Does it matter where a CD is manufactured?

I will note that sugarbrie's response to the comments of Hifimaniac seem to be quite appropriate. One must compare apples to apples and not assume something sounds better because the package is more attractive. And of course, one should expect that a remastered cd would be much better than a cd released in the early 80's.

Columbia House CDs are wretched! They are harsh and edgy. I've heard that it may be because of double-speed mastering? I don't about that, I just know they sound awful.

I've been told that the answer is YES. Alot of it depends on the format of the "master" sent to the duplication plant and how they handle that format. If you send a DAT tape or a CD-R to the duplication plant, they will then convert it to an Exabyte tape format (done via an audio dedicated computer) from which they will produce a glass master for stamping purposes. This transfer process, while entirely digital, is not completely transparent. Jitter and clocking issues could be the culprits.

Any generalizations about U. S. releases manufactured in Canada?

BMG SUCKS!I agree about Columbia!Japanese CD's are of good quality.Most stuff remasterd is worth it!DECCA sucks!