I finally received my Kind of Blue hybrid SACD form Music Direct. This is the Mobile Fidelity numbered, limited edition disc. I conducted a quick listen in both SACD and in poo old stereo. It's going to take a bit of time to process what I'm hearing, but I can say a few things: this is the best sounding CD version of KOB I have heard, there is still distortion in the sound during certain parts of certain songs, the vinyl version from Mobile Fidelity still presents the most realistic sounding version of this album to my ear in my setup. Is it worth the purchase? I think so. Is it the definitive version of this beloved album? Probably not, but I'm content with my LP and SACD versions of this jazz classic.

Cheers,

T Cobe

I've been streaming/re-playing Linda Ronstadt's 2 channel version of Blue Bayou, in the new version of Dolby surround . I've yet to fully understand how the algorithms "place" sound among the front, center, surround and height channels. It seems that solo voices are more prominently (but not exclusively) played on the front and center channels, instrument sounds get apportioned over most channels including height channels, choral voicing over lots of channels (though on some older recordings the center channel becomes the prominent voice channel).

In any case, this recording is amazing on the GEt's. At .55, the background instrumentals start to just pop, and lots of the duty goes to the T1's, which light up and absolutely "make" this song. Wow. The SQ and sense of being at a concert is top notch. I like this song, and enjoy it on headphones also, but the GEt's just plain "kill" it!



Rick

And getting me through my workout



And



God Bless,
Wayne

I promised some feedback on how Stokowski conducting Rhapsodies sounded to me.

Well, Wayne and T Cobe, you are right. SQ is top drawer!

My two favorite tracks are #2, Enesco's Romanian Rhapsody, and #3, Smetana's The Moldau. Like you said, T Cobe, very immersive. I too went to my surround speakers, thinking "they MUST be playing also". But no, it is 3 channel.

When I play it in analog direct from the OPPO, the Marantz plays the three channels. Funny, though, when I switch to digital in, the Marantz in auto input sees it as multi channel in, and in the Dolby surround mode adds the height channels but not the surrounds. I still haven't learned all the nuances of Dolby surround. Any way I hear it, I like it! Thanks again for the recommendation!

Happy listening!

Rick

Thanks Rick,
Great to hear! I am thrilled you guys are hearing what I hear. Would love to hear it on your system!!!!
The guys who recorded these concerts were s*** hot at what they did with 3 channels!!!!
AMAZING!!!
God Bless,
Wayne

Sean Jones / Gemini (2005) -- T.V. Land

WOW- MERCY
This song grabs me and won't let go...
Everything you could ask for in a song.
Lovely - Just - Lovely