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The ROXY MUSIC - AVALON Hybrid SACD (2003 Virgin 21st Anniversary Edition, featuring stereo/5.1 multichannel mix by Bob Clearmountain and Rhett Davies) receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from audiophiles and reviewers for its exceptional sound quality, particularly in surround, earning a stellar reputation as a "desert island mix" and multi-channel icon.
### Sound Quality
Users and reviewers consistently praise the 5.1 surround mix as tasteful, engaging, and superior to stereo versions, with the mix "drawing you into the music" through opened-up layers like saxophones, guitar flourishes, percussive elements, and reverb washes on drums/vocals. It reveals details such as shimmering guitars on "Avalon," resonant sax on "More Than This," and instrumental interplay on "Tara," making tracks more interesting texturally without gimmicky movement—described as "discreet" and "nailed" to match the album's smooth vibe. The stereo layer is "not bad" to "very good," and the overall production sounds timeless and "audiophile grade," with no dated feel. Original engineers endorse it enthusiastically; Clearmountain calls it one of his top surround mixes. Minor notes: "India" uses a panned stereo fold-down due to missing tapes, feeling less impactful, but a bonus track "Always Unknowing" matches the quality.
### Build Quality and Reliability
No direct complaints about disc build quality or playback reliability in reviews; it's treated as a premium, hunt-worthy release despite scarcity and high prices (e.g., $66–$135), with strong community endorsement on sites like QuadraphonicQuad (10/10 votes). Derived from 16/48 PCM tapes, yet still rated "quite good" in surround.
### Strengths
- Multi-channel excellence: Transforms familiar tracks for Roxy fans, with "so much to gain" in immersion.
- Accessibility: Smooth, mellow rock ideal for relaxed listening; one of the "most accessible rock albums."
- Production pedigree: Remixed by original team, backed by liner notes and artist quotes.
### Weaknesses
- High cost and rarity make it "out of price range" for some; beware stereo-only SACD fakes on eBay.
- Subtle, non-active surround avoids whizzing effects, which some call "static" (though reviewer defends as appropriate).
- No Atmos update yet, though engineers suggest tweaks like centered vocals.
### Overall Reputation
Hailed as the absolute best Avalon version across formats, a "stellar listening experience" and prog-pop swansong with top marks in user polls—forums like Head-Fi and QuadraphonicQuad affirm its enduring appeal for surround enthusiasts.
English (US)