Gold CDs sound Darker?

Not in the industry either, but agree with Carl. One other thing to consider is that your system may be "tuned" for the sound of the aluminum discs/normal pressings. For example, maybe your system is a little on smoother, mellower side of neutral, which might be hiding some of the glare of the standard discs. Then, when you put in a Gold version, it will sound mellower and smoother, of course. This has been my personal experience, since I own 95% aluminum discs, my sytem also sounds a little lifeless with gold discs. however, in almost all cases, the gold versions have had more inner detail, better rythm and pace, and more realistic timbres. Regarding the Ultra Clarifier, I have noticed LESS of a difference after its use on gold discs, than on aluminum discs. Any comments Carl ??

Interesting. So perhaps the difference in Gold releases is that the whole package is better. From the masters used, to perhaps the polycarb medium as well, that accounts for some of the sonic differences, with or without the tweaks. Overall, I have prefered the Gold version in probably 90% of the ones that I've shelled out for.