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 Music Japan 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.

After listening to the SHM-CD Jazz Sampler and SHM-CD Classical Sampler myself, I can say that there are clearly discernable differences. The SHM-CD offers a clearer, more open sound with better resolution. Voices and instruments sound more three-dimensional and richer in texture. The results may differ depending on one's audio system, and whether the perceived improvements are big enough to justify replacing one's existing collection with SHM-CDs has to be determined by each listener. However, if everything else (recording, mastering and manufacturing) is the same, SHM-CD offers definitive sonic advantages.

Since Universal Music Japan and its affiliated labels are reissuing so many albums on SHM-CD, we cannot stock them all. If you are interested in special ordering jazz or classical SHM-CD titles, please take a look at this LIST.