Thursday, April 23, 2009

HQCD vs. SHMCD vs. BLU-SPEC CD


Recently, in Japan, the latest format of CDs to be released by the Major Labels (except EMI and BMG) is either SHMCD -"Super High Material" (Universal, Warner, JVC, Arcangelo) or HQCD "High Quality" or Blu-Spec CD "Blue Ray" (Sony). These new CDs have nothing to do with the remastering phase but they do enhance the audio quality. From what I have learned, SHMCD and HQCD are the better of the 3. Not one of my colleagues has noticed any better or remarkable improvement of the audio from Blu-Spec CD.

As far as SHM CD goes, the Japanese have utilized the material used to make Plasma TVs and the resulting endeavor is a CD that is a few millimeters thinner than a standard North American disc. Now, one might automatically be suspicious of any Label that claims that manufacturing material will enhance audio quality, as a sleek and shrewd marketing ploy. I know I was at first (after working at a Major label for 15 years, I have seen their various unscrupulous tactics).

However, after listening to quite a few of the SHMCDs and HQCDs, I am convinced the audio is sharper, the seperation is noticeable and the overall sound is spectacular. Where I have noticed this most is on album that were originally recorded and mastered well. For example, SHMCD do not do much for the sound of the Dead Kennedys or some of the mono recordings of the late 50s or early 60s. But, where I have noticed an astounding difference is is recordings by the likes of Talking Heads, Supertramp, 10cc, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Dire Straits & Led Zeppelin. There is even remarkable improvement on eclectic recordings by the likes of Amon Duul II, Tangerine Dream, Sparks and the likes of. With HQCD, the number of titles that have been released are fewer but nonetheless, sounding great. King Crimson's catalog has just been re-issued in HQCD and 70's classics like "Islands" or "Red" are bigger than life now. An even better example would be the Robert Fripp/Brian Eno HQCD Digital Remaster of "No Pussyfooting". Outstanding audio sound for an even more outstanding album.

Then to compare these Japanese pressings of Western music with the identical CDs issued by North Americn or European (UK) labels, is like night & day. The difference is so obvious, even to a deaf person.

Wake up music consumers, you are not getting your money's worth from your "friendly" North American Major labels, not only just from the perspective of audio quality but also in packaging. Check out this recent article from Greg Quill in the Toronto Star - http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/Music/article/621050

2 comments:

  1. How do you get the 24-bit quality out of the HQCD?

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  2. Thanks Mortimer Man on your HQCD vs SHMCD vs BLU-SPEC CD. It was very helpful

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