add to wish list | library


0 of 1 recommend this,
would you recommend it?

yes | no

Support this site by purchasing from these vendors using the paid links below. As an Amazon Associate SA-CD.net earns from qualifying purchases.
 
amazon.ca
amazon.co.uk
amazon.com
amazon.de
 
amazon.fr
amazon.it
CDJapan
 

Discussion: Mahler: Symphony No. 4 - Honeck

Posts: 7

Post by PhilipAC August 7, 2012 (1 of 7)
Please can someone help me! I have just ordered the single layer OVGL version of this from CDJapan
before I noticed that the hybrid EXCL version is available from Amazon UK much cheaper. They are both based on the same performance but the OVGL was released recently, well after the EXCL. Is this just a marketing thing, or do Exton justify the higher OVGL price on the grounds that single layer might sound better than hybrid, or is there a difference in pressing process?

Post by Euell Neverno August 7, 2012 (2 of 7)
PhilipAC said:

Please can someone help me! I have just ordered the single layer OVGL version of this from CDJapan
before I noticed that the hybrid EXCL version is available from Amazon UK much cheaper. They are both based on the same performance but the OVGL was released recently, well after the EXCL. Is this just a marketing thing, or do Exton justify the higher OVGL price on the grounds that single layer might sound better than hybrid, or is there a difference in pressing process?

No answer. The Exton gods move in mysterious ways. Maybe it's multichannel. Ha ha ha ha ha . . .

Post by pacwin August 7, 2012 (3 of 7)
PhilipAC said:

Is this just a marketing thing, or do Exton justify the higher OVGL price on the grounds that single layer might sound better than hybrid, or is there a difference in pressing process?

All of the above. Octavia are prone to special media, special editions, glass masters, direct cut discs, HQ this, Laboratory Masters, Clone Copy that and other paraphernalia. Single layer releases are typically priced at a premium although that is more about mystique and exclusivity value than audio benefits

Post by DSD August 7, 2012 (4 of 7)
pacwin said:

...Single layer releases are typically priced at a premium although that is more about mystique and exclusivity value than audio benefits

Back when Universal Europe/USA were still releasing SACDs the retail price of their single-layer SACDs are was $3 less. $15.99 versus $18.99, about 15%-25% less with discount online sources.

Mark Levinson has tested them and claimed single-layer SACDs sound better. Since single-layer SACDs cost less to manufacture than hybrid SACD/CDs I don't understand why Exton prices them for more, perhaps because they can?

Post by Claude August 8, 2012 (5 of 7)
DSD said:

Back when Universal Europe/USA were still releasing SACDs the retail price of their single-layer SACDs are was $3 less. $15.99 versus $18.99, about 15%-25% less with discount online sources.

That was at the beginnings of the format, so these were sort of introductory prices.

If classical labels like BIS or Linn would do dual inventory releases (CD and single layer SACD) instead of single inventory hybrid SACDs, I'm sure the SACD would be more expensive than the CD, because it aims at a market where people are willing to spend more. It's the majority of buyers which are only interested in the CD layer which keep the price of the hybrids down.

The pricing has nothing to do with manufacturing cost, but with the demand. Linn sells hi-rez downloads at a higher price than hybrid SACDs, although there are no manufacturing costs and little distribution costs.

Post by PhilipAC August 8, 2012 (6 of 7)
Thank you all for this. Out of interest, I think I might well invest £12 in buying the hybrid disc as well to see if I can hear a difference! I will post my conclusions.

As a matter of my personal opinion, I read the threads here which debate the SQ of Exton discs. Taking
as I find, I have to say that I have many and find the IQ almost invariably brilliant. I also find the Macal,
Honeck and de Waart performances very pleasing, although I know some feel Macal's Mahler is better than
his Dvorak.

As a stereo listener, I think I am blessed by the present availability of great recordings in great sound. The reissues of historic recordings by Universal Japan (on SHM-SACD) and EMI Japan are the icing on the cake!

Incidentally, does anyone know when the next batch of EMI Classic reissues will be, and what they are?

Finally, why no Gilel Beethoven 4th, Argerich Rach 3 or Richter Rach 2 (the DG one)? These are all iconic recordings.

Post by DSD August 8, 2012 (7 of 7)
Claude said:

That was at the beginnings of the format, so these were sort of introductory prices.

Those were NOT introductory prices, during the three or so years Universal Europe/USA was releasing SACDs the retail price was $18.99 for hybrid SACDs and $15.99 for single-layer SACDs. Which of course were discounted about 15%-25% less with discount online sources. All of the Universal SACDs were dual or more inventory, in the case of Rock music there was often multiple CD versions in addition to the SACD version.

Closed