SACD & DVD-Audio Bargains

AFM1

Yeah I picked that up around the same time too. I really like some of the songs on the regular CD (Lotus, Suspicion, The Apologist, Walk Unafraid, Diminished...), and the 5.1 surround is interesting, Walk Unafraid especially.  I originally thought the mix was wierd but somehow the Dynamic Volume setting on my amp (for late night listening) had been activated when I first listened to it which made it sound terrible - Don't know why it was on as I never use it , but with the Dynamic Volume reset to off everything was fine again... I have to admit, I still haven't bought my SACD/DVD-A player yet so I haven't been able to try out the DVD-A version which should be even better than the DD/DTS. Would be interested to hear what others think if they have played the full 5.1 DVD-A version comapred to the standard DD.

The Monster CD DVD-A is also available at Zavvi for £3.45 - I ordered it a week or two ago - maybe not the greatest contender for a DVD-A album but still good to have.

I also got the Out of Time CD DVD-A for £5.50 (Amazon) so that was good. There's some really good songs on there (Country Feedback, Low...). Think it's back up to £11 now tho, but still pretty good, especially with a bonus CD if your old one is a bit scratched.

Also picked up Automatic for the People, again on CD DVD-A, and again from Amazon. Got it for £16 which isn't exactly a bargain but not too bad, and the other three kinda balance it out - 7 quid each on average ain't bad.

Think all the REM CD DVD-A releases can be found for reasonable prices at the moment, and there's quite a few of them which is good - tho I probably only want the ones I've already just bought.

I am still waiting for the Godsmack SACD i'm after to fall below the 80-100 quid mark, but doubt it will ever pop up for anything near a bargain...Tried to get a used copy from Amazon US for $50ish but they wouldn't ship to the UK for some reason
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stasis

Hi, I recieved my George Harrison SACD from Movie Mars a couple of days ago. No problem
regards stasis.

Jon_C

Hi folks,

I have a feeling that this might be a bum steer but I'll give you the heads-up anyway you can decide for yourselves.

For anyone who's willing to risk the hassle of having to send back an item that turns out not to be as described, the reward could be great if it actually is as described:
The Sopranos Peppers & Eggs is listed as a 'buy it now' for £10.35 (with free UK delivery) on eBay.

I've put in an order and three copies are still available as I post this.

I know from experience that many standard redbook CDs are incorrectly listed on eBay as being the SACD versions and usually when you ask the seller a question they either confirm the error (which is often to do with the standard item description the barcode number brings up) or say they don't know whether it's an SACD or not (or indeed ask 'What's an SACD?').

However, in this case I have asked the seller whether it's an SACD and he's explicitly confirmed that it is "the super audio version". I'm still not convinced that the SACD will actually arrive but if a redbook version arrives then at least the seller's reply to my question will make it easier to get a refund.

If this is indeed the SACD then it's a fantastic bargain because this title is very rare and seems to command a usual asking price of about £100 depending on condition (from sellers who realise what an SACD is and how rare this title is, anyway).

So take a punt if you dare but please don't blame me if you end up having to send a stinkin' redbook back in the end.

NB: To be 'belt and braces' I would suggest asking the seller the same question I did before ordering.

Bertiebee

I've just received a response regarding the Sopranos disc.

They can't confirm to me that it is an SACD or has the DSD logo on the packaging.

I'll be leaving it alone I think.....

realafrica

Re Sopranos: they took several days to reply, finally heard around 5pm today. They confirmed it was a" BLah ..... blah CD".
I replied with, "OK. So you are confirming your description was grossly inaccurate? Will you be changing the description to remove all references to this being an SACD?"
I don't really expect anything intelligent to follow from these people, But I had to make my point.

Jon_C

No sweat guys. Glad you aren't going to be lumbered with the wrong disc.

I haven't received anything in the post from them yet but they unambiguously told me it would be "the super audio version" so at least I have that email to rely on if/when it comes to returning the CD.

ewell

I bought this last week The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds [CD   Bonus DVD] CD | Zavvi.com and whilst this may not stirctly be a DVD-A I have heard it is the same mix as the DVD-A (centre speaker is not used much like on the DVD-A).

The specs of the mix are 96khz-24bit

I thought it may interest some of those who cannot quite raise the cash for the Pet Sounds DVD-A as a reasonable alternative.

This album is the same as this one other than it does not have the deluxe packaging. The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds (40th Anniversary) [Bonus DVD] CD | Zavvi.com

Jon_C

UPDATE: You guys were right to steer clear of the Sopranos eBay listing. It was, of course, the standard CD despite the fact that they told me otherwise. It'll be going back and with any luck they won't be arsey about the fact that I've opened the cellophane.

Kurchatov

I get totally fed up with eBay sellers who list SACD disks which turn out to be standard cd format. Last one clearly showed an SACD logo on the cover in the listing pic but the disk received didnt and wasnt. Its happened with the last three purchases I've made on eBay

Bertiebee

Custodian - do you ask the seller if the disc for sale is SACD or has the DSD logo on the booklet?

Unfortunately with ebay, a lot of the 'standard' CD in their listing software show up with SACD in the title. This is often not a fault of the seller.