Do any of you guys have any exposure to XRCDs? If so, how to they stack up against standard redbooks, HDCDs, and SACD's, in general? I knew nothing of these discs but found them on elusivedisc.com. So of course I'm now curious. I may to buy one just to see...

XRCD is not a format at all, but just something dreamed up in the mind of some marketing person. They make a big deal about 20 bit this and mastering that, but it is just a gimmick.

The CDs will sound no better than the source recording they used.

I have a couple of them....not impressed one way or the other.

very interesting - thanks for the advice!

For more info on CD bit rates, check out " The AudioCritic.com

I have one; it's the Masquerade Suite by Khatchaturian, formerly released on RCA as an LP back in the late 50s -- that's my reference and it's an amazing LP.

The XRCD version sounded pretty darned good for digital -- but not as engaging as the vinyl record (no big surprise there).

Unfortunately, my copy of the LP is pretty beat up and finding one in good condition is rare and expensive, hence the XRCD purchase.

On a related note, if you're looking for great sonics on CD, I have tried the Decca Legends series remastered to 24 bit / 96kHz and was mightily impressed. The only one I own is the España--Chabrier, Granados / Argenta, London Symphony Orchestra. The sonics are amazing (as is the performance). I will definitely try more from this series.

Regarding the XRCDs, I doubt I will buy another, considering they are $30 and up. BTW, I ordered mine from Elusive Disc as well.

This may be a bit off the path for XRCDs but Videodrome's mention of Decca brought to mind a Joshua Bell SACD of Tschykovsky's ( I love Russian names, you can spell them any way you like)violin concerto on Decca. It is mixed with an unusual prespective that seems to place you kind of right between the conductor and the soloist giving a very forward, deep soundstage that's really very enjoyable after you get over the initial shock.
I'd recommend it to all intrested.