JAPAN Mini LP SHM-CD

[Baron Von Bielski]

I've noticed on ebay a few Styx titles available for sale in this format. Not really cheap. ranging from $32.99 (Equinox) to a ridiculous amount of over $100 (Pieces of Eight). Does anyone know if they are better quality than the flat A&M releases we're all stuck with? I'm kind of a sucker when it comes to music, I buy a lot. I guess I would say that's my hobby or passion if you wanna label it. I bought the Grand Illusion one for $45. If it's not better, Oh well. The Grand Illusion is still an awesome album. I already own the A&M and the Gold Edition of it. Like I said... a sucker.

[StyxCollector]

I've noticed on ebay a few Styx titles available for sale in this format. Not really cheap. ranging from $32.99 (Equinox) to a ridiculous amount of over $100 (Pieces of Eight). Does anyone know if they are better quality than the flat A&M releases we're all stuck with? I'm kind of a sucker when it comes to music, I buy a lot. I guess I would say that's my hobby or passion if you wanna label it. I bought the Grand Illusion one for $45. If it's not better, Oh well. The Grand Illusion is still an awesome album. I already own the A&M and the Gold Edition of it. Like I said... a sucker.

Not to be a dick, but do a search. I did a thread on these. The Gold CD of GI isn't very good (and I wrote that in my review of it on the site).

Short answer: some are worth it from a sonic perspective, but the packaging on all of them is great. If you're into that, they're definitely worth the $.

I've actually got a spare set.

[Baron Von Bielski]

I've noticed on ebay a few Styx titles available for sale in this format. Not really cheap. ranging from $32.99 (Equinox) to a ridiculous amount of over $100 (Pieces of Eight). Does anyone know if they are better quality than the flat A&M releases we're all stuck with? I'm kind of a sucker when it comes to music, I buy a lot. I guess I would say that's my hobby or passion if you wanna label it. I bought the Grand Illusion one for $45. If it's not better, Oh well. The Grand Illusion is still an awesome album. I already own the A&M and the Gold Edition of it. Like I said... a sucker.

Not to be a dick, but do a search. I did a thread on these. The Gold CD of GI isn't very good (and I wrote that in my review of it on the site).

Short answer: some are worth it from a sonic perspective, but the packaging on all of them is great. If you're into that, they're definitely worth the $.

I've actually got a spare set.

Thanks for the info and I agree with your review about the Audio Fidelity review. I am not happy with the sound, but the packaging is pretty cool. I'll wait till I get the SHM of GI before I decide to buy more. Although it seems they're going out of print... I am bummed that POE is one that IS out of print.

[StyxCollector]

I've noticed on ebay a few Styx titles available for sale in this format. Not really cheap. ranging from $32.99 (Equinox) to a ridiculous amount of over $100 (Pieces of Eight). Does anyone know if they are better quality than the flat A&M releases we're all stuck with? I'm kind of a sucker when it comes to music, I buy a lot. I guess I would say that's my hobby or passion if you wanna label it. I bought the Grand Illusion one for $45. If it's not better, Oh well. The Grand Illusion is still an awesome album. I already own the A&M and the Gold Edition of it. Like I said... a sucker.

Not to be a dick, but do a search. I did a thread on these. The Gold CD of GI isn't very good (and I wrote that in my review of it on the site).

Short answer: some are worth it from a sonic perspective, but the packaging on all of them is great. If you're into that, they're definitely worth the $.

I've actually got a spare set.

Thanks for the info and I agree with your review about the Audio Fidelity review. I am not happy with the sound, but the packaging is pretty cool. I'll wait till I get the SHM of GI before I decide to buy more. Although it seems they're going out of print... I am bummed that POE is one that IS out of print.

I was talking about the SHM packaging. AF botched the GI packaging horribly. That poster and it's off colors are a joke.

Po8 is one of the ones (in my opinion) worth getting. CITA is a must have as it's actually listenable to. The old CD is horrible.

PT and Cornerstone use old masters, but everything else is a new remaster. The quality varies from release to release.

[Baron Von Bielski]

I've noticed on ebay a few Styx titles available for sale in this format. Not really cheap. ranging from $32.99 (Equinox) to a ridiculous amount of over $100 (Pieces of Eight). Does anyone know if they are better quality than the flat A&M releases we're all stuck with? I'm kind of a sucker when it comes to music, I buy a lot. I guess I would say that's my hobby or passion if you wanna label it. I bought the Grand Illusion one for $45. If it's not better, Oh well. The Grand Illusion is still an awesome album. I already own the A&M and the Gold Edition of it. Like I said... a sucker.

Not to be a dick, but do a search. I did a thread on these. The Gold CD of GI isn't very good (and I wrote that in my review of it on the site).

Short answer: some are worth it from a sonic perspective, but the packaging on all of them is great. If you're into that, they're definitely worth the $.

I've actually got a spare set.

Thanks for the info and I agree with your review about the Audio Fidelity review. I am not happy with the sound, but the packaging is pretty cool. I'll wait till I get the SHM of GI before I decide to buy more. Although it seems they're going out of print... I am bummed that POE is one that IS out of print.

I was talking about the SHM packaging. AF botched the GI packaging horribly. That poster and it's off colors are a joke.

Po8 is one of the ones (in my opinion) worth getting. CITA is a must have as it's actually listenable to. The old CD is horrible.

PT and Cornerstone use old masters, but everything else is a new remaster. The quality varies from release to release.

Thanks again. After what you said, I am seriously debating CITA and even Equinox because it's priced a bit lower than the rest. Plus, it's a great album.

[StyxCollector]

They're not earbleeders, but they are louder than the old ones. So if that bothers you, you won't like 'em. I felt that for the most part a lot of the EQ choices were pretty good. Not all were perfect, but it wouldn't take much to beat the original CDs for Equinox, CB, Po8, and CITA.

[Baron Von Bielski]

They're not earbleeders, but they are louder than the old ones. So if that bothers you, you won't like 'em. I felt that for the most part a lot of the EQ choices were pretty good. Not all were perfect, but it wouldn't take much to beat the original CDs for Equinox, CB, Po8, and CITA.

What do you think of the Equinox/Crystal Ball remaster from 2006? So far, I can only tell that it's just a bit louder.

[StyxCollector]

They're not earbleeders, but they are louder than the old ones. So if that bothers you, you won't like 'em. I felt that for the most part a lot of the EQ choices were pretty good. Not all were perfect, but it wouldn't take much to beat the original CDs for Equinox, CB, Po8, and CITA.

What do you think of the Equinox/Crystal Ball remaster from 2006? So far, I can only tell that it's just a bit louder.

It's OK. From the info I got from someone who had dealings with Uni here, it's not from the original tapes (although they claim they had master tapes ... they weren't from the USA that's for sure). That 2:1 disc is a bit better EQ'd than the originals, but it's not sonic nirvana, either. I have yet to hear a 100% version of Equinox and CB I truly love on CD all the way through.

[Baron Von Bielski]

They're not earbleeders, but they are louder than the old ones. So if that bothers you, you won't like 'em. I felt that for the most part a lot of the EQ choices were pretty good. Not all were perfect, but it wouldn't take much to beat the original CDs for Equinox, CB, Po8, and CITA.

What do you think of the Equinox/Crystal Ball remaster from 2006? So far, I can only tell that it's just a bit louder.

It's OK. From the info I got from someone who had dealings with Uni here, it's not from the original tapes (although they claim they had master tapes ... they weren't from the USA that's for sure). That 2:1 disc is a bit better EQ'd than the originals, but it's not sonic nirvana, either. I have yet to hear a 100% version of Equinox and CB I truly love on CD all the way through.

I agree, they're definitely two albums you can listen to back to back in their entirety. Listening to Jennifer right now... love that song.

[Baron Von Bielski]

I've noticed on ebay a few Styx titles available for sale in this format. Not really cheap. ranging from $32.99 (Equinox) to a ridiculous amount of over $100 (Pieces of Eight). Does anyone know if they are better quality than the flat A&M releases we're all stuck with? I'm kind of a sucker when it comes to music, I buy a lot. I guess I would say that's my hobby or passion if you wanna label it. I bought the Grand Illusion one for $45. If it's not better, Oh well. The Grand Illusion is still an awesome album. I already own the A&M and the Gold Edition of it. Like I said... a sucker.

Not to be a dick, but do a search. I did a thread on these. The Gold CD of GI isn't very good (and I wrote that in my review of it on the site).

Short answer: some are worth it from a sonic perspective, but the packaging on all of them is great. If you're into that, they're definitely worth the $.

I've actually got a spare set.

Thanks for the info and I agree with your review about the Audio Fidelity review. I am not happy with the sound, but the packaging is pretty cool. I'll wait till I get the SHM of GI before I decide to buy more. Although it seems they're going out of print... I am bummed that POE is one that IS out of print.

I was talking about the SHM packaging. AF botched the GI packaging horribly. That poster and it's off colors are a joke.

Po8 is one of the ones (in my opinion) worth getting. CITA is a must have as it's actually listenable to. The old CD is horrible.

PT and Cornerstone use old masters, but everything else is a new remaster. The quality varies from release to release.

So far, I have received the SHM-CD for The Grand Illusion... and you're right, the packaging is excellent. The sound quality is much improved from the A&M release CD. I won't even mention the Gold CD in comparison because so far it's very disappointing. Now I am just waiting for my Caught in the Act. Such a great show, It'll be nice to hear it the way it's supposed to be heard on CD.

[Higgy]

Alan,

Any word on 180g vinyl releases?

[StyxCollector]

Alan,

Any word on 180g vinyl releases?

You're joking, right?

[Boomchild]

Alan,

Any word on 180g vinyl releases?

You're joking, right?

There slated to be released as a box set with a bonus 190g vinyl pressing of City Slicker and What If.

[StyxCollector]

Alan,

Any word on 180g vinyl releases?

You're joking, right?

There slated to be released as a box set with a bonus 190g vinyl pressing of City Slicker and What If.

Screw City Slicker ... throw in Out On A Day Pass and it's a bargain!

[pinkfloyd1973]

Alan,

Any word on 180g vinyl releases?

You're joking, right?

There slated to be released as a box set with a bonus 190g vinyl pressing of City Slicker and What If.

Screw City Slicker ... throw in Out On A Day Pass and it's a bargain!

I'll GIVE you my "Out On A Day Pass" tape for free

[StyxCollector]

Alan,

Any word on 180g vinyl releases?

You're joking, right?

There slated to be released as a box set with a bonus 190g vinyl pressing of City Slicker and What If.

Screw City Slicker ... throw in Out On A Day Pass and it's a bargain!

I'll GIVE you my "Out On A Day Pass" tape for free

I'll let you know if I need it - I believe I have it on tape I know I have at least 3 or 4 versions on CD alone. Yes, you read that right.

[Higgy]

Alan,

Any word on 180g vinyl releases?

You're joking, right?

Not releasing this is foolhardy on A&M's part. Vinyl is incredibly cheep. Even if only the hardcore fans bought them, it would seem to be profitable. A&M has the sole decision on this, right? Its not like Tommy and JY can pretend that Styx history started with Arch Allies and keep those from getting released, right?
If nothing else, GI and PT should be released.

[StyxCollector]

Alan,

Any word on 180g vinyl releases?

You're joking, right?

Not releasing this is foolhardy on A&M's part. Vinyl is incredibly cheep. Even if only the hardcore fans bought them, it would seem to be profitable. A&M has the sole decision on this, right? Its not like Tommy and JY can pretend that Styx history started with Arch Allies and keep those from getting released, right?
If nothing else, GI and PT should be released.

Sigh. You were not joking.

The only cheap (with an A) vinyl is the old, used stuff. Even that is creeping up because people now think vinyl is actually good (when a lot of old pressings could be total crap). Have you looked at new vinyl releases? Good ones tend to be in the $20+ range. Tommy's new album lists I think at $25. A reissue of Styx albums would be at least in that range.

I've said it before and I'll say it again since people don't seem to understand: Universal (who is responsible for the A&M imprint) has NO interest in re-releasing the Styx catalog in the USA. We never saw official remasters (not counting the SHM ones which were Japan only, and not every album), so they have even less interest in remastering for 180 gram vinyl.

Keep living the dream, man.

[Toph]

Alan,

Any word on 180g vinyl releases?

You're joking, right?

Not releasing this is foolhardy on A&M's part. Vinyl is incredibly cheep. Even if only the hardcore fans bought them, it would seem to be profitable. A&M has the sole decision on this, right? Its not like Tommy and JY can pretend that Styx history started with Arch Allies and keep those from getting released, right?
If nothing else, GI and PT should be released.

Sigh. You were not joking.

The only cheap (with an A) vinyl is the old, used stuff. Even that is creeping up because people now think vinyl is actually good (when a lot of old pressings could be total crap). Have you looked at new vinyl releases? Good ones tend to be in the $20+ range. Tommy's new album lists I think at $25. A reissue of Styx albums would be at least in that range.

I've said it before and I'll say it again since people don't seem to understand: Universal (who is responsible for the A&M imprint) has NO interest in re-releasing the Styx catalog in the USA. We never saw official remasters (not counting the SHM ones which were Japan only, and not every album), so they have even less interest in remastering for 180 gram vinyl.

Keep living the dream, man.

You know egotistical know it alls get really old sometimes....

[Boomchild]

Alan,

Any word on 180g vinyl releases?

You're joking, right?

There slated to be released as a box set with a bonus 190g vinyl pressing of City Slicker and What If.

Screw City Slicker ... throw in Out On A Day Pass and it's a bargain!

I'll GIVE you my "Out On A Day Pass" tape for free

Wait a minute, you may want to rethink that offer. After all, JY made those copies himself on his home HI FI!

[pinkfloyd1973]

Alan,

Any word on 180g vinyl releases?

You're joking, right?

There slated to be released as a box set with a bonus 190g vinyl pressing of City Slicker and What If.

Screw City Slicker ... throw in Out On A Day Pass and it's a bargain!

I'll GIVE you my "Out On A Day Pass" tape for free

Wait a minute, you may want to rethink that offer. After all, JY made those copies himself on his home HI FI!

[Higgy]

Sigh. You were not joking.
The only cheap (with an A) vinyl is the old, used stuff. Even that is creeping up because people now think vinyl is actually good (when a lot of old pressings could be total crap). Have you looked at new vinyl releases? Good ones tend to be in the $20+ range. Tommy's new album lists I think at $25. A reissue of Styx albums would be at least in that range.
I've said it before and I'll say it again since people don't seem to understand: Universal (who is responsible for the A&M imprint) has NO interest in re-releasing the Styx catalog in the USA. We never saw official remasters (not counting the SHM ones which were Japan only, and not every album), so they have even less interest in remastering for 180 gram vinyl.

Keep living the dream, man.

Wow, this subject gets you uneccessarily angry! In fact, for the record company pressing vinyl IS cheAp (sorry fuck face) whether it's 180 g or not. Since other bands in Styx's era and genre have done great 180 g rereleases, it just seems to me to be another example of missed opportunities from a business standpoint. But hell, it's Styx, the band that always has the stupidest decisions surrounding it.

[Boomchild]

Sigh. You were not joking.
The only cheap (with an A) vinyl is the old, used stuff. Even that is creeping up because people now think vinyl is actually good (when a lot of old pressings could be total crap). Have you looked at new vinyl releases? Good ones tend to be in the $20+ range. Tommy's new album lists I think at $25. A reissue of Styx albums would be at least in that range.
I've said it before and I'll say it again since people don't seem to understand: Universal (who is responsible for the A&M imprint) has NO interest in re-releasing the Styx catalog in the USA. We never saw official remasters (not counting the SHM ones which were Japan only, and not every album), so they have even less interest in remastering for 180 gram vinyl.

Keep living the dream, man.

Wow, this subject gets you uneccessarily angry! In fact, for the record company pressing vinyl IS cheAp (sorry fuck face) whether it's 180 g or not. Since other bands in Styx's era and genre have done great 180 g rereleases, it just seems to me to be another example of missed opportunities from a business standpoint. But hell, it's Styx, the band that always has the stupidest decisions surrounding it.

The industry has not really been interested in Styx past or present since their hay day. I wouldn't be surprised if that started just after PT even though it was by chart standards their best album. Regardless of the costs I don't think will see anything from UNI\A&M with Styx's catalog (except for cheap compilations). Heck, they even pawned off the last full album re-master. It seems they do not see any amount of dollar signs in it. Your only hope is that Styx themselves would obtain the masters from the record label and it does not seem that they have any interest in doing that. They'll just re-record them. Sad but true.

[StyxCollector]

You know egotistical know it alls get really old sometimes....

The truth sometimes hurts. Presenting facts sucks, doesn't it?

Wow, this subject gets you uneccessarily angry! In fact, for the record company pressing vinyl IS cheAp (sorry fuck face) whether it's 180 g or not. Since other bands in Styx's era and genre have done great 180 g rereleases, it just seems to me to be another example of missed opportunities from a business standpoint. But hell, it's Styx, the band that always has the stupidest decisions surrounding it.

Some bands have done well - let's put it in perspective. When Classic Records did the Zep catalog a few years back before going out of business, they did pretty well and got decent reviews. But they were expensive. Same with the Peter Gabriel ones. Even new they were in the $30+ range (some around $50).

Here's some more facts for you people who think I'm a buzzkill. A&M/Uni has done a few reissues such as Supertramp's Breakfast in America (http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/50046 ... nyl_Record), but it starts at $20. And what I've read on it (more than those reviews there) are not good.

Vinyl is considered a premium product. A new pressing is NO guarantee of quality in mastering, even at 180 or 200 grams. That's like saying it sounds better on a gold colored CD (see Audio Fidelity's version of Grand Illusion). You would be better searching out the best older pressing you can find that you like its sound in many cases.

Am I saying that it wouldn't be neat to see Styx get some sort of reissue on vinyl to even test the waters? No. Is there a better chance Sarah Palin would be president before that would happen? Most likely.

I do agree with you that Styx has had a lot of missed opportunities over the years. But them reissuing vinyl now? Not really one of them. Styx makes most of their money from the road, not royalties.

[Boomchild]

You know egotistical know it alls get really old sometimes....

The truth sometimes hurts. Presenting facts sucks, doesn't it?

Wow, this subject gets you uneccessarily angry! In fact, for the record company pressing vinyl IS cheAp (sorry fuck face) whether it's 180 g or not. Since other bands in Styx's era and genre have done great 180 g rereleases, it just seems to me to be another example of missed opportunities from a business standpoint. But hell, it's Styx, the band that always has the stupidest decisions surrounding it.

Some bands have done well - let's put it in perspective. When Classic Records did the Zep catalog a few years back before going out of business, they did pretty well and got decent reviews. But they were expensive. Same with the Peter Gabriel ones. Even new they were in the $30+ range (some around $50).

Here's some more facts for you people who think I'm a buzzkill. A&M/Uni has done a few reissues such as Supertramp's Breakfast in America (http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/50046 ... nyl_Record), but it starts at $20. And what I've read on it (more than those reviews there) are not good.

Vinyl is considered a premium product. A new pressing is NO guarantee of quality in mastering, even at 180 or 200 grams. That's like saying it sounds better on a gold colored CD (see Audio Fidelity's version of Grand Illusion). You would be better searching out the best older pressing you can find that you like its sound in many cases.

Am I saying that it wouldn't be neat to see Styx get some sort of reissue on vinyl to even test the waters? No. Is there a better chance Sarah Palin would be president before that would happen? Most likely.

I do agree with you that Styx has had a lot of missed opportunities over the years. But them reissuing vinyl now? Not really one of them. Styx makes most of their money from the road, not royalties.

Personally, if A&M\Uni was to do anything with the Styx back catalog I would prefer them to release re-mastered versions on CD. I just can't afford to purchase the SHM versions. I'm a complete-ist so if I can't complete the set then I don't bother. As far as vinyl there are some releases that do sound better then their CD counter parts.

[Baron Von Bielski]

Just received my SHM-CD of Caught in the Act. I must say the packaging is superb... just like Collector said. I haven't even listened to it yet and it's worth the $48. If it wasn't for the price of the others in the catalogue, I'd get them all. So far The Grand Illusion and Caught in the Act are all I have, but very glad that I do.

[ItsMyLife]

I've found a great 24bit/96khz needledrop out on the net and comparing "The Grand Illusion" needledrop against the Audio Fidelity and the Japan 2009, it's no contest.

Styx always had a lot of great bottom end, and none of the CDs capture that the same way the vinyl does. It's just a totally different experience.

I really don't hear all that much difference between the Japan and AF releases either except volume. They both leave a lot to desire.

I agree, a few of the original Styx CDs sounds pretty darn good and faithful to the vinyl. PT for one.

[Higgy]

Just got my limited edition "Escape" 180g vinyl. Best this album has EVER sounded. Painful to think about how good Paradise Theater would sound on this format.

[ItsMyLife]

For what it's worth, the original KWH CD sounds better to my ears than the Japan 2009 which has the highs boosted too much. The original CD is pretty faithful to the vinyl too.

[StyxCollector]

Just got my limited edition "Escape" 180g vinyl. Best this album has EVER sounded. Painful to think about how good Paradise Theater would sound on this format.

It has nothing to do with format or things like vinyl thickness. It has everything to do with the quality of the source (even if not the master tape) and the mastering that was used. 180 gram vinyl, gold CD, SHM - none of it means jack crap with a bad mastering job.