By common consent the finest of all the original Mahavishnu Orchestra's recorded output, this Limited Edition SACD – even if you do not posses, like me, a quadrophonic hi-fi setup – presents the Mahavishnu in impressive high-definition sound. It is part of a limited numbered edition, with good reason because SACD discs use a special process known as ‘SBM Direct’, that produces a 16-bit, 44.1kHz sampled compact disc, significantly higher than the standard CD (known to the cognoscenti as ‘The Red Book’). SACD allows for remarkable clarity and equality of sound throughout the audible sonic range, and were intended to replace ordinary CDs circa 2000-5. It never happened, but since this was the only time that certain albums appeared on high resolution SACD discs, they have now become highly sought after in the collectors market – for example, most of Peter Gabriel's albums on SACD will set you back at least £80, as will Frankie Goes To Hollywood's Rage Hard. Mike Oldfield's seminal Tubular Bells on SACD (2001 version) easily commands £60 on eBay. Certain titles by the Cardigans and Depeche Mode – look away now – you're looking at three figures. So if you're thinking of starting an SACD collection, now is the time to pounce. Try starting with Birds of Fire and as soon as you hear that ominous cymbal crash that opens the title track and the insistent riff in 9/8 that leads into McLaughlin's soaring, red-hot solo (more Firebird than Bird of Fire) you may well feel this sound world well worth exploring.