Disco de Dire Straits: “Brothers in Arms [DualDisc]”

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 passages 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.

I've waited a long time for this album to be available on SACD. The wait was definitely worth it. This is reference quality audio that beats any vinyl in my collection.

I dare you to listen to Money for Nothing and not get chills. The surround mix is fantastic,using all speakers to great effect.

My advice, rush out and buy this one. It may be the best SACD out there.

BEWARE - Read the fine print. Even if it says 1985, if it also says "re-issued" or "remastered," it is the horribly messed up version with all the life compressed out of it - for the "loudness wars."

This is classic rock - really good stuff, but be sure to buy a used CD with the original mastering. The original is breathtaking in its clarity. Very quiet voices and instruments are clearly discernible. It is startling, actually. Not so in the remastered version. The re-mastered version might be better for jogging with an iPod, but if you are going to listen on a good stereo, the original is far superior. Turn up the volume.

I purchased the original CD in 1985 and thankfully still have it.

Out of interest I purchased the 2005 remaster to find out how it sounded and I was horrified to discover the amount of compression and clipping on the 2005 remaster.

Initial A B listening seemed to indicate the 2005 version is brighter and has more punch.

However upon further listening I found the 1985 version was more pleasant and has more musical expression, punch and feel.

The 2005 version is strained and harsh, while the 1985 version is a extremely powerful.

To get hard evidence I ripped both CDs to wav using EAC and then compared the wave forms in Audacity.

This is when I became horrified. The compression and clipping in the 2005 version is extreme and this explains why it sounds so bad.

I used a plugin (from www.pleasurizemusic.com/de) for Foobar2000 to measure Dynamic Range of the first track on both CDs.

2005 version has a Dynamic Range of 8

1985 version has a Dynamic Range of 20!

This explains why the 1985 version sounds soooooo much better and responds so well when you turn it up.

2005 version was mastered by Bob Ludwig, well Bob I think you should be arrested and locked up for crimes against music!

Do yourselves a favour and find an original 1985 copy or one that has NOT been remastered.

Trust me the 1985 version is so much better.

Any one that says the 2005 version sounds great has never compared it to the 1985 version on a decent stereo.

Played on my OPPO BDP-83 SE, Nuforce Edition,

I listened to it on my high quality stereo, with my jaw dropped and my eyes wide with excitement. This is the music we know, yet like we've never heard before; the improvement is so outstanding. A whole new experience of the same songs, only remastered to quality better than possible for consumers, back in the day. The sounds from guitar have all the character, twang and original Dire Straits sound you could dream of. It must be heard to understand. Imported from England, but worth every penny.

In "So Far Away", during the chorus, the low growling guitar notes are heard to advantage, and similarly at the end of lines, such as following "blister on your little finger". Throughout, the percussion is tightened up in the remaster, weigh in the lows, fast and crisp for cymbals. "Money for Nothing" is the album version, at 8 minutes, 26 seconds. The percussion in the intro to Money for Nothing" is heard to particular good effect, with the ethereal "I want my, I want my MTV ..." lead in. The price of this Hybrid SACD album is not "money for nothing"; the money is for a fine improvement/remaster of particularly high quality.

There are CD stereo, SACD stereo, SACD multichannel tracks. I didn't listen multichannel as I only have stereo gear, although my OPPO did down-mix the 5.1 audio track as stereo. Even playing it as an ordinary CD on a nice, older Sony CD player, it was nicely improved. The musical upgrade of this disc is not as fine when the CD layer is played, compared to SACD, but it is still no small improvement in my opinion. Particularly recommended for those with quality music setups, especially played as SACD, both stereo and surely also as multichannel, although the multi-channel assessment is based only on the quality experienced in stereo. It's made me feel like a kid again, only with better toys and music. Listening as SACD, I wanted to listen all the way through, the music drew me in so. Listening as a CD, was more like in the old days, where, after the great songs, one might be motivated to jump to the next great song rather than just listen. High quality, reasonably priced, audio equipment can show the audio improvement to good effect. "Be-Bop-A-Lula Baby What I Say ... do the walk of life", to great music.