I have yet to find one that really stands out. What would you pick if you could only decide on one album? I’ve heard the Brothers in Arms SACD is a must own
The 2022 MFSL SACD of Michael Jackson’s Thriller sounds awesome.
MFSL, SACD, MQA or other format
Mastering is more important than format, and for older albums/songs, the best version is often an old-ass CD/LP pressing.
For example, the remastered version of Mariya Takeuchi’s Variety is horribly compressed, and the 1980s CD/LP pressings sound night-and-day better.
The Steely Dan - Aja, Japanese SHM-SACD released in 2010 sounds absolutely incredible!
That particular album is an upsample from a 48khz master so I disagree
I REALLY enjoy “This Is The Moody Blues” UHQCD MQA. I hear details on this copy that I’ve never heard before. My only complaint is that it’s really bright. Knowing that the Quad Reel to Reels come with Dolby, I’m suspicious that one would need a Dolby box to hear it correctly.
Another really great MQA recording is “Live and Let Die”, Paul McCartney MQA.
The Elton John and Pink Floyd releases on SACD are also a must have.
Finally, the MFSL A Day At The Races on CD is one of my favorite CDs.
Led Zeppelin and Queen MQA are not that great IMHO. The hi-res PCM releases of the Yes catalogue are also outstanding, but only on DVD-A or Blu Ray.
I buy a lot of SACDs and it’s mostly to buy audiophile releases. Buy the masters not the format. Pretty much everything by MFSL is good. Buy an album from them you love. For me their nevermind is VERY good and better than the original. The guitar tone is so good. Their pixies albums and Weezer album is very good.
I have six versions of miles davis sketches of Spain. One SACD version which is more or less a straight transfers from the master tapes is the absolute worst version of the album you can buy and another SACD is the best. I also have the version from the 90s that is almost as good.
I just bought two Siouxsie records. I have them on CD but I want the truest sound.
My top 5 favorites:
- Pink Floyd DSOM in ATMOS (BluRay)
- Moody Blues “To Our Children’s Children’s Children” (BluRay audio)
- EL&P “Brain Salad Surgery” DVD-audio
- Pink Floyd “Wish You Were Here” SACD
- Beatles “Abbey Road” ATMOS (BluRay)