Will_B

Finally tracked down the elusive SACD of David Bowie's Reality. This was a release that sort of misfired, coming in months after three other editions of the album had been released (so no stores bothered to carry it).

Am tempted to buy Sheryl Crow's Globe Sessions now that it is finally on SACD, but I keep wondering if I should wait for the eventual (expected but not announced) DualDisc.

Julio De Luis

My first and most recently bought DVD-Audio has been R. Kelly-Chocaolate Factory. My next one will be Usher-8701. There doesn't seem to be that much of an R&B selection in DVD-Audio.

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Martin Rendall

Nothing. I must confess that I'm somewhat disillusioned with the whole thing.

Not so much as new encoding format(s), nor with the multichannel aspect, but rather with the fact that very little hi rez content is to my taste. I'm past the stage of making dubious purchases for the sake of acquiring hi rez content... sounds great once.

In fact, I moved in April. Since then I haven't even bothered to hook up my universal player again, and I don't miss it. I have a modest but nice two channel CD setup which makes me smile every time I fire it up.

Martin.

Hopelessly out of date DVD Collection Listing

Mike Broadman

My order of Fantasy's 10 new jazz SACDs is on its way. Will post reviews as I listen to them.

My awesome music collection

Jordan_E

Got Steely Dan Gaucho SACD a few days ago, but only have listened to the first two cuts so far.

And you believe, at heart, everyone's a killer...

AricB

Will B, how is the bowie reality sacd?

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Ron Reda

I picked up John Mayer's "Heavier Things" on hybrid SACD (DSD recording) the other day and it sounds excellent! See my mini-review here:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...72#post2344672

Insert clever line here--->

Danny Tse

Dave Brubeck - Time Out (original stereo only version)....somehow, this single-layer version seems to sound better than my hybrid version. Maybe I am imagining it.

Billy Joel - An Innocent Man

Will_B

I haven't popped it in yet but will reply when I do so.

AricB

did you order it online or at a store? havent seen it any local to chicago, and have been to lazy to order for now. but i love heathen, so am looking forward. let me know what you think, thanks?

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Will_B

I ordered it online at deepdiscountcd. The disc arrived covered in dust (the shrinkwrap was covered in dust). I imagine there's probably some story behind the way this title never got shipped around the country properly.

Anyway I am listening to it now, and though I do not want anyone taking my words too heavily (for I am not a "golden ears" type person, nor well versed enough in music to use the right words), I must say my initial reaction to the 5.1 mix was that I was seriously dissapointed.

DAVID BOWIE'S HEATHEN 5.1 totally impressed me as the best ever sounding 5.1 disc I've ever heard, due in large part to the way the whole band filled the rear speakers almost as vividly as the fronts.

But this, DAVID BOWIE'S REALITY, keeps a good deal of the band trapped in the front left and front right, almost as if - and this is what ultimately redeemed this 5.1 mix for me -- almost as if they're trying to maintain or recreate the impression of an old-fashioned stereo recording (remember those days? The early 21st century? Good times, good times).

This theory actually makes some sense. If you recall that the beginning of "The Loneliest Guy" purposefully starts out as if it were tuned in on an AM radio and then opens up... perhaps this is the concept of the entire album. I am inclined to believe that is what is going on.

The surrounds are used to greater and greater effect as the album progresses, so, perhaps there is design behind this madness.

There many times when the clarity of Bowie's vocals are so much more vivid than any instrument in the band that it feels like you're listening to Bowie recording his vocal. As such, you better be a fan of Bowie's voice to enjoy this album. (Personally I am so that's fine with me). But generally I'd have prefered the band to have been given a fuller presentation.

That said, the clarity of the high resolution is very nice indeed. And where these comments matter most: Is this better than the stereo CD?

Yes, it is. I never picked up on the sort of "NY in the early 70s vibe" that I now feel is quite obvious. Again I can't explain that because I'm not a music reviewer.

AricB

Awesome, I had heard the surround mix was sort of mixed bag. maybe your right about the concept. I will order it, and would have anyways, just was curious how quickly i needed to. Heathen is one of my top 3 discs easily, I really love the music and the mix. I'm really hoping for a 5.1 release of ...hours, earthling, and outside too.

thanks

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Robert A. Willis Jr.

Well, I just went over the edge (again). First I took advantage of the $7.99 deal at CD Lounge and bought five of their SACD's and then I found CD Quest and spent megabucks on Japanese imports. Miles Davis Cookin' (DVD-A yes DVD-A) at 24/192 is a gem. Santana Abraxas and Canavanseri (both single layer)are outstanding. Since I my SACD player isn't here yet, I had to borrow a Krell SACD player and these disks are noticeably better that the domestic SACD's.

The $7.99 SACD's are a bargain:

Bill Evans - Portrait in Jazz - Very good CD and SACD layers.
John Coltrane - Lush Life - The DCC CD is better than the CD layer but the SACD layer is the best.
Miles Davis - Relaxin' - The XRCD version is a bit better than the SACD layer.
Wes Montgomery - The Incredible Guitar- Great music somewhat disappointing sonics.
James Carter - Gardenias for Lady Day - Outstanding sonics, very good jazz.

Finally the Grant Geissman DVD-A from AIX. Trademark AIX sound which some don't like. At first blush, I am not pleased but I need to listen a few more times. Sometimes music just doesn't "hit your ears" at first. I don't think my appreciation will grow but, who knows.