Neil Young Unplugged Import

Thanks Rja and Mapman. I'm glad I posted as I learned a lot from your responses!

Generally speaking, if a CD sounds great the SHM-CD is a slight enhancement.

I owned the original NY-Unplugged and now the Japanese SHM-CD version.

I agree with Mapman, both versions sound great.

The standard issue CD has wonderful sound to start with.

I have Nirvana and Bryan Adams unplugged CDs with similar exceptional sound.

These are a treat in particular on my OHM Walsh speakers!

Shoff,
SHM-CD is a different material (plastic) than standard CD. It has nothing to do with the mastering or encoding.
The theory is that the material is clearer therefore the laser tracks better. I'm not sure if any tests have been done that confirm this or not.

My personal experience with SHM-CDs indicates a slight additional clarity in the upper frequencies (I own about 100 including the NY-Unplugged you asked about).

If I had a choice between an HDCD or a SHM-CD, I would definitely opt for the HDCD but of course you will require a HDCD equiped DAC or CDP.

Hope this helps.