Hi-Rez Highway

• European information - Joel_Waterman 04:14:56 04/29/03 (2)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  First of all thanks Michi for your extensive report! I thought I'd add to this post with the European perspective. We Europeans may have escaped this cracking phenomenon _ at least there is no sign of it on my SACD. Based on your pics, my DSOTM differs from the US and Japan pressings.

  - On the spine the following number is shown: 7243 582136 2 1
  - Where you show a Capitol logo on the spine mine has three small green dots
  - On the back of the jewel case is says "LC0542 Made in EU". Where your examples show "Capitol Records", mine has "EMI". NO mention is made of Capitol at all.
  - The disc itself sports a different design as well. The top half of your disc consists of the stained glass rainbow effect adjacent to the white line, which is one side of the pyramid. On the European disc this takes up the entire disc, as if they magnified the upper part of your disc. All writing is very clear, and so is the image.
  - My disc does has the same blue and black label as the Crest.

  Cheers,
  Jw
  
  

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  • One question: Is it in a super jewel case (like most SACDs) or a regular one? - Russell 08:58:33 04/29/03 (1)
    In Reply to: European information posted by Joel_Waterman on April 29, 2003 at 04:14:56:

    Just curious, as they are in regular jewel cases here in the US.

    Thanks,
    Russell
    
    

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    • It's in a regular jewel case <nt> - Joel_Waterman 04:19:44 04/30/03 (0)
      In Reply to: One question: Is it in a super jewel case (like most SACDs) or a regular one? posted by Russell on April 29, 2003 at 08:58:33:

      
      
      

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• Just found a Japanese-pressed copy; hopefully that'll be it (at least for this title). (nt) - Russell 13:25:52 04/28/03 (0)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  nt
  
  

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• Re: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) - Michael O 09:12:30 04/28/03 (3)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  I noticed small hair line cracks on the new MTT Mahler 3rd discs.

  Add another one to the Crest crack list!

  Michael
  
  

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  • My 1st and 3rd are o.k. for now, but my 6th has a crack.nt - Guss2 11:43:46 04/28/03 (2)
    In Reply to: Re: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by MichaelO on April 28, 2003 at 09:12:30:

    .
    
    

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    • Is your copy of the 6th from the recent re-pressing? - Russell 23:02:00 04/28/03 (1)
      In Reply to: My 1st and 3rd are o.k. for now, but my 6th has a crack.nt posted by Guss2 on April 28, 2003 at 11:43:46:

      The original pressings of the 1st and 6th were done by Sonopress in Germany, but was the recent re-pressing of the 6th done by Crest? (They did the original pressings of the 3rd.)

      Russell
      
      

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      • Yes. - Guss2 06:14:11 04/29/03 (0)
        In Reply to: Is your copy of the 6th from the recent re-pressing? posted by Russell on April 28, 2003 at 23:02:00:

        I did'nt get in on the first print. So now I guess my 3rd is in danger of cracking too. This really sucks considering I've only played the 6th one time. New discs are coming in so often that I have'nt been spinning too many of them multiple times. Even DSOTM has only been played three times. Gary.
        
        

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• Aaargh! both my copies are Crest, but... - SamS 07:41:02 04/28/03 (4)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  no cracking so far. Wonder if I should keep 'em?
  
  

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  • IMHO, they will crack in due course if you use the SACD case. - Audiophilander 09:51:16 04/28/03 (3)
    In Reply to: Aaargh! both my copies are Crest, but... posted by SamS on April 28, 2003 at 07:41:02:

    I just chcked mine, ...twice. I'd only used the SACD case occasionally, prefering to leave the disc on my 5-disc carousel most of the time as an SACD demo for friends; so, my copy hadn't received very much spindle-hole stress. However, relizing that I had the now infamous Crest pressing I removed DSotM from it's case and carefully examined it. My first observations were that it looked okay albeit the disc had what appeared to be a teeny-weeny chip that was so small to be inconsequential (i.e., possible from manufacture). However, after carefully relacing the disc I decided to checked it again a few minutes ago and, lo and behold, the first hair-line crack had formed just from having been removed and placed back in it's case!

    My assessment: Since this problem doesn't seem to be occuring with DSotM pressings at other plants I believe this may be strictly a problem with the US manufactured Crest discs, possibly because they are using a different plastic formulation that has made the discs too brittle (i.e., cyclo-olefin as opposed to the polycarbonate formulation that is commonly used by other manufacturers). Note: This has been discussed over at Steve Hoffman's site as well; I'll link the Hi-Fidelity Review post which should provide additional clures to the potential source of this problem.

    Can you say "unemployed chemist/senior VP?!" ;^)

    AuPh
    

    • Cyclo-Olefin possible cause of cracking problem?

    
    

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    • there is more info here than Hoffman site... - Pure 10:18:34 04/28/03 (2)
      In Reply to: IMHO, they will crack in due course if you use the SACD case. posted by Audiophilander on April 28, 2003 at 09:51:16:

      Not trying to pick a fight, but if you want info about it, there is probably 500 posts on it here. (with photo's also) Maybe 80 at the Hoffman site this morning. I first heard of it here.
      
      

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      • I read about it here first as well. - Audiophilander 10:35:59 04/28/03 (1)
        In Reply to: there is more info here than Hoffman site... posted by Pure on April 28, 2003 at 10:18:34:

        However, and not to pick a fight (grin), the first clues I had about the potential CAUSE of the spindle-hole cracking problem came from a post contributed at Steve Hoffman's site. I'm not saying that the linked info that I've added here hasn't been discussed earlier (i.e., has it? I don't know, some of the "crack" threads may have already moved requiring a more time consuming search than I'm willing to invest right now), but my reason for contributing this was to share my own cautionary experience and provide a possible explanation which I haven't come across here.

        Respectfully,
        AuPh
        
        

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        • Re: I read about it here first as well. - Pure 11:40:30 04/28/03 (0)
          In Reply to: I read about it here first as well. posted by Audiophilander on April 28, 2003 at 10:35:59:

          No one knows the cause yet.
          All of the major possibilities have been discussed here and prior to the other discussion you allude to. That's all I was saying.

          
          
          

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• Japan release - T_bone 07:20:41 04/28/03 (1)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  FWIW.. I bought mine in Tokyo this weekend, have played it twice, manhandled it a bit to see whether it would crack, and thanks to Michi's photos below, discovered some interesting things.
  1) the binding number is TOGP-15001 (and the red dot is not red, it's green; and there's no 'Capitol' mark),
  2) the back label wording is different - as is the art - and there is a small square in Japanese with the standard "all rights reserved", "personal use only", "broadcasting contents over a network prohibited" blurb,
  3) the disc itself has the same wide circle/barcode/#/diamonds/ sequence as the Sony disc above, but the silkscreen design is quite different (though the back cover of the booklet has the design shown on the CDs above).
  4) but most importantly, no cracks.

  I'd be interested in bmoura's list of GrooveNote & DMP disks. Mine appear unaffected but I'd like to know anyway...
  
  
  

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  • I've had the Japanese release for over 1 month and no cracks at all! nt - flyingdutchman 16:09:11 04/28/03 (0)
    In Reply to: Japan release posted by T_bone on April 28, 2003 at 07:20:41:

    nt
    
    

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• Re: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) - I.Kill.Hackers 04:10:59 04/28/03 (0)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  Thanks for going out of your way Michi to post those pictures.
  You Rock!
  
  

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• Anyone in Calif. want to be brave and walk one of their cracking DSOTMs into Crest? (Address...) - Michi 03:05:07 04/28/03 (0)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  ...I don't live anywhere near Hollywood or I'd be there tomorrow.

  Crest National
  Optical Media Services

  6721 Romaine St.
  Hollywood, CA 90038
  (800)309-DISC
  (323)860-1300
  Fax (323)466-7128

  www.crestnational.com
  
  

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• Note --- My Police (Every Breath) Crest SACD cracking in EXACT same manner as DSOTM. - Michi 02:52:27 04/28/03 (0)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  Looks like it isn't limited to DSOTM - Looks like some of the Police SACDs were 'hit'.

  Does anyone know if any of the Police discs -weren't- pressed by Crest?
  
  

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• What about cracking SACDs on other labels pressed by Cress? What labels should I avoid? - Teresa 00:32:17 04/28/03 (3)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  Should I wait out this crisis before buying any new SACDs. THIS IS REALLY SCARY! I am really glad I own a turntable! Please tell me that Telarc SACDs are not pressed there, as there are new Telarc SACDs I want.

  Thanks,
  Teresa
  
  

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  • Re: Telarc = Not Pressed at Crest - bmoura 00:40:14 04/28/03 (2)
    In Reply to: What about cracking SACDs on other labels pressed by Cress? What labels should I avoid? posted by Teresa on April 28, 2003 at 00:32:17:

    To date, none of the Telarc SACDs have been pressed at Crest.

    As for affected SACDs pressed at Crest, it seems limited to 6 SACDs - 2 on Groove Note, 3 on DMP and DSOTM.

    
    
    

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    • Can you post the list of those titles (and perhaps year printed)? nt - Eric LeRouge 04:21:05 04/28/03 (0)
      In Reply to: Re: Telarc = Not Pressed at Crest posted by bmoura on April 28, 2003 at 00:40:14:

      nt
      
      

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    • Thanks Brian, if I ever get my SACD player back I want the new Mount St. Helens on Telarc SACD. - Teresa 00:58:00 04/28/03 (0)
      In Reply to: Re: Telarc = Not Pressed at Crest posted by bmoura on April 28, 2003 at 00:40:14:

      have you heard it yet?
      
      

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• 1) ... On the spines of the discs, look for a catalog number without a "US" designation. - Michi 00:13:56 04/28/03 (0)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  

  As you can see here, the image on the RIGHT shows designation "CDP 724358213621-US". This is a Crest disc, cracking.

  The image on the LEFT shows designation "CDP-724358213621", without the US. The number is identical except for the "US". This is a Sony Japan, non cracking.

  Disc at the right, from Media Play.
  Disc at the left, from Wal Mart.
  
  

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• 2) ... On the back of the jewel case, look for "Manufactured in Japan". - Michi 00:12:39 04/28/03 (0)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  

  
  The disc on the LEFT is the Sony Japan, NON cracking. The copyright disclaimer, towards the bottom and highlighted, includes the text, "Except Disc Manufactured in Japan for Capitol Records, Inc."

  The disc on the RIGHT is the Crest USA, which has developed cracks after just 1 day. The copyright disclaimer does not include this text.
  
  
  

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• 3) ... On the discs themselves, look for a WIDE circle and BLUE fine print. - Michi 00:11:17 04/28/03 (0)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  

  
  The disc on the top is a Sony Japan, non cracking. As you can see, this disc exhibits a WIDE center hole in the label, in which the bar code around the spindle hole is visible. The fine print under "PINK FLOYD - THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON" is BLUE not WHITE. Also, the silkscreening is of a high resolution, and clear.

  The disc on the bottom is a Crest, with cracks even visible in this picture. It has a NARROW, SMALLER center hole in the lable which COVERS the bar code. The fine print under "DARK SIDE OF THE MOON" is WHITE instead of blue, and also it shows the "-US" designation in the catalog number. Also, the silkscreening is coarse, low-res, and blurred.
  
  

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• 4) ... And finally, a closeup of the cracking phenomenon. - Michi 00:09:42 04/28/03 (4)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  

  This is after ONE day. When this disc was purchased (exchanged) from Best Buy, it had no cracks whatsoever. After ONE play, and ~24 hours of sitting in the case, cracks developed.
  Earlier this morning, it had two. Now, tonight, there are four.

  
  My original one was FAR worse than this, chipping and with 20+ cracks spreading out to the data area.

  
  
  
  

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  • Re: 4) ... Any chance I can get replacement? - naZri 23:08:26 04/28/03 (1)
    In Reply to: 4) ... And finally, a closeup of the cracking phenomenon. posted by michi on April 28, 2003 at 00:09:42:

    Exactly same as mine. Crest pressing is crap!

    Bought pre-ordered from Acoustic Sounds.
    
    

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    • Well, nobody knows yet... - Michi 01:45:45 04/29/03 (0)
      In Reply to: Re: 4) ... Any chance I can get replacement? posted by naZri on April 28, 2003 at 23:08:26:

      As noted on Highfidelity review, they now know about it, and indicate that they may be taking steps to rectify it. If it becomes well known enough, retailers may start replacing them.
      
      

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  • Re: 4) ... And finally, a closeup of the cracking phenomenon. - simonwim 10:10:36 04/28/03 (0)
    In Reply to: 4) ... And finally, a closeup of the cracking phenomenon. posted by michi on April 28, 2003 at 00:09:42:

    ive just checked all 3 of mine (yes im a Floyd head:> ), heres my observations.
    
    Japanese copy
    Its fine, no cracking at all quality of the print is excellent.
    
    UK copy
    Printing is excellent, BUT its a different pattern from the US one. NO cracks, the type of disc is the same as the Japanese one.
    
    US copy
    Mine has 3 minute cracks in ! the quality of the disc looks crap, the printing is awfull, has the same design on as the UK copy, but the colours are different and the quality of print is far worse.
    regards
    simon
    
    
    

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  • arghh. . . - pjchappy 01:20:16 04/28/03 (0)
    In Reply to: 4) ... And finally, a closeup of the cracking phenomenon. posted by michi on April 28, 2003 at 00:09:42:

    That's about exactly how mine looks. . .after ONE play. . ..

    I have taken it out a couple of times to check for cracks after reading about this. . . .

    From your info, mine's a Crest copy. . .I just found my receipt tonight and am going to return it to Best Buy in the next couple of days. . .

    THANKS!

    p
    
    

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• 5) ... And a recap of the labels, for anyone who missed it. - Michi 00:07:21 04/28/03 (0)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  

  The BLUE AND BLACK label is almost a sure sign that you're getting a Cress. The BLACK ONLY circular label is sometimes a Cress, but if it meets the other criteria below, it is likely a Sony and does not have the cracking problem.
  
  
  

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• Thanks again, Michi... - Russell 23:57:47 04/27/03 (2)
  In Reply to: MORE WAYS TO SPOT NON CRESS/NON CRACKING DISCS (There's more than just the black label) posted by michi on April 27, 2003 at 23:39:32:

  I bought a black-labelled copy yesterday at Tower, but was a bit crestfallen (pun intended) to discover that it was a Crest-pressed disc. (BTW, it's "Crest", not "Cress".) No cracks so far after two playings. Will keep an eye out for the Japanese-pressed disc.

  Russell
  
  

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  • Agh! I have to redo all of my images! - Michi 00:00:39 04/28/03 (1)
    In Reply to: Thanks again, Michi... posted by Russell on April 27, 2003 at 23:57:47:

    A misspelling of that magnitude... How embarrassing <:}
    
    

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    • Ah well. Made some corrections. :) thanks (nt) - Michi 00:15:20 04/28/03 (0)
      In Reply to: Agh! I have to redo all of my images! posted by michi on April 28, 2003 at 00:00:39:

      nt
      
      

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