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Moody Blues "Question of bal." CD or SACD vs Vinyl

I no longer have the capability of playing vinyl. I do have two different versions of "Question of Balance". One is the MFSL version which I loved. Then I bought the new SACD version. Boy, what a difference. Actually, probably the biggest difference that I have seen with the SACD format.

Although the MFSL version is very clear and precise, the SACD version is more expansive and full. I don't know which is more truthful.

Would someone out there who has the vinyl and has compared it to either the MFSL CD or the newer SACD please comment on the comparison.

Please, no in general comment like "all CD's are crap", or "vinyl always is best". I am interested in which of the formats that I have is closest to "correct".

Thank you,
Richard
drrdiamond
drrdiamond OP
671 posts
 
Nsgarch,

The SACD of "Balance" has an instantly noticable fullness compared to the CD.
I will eagerly await your response to find out if the vinal gives that same very noticeable difference.

Richard
PS> I too have a MUCH better system then when I originally listened to the record; and often in an altered state, which as we know can make everything sound fabulous.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I posted this in another thread but since you asked......

I have original first release US pressings of all the vinyl on the Deram and Threshold labels. I also have Days of Future Passed through Seventh Sojourn on MOFI CD and first release compact disc. The MOFI compact discs are marginally better than the regular compact discs but both pale in comparison to the vinyl IMO.

I've not heard the SACD and have no plans to purchase as I feel in my case it is money better spent elsewhere.

Good luck.
hlmiii
18 posts
 
The MoFi vinyl pressing is inarguably better than the original US, UK and especially Japanese LP's. The original tapes are clearly of mediocre fidelity (Lodge and Hayward have long ago said such, also) and there's little that could be done, but MoFi did the best job with its Anadisc 2000 issue.

The SACD is wonderful sounding reworking, giving the very believable and acceptable illusion that the original recording was pretty good. Even as a purist I am very happy with the results.

So - the SACD ain't the original, but it's a much better option than anything on vinyl except the MoFi vinyl issue. I think that it would be virtually impossible to pick the MoFi over the SACD and vice-versa.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
aside from the original pressings on Deram, the japanese mini lp cd is the best.
rwwear
2,873 posts
 
I have the original British and German vinyl pressings and the SACD versions are much better.
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