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Why do Japanese-pressed CDs sound better?

I have been trying to answer this question to myself for years now, but I can't seem to come up with a real answer. I have many CDs pressed in Japan and every one of them seems to sound better than the same CD pressed in any other country. So the question is what does Japan do differently than the other countries when they master/press a CD? Even DDD recordings seem to have more depth on Japan pressings. I can't say the difference is earth-shaking, but still it's noticeable to me. Anyone have any ideas? Is it just less jitter on the disc or is it something else?
piano632
13 responses Add your response
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
I feel the same way about the Japanese pressings.

But I've heard people say the standard seems to be higher in that part of the Pacific rim whether it be Chinese or Australian pressings as well.

I even noticed some of the great sounding JVC XRCD2s mastered here in Hollywood have engineers with Chinese and Japanese surnames attached.

Interesting...
avnut
153 posts
 
I have a few Japanese mini lp's (cd's) I bought from Redtrumpet.com at a CES some years ago that really are treasures for me. The sound is very well balanced and very natural and lifelike. The cd packaging itself is like art. So, why DO these sound so much better than the average cd pressing? Is it possibly due the the fact that most of them cost $25 or more?
viggen
838 posts
 
My system always reach another level when my friends bring over some Chinese or Japanese CDs even burned ones. CDs are so much cheaper in Asia too except in Japan. I would imagine Asians invested in their own CD printing machines later than US companies did. Sorta like NTSC vs PAL; the later adopter got the better.
tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
Good question... One thing I know for certain, the mastering and pressing process can totally screw up a recording or make it sound AMAZING. The JVC XRCDs absolutely proved this to me.

KF
rec
328 posts
 
I think one of the reasons they sound better is that Japanese runs are usually smaller than US pressings. In other words, in the US they may run 100,000 cds of the new Sting cd and in Japan they may run 1000, less room for mistakes. Also a big factor may be the US division label may be more concerned about profit than the smaller divsion(same company)in Japan and they do a better job of quality control.
sorlowski
236 posts
 
I have got on HE 2003 in SF some free CD from Usher (Taiwan company). It was free so I was not expecting anything special, to my astonishment it quality exceeds most of my audiophile cd's from respectable companies.
It is nothing but astounding. Lately I have bought some Cd's from www.topmusic.com (Honkong) just masterpieces.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Sorlowski, I just went to the Top Music website. Impressive.

I didn't know Hovland and Unison Research issued their own CDs. Which CDs did you purchase from them? Neat stuff.
sorlowski
236 posts
 
I got:
CTC2990202 50 Top Classics "You Are The Star" - ADRIVALAN ORCHESTRA (I only wish it have been vocal instead instrumental versions, quality A+)

CRCD-1219 ˇ@ Music For Lovers - What A Wonderful World
oldies in good to very good quality

UDCD-8922 Hi Fi Guitarra - Pedro Javier Gonzalez
instrumental A+
sorlowski
236 posts
 
and one more :
WA-8008 ˇ@ Wilson Audio - Ultimate Reference CD
it have the quietest background I have ever heard in my home
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Sorlowski, thanks man! I happened to be considering a few of the ones you own.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Japanese folks value a good quality sound. The drek manufactured elswhere woulddn't last too long on japanese market.
larryi
3,969 posts
 
Not just Japanese pressings. Order stuff from Amazon uk and compare it to american cds.
sorlowski
236 posts
 
There is something to that, even the cheapest CD's bought and manufactured in England will sound superior to BMG production, Decca not audiophile record company to me sounds better then most audiophile grade US CD's. Just more analog like.
In classical Deutsche Gramophone CD's issued by BMG loud parts are just distorted I do not believe that original DG sound that way they would not cost 40DM and more in German.
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