Customer Reviews

Machine Head (Hybr)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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If you're looking for the best PCM CD version of Machine Head available - this is it. The CD layer on this hybrid SACD is vastly superior to the anniversary 2 CD remaster (which is superior to the original CD release). It sounds very natural and hi-res, exactly what I'd expect the master tape to sound like. On previous versions, including the original vinyl, the mix was all jumbled with the instruments all seemingly jammed on top of each other. On this DSD remix and remaster, the instruments and vocals are all in their own space, and the soundstage has depth, plus the bass is stronger and more defined. The price, at the time of this writing, is astronomical, so I'd recommend buying from one of the Amazon Market sellers or go to Amazon UK.

If you are a lover of rock, then Machine Head by Deep Purple is a must in your collection. I think I have almost every cd and vinyl version of this lp (except the original quad version) in my collection. This was recorded by the Mark II version of the band which is their best lineup. Ian Gillan, Richie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice were the essential hard rockers of the day (along with Led Zeppelin). Recorded in the Grand Hotel in Geneva Switzerland. Because of a fire, the band had no place to record. However, this hotel in Switzerland was empty during the winter and negotiations were completed to use the hallways and corridors to complete the lp. The song "Smoke on the water" sums up the story quite nicely. This lp rocks from start to blazing finish with such classic tunes as the above track, Highway Star, Lazy, and Space Truckin. It leaves you begging for more when it's over. Now, there are 2 surround sound versions of this lp available. The Dvd audio version, and the Super Audio version. Since I have both, I will give you my most honest review, and leave it up to you to decide. First off they both sound excellent. But there is a clear winner of the two. Listening to both several times, I believe the imported Super Audio version wins by a slight margain. The dvd audio version contains many differences in the songs, compaired with the original versions. Guitar solo's are different, also the dvd audio sounds a little more harsher with less bass, and also some of the songs are longer than the original versions. This is not altogether a bad thing but if you want the versions of the songs as close to the originals as possible, then this (SACD)is the cd to have. It has the warmth and sound of the original recording in PCM stereo, and also contains the "Original" quad versions from the lp that was released. Since these are the quad versions there is no sound coming from the center speaker. However there is sound from the subwoofer if you have the 5.1 audio system setup. Even without the audio from the center speaker, the vocals are still mixed in nicely so you wont't notice the difference too much. So I claim this to be the 1st 4.1 surround cd I have in my collection. You also get some alternate surround mixes of Lazy, Maybe I'm A Leo, and When A Blind Man Cries. The Dvd audio isn't bad but in my opinion, the Sacd version just all around sounds better. It is not that easy to get, however. And it is more costly than the standard cd version. But because I love this lp so much I happily shelled out a few more dollars to get it. Now if only Led Zeppelin IV would be released in surrround sound..........................

The music alone is well worth the $22--although cheaper versions do exist-- but where this version soars above all others is in the sound quality. The sound quality is simply stunning. I could go on, but just listen to the audio preview available on this product's main page. While listening, keep this in mind: the audio preview is only 1/10 the resolution of what is found on the Hybrid SACD. And as good as the audio preview sounds, the Hybrid SACD sounds that much better. Highly Recommended.

This album release in 1972 was one of their best, next to live in Japan release. excellent for those who like hard rock.

THE classic album from Deep Purple on multi channel SACD with "that" track.You know the one.Da da daa,da da da daa.I worked in a music store for a few years and never thought I would ever enjoy hearing "Smoke On The Water" again.Thankfully the SACD treatment of this album contains the original Quad mix with some bonus alternate versions and a b-side.Great value!

Anyone who discusses "essential" rock albums will nearly always mention "Machine Head," but I was unaware that Deep Purple also had a quadrophonic mix in their vaults, just waiting to be put on a SACD.
So, when I finally bought a full SACD/DVD-A system, I bought this, and I was simply blown away.
Yes, there is the ever popular "Smoke on the Water," but to be able to exploit the huge sonic advantage and space of a 4.0 sound version of an album I had for years listened to in plain vanilla stero was a real treat.
The bonuse of buying this hybrid SACD version is that, unlike with DVD-A, you are not confined to your high end system, forever unable to listen to it on your car CD player.
No, this version will play on your surround system at home, then you can take the same disk, and play it in your car stereo on the way to work.
You get the best of both worlds.
There was a minor hiccup, with USPS losing the initial shipment, so I called Amazon, and they sent another, with it in my hands days later.
Outstanding response time and service!