This new SACD from Telarc (SACD-60648) is actually an old recording that was done in SoundStream 50 kHz digital by Telarc back in the 1980s. This was the way they recorded music for release on CDs.

I have used the CD version for years in my reviews. It is one of my favorite recordings of all time.

There is no compression at all, so it tests equipment, particularly amplifiers and subwoofers, to their limits.

This is the first time I have been able to listen to the recording with the full 50 kHz sampling. The CD version had to be down-sampled to 44.1 kHz, so there were unavoidable artifacts.

It was thrilling to finally hear all the detail that the original recording had. SACD is capable of a higher frequency response, but at least everything in the original SoundStream recording was now there.

The planar tweeter and midrange drivers in the Strata Minis delivered incredible nuances, and the powered subwoofers reproduced the thunder of the huge bass drum that is used in the music.

Wow! I was not simply impressed. I was thrilled!

I know, I know, this is my namesake, and it is embarrassing to mention it, but the recording is really good. It's Naxos 8.550776.

What I listened for, and got, was the attack of the strings being plucked. The rosin on the strings as the musician slid fingers along them was clearly audible too.

This is the sort of thing you get when listening to planar drivers.