does import cds sound better

thanks Rja.
I'm also wondering if the SHM process improves the sound of early digital CDs, some of which are bright and thin sounding. I'm asking because there are many SHMCD's of 1980s recordings available and they are priced under $30.

Many are on the DG label, for example...
http://www.amazon.com/Beethoven-Symphonies-Karajan-Herbert-Von/dp/B0053MFNF2/ref=sr_1_25?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1381812472&sr=1-25&keywords=shm-cd

SHM is not a process, it is a material which IMO slightly enhances the clarity of the top end. It has nothing to do with mastering or remastering. If you think a title currently sounds anemic I don't think SHM could help, possibly doing just the opposite. I personally would steer clear of early CDs in this format but you should experiment and check a few out for yourself. My opinion is purely hypothetical. Who knows, they may sound OK.

Thanks very much for the explanation, Rja. I just assumed they would do some EQ or cleaning up the tracks. I guess the reason for the debate over this format is due to the fact that many doubt a new material will make a difference. I will listen for myself.
(and Aja is an excellent reference recording).

Not countries, but labels. There are a handful of labels producing consistently high quality recordings and music. Both are important, for example, I like Naim recordings, but much of the music is, well a bit tedious:

ECM
FIM
MA recordings
Reference Recordings
Stockfisch
Are my current favourites for CD/XRCD. Of these Stocfisch would be number 1

Super High Material should probably be Super High Transparency Material inasmuch as the clear layer is a special polycarbonate formulation with higher (optical) transparency than the standard stuff.