Compilation CDs from China

Over lunch, I visited the Video-Ezy outlet at KLCC and came across compilation CDs of chinese songs. These multi-CD box sets are compiled and mastered in China, most of them coming in metal boxes. Supposedly they are mastered using some SRS technology. Production company is Wizor and they are actually very nicely priced - RM29.90 for a set of 2 or even 3 CDs, packed full of songs.

Anyone have tried these CDs ? What I want to really know is whether the songs are original versions or cover versions. Also the sound quality of course.

Yes, I have one (courtesy of a great audio buddy who brought it back from China). Its good..IF you're not entirely particular nor fussy, but somewhat sound a bit bright and certainly a degree of equalization. I was surprised mine was HDCD encoded... although I know the original album release of the same artist (on Polydor) never had such encoding.
Hmmm.. the things they do nowadays....including tin can case...hahahah!

Thanks !! I am more concerned that the songs are by original singer and not a cover version of an unknown singer (eventhough he/she might be good). I already suspected that equalisation is aplenty in those CDs. Some of them were made to be played in cars and so they equalized accordingly for car cabin environment. I think what they do is they take the original CD and process it with some software to create HDCD or whatever format, and then release it as 'audiophile' quality. Bright is not a problem with tube gears.

Speaking about HDCD, I think most know what it is. Nevertheless, I don't think its done via software but the proprietry HDCD Model 1 or 2 encoder rig (or something newer) which I'm pleasantly surprised the Chinese are able to have it or someone do the remaster for whatever purpose and intent. I suppose its up to the sound engineer to determine whether HDCD is beneficial in the remastering process to deliver the desired result. One will not know unless playback the disc with a HDCD capable CDP or DAC. Anyway, Microsoft currently own HDCD technology from the inventors, Pacific Microsonics and unsure if they're still producing any encoding rigs for studios.

yes i got try..i get from speedy....i buy faye wong，vitas n theresa tang... ok lo the sound...

Thanks for the feedback royroy.

Today I decided to take the risk and purchased one of those metal box sets. Most important of all is that I confirmed that the singers are original, meaning no cover versions. That was the most important thing for me as I bought a compilation CD. In the car, the sound is quite good actually, with nice details coming through over the speakers. Stock car stereo as one can expect is not terribly high quality at all so the good sound is a bonus. I think the sound might become a bit metallic and hard-ish when played on a proper hi-fi system but I can only confirm that this weekend.

Overall, I felt it was a very good deal for RM29.90 as I get 3 CDs each around 15-17 sounds, in this case, the best/most popular songs from the most famous female singers (mandarin & cantonese), including songs such as 'ku za' by Tracy Huang, Tsai Chin's signature song, the 'soh pa' song by Chang Ai Chia, and others. I am quite pleased actually.

Really cannot complain much if the quality is not top-notch.
Good price. Lots of songs some more.
......And can use the CDs to train for Karaoke.

You want Karaoke, I highly recommend going to HiWay Laser, in this case, SS2 and look for Kenny. Get his Karaoke computer, which is a specialised PC that comes with at least 10,000 songs from artists of your choice and set up more or less like the systems at RedBox etc. So all you need is to buy a monitor, mikes and an mic mixer and plug everything into your HT system and you are all set to RedBox at home !!

And the songs are all legal for home use..
But then, I am never good in singing.
Just listening to songs will be more than happy for me.

Tested that china-mari compilation CD. The sonic balance is quite OK, not bright nor bass heavy. The sound is actually quite good but the focus is lacking compared to regular CDs. For the money (around RM10 per CD), I don't have much complains ! The pirated CDs from pasar malam are not that much cheaper !! I intend to shop for other compilations. Hope they have some chinese oldies, from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

yes it got...u try look for speedy...try to find huge speedy for more stock..

Good info. Thanks very much.

Hi,
I'm new here~ & i know this is an old topic.
i would like to recommend this to all beginner too.
It's very cheap uptodate they just sell each for Rm19.90 or 3 album for Rm50.

i grab a few album it's very worth to buy but :-

remember not to buy those Mixed songs & those each CD with more than 18 songs.
the quality is suckz~

For those single singer album which with not more than 18 songs in each CD. Sound quality is Good ! thumb up !

As noted in the other thread, I bought this compilation of chinese oldies, original songs as sung by the original singers. Legends like Chou Hsian, Bai Kwang, Lee Hsian Lan, etc. 7 CDs, 160 songs, all legendary like Cha-Cham Bo, San Nian, etc. And all original. It was the best buy of all the CDs I bought from the recent CD-Rama sale at 1-U. It would be sold at regular price now but to me, it is still a very worthwhile buy.

Oh...the 1U CD-Rama fair still got?
recently searching for the CD fair as i looking for some quality CD with low price .

the CD-Rama sales, is it the popular re-opening sales ?
i missed tht fair >.<"

The sales fair was in the LG floor, you know if you park in new wing underground, then you come up in the escalator, you will see it immediately. But over already lar. With the amount of stock still left (they had a LOT of stock and I think they must have sold a few hundred copies because not much left by last friday), I think you have a good chance of getting it. Maybe I can take a photo of the cover and put it here so you will know what I am talking about.

But again, remember the original master copies of those songs are not terribly good sounding so don't expect hi-fi sound. But when it comes to the music, expect the absolute best.

Recently i bought a few CDs, nowadays Original China Compilation CD is very good.

Comparison for :-
K2HD George Lam (Lamusique) Vs a-ming (Someday Somewhere Someone)




Compare to above two CD, Obviously i can listen a-ming album which recorded by ABC Int' Records is better than so-called K2HD Quality.

As the voice & musical intrument effect is good compare to george lam.

**Above is my personal opinion only.
Thank you

But surely George Lam sings better right ?

Hi Enzo....i though A Ming cd is original i buy it at Rm60 at store selling original cd too....

Frankly speaking even i pay 60 bucks also i really appreciate it even today i know its not ori...really nice recording

Who's better ?
i can said both hv their own characteristic !
but for me between this two album, i prefer a-ming although i dont know him.
he is awesome !

fizi : oh...really ? ABC Int' records is not original ???
i've search the whole web...it's only ABC records launch it. >.<"

Chinese rules in 21 century.... They have more talent to make those Cds sound great,...i had Michael Jackson...it sound so good..but some skipping on my old player..check on it no scratches was seen

enzo520 wrote:Who's better ?
i can said both hv their own characteristic !
but for me between this two album, i prefer a-ming although i dont know him.
he is awesome !

fizi : oh...really ? ABC Int' records is not original ???
i've search the whole web...it's only ABC records launch it. >.<"

im also not so sure due to box design and pattern from china cd compilation look the same...

As long as it's ABC Int' Records production, it's the real one !
a-ming is not as famous untill 3rd party want to pirated his album. Haha`~

But recently i found some negative feedback from others website regarding the ABC Int' Records.
So when u make purchase on this Production company's CD, please listen the CD before purchase.