First 2 Audio Fidelity Multichannel SACDs Announced - Supersession and Breezin'

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JonUrban

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Here is the press release from Audio Fidelity:

AUDIO FIDELITY ENTERS THE MULTICHANNEL ARENA!

The rumors that have been circulating regarding Audio Fidelity’s entry into the 5.1 and the multichannel arena are true. Over the years we’ve been asked to consider releasing our titles in the multichannel format. After long consideration we will soon be adding a limited number of hybrid multichannel SACDs to our regular release schedule of high-end vinyl and hybrid SACDs.

Our first two 5.1 titles are:

Mike Bloomfield, Al Kooper, Steve Stills, “Super Session” Never before available!

The 5.1 Surround Sound mix is produced by Al Kooper;

The 5.1 Surround Sound mastering is by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering Studios;

The original 2-track stereo and DSD mastering is by Steve Hoffman at Marsh Mastering studio;

Al Kooper’s updated liner notes are included in the colorful 12-pg booklet.

supersession.jpg

George Benson “Breezin'” For the first time on Multichannel Hybrid SACD. The Grammy award winning best-selling jazz album of all time!

The Grammy award winning best-selling jazz album of all time!

The 5.1 Surround Sound mix is produced by Al Schmitt;

The 5.1 Surround Sound mastering is by Doug Sax at The Mastering Lab;

The original 2-track stereo and DSD mastering is by Steve Hoffman at Marsh Mastering studio.

Breezin.jpg

Our multichannel releases will all be Hybrid SACDs and include either 5.1 or Quad. The consumer will have the same access to the stereo and DSD channels that they currently enjoy while the multichannel 5.1 or Quad layer will introduce a whole new level of listening experience.

The cost of our Multichannel Hybrid SACDs will remain at the current $29.99 for as long as we can maintain profitability, which is always based on the cost of acquiring licenses.

The packaging will be consistent with our Audio Fidelity look of the unique slipcase showing the disc. We will be changing the color of the slipcase to a silver to distinguish the multichannel from our Hybrid SACD slipcase.

For now the multichannel titles will not be released on a monthly basis – we’ll release them less frequently than our Hybrid SACDs.

Our Multichannel Hybrid SACDs will be numbered in the same manner as our vinyl and Hybrid SACDs.

We anticipate this to be a late July or early August release.

So, that’s the scoop!
 
Confirmation. Already have Breezin on DVD-Audio.

SteveHoffmanTV: Audio Fidelity 1st 5.1 SACD's are Super Session & George Benson Breezin'. I'll do orig stereo mastering for both. 5.1 mixes prev. unissued.

SteveHoffmanTV: Mastering stereo SACD of George Benson "Breezin" tomorrow from 30 IPS original analog mixes. Good times.
 
Interesting that he says both mixes are previously unissued. Given the problems (the center channel and sub are too low) I've had with the Breezin' 5.1 mix that I detailed in another thread here, I'll be interested to see if this really is an alternate (or corrected) mix.
 
Confirmation. Already have Breezin on DVD-Audio.

SteveHoffmanTV: Audio Fidelity 1st 5.1 SACD's are Super Session & George Benson Breezin'. I'll do orig stereo mastering for both. 5.1 mixes prev. unissued.

SteveHoffmanTV: Mastering stereo SACD of George Benson "Breezin" tomorrow from 30 IPS original analog mixes. Good times.

It's official - Super Session with Mike Bloomfield, Al Kooper and Stephen Stills and Breezin' by George Benson will be the first two Audio Fidelity 5.1 Multichannel SACDs. Let the comments begin.....
 
they're going to have to pull something more interesting out of the bag wrt the Warner 5.1 stuff than a re-done Breezin' imho.. I'll definitely get Super Session but would only buy Breezin' again if it's redone properly along the lines of what steelydave did to it (i.e. make the 5.1 mix listenable at last and not drenched in reverb like it was recorded in a cave).
 
they're going to have to pull something more interesting out of the bag wrt the Warner 5.1 stuff than a re-done Breezin' imho.. I'll definitely get Super Session but would only buy Breezin' again if it's redone properly along the lines of what steelydave did to it (i.e. make the 5.1 mix listenable at last and not drenched in reverb like it was recorded in a cave).

+1 I have been down the Breezing road before; not exactly making a big splash with those 2 IMO
 
Yeah not thrilled with these offering but I'll probably try the Al Kooper since it's at least something new. Fleetwood Mac's first album or Tusk would've been a better wow factor release.
 
I'm in for both. I like the DVDA of Breezin but I am hoping that the new remastering corrects some of the faults of the original..

Super Session is a no brainer for me.
 
It's official - Super Session with Mike Bloomfield, Al Kooper and Stephen Stills and Breezin' by George Benson will be the first two Audio Fidelity 5.1 Multichannel SACDs. Let the comments begin.....

Interesting choices... I will definitely buy the Super Sessions disc just because I happen to like it, but doesn't really seem like a mainstream title that would attract legions of buyers. George Benson... Meh! But that is just my musical taste speaking. Still, not an artist that I would expect to generate a ton of interest. I'm glad they have committed to the release of at least 10? was it? Otherwise I'd fear we might experience a Rhino Quadio-Aretha Franklin Greatest Hits situation with these being the first two out of the gate. I would be surprised if either of these titles sell as well as the Rhino Quadio Chicago release, but we shall see.
 
Sorry for stealing your thunder, Jon. The packaging looks awesome.
 
Fleetwood Mac's first album or Tusk would've been a better wow factor release.

Assuming the Fleetwood Mac members approve a 5.1 release, the tapes (Stereo and Multichannel) are in good shape and will result in audiophile grade Stereo CD and SACD tracks, the licensing costs match the sales potential of the reissue, etc. etc......

As always, there are many factors involved in what is - and isn't - reissued on Hybrid Stereo SACD or Hybrid Multichannel SACD by reissue labels like Audio Fidelity, Mobile Fidelity, Analogue Productions and ORG.
 
they're going to have to pull something more interesting out of the bag wrt the Warner 5.1 stuff than a re-done Breezin' imho..

Agreed.

Personally, I love Breezin. When I learned guitar in the 70s, Benson - Breezin was required learning.. but. Objectively these two won't attract much headlines for either the 2.0 or 5.1 crowd.

I imagine QuadKitty is happy with the Steve Stills one perhaps...


Next two releases:

The Who - Who's Next
Al Dimeola - Casino

;)
 
Well the thing I do appreciate about the packaging is that there is NO question what the hell you are buying. It is very clearly labeled as a multi-channel 5.1 release. Can't say that for some titles that have been released in stereo and then followed up with a surround release.
 
Am I correct that Super Session includes the original 1968 2ch mix, rather than the later one on CD with the title square in gold?

I'm in for both of these. They hold the promise of being the best released versions of these titles. I've owned SS on 2ch LP, Quad LP, Q8, 1/2 speed LP, CD and remixed CD. My CD of the remix is autographed by Al Kooper. Of those, I like the SQ LP the best. I missed out on the Japan SQ CD.

I've owned Breezin' on LP, 1/2 speed MoFi LP, CD and DVD-A. Although far from perfect, I do like the DVD-A the best, but am most hopeful for a more "logical" 5.1 mix.

BTW: I saw/heard George live at Grant Park Chicago in the late '90's. He blew the crowd away when he sang like Nat "King" Cole. He then sang just like Natalie. People were screaming!
 
No Bonus Tracks on Breezin' I notice.. A shame as Down Here On The Ground is terrific.. and the only one that made sense "as is" on the old DVD-A in 5.1.. just in case the 5.1 remains the same on the new SACD.. just sayin'... ;)
 
I assume you mean me, Dennis. As mentioned in my previous post, yes, I'll buy both.

Kwad Kitty actually isn't me, but my cat, a male. He could care less about either of these. He's waiting for Cat Stevens in 5.1. He'll prick up his ears for that.

I've been buying woefully few pieces of software this year, since all of my spare $$$ has gone to Kwad Kitty's Vet bills. He was near death, but is doing spectacularly, albeit with pills, digestives and IV's. He is his old, crazy self.

Enough off topic, back to the New 5.1's.

...I imagine QuadKitty is happy with the Steve Stills one perhaps...
 
George Benson “Breezin'” For the first time on Multichannel Hybrid SACD. The Grammy award winning best-selling jazz album of all time!
The 5.1 Surround Sound mix is produced by Al Schmitt;
The 5.1 Surround Sound mastering is by Doug Sax at The Mastering Lab


Did Al Schmitt mix the DVD-A or might this be a new mix? Or at least a new mastering?
 
wow...disappointing for me...i reeeeeally wanted to spend some money..but looks like i just saved some!!

thanks for the info tho :)
 
Sorry for stealing your thunder, Jon. The packaging looks awesome.

I've never liked the AF artwork - it looks like a cheap "knock-off" to me...

Not that I care its about the content... :eek:

I'll be buying both...

It seems that the Breezin' is the existing mix to me...."The 5.1 Surround Sound mix is produced by Al Schmitt"
 
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