Led Zeppelen and Dire Straits Japanese SHM CD's

Just my 2 cents on this subject.
I own a number of SHM-CDs including "Dire Straits, Brothers in Arms" which I think is outstanding.
However, in my experience the sound quality varies depending on the mastering used.
If the mastering is excellent the SHM-CD will sound just a bit better, icing on the cake if you will.
If the mastering is so-so the SHM-CD will not improve it enough to make a difference.
My caveat when purchasing these is; find out which mastering is being used, if you like it then purchase the SHM-CD, if not pass.
PS: I also own a number of HQCDs and Blu-spec CDs, same caveat applies. My favorites are the Blu-spec.
PSS: As far as I know; HQCD and SHM-CD are materials based while Blu-spec is a mastering technique.

I have the 'Dire Straits' SHM-CD and it is worth every penny. I also have the 2000 SBM remaster and the SHM-CD blows its doors away. It seems as though some extra time was spent specifically on "Sultans of Swing" as it is the best I've ever heard. Though not my favorite cut, it was without question the "Who's That?!" song of 1979, if not the decade for me. Well done - keep 'em coming.

I have read that the SHM cd of Dire Straits is superior to the SHM SACD due to the mastering used.

Regards,

I have a couple of the recent SHM Humble Pie CDs, and they are awesome. My buddy who is a vinyl guy came over and listened and even he was blown away.

I received the Led Zeppelin SACD SHM Japanese limited box set yesterday. I have listened to portions of the first four discs. My initial impression is just O.K. Despite several rave reviews that i have read, I do not consider the sonics outstanding, just O.K,, certainly nothing special. I agree with a Rja, the disc quality depends on the quality of the master source. I think the Dire Straits SHM CD's sonics are much better than the Led Zeppelin SHM CD's sonics (at least Led Zeppelin 1-4).