I've read enough about this format and even ordered a recent cd with this process.

For the life of me...I can't hear a difference. I much prefer cds from Japan that have K2HD mastering or DSD remastering where I can clearly hear the diffference.

What am I missing with the SHM-CD format and why does it seem to be the format of choice with most Japanese releases?

Can anyone else on this board hear a difference?

I have the "Shine A Light" SHM-CD, but I have no idea how the not-so-super-high-material "Shine A Light" discs sound. It's also unclear to me if these discs are supposed to sound better, or last longer, or what.

I have a couple of the SHM releases, namely "Aja" by Steely Dan and "Who's Next." I can tell you that "Aja" on SHM is easily the best version I have of it, much better than my MFSL version. I also have the SHM versions of Hendrix's first 3 releases, which I have not gotten around to listening to yet. Unfortunately, they never released "Aja" on DVD-Audio, but the SHM version is stunning.

I'm curious to hear your report on the Hendrix titles. The US Experience Hendrix releases are really bright for my liking.

I'm curious about the Def Leppard SHMs. I know most if not all of the SHM titles are not NEW remasters, but I wonder if the Leppard ones were remastered?

Are the Hendrix CDs in Japan now ?

I'll be in Tokyo next week

I THINK so.

If the Hendrix SHM discs are available in Tokyo, pick them up! They've been out of print since 3 days after they were released. As general information, the SHM discs is NOT a Format or a process. It's a higher quality polycarbonate material that allows the laser to focus on and read the disc a lot more accurately. It is a joint development project between Universal Japan and the Japan Victor Company (JVC). I personally listened to Disraeli Gears SHM disc through headphones and heard details in the music I've never heard before, the only thing it didn't help was the Bass. I attribute that to 41 year old engineering. I haven't had a single complaint from any of my customers and my next order coming from Japan is 60-70% SHM cds. There must be something to it. Initial prices are a little high, but should come down.

Thanks for the technical explanation, Roxanne. I've noticed more and more SHM titles available, which is about the only positive music news I've heard in awhile. The Hendrix SHM releases are available on ebay for a pretty penny.

Thanks Roxanne

Wish me luck then

I'm in Tokyo on Saturday

Check Out Disk Union if there is one (or more) in Tokyo. I'd like to hear what kind of store they are. AND GOOD LUCK!!

For KISS Fans Only...SHM CD reissues from Japan.

http://www.melodicrock.com/

KISS - MTV Unplugged [SHM-CD] [Limited Release] (Sept 9 release) / Reissue in the high fidelity SHM-CD (fully compatible with standard CD players). Part of Universal Music's "This is SHM-CD Campaign Volume 2.

KISS - Kiss [SHM-CD] [Limited Release] (Sept 24 release) / Description:Cardboard sleeve reissue from KISS featuring the high-fidelity SHM-CD format (fully compatible with standard CD players). Part of a ten-album KISS SHM-CD cardboard sleeve reissue series featuring the albums "Kiss," "Hotter Than Hell," "Dressed To Kill," "Alive," "Destroyer," "Rock and Roll Over," "Love Gun," "Alive II," "Double Platinum," "Dynasty."

Supertramp is coming out on SHM August 27, from their debut through "Free As A Bird." I already have their GH on SHM, I will be all over this when they get released. Would be nice if they had a boxed set.

Just curious...do these SHM discs sound any better if you get out your green sharpie and draw on the playing side? Seriously, I'm all for better sound quality, but there comes a point where there's a price tradeoff that's too excessive and it doesn't even sound like there's a consensus here.

I remember reading stuff like that in the old days in magazines like Digital Audio's CD Review. They tended to debunk stuff like that.

From what I read, it seems to be about 50/50 regarding a difference in sound quality. In some cases, they're just using the last mastering on some titles, so I'm guessing hearing a difference would be negligible. In the ear of the beholder, I guess.

I've used the audioprism green pen. It goes on the edge, not the playing surface. I stopped a few years back due to lack of time & the discovery that it lowers the resale value of collectible titles.

In my experience, it does make a sonic difference, sometimes significant; but you won't hear it on a cheap mass market stereo. Similar to the concept of SHM, my understanding is a simplified explanation is it's said to make the laser focus more accurately, reducing small errors & especially reducing timing jitter.

It probably depends on the title as to whether or not you can hear a difference. I know on some MFSL titles there was no difference to me between their's and the regular version. All I can tell you is that on "Aja", I can easily hear a difference and it is my definitive version.