What are the differences between XRCDs?

Warren,

There's one little problem: how many XRCDs are there?

There's a whole lot of SHM-CDs out there, I believe more than 3300, and they definitely sound better than their regular CD counterparts.

I will agree with you, my "Brothers In Arms" XRCD sounds better than the SHM-CD.

You might be able to hear the differences better if you still had your Caravelles ( just messin' with ya ).

Chuck

..lol .If I were still in my previous crib or moved to 8’ ceilings and walls I would still be listening to the Caravelles. Best monitor I have heard first hand. Now, 12 foot ceilings and an open floor plan require a speaker to move more air. A lot more air. I’m going to check out the cds. You are right on the xrcds, though. A crying shame there are so few. That’s why they are worth so much, I suppose. Sweetest thing on a cd.

SHM uses the original master, only the material used is different/better.

So my Eagles Hell Freezes Over US press < SHM version

K2/XRCD involve remastering so IMHO the remastering accounts for why K2/XRCDs sounds better than the standard master (used in regular press or SHM).

But there are now SHM XRCDs that have the best of both worlds.

ps there is a new K2 Direct Cut that is even more impressive than K2/XR but limited to Asian titles for the HK market.

Here's another good source:
http://www.elusivedisc.com/Home-Of-XRCD/products/859/

I listened to my K2HD Hell Freezes Over last night, very impressive sound quality for a CD.
Also own the K2HD version of Kind of Blue. Of all the versions I've owned this version is the very best, highly recommended!