Dire Straits – Brothers In Arms

In reference to variant 2. All three 2 channel components sound fantastic. SACD layer is stunning, the HDCD decoded PCM is quite close then the non-decoded PCM, as well sounding excellent, and all different. I have zero interest in the multichannel component.

This quite possibly is the best quality 5.1 surround sound mix I've ever heard. This is the import only SACD 5.1 CD, not to be confused with the DVD-Audio 5.1 edition available in the U.S. Actually one of the reviews posted here appears to be for the DVD-Audio version. Both versions are playable on standard CD players though the DVD-A is a 2 sided disk where you must flip it over to the other side for the standard CD mix. So, with both Hybrid SACD and DVD-A we now have CD's that can be played on any player though you really need to play them on surround sound systems to get the full appreciation of their sound. Otherwise, why buy it? I will say that most hybrid SACD's I've played on standard CD players (automobile) do sound better than their non-SACD versions.

Well, I do have both the SACD and DVD-A versions (just to show my obsession/love for this CD). The first thing to make clear, the SACD version may or may not have used the same audio source mixes used for the DVD-A version, but they are by no means inferior. The 2 versions truly do sound different. Its hard to describe in words how much additional sonic details come out in the SACD version verses the DVD-A. I have an above average system (not top high end) and I'm able to hear sonic details including guitar ages I've never heard before. One listen to the final song, Brothers in Arms is all it takes though there is not a weak moment song-wise or sound-wise on this SACD. As for the DVD-A, it's still good, but on my system I can't draw out the same details that I'm able to on the SACD version. Maybe has something to do with my DVD player being a SONY SACD/DVD combo player? Or, maybe the SACD version is just that much better. I'll leave that for further debate.

The fact that most people have a surround sound DVD system and not many people have a SACD player does mean the DVD-A will be the more popular version purchased. That is a shame as I just don't hear the same level of detail in the DVD-A 5.1 mix (at least on my system). From a playability perspective, I also prefer the SACD over the DVD-A. When you put the DVD-A in your player you will find it defaults to the standard 2 channel mix and requires you to go into the menu and select the 5.1 mix. With the SACD it will automatically detect the 5.1 mix if played in a SACD player. Also, if you have a multi-disc DVD player, once the DVD-A has finished playing it will not automatically move to the next disc in the changer as this SACD will.

So, if you love this CD and have a SACD player, don't hesitate to purchase this one. As for the DVD-A, I've heard better than this one, but I still believe the DVD-A is a worthwhile purchase if you don't have a SACD player as long as you have surround sound stereo DVD system. It will still provide a new level of enjoyment for listening to this classic Dire Straits CD.

This is highly regarded SACD and one of the best multichannel products I own. I've had it since its release and it is exceptional.

My setup is the same that the Zimmer guys use in Hollywood I found out after a couple of years owning my first nearfield speakers.
Then I added three more speakers of the same brand and size.

Front:

Left channel:
Quested V2108, 2-way active near-field monitor. Total: 400 watts; 200 watt soft-dome Morell-tweeter, and 8" 200 watt woofer.
Center channel:
Quested V2108, 2-way active near-field monitor. Total: 400 watts; 200 watt soft-dome Morell-tweeter, and 8" 200 watt woofer.
Right channel:
Quested V2108, 2-way active near-field monitor. Total: 400 watts; 200 watt soft-dome Morell-tweeter, and 8" 200 watt woofer.

Surround left:
Quested VS2108, 2-way active near-field monitor. Total: 210 watts; 100 watt soft-dome Morell-tweeter, and 8" 110 watt woofer.
Surround right:
Quested VS2108, 2-way active near-field monitor. Total: 210 watts; 100 watt soft-dome Morell-tweeter, and 8" 110 watt woofer.

Subwoofer:
Quested SB10, 10" active subwoofer, 250 watts, 19hz +

I found an interesting story in the german magazin "Mint" 08/21:
It says that the original recording of Brothers In Arms was not fully in digital domain DDD created, but in DAD:
- recording digital on an U-Matic magnet tape
- mixing was done on an analog device "Neve"
- two channel mix was than again transfered from analog to digital on the Sony 1630 U-Matic-Recorder

Furthermore the cd mastering from the year 1985 made by Bob Ludwig was also done on an analog equipment. First in year 1995 did Bob Ludwig a remaster (SBM) on a digital gear.

What is so special about the SACD 5.1 remix is that they took the original digital multitrack U-Matic tapes and mixed them for the first time direct to the digital domain! Just brilliant!

For a good stereo experience you have to go for a Mobile Fidelity SACD.

5.1 mix is great sounding, it's done in a respectful way giving the music more depth and separation of instruments. The CD track is extremely loud, after analyzing it the wave clips at all of the highest points. The dynamics are not crushed and it sounds fine however it has been pushed harder than needed due to "loudness war". Over all worth it.

Don't know about the other versions,I am playing this on a onkyo amp,cerwin Vega v12 for the front a sl large cerwi;n Vega center, 10 inch infinity sub and Job full range for the rear . This CD has plenty of thump on my system

I definitely prefer the mofi 2 x 45 rpm LP for regular listening, but the 5.1 mix on this sacd is a fun and fresh way to experience this album. It has a well rounded sound and it brings out a lot of the background instrumentation enough that you can hear things that go unnoticed in other mixes. Worth a listen in 5.1 for sure.

This sounds really good. Not sure what others are talking about. For the price, a good deal.

This Dire Straits Dolby 5.1 remix is nothing short of AWESOME! The album was originally recorded in pristine DDD and lends itself well to being remixed in surround sound which adds a totally new listening dimension. I bought the CD release when it first came out more than 20 years ago and spent 2 decades listening to it in regular 2 channel stereo the SACD 5.1 channel release of the same great music and lyrics immerses the listener into the music with digital precision that must be heard to be believed!!!

Over compression throughout. I would avoid this sacd at any price - even $5. To many remasters just suck in this respect.