Hello to all,
I am new to your forum, so perhaps just a little background on me is in order.
Until about four months ago I collected strictly 1st press vinyl from mostly the U.K., Japan, and U.S. (depending on the artist country of origin)
At that time I sold all my vinyl, and it's playback system for a rather tidy sum...which I am sinking into mostly Japanese cd's, as they seem to sound better that anything else.
I got pretty lucky, I found this site after about 200 mini LP purchases, and had only 11 fake single Lp's, and a fake of the Led Zep box set.

I now have most of the mini lp's that I want, and am starting to buy the box sets...however this Led Zep definitive box has me confused.
I see several e-bay sellers selling the Rhino USA version of this set, it has EXACTLY the same items within the box, yet sells for about $200 less!
Now, I have several Rhino reissues that were manufactured in Japan, AND several Japanese cd's (jewel case) that have Rhino's logo on them, so Rhino seems to have a relationship with the Japanese manufacturers.
So my question is, does anyone know if the Rhino box is in fact the exact same box as the Japanese box, just without the OBI's, and what about the "SHM" material?

Thank You,

Hi Overvolt and welcome.

I have not seen the Rhino box (I've got the Japanese and bought the fake box for using on this site - one day) but my understanding iis it is the same box and covers as same as the Japanese and the CDs are not SHM. Not sure which parts are manufactured where but I suspect Japanese made box and covers (and I wont guess on CDs).

Sam.

Thanks...I have been in contact with Rhino, and they will not tell me if they are in fact the same, all they say it "they are the best sounding masters in the world"
I will say this about Rhino's newer remasters, they sound very much like Japanese remasters. (played through Martin Logan speakers, Esoteric CD system and Melos tube amp)
There is no doubt when I'm listening to a Japanese remaster, their cd's sound very much like their vinyl. (smooth, airy, yet somewhat forward highs) If I close my eyes, I'd swear the Rhino's were Japanese!