACD descriptions and many of them do not catch the difference or don't care. It just happened to me on a Top Gun SACD I thought I was buying but the seller did the right thing and refunded me...even let me keep the CD.
Well at first you were replying to my comments about Amazon Marketplace, but now you mention ebay . . . It's a distinction with a difference because in my experience they're horses of very different colors.

I don't ebay much anymore--the novelty bloom is way off that rose for me. The only packaged music/movie media that are better to sell on ebay than Amazon are LPs and LDs because you can set your own shipping prices (Amazon's pre-determined rates aren't high enough for kinda awkward-to-package-and-expensive-to-ship 12" discs).

Crazy, ego-driven pissing contest bidding aside, my own experience (and that of a friend with a longer history of selling on Amazon) point to goodies often fetching higher prices on Amazon than ebay. I'd like to think that has to do with Amazon's terrif customer service, which they expect Marketplace merchants to basically match. That whole Amazon infrastructure--being able to timely get an Amazon rep on the phone regarding a transaction--doesn't exist with ebay.

Re the Top Gun SACD: I partly blame Sony for that confusion around many of their SACDs. As I know you're acutely aware, they basically slipcased what would otherwise look nearly identical to the CD and made what often were only single digit changes to the CD SKU for the SACD.
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#1924
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4/6/09 at 12:22pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Yes, that is true, although in most cases Sony did put the SACD symbol on the spine of the jewel case.

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#1925
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4/6/09 at 8:53pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Oh yes--that inscrutable to nearly all but the already initiated logo on the spine made so much more of a difference to the automated listing software than a totally different SACD SKU ever would have.


Recently got the Shock'N Ya'll DualDisc and, being fond of video biscuits that I might otherwise miss/aren't otherwise released, was reminded of how much I like(d) this not-really-a-CD format: yeah the aud (48/24 surround here) isn't as high rez as it could be (but the stereo is 96/24, natch), but we get backwards compat to CD and DVD-V players + the video content.

I'm less taken with the album itself and am feeling a little sucker punched by my own format fetishism. TK has suffered from some "Bryan Adams Syndrome" in recent years IMO: he's become less interesting as he's become more popular. His songwriting was more interesting before the Dixie Chicks dustup had him selling a helluva lot more records. The noteworthy cool thing to me in years past was his sexy baritone singing ballads like "You Leave Me Weak" and "You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This." The right turn into swagger and rah rah Rumsfeld jingoism territory is less appealing to me.
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#1926
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4/8/09 at 6:19pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Been listening to the Depeche Mode Construction Time SACD. Wowzers. Sounds better than I have ever heard it.

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#1927
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4/8/09 at 8:07pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Don't know ANYTHING about their music...but picked up the DVD-A of Everclear's So Much for the Afterglow.

Sampled a few tracks on an in-store listening station and thought it might be interesting.

=============================

I don't know if you folks experience the same thing...but many stores I frequent always seem to have a copy or two of Herb Alpert's Passion Dance DVD-A. Usually pretty cheap, too. But I've never bitten.

There's Jessie the yodeling cowgirl. Bullseye, he's Woody's horse. Pete the old prospector. And, Woody, the man himself. Of course, it's time for Woody's RoundUp. He's the very best! He's the rootinest, tootinest cowboy in the wild, wild west!

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#1928
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4/9/09 at 10:49am
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

The Roy Orbison DVD/SACD was from Borders....$12.00 after using a 40% off coupon. I had to order the other 2 SACDs from a Hong Kong e-tailer. Can't find the "Ella and Louis" SACD anywhere locally....the SACD was a EU pressing. Yes, I know the story about the "Rock 'n Roll Memories" SACDs (2 discs) but the title was priced like a single disc title.

SACD not listed at sa-cd.net (updated 8/26/2009)
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#1929
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4/10/09 at 9:03am
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Just got in the Mel Torme Velvet & Brass SACD on Concord.

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#1930
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4/11/09 at 8:19am
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Lou Donaldson's Lou Takes Off just arrived on DAD (Classic Records) from an ebay seller.

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#1931
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4/11/09 at 8:42pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Does anyone own this on DVD-A? If so, can you tell me if it is 2.0 or 5.1? The Teldec packaging is unclear. I would also be curious of your thoughts of the presentation.

Johann Strauss In Berlin / Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra


There's Jessie the yodeling cowgirl. Bullseye, he's Woody's horse. Pete the old prospector. And, Woody, the man himself. Of course, it's time for Woody's RoundUp. He's the very best! He's the rootinest, tootinest cowboy in the wild, wild west!

Top Ten Ways to Find Good Deals on DVDs and Blu-ray...
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#1932
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4/12/09 at 1:49am
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Mike:

Where'd you get that artwork? Is this an import?

I ask because I'm not finding that disc via either an Advanced Search for Teldec DVD-A titles on Amazon or at the DVD-A Registry site.

I didn't find it during an admittedly quick peep at the Teldec site either.
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#1933
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4/12/09 at 5:15am
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Frezon
Don't know ANYTHING about their music...but picked up the DVD-A of Everclear's So Much for the Afterglow.

Sampled a few tracks on an in-store listening station and thought it might be interesting.

=============================

I don't know if you folks experience the same thing...but many stores I frequent always seem to have a copy or two of Herb Alpert's Passion Dance DVD-A. Usually pretty cheap, too. But I've never bitten.

I have had this one for a long time and like it a lot, simple pop/rock. I think it is a popular DVD-A title and one I saw available for sale often.

Chris
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#1934
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4/12/09 at 10:06am
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

One more thing re the Strauss DVD-A, adding sauce to the goose, Mike: my Pio 563A only finds a surround track on (the only Teldec DVD-A I have) Chanticleer's Magnificat, despite the disc content grid on the back indicating there's a high rez stereo track on there.
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#1935
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4/12/09 at 11:56am
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul.S
Mike:

Where'd you get that artwork? Is this an import?

I ask because I'm not finding that disc via either an Advanced Search for Teldec DVD-A titles on Amazon or at the DVD-A Registry site.

I didn't find it during an admittedly quick peep at the Teldec site either.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul.S
One more thing re the Strauss DVD-A, adding sauce to the goose, Mike: my Pio 563A only finds a surround track on (the only Teldec DVD-A I have) Chanticleer's Magnificat, despite the disc content grid on the back indicating there's a high rez stereo track on there.

Paul:

I saw the disc for sale at a local store. It is in a standard clear CD case...but it said DVD-A running up and up the part of the spine that faces the front of the case (if you understand that explanation...).

I didn't buy it ($17.99) as I'm not a real big fan of Mr. Strauss and his waltzes. I did a search for it, however, on the internet and found THIS SITE with a description of the CD and a single line that says there is also a DVD-A available. But nothing, again, to indicate what kind of audio tracks are available on the disc. The CD cover (shown) matches the artwork on the DVD-A I saw.

I'm looking forward to that extra sauce on my Easter goose today, Paul!

There's Jessie the yodeling cowgirl. Bullseye, he's Woody's horse. Pete the old prospector. And, Woody, the man himself. Of course, it's time for Woody's RoundUp. He's the very best! He's the rootinest, tootinest cowboy in the wild, wild west!

Top Ten Ways to Find Good Deals on DVDs and Blu-ray...
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#1936
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4/12/09 at 12:49pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

The Sony Strauss Waltzes early SACD is very good as well.

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#1937
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4/12/09 at 12:54pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Thx for additional info. I'm inclined to think that DVD-Audio reference is bogus: the site doesn't even get the format name correct ("DVD audio"). That could be a DVD-Video version of the title for all we know, especially given that 5 of the 10 track listings say "Live."

I'm reminded of a purported DVD-A of Bela Fleck's The Bluegrass Sessions I bought online a while back: it had the DVD-A logo on the liners (but not the disc), but was packaged in a jewel case and was a plain Jane redbook CD. I think there are boots and/or printing errors out there.

If you're still interested in the disc despite not being a Strauss fan (whatsamatta wit you?!?), I suggest you find out what the store's return policy is . . . maybe even tell a store clerk of the concern/question to foreground a possible return.

And freakin' get Telarc's Ein Straussfest and/or Ein Straussfest II so you can get over this silly business of not being a fan of one of Vienna's greatest exports!
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#1938
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4/12/09 at 5:06pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul.S
whatsamatta wit you?!?

Too many things to enumerate here.

That's interesting (read: surprised) that you think it's not really a DVD-A. The packaging makes it seem clear...except for that amazing lack of details about the specs.

I'm afraid my lack of interest in the content makes me disinterested enough not to take the risk.

There's Jessie the yodeling cowgirl. Bullseye, he's Woody's horse. Pete the old prospector. And, Woody, the man himself. Of course, it's time for Woody's RoundUp. He's the very best! He's the rootinest, tootinest cowboy in the wild, wild west!

Top Ten Ways to Find Good Deals on DVDs and Blu-ray...
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#1939
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4/12/09 at 6:37pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Frezon
I'm afraid my lack of interest in the content makes me disinterested enough not to take the risk.
I'm reminded of Pacino's terrific lines in The Insider: this has made me "two things--pissed off . . . and curious."

On your next visit to that store, why don't you take the disc to a clerk, bring these issues up and see if they'll open it for you so you can look at the disc's labeling. The store should want to get clarity because this issue could cause a return by any customer knowledgeable enough to be interested in that disc for what it truly purports to be.

That way you minimize your risk while simultaneously getting an answer for all parties since, despite the Straussian disinterest, you after all were interested enough in the disc to post here and stoke the interests of others (read: moi) when we (read: I) should have otherwise been hunting wabbits.
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#1940
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4/12/09 at 9:56pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

You caught me. I'm obviously intrigued.

I scanned the disc on one of the store's listening device scanners but it came up "could not be found." So I then grabbed a couple of CDs of Mr. Strauss's (he's been rather prolific, it seems) and tried to match up tunes as best I could against the German (Viennese?) titles on the DVD-A. I was instantly awash in some lush waltzes and began to weigh whether this is music I would ever listen to a second time after getting my initial reaction to the fidelity of the recording. (I've been guilty of this in the past.)

So maybe I'll take your recommendation, Paul. Stores have no issues opening a product just to check out the inside liner notes, disc label, etc.? I've never done that.

Turns out--rather than goose or wabbit--we enjoyed some extremely tender steaks for dinner tonight. No special sauce needed.

There's Jessie the yodeling cowgirl. Bullseye, he's Woody's horse. Pete the old prospector. And, Woody, the man himself. Of course, it's time for Woody's RoundUp. He's the very best! He's the rootinest, tootinest cowboy in the wild, wild west!

Top Ten Ways to Find Good Deals on DVDs and Blu-ray...
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#1941
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4/13/09 at 8:33pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Scoggins
Lou Donaldson's Lou Takes Off just arrived on DAD (Classic Records) from an ebay seller.

That's a good one

I have yet to be disappointed by any Classic DAD or HDAD
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#1942
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4/14/09 at 6:54am
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blair G
That's a good one

I have yet to be disappointed by any Classic DAD or HDAD

I have at least a dozen by now. They are superb.

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#1943
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4/14/09 at 9:00pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Scoggins
I have at least a dozen by now. They are superb.

I'm up to 17 and the only ones left that I am considering are the Sarah McLachlan, Freddie Hubbard and Jimmy Rushing All Stars.

Though I am a bit curious about the Nanci Griffith and Pete Townshend Scoop titles. Do you have any of those ?
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#1944
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4/15/09 at 1:55pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blair G
I'm up to 17 and the only ones left that I am considering are the Sarah McLachlan, Freddie Hubbard and Jimmy Rushing All Stars.

Though I am a bit curious about the Nanci Griffith and Pete Townshend Scoop titles. Do you have any of those ?

I don't have Scoop but heard it at a friends - very good. I have the Nanci Griffith and it is very good.

Do you have any of the Everest titles they are doing on HDAD at 24/192?

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#1945
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4/15/09 at 5:19pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Scoggins
Do you have any of the Everest titles they are doing on HDAD at 24/192?

No....the Everest material is classical, right?

I have tried but just can't get into Classical music
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#1946
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4/15/09 at 5:33pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blair G
No....the Everest material is classical, right?

I have tried but just can't get into Classical music

Yes, classical music. Well done live to two track recordings by Bert Whyte who is better known as the former editor of Audio magazine.

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#1947
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4/16/09 at 10:55am
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Just starting my collection of SACD's

CCR: Willy and the Poorboys
Ana Caram: Blue Bossa
The Zombies: Greatest Hits
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#1948
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4/16/09 at 10:59am
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Quote:
Originally Posted by cs0khunter82
Just starting my collection of SACD's

CCR: Willy and the Poorboys
Ana Caram: Blue Bossa
The Zombies: Greatest Hits

That's a hell of a good start! All 3 are stellar but The Zombies is just amazing.

Rachael, the big disc cat! I used to be looking for Hi-Vision Laserdiscs & D-Theater tapes, now I'm looking for HD-DVD's and Blu-rays.

I survived the AFI top 100 Film Challenge! I've seen them all.

favourite saying: hard feelings are for park benches... sit on that!

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#1949
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4/17/09 at 1:54pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Japanese SACDs:

Bill Evans at Montreux Jazz Festival
Basie in Back (on always great 88s label)
Weather Report Black Market

All sound terrific. You should hear the bass on the Bill Evans.

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#1950
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4/17/09 at 9:08pm
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Re: What Hirez Discs Have You Purchased Recently?

Mendelssohn Piano Trios 1&2--Julia Fischer, Daniel Muller-Schott and Jonathan Gilad (Pentatone SACD MCH)

Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes time, and it annoys the pig.

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