These are all hybrid SACDs:

  

http://www.amazon.com/s/?node=5174&fiel ... g=imwan-20

Time to get the MoFi thread going for 2015.

My copy of the Chicago Transit Authority hybrid SACD arrived yesterday. This is probably one of my ten favorite albums ever, and I have many versions -- vintage 70's vinyl, Rhino vinyl, original CD, remastered CD, Sony Mastersound CD, and the Rhino Quad disc. The Mastersound was my favorite to date, but I checked out the CD and SACD layers on this MoFi disc last night, and even before I have a change to do any direct comparisons, I think this is going to be my new favorite. The CD layer was sounding even smoother and rounder than my beloved copy of the Sony Mastersound, but with lots of detail, too. I ordered this knowing I would want to hear it for myself, but also wondering if they could actually top what was out there. Preliminary impressions say they did. It's a great-sounding disc. Can't wait for Chicago (II).

Wow. I always felt the Rhino beat the CBS Gold; if this is better.............!

You mean the Rhino Quad? I thought that was very close to the Mastersound. You'll have to make your own judgement, but when I listened to the MoFi, it was hard to imagine how it could sound any better.

Yes; part of why I preferred the Rhino to the Mastersound was likely my Oppo. But based on your review, I really want to hear the MFSL. It was also interesting to hear the Rhino mixed down to 2.0; it was more of a different mix then the original than down mixing usually is, & was sort of cool as a result!

I got my copy of CTA yesterday. WOW. MoFi hit a home run on this. The bottom end and the horns on the SACD layer made the hair stand up on my neck. Too bad they didn't add the Quad mix to the SACD layer. It would be perfect.

Have you heard the hi-res Rhino Handmade? if so, is this better?

If you mean the Rhino Quadio 4.1 DD/DTS DVD, yes I own a copy. IMHO the MoFi tops it. But it really isn't apples to apples. There is no 96/24 Stereo mix on the Rhino. I have to "mix down" to Stereo via my Pre/Pro. I don't know what source tape MoFi used, but it is certainly light years better than than the 2002 Rhino CD.

Thanks. Now to find $30!

Had they included a surround mix, that would be a tipping point for me.

For that, you do have to get the Rhino DVD-A

Just got word that my favorite Chicago album, "Chicago II" from MFSL SACD is FINALLY available for shipment.
Waited for over year so I am pulling the trigger.

Ordered from Music Direct which has a 10% off coupon right now and free shipping for over $49.00 orders.

Rick A.

Cool, that's on my radar too. I still need the 1st album from MFSL also, though i do have other hi-res editions of both.

Aren't they classics? We were just recently talking about these releases. You may recall my favorite was "Chicago II" so MFSL has made my Christmas.

Rick A.

I love the 1st 2, & really like Chicago 3, also.

Yeah, that was a strong one as well.

Per Acoustic Sounds, We're FINALLY going to get our first Airplane SACD (though I would have preferred Baxters or Crown) & mono fans will be happy (though the combined stereo/mono would have fit...... grr.


http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/11172 ... _Mono_SACD

The Chicago II MFSL SACD arrived yesterday. They used the original mix, so there was only so much they could do with that. It's probably the best digital version of the original mix, though. The remixed DVD-A still sounds much better, but the remix really bothers some people. I like it just fine, but it's only playable on DVD-A hardware. I'm keeping both (but then, I'm like that).

BTW, Friday Music released a remastered version of Chicago III a couple years ago, and I think it sounds pretty great. Redbook only, no SACD.

Oh, and the Jefferson Airplane Surrealistic Pillow SACD isn't showing up on the Music Direct site for preorder. It was featured in their big yearly catalog.