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Why do Japanese-pressed CDs sound better?

I have been trying to answer this question to myself for years now, but I can't seem to come up with a real answer. I have many CDs pressed in Japan and every one of them seems to sound better than the same CD pressed in any other country. So the question is what does Japan do differently than the other countries when they master/press a CD? Even DDD recordings seem to have more depth on Japan pressings. I can't say the difference is earth-shaking, but still it's noticeable to me. Anyone have any ideas? Is it just less jitter on the disc or is it something else?
piano632
avnut
153 posts
 
I have a few Japanese mini lp's (cd's) I bought from Redtrumpet.com at a CES some years ago that really are treasures for me. The sound is very well balanced and very natural and lifelike. The cd packaging itself is like art. So, why DO these sound so much better than the average cd pressing? Is it possibly due the the fact that most of them cost $25 or more?
viggen
838 posts
 
My system always reach another level when my friends bring over some Chinese or Japanese CDs even burned ones. CDs are so much cheaper in Asia too except in Japan. I would imagine Asians invested in their own CD printing machines later than US companies did. Sorta like NTSC vs PAL; the later adopter got the better.
tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
Good question... One thing I know for certain, the mastering and pressing process can totally screw up a recording or make it sound AMAZING. The JVC XRCDs absolutely proved this to me.

KF
rec
328 posts
 
I think one of the reasons they sound better is that Japanese runs are usually smaller than US pressings. In other words, in the US they may run 100,000 cds of the new Sting cd and in Japan they may run 1000, less room for mistakes. Also a big factor may be the US division label may be more concerned about profit than the smaller divsion(same company)in Japan and they do a better job of quality control.
sorlowski
236 posts
 
I have got on HE 2003 in SF some free CD from Usher (Taiwan company). It was free so I was not expecting anything special, to my astonishment it quality exceeds most of my audiophile cd's from respectable companies.
It is nothing but astounding. Lately I have bought some Cd's from www.topmusic.com (Honkong) just masterpieces.
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