| Description: |  | SHM-CD, or Super High Material CD, is an improved version of the Compact Disc that uses higher quality, more transparent polycarbonate material that was developed for use in LCDs. It is compatible with any regular CD player. Universal and JVC, who developed the SHM-CD, say that the new material also allows the pits to be formed more precisely, and the signal characteristics are improved as a result.
What that translates to our listening experience, according to Universal and JVC, is a clearer, more open sound, better resolution that leads to more details, and lower distortion. Universal Japan is already reissuing many albums as SHM-CDs in their catalog in all genres, and people are taking notice. My audiophile friends in Japan, whose opinion I trust, are quite excited about it.
Now, they have released this limited-edition, 2-disc classical sampler so that people can compare the regular CD with the SHM-CD at home. Each CD contains the same music progaram, and they are made with the same masters and even the same stamper. The only difference is the polycarbonate material; regular or SHM. This is actually the only valid way to test the sonic superiority of SHM-CD; to control, or keep everything else the same.
Taken from the vast catalog of Universal which includes Deutsche Grammophone and Decca labels, each CD contains 11 famous classical performances recorded over the past 5 decades. The people at Universal did a really nice job compiling the best of the best -- most of them considered by many to be the definitive -- versions of each repertory.
I have performed a critical comparison between the two using my own hi-fi system, and I can say that there are subtle but consistent improvements. The SHM-CD offers a clearer, more open sound with better resolution. The voices and instruments sound more three-dimensional and richer in texture. Whether these improvements are big enough to justify replacing one's existing collection with SHM-CDs has to be determined by each listener.
This specially-priced, two-disc sampler offers audiophiles who care about these new developments a chance to listen for themselves. It is a bargain: only $17 for two discs, and eleven historic performances freshly remastered without equalizers or compressors for great sound quality. This limited edition will go quickly, so don't wait to order your copy!
If you are interested in SHM-CD, take a look at the titles we have at the SHM-CD section as well as our Complete Release List of jazz and classical titles that are available for special order! |
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