Review by Blu Falcon May 18, 2011 (7 of 7 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
Let me start off by saying that I was tempted to cancel the pre-order for this title on numerous occasions. I have the Legacy Edition 2 CD set and thought I couldn't be more pleased with the sound quality of this recording. But then I heard MoFi was remastering other Stevie Ray Vaughan titles for SACD and I just couldn't resist the temptation to start collecting them all. The first title I received was Texas Flood, but I'll reserve my thoughts on that release for a later date. Like other recent MoFi SACD releases, the disc itself comes packaged in a nice quality mini-LP style case. At first I wished that they had stuck with the old style hard plastic SACD jewel cases, but now I actually prefer the look and feel of the new packaging, which is more or less a mini gatefold album cover with the disc residing in a scratch resistant sleeve wrapped in a hard paper outer sleeve, reminiscent of how MoFi packaged vinyl LPs. Very classy IMO, and appropriate for recordings matching or surpassing the best quality vinyl pressings. A booklet is also included, which adds a nice touch for those who like to read liner notes, album credits, etc. while listening to the album. Like all MoFi releases these are available for a limited time only, and MoFi has assigned each new release an edition number. This is a nice welcome addition for collectors who still appreciate the attributes of owning physical media. Overall, MoFi gets an A+ for presentation. Now as I've previously stated, I was quite happy with the Legacy Edition CD set, but that was before I A/B'd the two. The difference was apparent. Suddenly the CD sounded cold and lifeless when compared to the full-bodied dynamic sound of the SACD. The bottom end feels extended without sounding boomy or bloated, while the highs are butter smooth, non-fatiguing, yet crisp. This is an excellent well balanced recording to begin with, so even the slightest sonic nuances are revealed for your listening pleasure. Cranking up the volume I felt like SRV was in my living room giving a live performance: cymbals crash without sounding splashy, drums are felt rather than just heard, and you can almost "see" SRV playing right before your eyes. Just an incredible experience all around. Tin Pan Alley is now my track of choice to demo the sonic capability of stereo only SACD. THIS is how hi-fi should sound. Full. Rich. Detailed. Clear. Dynamic. Some technical notes: the disc was mastered using MoFi's proprietary GAIN 2 system, and mastered by Shawn Britton assisted by Rob LoVerde, who also handled the mastering for other recent MoFi SACD releases from Billy Joel, Foreigner, Marvin Gaye, etc. Definitely worth picking up. I'm happy, but YMMV.
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