I finally got to listen to Abraxis on SACD tonight. I only have about 5-6 hours break-in time on the new AVA gear, still have my crummy IC's and SC's. In a word (or 2), buy it!!! It is SO much more detailed and smooth.
I'll try to illuminate the differences b/t the original recording and SACD:
-percussion instruments: there are a lot of them on this album. they sounded tinny on the original, much smoother and more detailed on SACD.
-guitar: on the opening cut, Carlos' guitar comes in as a wail moving from one channel to the other. it was pretty screachy, like nails on the blackboard, when loud on the original. on SACD, it is still powerful and has bite but again is smoother.
-keyboard: very similar findings qualitatively to guitar.
These differences were noticed listening at a moderate volume for only 10-12 minutes on 4 different cuts. If you like this album, buy the SACD. You'll love it.
Bill
