For those of you who may not know, the first 6 Queen albums were released on SHM-SACD (in stereo only, non-hybrid) in Japan only on December 14th.
I just got mine in (3 on Christmas Eve and the other 3 the Monday following). With lots of my family in town I have only been able to objectively listen to the original side 2 of Queen II so far, so it's too soon to tell for sure. But so far and right now I'm GLAD I spent the (not unsubstantial) bucks.
BUT with that said - WOW. There is a BIG, BIG difference between this SACD, the 2011 CD remasters, the original CDs, and my original vinyl. On the quieter tracks (Nevermore) and quieter passages I can finally hear ALL of the voices and the piano clearly. In the bombastic passages and tracks (Ogre Battle), the mix is still boomy and a bit muddy though it is somewhat improved over the 2011 CD remaster.
Regarding the mastering, the Queen II liner notes say: "This 2011 version has been meticulously re-created using the finest modern analogue and digital technology from the original first-generation master mixes." While I am impressed so far, the real test will come with the later 3 releases (Night At The Opera, Day At The Races, and News Of The World). Hope this helps anyone considering these.
