By the calendar it'll be near 23yrs since ABKCO released the SACD's. I do not know how the manufacture took place? Over perhaps a few months. But it is the last of the best of the physical formats.

What did you think of them?

I was able to experience them via Blu-Ray in 2011 after owning them for a fair while, it was awesome, I do wish that Klein had the foresight to work with 5.1 pioneers though, after Bob Dylan's Slow Train Coming revealed [Stunning separation] one can only imagine



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024-12-14 13:02 by SKILLS.

Enjoyed the Sacds. Wish they did it for the mono set

On August 27, 2002, SACD-hybrid remasters of Decca-London period (double layered ‘gold’ discs in Digipaks) appeared on the market. The projected release date was set as August 20, it was stated in the advertising package from ABKCO.

However, the limited capabilities of the pressing plants did not allow to fulfill the orders on time. As a result, the release was delayed for some territories for a week and shifted to November 6, 2002, in Japan. There were only two pressing plants in the world that were able to produce hybrid discs at that time – Sonopress in Germany and Sony in Japan. The third plant - Sony in the USA - was involved in production later, for additional pressing runs. It was used mainly to cover North American market.

Sonopress Germany for Northern America discs carry stylized Sonopress logo and double matrix string in the form, like presented below.
SONOPRESS 50411627/9005-2 01 IFPI LB46
SONOPRESS 50411628/9005-2 D 01 IFPI LB46
Note, that Mastering SID code (IFPI LB46 or similar) is used both for CDDA and SACD layers. Plastic hub came with SID Mould code IFPI 07** or IFPI 07*** (here ** or *** are additional numbers/letters combination that corresponds to specific molding machine at Sonopress plant).

Sonopress Germany discs made for the rest of the world, except Northern America, are characterized by matrices like:
50486134/UNIVERSAL 882304-2 02 IFPI LB46
50486133/UNIVERSAL 882304-2 D 01 IFPI LB46
Sonopress logo was not used but the word UNIVERSAL was printed instead. Mastering SID code (IFPI LB46 or similar) is used both for redbook and SACD layers again. Plastic hub came with Mould SID code IFPI 07** or IFPI 07*** (here ** or *** are additional numbers/letters combination that corresponds to specific molding machine at Sonopress plant). The last digits in the matrix strings (01, 02 or similar) are markers for glass masters. They can be different. Note that matrices for Sonopress-made discs carry both internal work order number and catalogue number of the album.

Discs made by Sony DADC, USA, carry double matrix string like:
SUHD-003660A1 1 IFPI L332 AO1
STLD-003660 1 IFPI L327 BO1
Here Mastering SID code is used for both layers too. Additionally, stampler codes (AO1, BO1, etc.) are added to the string.
Plastic hub came with Mould SID code IFPI OW** (here ** additional numbers/letters combination that corresponds to specific molding machine at Sony DADC, USA plant). The last numbers in the matrix strings (1, 2 or similar) are markers for glass masters. Note, that for discs made by Sony DADC, USA, matrix string does not carry catalogue number of the album, but only a code of the internal work order. Also, note the different shape of the CD hub resulting from the utilization of moulding machine of another type at Sony plant.

In Japan discs were made for the whole world at the Sony plant. They share the same hub shape. It is like the one described for Sony DADC, USA.
Sony, Japan discs made for the whole world, but Northern America, came with double string matrix like:
882-304-2 HD 1 with 11 laser marks
882-304-2 CD 1 IFPI L275 with 11 laser marks
Note that only CD layer carries Mastering SID code.
Mould SID code is IFPI 45** (here ** additional numbers/letters combination that corresponds to specific molding machine at Sony Japan plant). The last numbers in the matrix strings (1, 2 or similar) are markers for glass masters. Laser marks (1+2+8) were used by Sony Japan to code ‘father’, ‘mother’ and ‘stampler’ numbers.

Finally, Sony Japan made discs for Northern America came with double string matrix like:
18771-9420-2 HD 1 with 11 laser marks
18771-9420-2 CD 1 IFPI L275 with 11 laser marks
Note that only CD layer carries Mastering SID code.
Mould SID code is IFPI 45** (here ** additional numbers/letters combination that corresponds to specific molding machine at Sony Japan plant)
The last numbers in the matrix strings (1, 2 or similar) are markers for glass masters. Laser marks (1+2+8) were used by Sony Japan to code ‘father’, ‘mother’ and ‘stampler’ numbers. Note, matrices of the discs pressed by Sony Japan carry only catalog number of the disc but no work order code.

Anyway, 22 titles and two promos were released. Four titles – Out Of Our Heads (UK), Aftermath (UK), Between The Buttons (UK) and Metamorphosis (UK) appeared in digital format on ABKCO for the first time. Also, More Hot Rocks got three bonus tracks. This was the largest reissue program by the artist and the label. And not only that – the digital content was prepared from the best possible sources using up-to-date technologies and upgraded to the new high-resolution Direct Stream Digital audio format.

Facility: Gateway Mastering
Mastering Engineer: Bob Ludwig
Project: Remastering 22 Rolling Stones Albums
Record Label: ABKCO
Tape Transfer: ATR Ampex 350 1/4" with Dave Hill Aria Electronics
Phono Reference: Well-Tempered Labs Turntable, Grado Cartridge, Manley Steelhead Preamp
Dynamics: Millennia Media Origin STT-1, Manley Vari-MU, NTP 179-120
Equalization: Manley Massive Passive, GML 9500 Mastering EQ, Neumann OE Duo
Noise Processing: Cube-Tec Audio Cube Workstation, CEDAR DH-2 dehisser, Weiss Engineering DS1 Dynamics Processor
Converters: EMM Labs Analog to DSD Converter, dCS 974 Digital to Digital Converter (DSD - PCM - DSD)
DSD Workstation: Sony Sonoma

This was a huge step. The Rolling Stones outrun that other beat band from Liverpool this time. Till now, this set is considered as the best sounding version for Decca-London albums (although, some may find that several old West German London CDs still sound better and more natural).

Front covers of the digipaks were standardized for the whole world. Catalog numbers, barcodes and fine prints on the digipaks were slightly different depending on the region. For North America digipaks were printed in the USA with barcode 0 18771 xxxxx. For Europe and the ROW digipaks were printed in EU with barcode 0 422 88 2xxxxx. Japanese set appeared on November 6, 2002. It came with the very same digipaks as for Europe and the ROW but with additional wide OBI that covers the back side of the digipak with info for Japanese market (barcode 4 988005 xxxxxx) + b/w bi-lingual booklet that contains small essay by Mike Koshitany (in Japanese) and lyrics in English and Japanese.

Known mastering issues:

- the very first run of Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out [9005-2] that was pressed in Germany by Sonopress for the US market (Matrix - SONOPRESS 50411627/9005-2 01) contained Stray Cat Blues with shortened intro. The opening licks are played only once, while on all other editions they are played twice. It makes this particular pressing a collector’s oddity. The error was almost immediately corrected. But the discs were out and on the market. This error was not present on any other Germany, Japan or USA made discs.

- Hot Rocks [882 305-2] with matrix 50488979/UNIVERSAL 882312-2 D 01 IFPI LB46 contains stereo version of Mothers Little Helper in SACD layer, while mono version for CDDA. Apparently, this mistake is absent for Japanese and US made discs, the track is mono for both layers (although I was not able to get 100% clear confirmation).

Detail analysis and comparison of West German London with ABKCO 1986 CDs and ABKCO 2002 SACD remasters was carried out by David Goodwin and Luke Pacholski: The ROLLING STONES "London-Era on CD/Remasters Review" FAQ Version: 1.2 IORR (It's Only a Rushed Release) December 13, 2002.
[lukpac.org]
Up to date this is the best and most comprehensive album by album analysis available. Sadly, as stated by Luke Pacholski in 2019 on Steve Hoffman’s Music Forum, it is outdated and not error free. There is no information if the updated version will appear any time soon.

The first edition came with a couple of collector’s extras. A hype picture sticker on the outside shrink-wrap was the first one. It says “ABKCO's The Rolling Stones Remastered Series”. The sticker also indicates that the package "includes Inaugural Edition Certificate".


The Certificate inside the digipak was an ‘Easter egg’ for collectors. It is a square piece of thick paper of about 9.5 cm x 9.5 cm (3 ¾” x 3 ¾”) size. On the front there are stylish frame, notes “Certificate of Authenticity” on the top and “Inaugural Edition Hybrid Disc 2002” and “abkco” in the bottom. In the center a quote from one of the songs from London-DECCA years is presented. A kind of Chairman Mao’s ‘Little Red Book’ or, in this case, The Glimmer Twins’ ‘Little Beige Cards’ . You can call them ‘Cream’ as well because the background color is situated somewhere in the range RGB 255, 253, 208 – RGB 245, 245, 220.

Twenty different Certificates were issued. The number (from 1 through 20) is printed on the back in the lower right corner. The correlation between quotes and numbers is presented in a table. The back side of the Certificate contains a part of a jigsaw puzzle. One can arrange them in 5 rows and 4 columns resulting in a black-and-white image of “Their Satanic Majesties Request” cover.

The number of Certificates (20) does not match the number of the titles in the series - 22 (or 23 if you count Remastered 21 tracks SACD-hybrid sampler. Surely, there was also 6 tracks SACD sampler ‘Remastered Series’, but I believe that one was w/o Certificate). To make the things worse, the Certificates were randomly distributed. I.e. a specific CD does not include a Certificate with a certain number. There is no guarantee that you will get all the pieces of the puzzle if purchase the whole set of the discs (or that infamous German ‘Jeans Box’). Duplicates for some and absence of the others are almost certain. So, one with an "obsessive collector’s" disorder was forced into trading activities.

The Certificates were the same for the whole word. I.e. there are no differences for the USA, EU, Japan or Down Under. As a matter of fact, there was no unique Japanese edition. Japanese 2002 set UIGY-7001 - UIGY-7026 contain the very same discs and digipaks that were issued for the whole world but the USA (digipaks printed in EU and with 0 42288 2xxxx x barcode). They were packed in additional re-sealable plastic sleeve with wide OBI and extra Japanese sticker. OBI covers the back side of digipak completely and carries Japanese barcode 4 988005 xxxxxx. Inside the OBI a b/w bi-lingual booklet that contains small essay by Mike Koshitany (in Japanese) and lyrics in English and Japanese is planted. It is like the inner part of the booklets for old London CDs.

Correlation between COA numbers and song quotes




From Pro Audio Review:

Facility: Gateway Mastering
Mastering Engineer: Bob Ludwig
Project: Remastering 22 Rolling Stones Albums
Record Label: ABKCO
Tape Transfer: ATR Ampex 350 1/4" with Dave Hill Aria Electronics
Phono Reference: Well-Tempered Labs Turntable, Grado Cartridge, Manley Steelhead Preamp
Dynamics: Millennia Media Origin STT-1, Manley Vari-MU, NTP 179-120
Equalization: Manley Massive Passive, GML 9500 Mastering EQ, Neumann OE Duo
Noise Processing: Cube-Tec Audio Cube Workstation, CEDAR DH-2 dehisser, Weiss Engineering DS1 Dynamics Processor
Converters: EMM Labs Analog to DSD Converter, dCS 974 Digital to Digital Converter (DSD - PCM - DSD)
DSD Workstation: Sony Sonoma

PAR: What was your general process in mastering the Stones project?

BL: I would put up a song and EQ it the way I thought it should be. Then I checked it against the original London and Decca as originally intended and approved. I also checked the singles if the original was mono. Next, the 1986 CD would be checked, as this was the source for 90% of the people who knew these songs. Often we had the originals beat right away, but sometimes there was something magical about the vinyl pressing that a lot of effort to duplicate, and then better.

PAR: How did you approach the use of dynamic processing?

BL: Even 35 years ago records were compressed to make the music ROCK! For some tracks I used my vintage Neumann Disk Mastering Console and Manley, Millennia Media or NTP analog compressors to get the "correct" sound. Compressing them further for mere level sake alone was not done. Thus, they are compressed as needed, but not squished. I wanted these reissues to have as much musical longevity as possible, and high compression tires the ears.

PAR: Did you use much noise reduction?

BL: Very little. When there were spots that required its use, if it was possible in the analog world, I would do it there. If not, we went to the high resolution PCM world. If neither sounded that great, we just let the noise be. The only PCM in the whole series are those parts that were really necessary. Each corrected part was meticulously excerpted and edited back into the DSD master. One song had some significant sibilance problems, and I think 23 individual de-essed attacks of a word were edited back in by hand. A true pain in the neck, especially on the Sonoma DSD Workstation, but it kept the ultimate quality we were striving for.

PAR: The quality of the SACD layer is stunning. The CD layer also sounds much better than any previous releases I've heard.

BL: The downsampling from SACD to PCM used the latest Sony SBMD process, so the CD sound is a breakthrough as well. Being that everyone who buys a remastered Stones disc will have automatically have purchased a SACD disc, I hope that they will seek out a friend who owns a SACD player, hear the disc on that and get even more analog-like warmth and clarity than the CD layer affords.

I thought they were great improvement over the mid-80’s Abcko releases. It was especially nice to - finally! - get the U.K. Out of Our Heads, Aftermath and Between The Buttons; but a shame The Rolling Stones and No.2 were ignored.

I thought they were great and spent quite a pile of dough very quickly on the whole set.

My few complaints were the weird "Ruby Tuesday" mix and that I had thought by the time these came out they would have resolved their differences with Abkco and we could have got some bonus tracks from the vaults. Here we are now, almost 60 years since some of the great mid-60s tunes were recorded and still no official release of some great stuff. Lastly, the packaging was lame and lack of some informative liner notes/essays about each album.

I didn't buy all of them, but the ones I did pick up like Hot Rocks I & II, Beggars, Let it Bleed, Ya Yas, and Aftermath I was very satisfied with how they sounded sonically on my SACD player. Given today's evolving technology, they are still quite impressive to listen to. This was something that Abkco generally got right. However, with that being said, had they been able to release these re-issues (with the one exception of Hot Rocks II bonus tracks) with rarities and/or unreleased outtakes, etc on each of them (and maybe little booklets with pictures & historical info/analysis about the recording sessions), Abkco would have hit it out of the park.



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 2024-12-14 15:57 by Sighunt.

No idea who made them or how many there are, but my ABKCO SACDs are now housed in a limited jeans box (but I don't think it was an official box).
But all ABKCO SACDs from 2002 fit exactly in this box!
Bought the box individually a few years ago, without SACDs.

For me, the ultimate release at that time, only topped around 10 years later by the Japan SACDs (albums "Sticky Fingers" to "Dirty Work")
With the right SACD player, the listening experience is still fabulous today!

Quote
Nankstone
No idea who made them or how many there are, but my ABKCO SACDs are now housed in a limited jeans box (but I don't think it was an official box).
But all ABKCO SACDs from 2002 fit exactly in this box!
Bought the box individually a few years ago, without SACDs.

For me, the ultimate release at that time, only topped around 10 years later by the Japan SACDs (albums "Sticky Fingers" to "Dirty Work")
With the right SACD player, the listening experience is still fabulous today!

That is Jeans Box. It was offered as a mail-in order in Germany via DIE ZEIT (German National newspaper).

The discs there, apparently, were mostly from the 1st European edition. The price for the complete set and the box was 444 EUR. It is extremely nice collector's item.

Fascinating. Great to get all this info in one spot, thanks Ironbelly, and Nankstone, didn't even know the jeans box was in existence.

I have the 18771-9004-2 Let It Bleed, so I presume the rest of the set is also from your final series. The only CD I did not get was Hot Rocks (foolish me already "had" Hot Rocks on CD).

All the sets had the hype sticker and "puzzle" pieces.

The music was awesome, but I didn't have an SACD player so didn't know what that version sounded like. Someone told me to get a sony blu ray player (I think it was Toru - right here on IORR) and that would play the SACD layer.

The one question I have is how do you actually know what layer the blu ray player is accessing? It certainly could be playing the CD layer...is there a way to tell? It's not like you can select the layer you want to listen to.

thx

Oh thanks ironbelly for the information, I didn't know that.
Does anyone know how limited the jeans boxes were?
Mine is number 31, are there 50, 100 or even 1000 or more?

Quote
Nankstone
Oh thanks ironbelly for the information, I didn't know that.
Does anyone know how limited the jeans boxes were?
Mine is number 31, are there 50, 100 or even 1000 or more?

Are you on DISCOGS? If not, go there and research it. If there's a special SKU code for the entire package it may be easy to find out that info.

EDIT: I was able to locate it:

[www.discogs.com]

So I think this is indeed a rare release. Never been sold on discogs, only 8 users have it, and over 70 "want" it. Doesn't have the number of units issued but from those numbers you can tell this is pretty rare.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024-12-14 17:16 by treaclefingers.

Quote
treaclefingers
...

The music was awesome, but I didn't have an SACD player so didn't know what that version sounded like. Someone told me to get a sony blu ray player (I think it was Toru - right here on IORR) and that would play the SACD layer.

The one question I have is how do you actually know what layer the blu ray player is accessing? It certainly could be playing the CD layer...is there a way to tell? It's not like you can select the layer you want to listen to.

thx

No idea how this works on a SONY SACD or BLURAY player.
I have a DENON DBT-3313UD... a very good all-round player for me (CD/SACD/BLURAY/DVD etc.).
This player "recognizes" which medium is in it and plays the best possible audio layer accordingly via the so-called "Denon Link HD" (digital interface, indicated by the blue LED in the middle of the image).
see pictures





Thanks treaclefingers for the Discogs Link



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024-12-14 17:21 by Nankstone.

Quote
Nankstone

Quote
treaclefingers
...

The music was awesome, but I didn't have an SACD player so didn't know what that version sounded like. Someone told me to get a sony blu ray player (I think it was Toru - right here on IORR) and that would play the SACD layer.

The one question I have is how do you actually know what layer the blu ray player is accessing? It certainly could be playing the CD layer...is there a way to tell? It's not like you can select the layer you want to listen to.

thx

No idea how this works on a SONY SACD or BLURAY player.
I have a DENON DBT-3313UD... a very good all-round player for me (CD/SACD/BLURAY/DVD etc.).
This player "recognizes" which medium is in it and plays the best possible audio layer accordingly via the so-called "Denon Link HD" (digital interface, indicated by the blue LED in the middle of the image).
see pictures





Thanks treaclefingers for the Discogs Link

And thank you for that info! Yeah so for the Sony blu ray player it just plays a layer, hoping it would search for it like your denon but it doesn't indicate anywhere what is being accessed.

Quote
ironbelly
Known mastering issues:

- the very first run of Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out [9005-2] that was pressed in Germany by Sonopress for the US market (Matrix - SONOPRESS 50411627/9005-2 01) contained Stray Cat Blues with shortened intro. The opening licks are played only once, while on all other editions they are played twice. It makes this particular pressing a collector’s oddity. The error was almost immediately corrected. But the discs were out and on the market. This error was not present on any other Germany, Japan or USA made discs.

I never understood how this could happen by mistake. There must have someone sat down and have edited out intentionally the opening licks exactly once, this cannot happen accidentally. But why would someone do this, I see no reason for doing this?

Quote
wiredallnight

Quote
ironbelly
Known mastering issues:

- the very first run of Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out [9005-2] that was pressed in Germany by Sonopress for the US market (Matrix - SONOPRESS 50411627/9005-2 01) contained Stray Cat Blues with shortened intro. The opening licks are played only once, while on all other editions they are played twice. It makes this particular pressing a collector’s oddity. The error was almost immediately corrected. But the discs were out and on the market. This error was not present on any other Germany, Japan or USA made discs.

I never understood how this could happen by mistake. There must have someone sat down and have edited out intentionally the opening licks exactly once, this cannot happen accidentally. But why would someone do this, I see no reason for doing this?

As far as I can recall, it wasn't the complete lick but only one note, the very first one played, of course. Still, why this note was omitted remains a mystery.

The SACD layer doesn't play on BluRay players. Must be SACD or a Multi Player that does Bluray Audio and SACD. That's the difficult thing about these discs. But the sound is worth it if you can do it.

I only got two back then, Beggar's and Between The Buttons. I wish I could find the certificates but they fell out and I can't for my life seem to find them.

Quote
retired_dog

Quote
wiredallnight

Quote
ironbelly
Known mastering issues:

- the very first run of Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out [9005-2] that was pressed in Germany by Sonopress for the US market (Matrix - SONOPRESS 50411627/9005-2 01) contained Stray Cat Blues with shortened intro. The opening licks are played only once, while on all other editions they are played twice. It makes this particular pressing a collector’s oddity. The error was almost immediately corrected. But the discs were out and on the market. This error was not present on any other Germany, Japan or USA made discs.

I never understood how this could happen by mistake. There must have someone sat down and have edited out intentionally the opening licks exactly once, this cannot happen accidentally. But why would someone do this, I see no reason for doing this?

As far as I can recall, it wasn't the complete lick but only one note, the very first one played, of course. Still, why this note was omitted remains a mystery.

No, it was a complete lick.
Germany for USA SACD, the 1st pressing track duration 3:40
Updated version, for the whole word track duration 3:47

Here are the first 30 seconds of each track.

Germany for USA SACD, the 1st pressing
[drive.google.com]

Updated version, for the whole word.
[drive.google.com]

I have no idea how that happen. The credible explanation is that somebody was working on the track and made a mistake. Like, decided there was an unnecessary repetition or something.

The totally unique thing about this set of releases is that, all alone, there's a version of 'Sympathy For The Devil' that has been re-mastered and re-mixed for a 5.1 sound system.

So, you can sit in the middle of your lounge room with the fantastic sounds coming from all around you.

Love it!!

PS. For the record, one of the people involved in the creation of the SACD format, and then the release of the early Rolling Stones albums, was at the time on the Undercover mailing list, and - of course - he had to remain 101% silent about the project he was working on. But he did publish a full account of what happened as soon as he was allowed to.

Captain Corella

I have an OPPO BDP-105 multi-player, and it has been a solid performer. SACD's play great in either 2 channel or multi-channel 5.1 depending on the source. The OPPO player was a great audio/video investment, and while I had an older Sony SACD multi disc changer back when the Stones SACD's came out, that one ceased to operate eventually and I went for the OPPO. Highly recommended unit for what it does. Stones 2002 SACD's sound fantastic through my sound system, and I'm glad my wife bought the entire set for me as a gift back then.

Quote
filstan

I went for the OPPO. Highly recommended unit for what it does.

But Oppo is out of the audio/video business since April 2018. A very good alternative would be the new Oppo-"successor" Magnetar with their player UDP800 and UDP900 - [Magnetar-Audio.com] .

Yeah have an old OPPO BDP 95 blue-ray.... beautiful machine

wish they were still making them ....



ROCKMAN

Quote
Nankstone
No idea who made them or how many there are, but my ABKCO SACDs are now housed in a limited jeans box (but I don't think it was an official box).
But all ABKCO SACDs from 2002 fit exactly in this box!
Bought the box individually a few years ago, without SACDs.

For me, the ultimate release at that time, only topped around 10 years later by the Japan SACDs (albums "Sticky Fingers" to "Dirty Work")
With the right SACD player, the listening experience is still fabulous today!

There was also an official box set from ABKCO in Europe, but it was not complete and contained only 16 of the SACDs:

[www.discogs.com]

Quote
treaclefingers
Fascinating. Great to get all this info in one spot, thanks Ironbelly, and Nankstone, didn't even know the jeans box was in existence.

I have the 18771-9004-2 Let It Bleed, so I presume the rest of the set is also from your final series. The only CD I did not get was Hot Rocks (foolish me already "had" Hot Rocks on CD).

All the sets had the hype sticker and "puzzle" pieces.

The music was awesome, but I didn't have an SACD player so didn't know what that version sounded like. Someone told me to get a sony blu ray player (I think it was Toru - right here on IORR) and that would play the SACD layer.

The one question I have is how do you actually know what layer the blu ray player is accessing? It certainly could be playing the CD layer...is there a way to tell? It's not like you can select the layer you want to listen to.

thx

I've switched to a Sony Blu-ray player.
When a disc is inserted, the screen will display like this.


I've used players from brands like Accuphase and Marantz that cost over 10,000 USD, and they're not much different than this Sony Blu-ray player.
When it comes to SACD, SONY's technology is hard to beat.
I'm really enjoying listening to this great legacy.

Quote
Toru A

Quote
treaclefingers
Fascinating. Great to get all this info in one spot, thanks Ironbelly, and Nankstone, didn't even know the jeans box was in existence.

I have the 18771-9004-2 Let It Bleed, so I presume the rest of the set is also from your final series. The only CD I did not get was Hot Rocks (foolish me already "had" Hot Rocks on CD).

All the sets had the hype sticker and "puzzle" pieces.

The music was awesome, but I didn't have an SACD player so didn't know what that version sounded like. Someone told me to get a sony blu ray player (I think it was Toru - right here on IORR) and that would play the SACD layer.

The one question I have is how do you actually know what layer the blu ray player is accessing? It certainly could be playing the CD layer...is there a way to tell? It's not like you can select the layer you want to listen to.

thx

I've switched to a Sony Blu-ray player.
When a disc is inserted, the screen will display like this.


I've used players from brands like Accuphase and Marantz that cost over 10,000 USD, and they're not much different than this Sony Blu-ray player.
When it comes to SACD, SONY's technology is hard to beat.
I'm really enjoying listening to this great legacy.

Thank you Toru. And I did actually buy a sony blu ray as per your suggestion, but what I didn't do, was hook it up to a TV or monitor, but rather directly to the stereo.

So thank you for that information, much appreciated and of course simple. I should have thought of that. I never really use the blu ray for anything other than as a "CD player" and it didn't even occur to me to plug it in through the TV.

Thanks again!

Quote
wiredallnight

Quote
Nankstone
No idea who made them or how many there are, but my ABKCO SACDs are now housed in a limited jeans box (but I don't think it was an official box).
But all ABKCO SACDs from 2002 fit exactly in this box!
Bought the box individually a few years ago, without SACDs.

For me, the ultimate release at that time, only topped around 10 years later by the Japan SACDs (albums "Sticky Fingers" to "Dirty Work")
With the right SACD player, the listening experience is still fabulous today!

There was also an official box set from ABKCO in Europe, but it was not complete and contained only 16 of the SACDs:

[www.discogs.com]

I do not have a Jeans Box or official box. But this set housed in a simple Tjena box from IKEA is still sealed and in original shrink wrap . All discs are from the 1st pressing set with extra stickers and COA.

Quote
ironbelly

Quote
wiredallnight

Quote
Nankstone
No idea who made them or how many there are, but my ABKCO SACDs are now housed in a limited jeans box (but I don't think it was an official box).
But all ABKCO SACDs from 2002 fit exactly in this box!
Bought the box individually a few years ago, without SACDs.

For me, the ultimate release at that time, only topped around 10 years later by the Japan SACDs (albums "Sticky Fingers" to "Dirty Work")
With the right SACD player, the listening experience is still fabulous today!

There was also an official box set from ABKCO in Europe, but it was not complete and contained only 16 of the SACDs:

[www.discogs.com]

I do not have a Jeans Box or official box. But this set housed in a simple Tjena box from IKEA is still sealed and in original shrink wrap . All discs are from the 1st pressing set with extra stickers and COA.

That is indeed a lovely stamp collection ironbelly!

Bought all when they came out except for Big Hits and Through The Past. Bought a Sony SACD player just for them. Haven't played any in a while.
For Lady Jane on Aftermath, I still prefer the 85 London Aftermath, Brian's dulcimer sounds more crisp.

Stupid questions: if I buy a Stones Decca/London era album on a hi-res store, say quobuz, am I getting the SACD version or the only way to listen to the SACDs is get a SACD player?

How does the Apple music lossless version compare to the SACDs?

C

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liddas

Stupid questions: if I buy a Stones Decca/London era album on a hi-res store, say quobuz, am I getting the SACD version or the only way to listen to the SACDs is get a SACD player?

On Qobuz, there're only TSMR, LIB and BB in DSD (same format as on SACD) - [iorr.org] . Other RS albums are in HiRes-PCM (up to 192kHz/24bit), e.g. also on HDtracks, HighResAudio, ProStudioMasters.

There're dedicated Network- or MultiSource-Player which play DSD/PCM from local HDD-/SSD- or USB-Drives. Software player like Audirvana Origin can play DSD/PCM via USB from the computer to a DAC/Amplifier.

Listening to physical SACDs requires an SACD-capable player. There're MultiDisc-Player and there're also dedicated SACD-Player, e.g. the new Marantz SACD 10 or Denon DCD-3000NE.

SACDs can also be ripped to files via special drives and special software. Files of ripped SACDs can also be found in the depth of the Internet.

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liddas

How does the Apple music lossless version compare to the SACDs?

Apple Music Lossless (ALAC) is basically the same as FLAC. But SACD uses the DSD format which is pulse density encoded 2.8MHz/1bit. In case of the RS albums from the ABKCO era, DSD (SACD) is the best format.