the SHM CD Experience

Any theories as to how an enhanced transparency polycarbonate can make for better sound? Could it be anything other than fewer errors or less jitter?

Seems to me that, if these things really do sound better just because, somehow, the transport is able to read them better, we should be able to realize the same sonic benefits for music files that we download directly to hard drives. In other words, the distribution of digital music on CDs is compromising the sound. If I'm correct (a big "if"), it's perhaps the most powerful audiophile argument for computer audio.

Got a CARE package yesterday, 6 SHM-CDs and 2 Blu-spec. Just listened to Nightfly, awesome!
I'll be the first to admit that not every one of these is spectacular but some are the best I've heard on CD.

drubin, I think your post is as close as damnit is to swearing..a more exact read, less laser splash.

SHM-CD, Blu-spec CD, XRCD etc are still low resolution redbook cds
http://puresuperaudio.blogspot.com/2009/01/hi-rez-demystified-are-there-high.html

moreover SHM-CDs are not even new remasters :(

I don't think anyone thought shm-cd's were remastered. since sacd is tanking(not because they're not better, but because the hardware isn't selling), the emphasis on manufacturing(which has been known to have an effect positive or negative on cd or dvd quality) is now an option for those with redbook players. I just received some japanese van morrison and rolling stones shm cd's from japan and they play as fine as my original lp pressings. since the compact disc was originally intended for mass consumption, it has always been limited by the cost of manufacturing(about 50 cents today). using more expensive materials(neary tripling the cost) does improve the sound. as far as remastering goes, improvements are still on a title by title basis. todays vinyl revival is still(in many cases)relying on masters that are a decade or more old, and many of the sources are digital. Here too, the manufacturing makes a lot of difference. In order for sacd to be commercially viable(given the production expense), it has to sell well over a threshold thats just not there today for most titles other than the biggest sellers. think of blue spec and shm as 'plan b'. tiny runs for those who covet cd collections, and want the final word for the format quality wise, and the tiny LP replica covers that some have are cool as well.. sort of a 'festivus for the rest of us'