By definition, SHM-CD (Super High Material CD) format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. However they offer the same resolution (16bits/44.1kHz) as regular CD’s and sound exactly the same. There is no uptick in SQ with SHM-CD’s, atleast I couldn’t discern any difference in a direct comparison. To OP, they sound nothing like original master tapes.
IMHO, XRCD’s sounds markedly better than regular CD’s due to its painstaking mastering and manufacturing process. XRCD and SACD are the only reason I am still buying the discs.
IMHO, XRCD’s sounds markedly better than regular CD’s due to its painstaking mastering and manufacturing process. XRCD and SACD are the only reason I am still buying the discs.