I was browsing discogs just trying to find unique versions of 3121 (I know, I would never find shit, it's an addiction I have now for everything I look up) and I found a very interesting version.

I found a version that says it is remastered and on BLU-spec CD 2. This version is official and was released at the same time as the other Legacy release of 3121, Musicology and Planet Earth and is a Japanese pressing. Does anyone know if this version is superior to the original pressing and the standard Legacy cd reissue? It does reveal that 3121 was in fact remastered so I guess that's why my vinyl sounds fucking amazing lol.

Never heard of BLU-spec CD 2 and I don't think my computer has a blue laser to read the disc in the way it is meant to, of which I wonder if the improvements would actually be heard...got a ps4 tho so maybe since it has a blue laser because of Blu-Ray....idk lol.

Has anyone actually bought this version or heard of it at all? Any other info on BLU-spec CD2 versions of albums? I just thought it was cool and unique and if it is an improvement I would like to buy it haha.

https://www.discogs.com/Prince-3121/master/22438

It does say, for now, that it's remastered, but I can't imagine it being any better. Prince was using ProTools at some point (although it was probably after 3121), so I don't know how much how remastering could help a more current album.

It's a better quality make/cut of the cd itself, not how your cd player reads it so you don't need a blu-ray player to get the 'benefit.' I guarantee you won't hear any difference, ditto for anything on SHM-CD.

Still though, you want to get this japan release for that Obi strip or your Prince collection will be considered PATHETIC.

Just bought this version for $42. Coming right from Japan sealed with Obi strip included. I don't think I plan on opening this though as it seems collector friendly...plus I got the (sounds like remaster) purple vinyl and original issue cd.

Anyone care to explain further about the technical details on this type of compact disc and why I don't need a blue laser to get the full details from it?

That must be an error on DICOGS page. Japanese Blu Spec CD2 Version of 3121 (as well as Musicology & PE) does not mention anything about being remastered. There is new liner notes (written in Japanese) with lyrics but that is the only difference from others. (and Obi sleeve).

Sony claims that using a blue laser (as used with Blu-ray disc) instead of a red laser, to cut more perfect pits which reduces distortion in the optical read-out process. Can be played on CD players. Since 2012, almost every new/reissue release from Sony is Blue Spec CD2 in Japan. All of MJ, Dylan, Hendrix, Billy Joel etc, all their back catalogs are now Blue spec CD2. I guess Sony believe that Blu Spec CD2 would be the last generation of CD. There is no normal CD releases for Musicology, 3121 and PE.

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/feature/PRINCE_Japan_Exclusive_Reissues_ULTIMATE_RAVE_Musicology_3121_Planet_Earth

Just like Universal/Warner's Super High Material CD aka SHM-CD, some say Blu Spec CD2 sounds better, some say no difference. I don't have an expensive audio system to compare.

purplemajesty23 said:

Just bought this version for $42. Coming right from Japan sealed with Obi strip included. I don't think I plan on opening this though as it seems collector friendly...plus I got the (sounds like remaster) purple vinyl and original issue cd.

Anyone care to explain further about the technical details on this type of compact disc and why I don't need a blue laser to get the full details from it?

The laser used to cut the cd is a blu laser, so the claim is that the information is more accurate and therefore will sound better. The cd is still a redbook standard cd read by a normal laser.

Left is a normal cd, right is a blu spec CD





https://www.cdrinfo.com/S...wsId=24290

[Edited 2/28/19 8:50am]

Having worked with authoring blu-rays and CD's and ripping material from them... there is no analog distortion/varience induced that could be possible for a difference in sound. Right?

The actual audio file is EXACT 1's and 0's right? Any misread would result in a harsh skip or noise.

I smell hype. Even though there ios an optical read... it's only reading yes or no. In a big series.

For example: https://www.snopes.com/fa...the-green/

Here we go: https://www.cnet.com/news...even-care/

Yes, BSCD and SHM-CD are not SACD or Blu-ray Audio. When Sony Japan announced the reissue of Musicology, 3121 & PE, they simply advertised to release CD & Vinyl since CD has been replaced by BSCD/SHM-CD long before. If you don't like them, you can purchase imported CD which is even cheaper.

Here is another article about BSCD2

http://www.ps3sacd.com/news.html#_20121001

Sony Japan must be proud of BSCD/BSCD2 and they even released "Feel The Difference" that contains same recording of songs from Presley, Dylan, Santana, Jeff Beck etc on both CD & BSCD2.

https://www.discogs.com/ja/Various-Feel-The-Difference-Of-The-Blu-spec-CD2-/release/4485010

I appriciate that record companies in Japan still care about CD. 3 years ago, Forbes reported that CD purchases made up 85% of all music sales in Japan. In 2012 Tower Records Shibuya/Tokyo store increased in size. (a whole 7-floor building with a live space / 700,000-800,000 CDs/Vinyls in stock)
and in 2015 new HMV & Book Tokyo (for the first time, this HMV store has used/second-hand CD/Vinyl) was opened. I do appriciate that I can still go to a Wrecka Stow and spend hours because they constantly release/reissue unique catalogs.

https://tower.jp/article/news/2012/11/22/n04

I keep reading reports of BLU-spec CD2 pro higher quality and some saying it's just the same so I don't know what to believe lol. I do want to know if this is still packaged as a digipak like the original cd or is packaged differently this time. On some of the pictures on discogs it looked different for a regular digipak. Not that it matters or anything.

purplemajesty23 said:

I keep reading reports of BLU-spec CD2 pro higher quality and some saying it's just the same so I don't know what to believe lol. I do want to know if this is still packaged as a digipak like the original cd or is packaged differently this time. On some of the pictures on discogs it looked different for a regular digipak. Not that it matters or anything.

Seems like same original digipack but Sony Japan advirtises that digipack is for limited early pressing only. Not sure if they will release jewel case versions later or not...

Japanese version of reiisue CD includes 1 point of coupon and vinyl includes 2 points of coupon. If you collect 5 points, you all recieve a desk calender. This campaign is until Mar 08.

amokeru said:

Yes, BSCD and SHM-CD are not SACD or Blu-ray Audio. When Sony Japan announced the reissue of Musicology, 3121 & PE, they simply advertised to release CD & Vinyl since CD has been replaced by BSCD/SHM-CD long before. If you don't like them, you can purchase imported CD which is even cheaper.

Here is another article about BSCD2

http://www.ps3sacd.com/news.html#_20121001

Sony Japan must be proud of BSCD/BSCD2 and they even released "Feel The Difference" that contains same recording of songs from Presley, Dylan, Santana, Jeff Beck etc on both CD & BSCD2.

https://www.discogs.com/ja/Various-Feel-The-Difference-Of-The-Blu-spec-CD2-/release/4485010

I appriciate that record companies in Japan still care about CD. 3 years ago, Forbes reported that CD purchases made up 85% of all music sales in Japan. In 2012 Tower Records Shibuya/Tokyo store increased in size. (a whole 7-floor building with a live space / 700,000-800,000 CDs/Vinyls in stock)
and in 2015 new HMV & Book Tokyo (for the first time, this HMV store has used/second-hand CD/Vinyl) was opened. I do appriciate that I can still go to a Wrecka Stow and spend hours because they constantly release/reissue unique catalogs.

https://tower.jp/article/news/2012/11/22/n04

What I'm saying is there is no audio difference, so it's about the pacakging. More clear pits don't change the sound.

ufoclub said:

amokeru said:

Yes, BSCD and SHM-CD are not SACD or Blu-ray Audio. When Sony Japan announced the reissue of Musicology, 3121 & PE, they simply advertised to release CD & Vinyl since CD has been replaced by BSCD/SHM-CD long before. If you don't like them, you can purchase imported CD which is even cheaper.

Here is another article about BSCD2

http://www.ps3sacd.com/news.html#_20121001

Sony Japan must be proud of BSCD/BSCD2 and they even released "Feel The Difference" that contains same recording of songs from Presley, Dylan, Santana, Jeff Beck etc on both CD & BSCD2.

https://www.discogs.com/ja/Various-Feel-The-Difference-Of-The-Blu-spec-CD2-/release/4485010

I appriciate that record companies in Japan still care about CD. 3 years ago, Forbes reported that CD purchases made up 85% of all music sales in Japan. In 2012 Tower Records Shibuya/Tokyo store increased in size. (a whole 7-floor building with a live space / 700,000-800,000 CDs/Vinyls in stock)
and in 2015 new HMV & Book Tokyo (for the first time, this HMV store has used/second-hand CD/Vinyl) was opened. I do appriciate that I can still go to a Wrecka Stow and spend hours because they constantly release/reissue unique catalogs.

https://tower.jp/article/news/2012/11/22/n04

What I'm saying is there is no audio difference, so it's about the pacakging. More clear pits don't change the sound.

I know what you mean. I hope SACD of Prince's catalog will be released in the future since Sony (together with Philips) produced SACD.

ufoclub said:

amokeru said:

Yes, BSCD and SHM-CD are not SACD or Blu-ray Audio. When Sony Japan announced the reissue of Musicology, 3121 & PE, they simply advertised to release CD & Vinyl since CD has been replaced by BSCD/SHM-CD long before. If you don't like them, you can purchase imported CD which is even cheaper.

Here is another article about BSCD2

http://www.ps3sacd.com/news.html#_20121001

Sony Japan must be proud of BSCD/BSCD2 and they even released "Feel The Difference" that contains same recording of songs from Presley, Dylan, Santana, Jeff Beck etc on both CD & BSCD2.

https://www.discogs.com/ja/Various-Feel-The-Difference-Of-The-Blu-spec-CD2-/release/4485010

I appriciate that record companies in Japan still care about CD. 3 years ago, Forbes reported that CD purchases made up 85% of all music sales in Japan. In 2012 Tower Records Shibuya/Tokyo store increased in size. (a whole 7-floor building with a live space / 700,000-800,000 CDs/Vinyls in stock)
and in 2015 new HMV & Book Tokyo (for the first time, this HMV store has used/second-hand CD/Vinyl) was opened. I do appriciate that I can still go to a Wrecka Stow and spend hours because they constantly release/reissue unique catalogs.

https://tower.jp/article/news/2012/11/22/n04

What I'm saying is there is no audio difference, so it's about the pacakging. More clear pits don't change the sound.

I figure there's conceivably a "better", or at least measurably clearer, sound on them. But I also figure you'd need to be using scientific tools to actually notice it.

jaawwnn said:

ufoclub said:

What I'm saying is there is no audio difference, so it's about the pacakging. More clear pits don't change the sound.

I figure there's conceivably a "better", or at least measurably clearer, sound on them. But I also figure you'd need to be using scientific tools to actually notice it.

That's what I'm saying. It's snake oil salesmenship. It is not clearer, but the physical packaging and extras might be cooler. Unless the master was a remaster - it won't sound more clear. That's what the science does say.

But that's not to say that if they tweaked the master, then it would sound different, and perhaps better.

But basically to refer to the title of the original post... the "BLU-spec CD" is a false claim of better audio quality. The blue laser does not change the sound.

Just trying to save people from getting conned! So many people getting conned in the world on so many different levels.

would buy if they turned down the high pitch sine wave whine in Black Sweat.