beatles shm cds

Keith,

I haven't heard a SHM Beatles CD but still have an opinion. Each time a new version of sliced bread is invented Beatles' marketers will jump on it. Why shouldn't they? It's the most valuable catalog in record history and new/better digital formats seem unending.

The Beatles SHM CDs use DSD formatting, and some here seem to like that sound. Quick Googling the topic, I could find no provenance as to the mastering process for these Japanese releases other than they are in stereo. Possibly the same versions of the 2009 CD releases with DSD applied, yet still in Redbook? Other factors; what gear do you have? what is your current Beatles catalog as a comparison? Many here are keen on the recent mono vinyl releases. 

The Beatles SHM CDs are costly, fetching almost $45 an album and $500 for the collection. I wouldn't go there, but if you find they are worth the price for your ears and your situation then you should pursue them.

hi joerand, yes they are the 2009 mastering., and i agree any new beatle product will sell.  I have the uk and usa remasters and in there own way they sound different,  but the shm sound better than both . Depends  how much of a fan you are . Having heard the songs so many times you get a feel when they do sound better.if you are a fan try to get to hear one, then make up you mind . The shm cds tend in general  bring more life to the recording, i have quite a few not all are better but in general they are , cd player used naim cd2.2 ,xps dr and naim dac .

Joerand the cd can be had for 22$ direct from japan , from cdjapan.

SHM is simply a different/better plastic & more precise manufacturing process.  It is not a different format such as SACD & doesn't give any benefit over regular CD's,  its still 16/44.1kbs.  

If these Beatles SHM CD's are a better SQ,  I suspect its one of the remastered releases.

Hi Mike-B, you are correct to a point, as have had different  cd quality of the same mastering, from cds from different countries,  but that does not explain the difference on the sampler cd of the same recordings shm and non shm we're  there  seems  to be a improvement  on the shm .

Yes, just using cd player naim cdx2.2 dac,xps2 dr.

Thanks for the info Keith,

You've got my intrigue. Checking prices direct from Japan (with shipping) and on ebay puts these SHMs at about $30 each and they still appear to be a hot item. I'm not jumping at a new Beatles SHM, but will keep these in mind when s/h sales appear. Maybe I'll try Abbey Road. My only fear is that I too will find them better . Got too much Beatles as it is.

On the more pragmatic side, I have to wonder if the CD physical medium can really make a difference in replay. Maybe less scattering of light and better fidelity of the signal? I'm not an electrical engineer. Perhaps some here know more about the associated facts?

Hi joerand,  if you're  not familiar with Japanese cd they tend to be limited editions,so rather than the prce coming  down they tend to rise, so nothing lost if you buy one.