Thanks for doing the comparison Lon.  I don't own that disc on Redbook, so was trying to get a sense if I should pick up the SACD for the Redbook layer.  I wonder if they have a DSD download available online, although I don't think MoFi is going that route yet.

For a disc, I'd go with the Mobile Fidelity, it really is better than the original cd on WB and the Rhino one. Who knows one day you may have an SACD player.*

There is an HDTrack hires version. There is this comment from the Hoffman board:

I didn't think it could be done, but the MFSL SACD is a nice improvement over the HDTracks version. Tighter bass and better sound stage. What a pleasant surprise.

They were talking of the SACD layer I'm sure.  Soundstage characteristics are very similar on the Redbook layer. Bass sounds great as well.

PS: Workingman's Dead on Mobile Fidelity SACD was released a few days ago, I should have a copy today but may not be here to listen; heading out this afternoon to Lucinda's bungalow out by the woods.

* As fantastic as the DirectStream is, a great SACD player can make a well mastered SACD sound fantastic, more analog like than the DS. That body or meatiness that Eric says he wanted in the DS (pre last update) I have in spades with my two Denon cd players (I think what sets them apart is the heavy build with serious anti-vibration design). It's a different digital experience, one that I like having as an option, I really feel I have three different audio experiences I can tap into: DS, SACD and vinyl. All are excellent, and I don't have to choose only one.

Dad asked for this one to be put on. I really like it, sounds like music from the 'twenties, but in modern high fidelity!

Recently found in a local vinyl shop a sealed nos 13 volume set of Art Tatum Solo Masterpieces on Pablo label.  Working my way through them with my ZMA and ZP3.  Audio seventh heaven.

IsoCups have been in the system all week...not surprised that the result is exactly like Lon and Will described.  Open and detailed with smooth highs...Track 1 of this disc is an amazing song if you haven't heard it...

Fun remixes of her excellent Brazilified cd.

Blu-ray disc 2

Dave, glad you are enjoying it. This has never sounded this good before.

I haven't been buying TOO many Mobile Fidelity releases over the years because for a long time they just weren't doing things I was interested in. But they finally did a Marvin Gaye, then Santana's Caravan Serai, and then they started their Miles Davis series and I think all those I have bought, released the last three years or so, have sounded excellent, on par with this one. And the SACD layer is even better than the Redbook layer in each case. So try another one.

Lon...I have Workingman's Dead on CD and the sound is not so good.  So, if the CD layer of the SACD sounds as good as American Beauty (CD layer), then I am in.  I have often said that it's not the format, it's the master/re-master.  You may be able to get a little more out of the SACD, but the difference between previous re-master's is likely much bigger...

Happy Thanksgiving,
d

I think you would find Workingman's Dead improved. And one day you may get SACD playback, or be able to rip the DSD layer to the DS. . . and yoiu'll see, there's a significant difference--SACD is better than Redbook, though the DS closes the gap, there's still a gap. IMO.

Have a great holiday! I wish I could be home listening, but I have a big day with my Dad, we need to make him have a great day, it's only been ten days since we lost my Mom.

Just wanted to drop by and say "Happy Thanksgiving".  Of course I'm listening to music as I read...Currently on spotify this newly released album from a concert in 1990.  I'll soon own it...it's wonderful.  Mark.

I just bought the last three Music Matters Blue Note 33 1/3 series...a Dozen.  I listened to Cannonball's "Somethin' Else" and am currently spinning Sonny Clark's "Cool Struttin' "...will listen to "Blue Trane" soon. The Grant Green "Idle Moments" is awaiting repress.

These have never sounded better in any format.  I hope they continue the series next year.  I really don't want to buy 45 RPM 2 LP versions because of the added cost and frequent turns of the LPs.  I can't imagine the fidelity being better than these Music Matters LPs.

Marky,  I've bought quite a few MFSL vinyl reissues and have yet to be disappointed...all the Miles with his first great Quintet...the 33 1/3 versions as well as some rock.

Marky,  that one is amazing. It's next up after "Blue Trane".  Make sure you buy the Music Matters 33 1/3 version.  It's also available in the cheaper universal blue note version...NOT the same.  Thirty-five bucks is a bargain for these but occasionally you'll be able to get 10% off. Recently all my sources don't discount them...Elusive Disc, Music Direct and Sound Stage Direct.  Here's the Music Matters site that also sells them.  I've given you the page with pics of all twelve in the current 33 1/3 Blue Note Series.  Mark.
http://www.musicmattersjazz.com/category_s/92.htm

I have two other digital versions of this and the new Boplicity sounds head and shoulders above them. The only version that sounds similarly wonderful is my mono Contact lp. This is a favorite work and I'm very happy wth this new reissue.

Not sure why I was expecting something different, but this sounds quite good for an OJC Redbook remaster...

@ Lon, what type of music does Airto fall in to?

New SHM-CD

Enjoyed a nice spin on this gem. Seems I go back to it several times a year!

LOUD

Rainy day in Calif....supertramp - one of their best LP's. A great recording.

Sometimes it pisses me off how much better vinyl sounds than digital!