CDs: Not all created equal


All: Over the past year I've renewed my hobby as an audiophile. Its been several years, and I'm getting used to SS equipment and CD playback. The system I've accumulated over the last year is as follows: Threshold Forte Model 3 (200 wpc into 8 ohms) SS amp; Parasound P/LD line-drive preamp; Arcam Alpha 8SE CD/HDCD player; Cambridge Audio Azur 640C CD player (dual Wolfson 24 bit DACs); Audioquest Midnight Hyperlitz III speaker cables & various Audioquest interconnects; Meadowlark Shearwater "Hotrod" loudspeakers and finally, an RBH passive sub with NHT SA-1 Subwoofer amp. I have learned that there is a fairly vast difference in CD quality. All of my HDCDs sound really nice (almost tube/vinyl like, but a little "brighter"), but the standard CDs vary widely. I have a few MSFL 24K gold remasters, and they are pretty nice. I just bought a Fleetwood Mac remaster by Warner Bros. that is nothing short of spectacular, even though there is no indication that it is a 24 bit remaster, etc. Are there certain brands or indicators I should look for to find high quality CDs?? Many thanks.
klipschking
fyi- Winter Solstice was a Pagan celebration prior to organized religions attempt to assimilate ancient Earth Religions. Midwinter- Winter Solstice based on an astronomical event- is celebrated worldwide. Researching the historical basis of religions is most enlightening, kinda like discovering new music.
"audiophile" engineer? Don't forget to add Johnson of Reference Recordings. No one does it better.
It is exactly because there are so many traditions, from so many cultures, both ancient and modern, that saying "Happy Solstice" is such a smart-a$$ empty phrase, even emptier than an atheist like myself saying "Merry Christmas" out of common courtesy. Nobody that I've ever met in my whole life gives a damn about the solstice.
Nobody that I've ever met in my whole life gives a damn about the solstice.

Nevertheless....Earth, Sun and Moon by Midnight Oil is an absolutely AMAZING CD! (Another great production by Nick Launay who just happens to like certain LOUD Large Monitors that go REALLY Loud)
Nyctc7,
Breathe in and out slowly. Relax. Listen to music.
You obviously do not realize how many folks care about Solstice. Have you considered expanding your sphere of friends? Or the possibility that your friends & acquaintance are not comfortable talking about their beliefs because of your apparent judgmental and negative attitude?
Also, there's nothing wrong with 'common courtesy' and respecting the differences people have. Saying "Merry Christmas" can make folks feel good, regardless of your personal beliefs, and that's great!
Getting back to the topic: I hope you have constructive input into the discussion on higher quality CD's.