In November 2009, Japanese company Sony Music Entertainment announced that it had developed a new CD that was compatible with standard compact disc players.
[2] With the mastering of the Blu-spec CD being the same as a Blu-ray, the more precise authoring relates to a better sound quality than normal CDs.
[6] When the format was launched in 2008, the manufacturer, Sony didn't make any claims about a superior sound to the standard CD.
The conclusion after the review tests were done was that there was marked difference between standard CDs vs HQCD and Blu-spec CD pressings.
[10] According to the JAPAN: Like CDs, only better... article by Andrew Everard for What Hi-Fi in July 2009, the format had an extensive Bob Dylan catalogue, as well as all of Billy Joel's catalogue and releases of Deep Purple, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Lou Reed, Simon & Garfunkel and Patti Smith.
[18] In late 2018, the 40 Trips Around the Sun album by Toto was released on Blu-spec 2 format on Sony Records Int'l SICP 31137.
[19][20] The new Deep Purple album, =1 also was released on Blu-Spec CD exclusively in Japan on August 7 2024 by King Records.