SACD Version of Rush's Hemispheres Now Available for Pre-Order
Update (08/23/2013): The release date for the Hemisphere's SACD has been pushed back to September 3rd.
Audio Fidelity has just announced the pending release of the third Rush album in their SACD (Super Audio CD) format. This time around, Rush's progressive masterpiece Hemispheres will receive the audiophile-approved treatment.
The album is scheduled for an August 6th release and can now be pre-ordered via Amazon.Com for $24.01 (at press time).
Earlier this year, the SACD version of Rush's Counterparts was released and, back in 2011, the SACD version of Roll The Bones was released.
The SACD format, or Super Audio CD was first introduced back in 1999 as a successor to the audio CD; claiming to offer a better audio dynamics, more channels (e.g. surround sound), and a longer playing time than a standard CD. While the format never gained much traction, a small market still exists, serving the audiophile community.
Thanks to Ed from RushIsABand for the news.
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[SACD Version of Rush's Counterparts Now Available for Pre-Order - January 7th, 2013]
[SACD Version of Rush's Counterparts Coming in December - November 13th, 2012]
Holy @#$%! THAT was unexpected! Freakin' AWESOME! Cygnus X-1 Book II baby!
ReplyDeleteWonder what their reasons are for releasing these albums? Seems pretty random. Not that I'm complaining, mind you.
ReplyDeleteInteresting note that any Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) owner can play SACDs as well, as that format is still accepted on the gaming system and sounds excellent via HDMI into a decent receiver.
ReplyDeleteMike, you're right. Sony developed the SACD format to begin with, all those eons ago, so it was naturally a part of their plan to support SACD with the PS3; I could tell you stories about demoing DVD Audio and SACD to the public for the first time (the fights between one audiophile camp and the other was just as hair-raising---and pointless---as the vinyl vs. CD wars). The PS3, incidentally, is the best tool to rip SACDs as .dff or DSD files for playback on PC or audio systems which support it, such as the new Pioneer SC-series of receivers. Not that I would ever encourage anyone to do anything ILLEGAL, but just sayin', y'know?
ReplyDelete