Tumbleweed Connection [Remaster] [Super Audio Hybrid CD] by Elton John (CD, Oct-2004, Universal Records USA)

I had the MFSL Gold CD version of this album and had heard this SACD version at a friend's house in 5.1 Surround. Then I listened to the the remastered stereo version on the SACD disk. Then, I finally listened to the MFSL Gold CD version. In comparison, technology has caught up to the older MFSL Ultradisc. I have to say that there was considerate improvement in sound quality at a lower price.

But the system used in this listening experiment was not high end, but adequate. The system was comprised of a pair a DCM speakers, a pair of Klipsch towers, a Yamaha center speaker and a Yamaha 5250 5.1 Surround Sound Receiver. The SACD disc and the MFSL Gold Disc were played on a Sony 5 disc DVD-CD changer equipped for SACD and plugged in as a external decoder into the Yamaha Receiver. The subwoofer was turned off both in the receiver and the Sony disc changer as the size of the speakers provided adequate bass.

The SACD had improved highs and good mid level lows. The complete lack of hiss really fascinated me as this was slightly detectable on the MFSL Gold CD.

While the MFSL CD version of this album is highly collectible and no longer in print (and it is 24k gold), I have to say that the SACD version of this album has a better sound at a lower price. This is primarily due to new technology since the original issue of the MFSL Gold Ultradisc version.