Audio Fidelity drop 24k Gold CDs

US audiophile specialists Audio Fidelity announced at the end of last week that they will no longer produce their once brand-defining 24k Gold CDs.

In an email to customers, President Marshall Blonstein cited manufacturing/supply issues and the ‘encouragement of fans’to switch to the hybrid SACD format, as the main reasons behind the decision. He finished his communication by adding:

“It is with great sadness we are informing you that we will leave an old friend, our 24K Gold disc behind, but with also with great joy, knowing that we are moving forward with a much more consistent and broadly appealing format.”

The 24k Gold CD format started in the early nineties at DCC Compact Classics before more recently being revived for Audio Fidelity. Many of the the older titles demand high prices on the used market including the Paul McCartney / Wings titles and The Doors albums.