Anyone own any Super High Material (SHM) CDs?

David Matz -- Wed, 04/28/2010 - 23:00

The asking price for this format is anywhere between $30 and $50+ for a redbook cd.
The marketing is as follows:
"Japanese only paper sleeve SHM pressing. SHM-CDs (Super High Material CD) can be played on any audio player and deliver unbelievably high-quality sound. You won't believe it's the same CD! Universal"

Anyone actually listen to these in a high end, resolving system? Are they really better, or just cost more? Thanks

Wim (not verified) -- Thu, 04/29/2010 - 12:12

Hi,
yep, I own several SHM cds. Most of the time they are great. Music is more transparant, more low level detail, more "you are there". However, it also depends on if the cd is remastered. Some of my shm cds are the most precious cds I own. To name a few: the japanese remasters of all Yes cd's, the first 5 of the Who. Another bonus of the Japanese cds is that they often come in papersleeve editions, perfectly copying the album covers.
The next step will be sacds on shm material. They are now being released (about 10 titles or so) in Japan. Hideously expensive.
So, yes...some are audio nirvana but even nirvana comes at a price. Best way to find out is try 1 yourself. Cheers, Wim

Colin5619 -- Tue, 06/15/2010 - 21:32

Hi,

I have 5 SHM-Cds, 2 Dire Straits, 10CC The Origional Sound Track , and 2 compilation albums, one classical sampler and one a rock sampler. I found the price reasonable, you can buy at special prices, build up shipping bonus's. The sound quality of the 10CC album was amazing. Communique by 10CC was wonderful and Dire Straits by Dire Straits was less of an improvement of a standard cd issue. but stil superior. This is my opinion. As the previous poster Wim sugessted, buy one and try at home, I suggest, but a favourite CD that needs replacing and know you're getting a Japanese limited edition pressing anyay.

ShengYa S10 CDP, SA-T3 Tube Pre Amp.SP- T300 and SP-333 Hybrid Power Amps, XINDAK FS-3 Loudspeaker cables, FA-Gold Interconnects, PC-03 Power Cables. Aurum Cantus Music Goddess Speakers, Bada LB-5500 Power Plant

kodg -- Sun, 08/15/2010 - 10:11

Hi Colin
Where is the best place to purchase from?
Thanks,
Kodg

Colin5619 -- Sun, 08/15/2010 - 15:05

I buy mine direct from http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/popular_formats/SHM-CD

kodg -- Sun, 08/15/2010 - 16:48

Thanks- I bookmarked it. i will definately be trying one.

Kodg