Customer Rating: 
Summary: THE SACD disc to convince the non-believer
Comment: First, Avalon is one of our single favorite music disks in LP or CD form. Roxy Music were at their absolute peak when they created it - simply a beautiful collection of music.I bought a few DVD-A/SACD disks (Dark Side of the Moon, Hotel California) - sounded good but did not impress the spouse at all and I was not blown away either; very well produced, but not "wow". Bought Avalon SACD, now the spouse is impressed with my hi-fi genius. Avalon and SACD were made for each other - the sound is absolutely astounding with a sound front that has to be heard to be believed. Gorgeous.
Customer Rating:
Summary: What SACD was meant to be
Comment: Perhaps Bryan Ferry's greatest achievement, Avalon is more than
several songs on a chunk of vinyl (or polycarbonate, if you insist). The album has a ring-cycle like quality to it, where one song gracefully moves into the next. There has always been a texture or a certian feel to this album that very few have, and playing the album from start to finish presents a mood that can only be described as Roxy Music. Playing only a few tunes is unthinkable, to be fully appreciated, it must be played as a whole, and as an SACD the mood and feel of Avalon has been expanded to incredible heights. Unlike some SACD's, the album has not been completely reworked, but has been sonically improved to quite simply blow you away. Manzanara's guitar is subtle, but everywhere. Mackay's sax treatments provide texture, and of course Ferry's vocals are those of the love-lost crooner.
Mixed for 5.1 channel surround by Bob Clearmountain and Rhett Davies from the original master tapes, this disc shows the real capabilities of SACD. However, I do suggest testing the waters before commiting to this format, as most recordings today fall short of the very high mark set by this album.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Superior Music
Comment: I bought the album when it first came out. It was actually my introduction to Roxy. I do not label many albums as superior musio. This one I gladly do. I always thought this was a very good album with a better than average sound. Well this album has been recreated with the SACD mix. It is one of two best surround sound albums I have ever heard. Superior album now with superior sound. Anyone wanting an introduction to a great band and great too often over looked classic album this is the one for you.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A classic comes alive
Comment: The album and songs need no introduction, but the multichannel mix... it's immersive, very tastefully done with some instruments placed specifically in the surround channels. "India" is interesting in that the song moves around the room, although it strikes me as being a bit gimmicky. The rest of the album doesn't suffer from this and as a result is an awesome enveloping experience.
This is going to be my SACD demo (together with Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon).
