NIN Sacd

[rgriffin25]

Has anyone listened to the NIN Downward Spiral SACD? If so could you leave your comments here. I always thought that NIN music would be great in a multi-channel mix. I am trying to justify the $30 purchase.

Thanks in advance,

 

[exitshow]

The surround mix is a different experience from the original stereo version. One of the reasons I enjoy NIN is because you always seem to hear something new every time you listen. The surround mix has me picking up on new sounds that were suttle in the stereo version. The surround channels are used just enough not to be gimmiky, with most of the vocals focused on the center channel. The second disc is good too- with some remixes and un-released material that you may or may not have depending on how big a fan you are. I would say this SACD is for the hardcore NIN fans only, or those really wanting to expand their horizons.

 

[Engine Joe]

It's good; not the best SACD in my collection, but it's one of my favorite albums, so it's fun to hear in this new configuration. The only negative so far is that perhaps because the sounds are now spread out more, I can hear sample edits now that I did not on the original release. That can be distracting (actually, at first, I thought the clipping sounds I heard were the speakers themselves having fits... on closer inspection, it's just sample points).

Some of the choices TR made in this mix I have to get used to - the balance of the arrangement has shifted, and while overall I'm happy with it, some of it is jarring and I don't know how much I care for all of the changes. Repeated listenings will help me make that kind of determination.

Worth getting? Sure. Perfect? Probably not.

BTW, anyone know if he's mixing the new NIN album for both standard and 5.1 surround?

 

[exitshow]

According to NIN.com, Reznor is mixing the new album in surround, and it should be released simultaneously with the stereo only version:

http://www.nin.com/access/12-03/index.html

Also interesting is that Reznor wants to re-release pretty-hate machine in surround, but is tied up legally for now.

You are right about the sound being spread out in the downward spiral. Not as enveloping as other SACD's in my collection.

 

[SQ Kid]

i noticed a lot of just random stuff i hadnt heard before on the stereo mix. not a good or bad thing, just new stuff. i was quite as caught up in it as i have been with a couple of my other discs, but not bad.

5.1 discs i have (remember i'm a college kid, so be easy on me):

Staind - 14 shades of grey (dvda)
Beck - Sea change (dvda)
Incubus - a crow left of the murder (sacd)
NIN - downward spiral (sacd)

beck is awesome, incubus is pretty good, and staind was cool for hearing some of the uses of 5.1 (plus i love the music and the album was redone for this mix)

 

[Engine Joe]

Of those four, Beck is definitely the best. Indeed, Sea Change is IMO one of the best DVD-A's available right now. I've heard people use it for reference.

And the included videos are nice.

 

[DISCMAN]

I love the NIN SACD. The first time I listened to it was late at night so it was at a low level & I was a little disappointed in the surrounds. The next day at louder levels was eye (ear) opening. The first weekend I listened to it twice in surround & once in stereo & I don't usually listen to the same album 3 times in a month.