OK, as I understand it...the 2002 Rolling Stones ABKCO reissues initially appeared in digipacks and the discs were SACD hybrids. What those initial digipacks sold out, they were replaced by non-SACD versions, distinguished from the initial run by the fact that they were packaged in jewel boxes. According to Linda, the "Let It Bleed" hybrids were among the first to go, which makes sense.

Six years later, I still haven't seen "Metamorphosis" in a jewel box, and I'm pretty sure I've never seen "More Hot Rocks" in one either. It doesn't take a huge leap in logic to understand why "Metamorphosis" would be the weakest-selling of all of the Stones hybrids, but my question would be: Has anybody ever seen the DSD version of "Metamorphosis" in a jewel box? Ever?

Neither of those CDs have been reissued in jewel cases.

I have the DSD Metamorphosis in a jewel case.

I've seen the DSD/jewel case "More Hot Rocks" in a couple of stores.

Aha! Thank you very much. One follow-up question...As I understand it, Amazon does NOT offer seperate listings for the ABKCO remasters--if you order from them, there's no telling if you will get the digipack hybrids, or the non-SACD jewel box version.

Where might I order the jewel box version online--and be assured of getting the jewel box version (like the one pictured)?

Call the CD Universe Customer Service number and ask them to confirm which version is available. They won't be able to tell you right away, but they will take down contact info and e-mail you with an answer.

If they don't have the version you want, e-mail customer service at newberrycomics.com and ask them. They were also helpful last year for me while I was looking for the SACD versions and understood completely what I was talking about.

Just saw the DSD/jewel case "More Hot Rocks" at my local Best Buy after dinner. They still have digipak versions on the shelf as well, but it does exist.

I stand corrected. Thank you. I've looked in numerous stores for both of these CDs and not seen them anywhere. You've given me new hope.

Ten days ago, I was in Wal-Mart to check out the new Journey line-up's CD/DVD package, and there was not a single one to be found anywhere in the store. While searching, I came across several of the "More Hot Rocks" digipaks, and figured I would do some research to see if these were the SACD hybrids before coming back to snag one. Wouldn't you know it, when I returned to the store on Tuesday they had all disappeared! In fact, the cd bins looked neatly arranged and not nearly as full as before, so I asked a Wal-Mart employee for help, and he told me that "some guy came in a few days ago to rotate out the CD stock". Therefore, not only was the disc I was looking for no longer on the shelf, but there was no stock in the back because everything that he took off the shelves went back onto his truck. Damn!

Anyways, last night after visiting a friend, I realized there was another Wal-Mart store a few miles from his place, so I made the trip on the off-chance I might find "More Hot Rocks". They had one, so I grabbed it on the spot and bought it. However, I will be darned if I can figure out whether it's the SACD version or not without opening it, and if I open it then I probably won't be able to return it if it's not. The catalog number is ABKCO 96262.

Is this a keeper?

NPNPNP,

If it's in a digpak, it's a SACD/CD hybrid. If it's in a jewel case, it's a redbook CD.

Jay

Thanks, Jay!

I had been on the fence about this one for a while, because of the confusion over the mastering and the whole SACD-or-not issue. Glad I got one before they disappear.

NPNPNP,

You're quite welcome. Congrats on the find!

Jay

What does DSD stand for?

Direct Stream Digital

There are Japanese Mini Sleeves of Metamorphosis and More Hot Rocks available with DSD Mastering although they are officially out of print, they just aren't hybrids.

Saw the digi-pack (thus SACD?) of Metamorphosis at a local Best Buy the other day.