Some of the "joy" of listening to the Mike Robin quad reel is that it is far better than any SQ decode, and certainly better than a cleaned up Q8. So it is in that respect that the quad reel is so revered by those who've heard it.
Don't expect a very pin-point, swirly Flaming Lips type mix. But it does open up the music and makes it a joy to listen to. I think I did a very in-depth review, track by track, in the
poll section for the SQ/Q8. If you are on the fence you can use my musing to judge your interest, but remember I was pretty pumped to hear this mix in Q4 quality when I wrote it. Still, whatever I wrote I still stand by.
I never was disappointed listening to the Q4 mix and felt like going back to the stereo, but then again, I'm a surround wacko. That's why we're here!
To me, this is great news. Especially if it begets the 3 Paul Simon discs, and the 2 Art's as well. Fun is.