Which HD Audio Format Should I Go With? - Blu-ray Forum

TheJesus · 08-18-2009, 08:03 PM

Now that I have heard how blu-ray's HD-audio sounds on my system, standard CD's just aren't cutting it anymore. I have been out of the loop for a while on HD-audio formats, and amazingly there it seems that there is still a format war going on between SACD and DVD-Audio.

It seems that both SACD and DVD-Audio are nearly identical in specs, but which one has the most content available?

Is there a decent player out there that plays both formats? That would be the greatest solution to my problem. Or do you think that blu-ray will soon become a competing audio format?

richteer · 08-18-2009, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJesus

It seems that both SACD and DVD-Audio are nearly identical in specs, but which one has the most content available?

Is there a decent player out there that plays both formats? That would be the greatest solution to my problem. Or do you think that blu-ray will soon become a competing audio format?

I would think that SACD has the slight edge in terms of market awareness, but both seem to be pretty much still-born. I htink that it's fair to say that Blu-ray is--if it isn't already--on the cusp of becoming a competing audio format.

Your best bet would be to get one of those universal players. The new Oppo BD-83, for example, will play Blu-ray, SACD, and DVD-A, in addition to plain old CD and DVD. IIRC, it's quite reasonably priced too.

TheJesus · 08-19-2009, 01:10 AM

The Oppo DV-980H is only $169. Has anybody had experience with this player? It looks like it does play both formats.

Big Daddy · 08-19-2009, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJesus

The Oppo DV-980H is only $169. Has anybody had experience with this player? It looks like it does play both formats.

I own the Oppo 980 and the Oppo BD players. The 980 is great CD, SACD, DVD-A, and upconverting DVD player. In addition, it is a great value and can easily compete with players costing a lot more.

For additional information on SACD and DVD-A, read A Guide to SACD and A Guide to DVD-A.

Big Daddy · 08-19-2009, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richteer

I would think that SACD has the slight edge in terms of market awareness, but both seem to be pretty much still-born. I htink that it's fair to say that Blu-ray is--if it isn't already--on the cusp of becoming a competing audio format.

Your best bet would be to get one of those universal players. The new Oppo BD-83, for example, will play Blu-ray, SACD, and DVD-A, in addition to plain old CD and DVD. IIRC, it's quite reasonably priced too.

SACD has a huge edge. There are between 5,000 to 6,000 SACD titles.

dobyblue · 08-19-2009, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

SACD has a huge edge. There are between 5,000 to 6,000 SACD titles.

Of course if you remove the classical titles the formats are a lot closer in #'s though, so if OP isn't a classical/jazz fan then getting a Universal player and supporting both formats is the only good solution.

davcole · 08-19-2009, 01:52 PM

I like both formats. I have an Oppo so I can play both and it converts the SACD to PCM. I like the ease of use for the SACD, more than the video features with DVDA.

Johnny Vinyl · 10-05-2009, 06:38 AM

I recently bought an Oppo DV-980H and I love it. It took me some time to figure everything out, as I experienced some handshake issues with my AVR, but it's all good now.

The player itself is a great unit, fairly quick to load and far above the PS3 for SA-CD and DVD upscaling. (I have a launch PS3 60gb).

Regarding Blu-ray Audio, I think its only a matter of time before it becomes the standard.

John

benricci · 10-05-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJesus

I have been out of the loop for a while on HD-audio formats, and amazingly there it seems that there is still a format war going on between SACD and DVD-Audio.

I would hardly qualify what is going on right now as a "war". Both formats are essentially dead and abandoned at this point. Neither have any support, and if you remove all the classical/jazz titles, there is very little content to get excited over.

Gremal · 10-05-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJesus

I have been out of the loop for a while on HD-audio formats, and amazingly there it seems that there is still a format war going on between SACD and DVD-Audio.

No, to add a bit more to what Ben said above, DVD-A is stiff as a board, and SACD is still clinging to life with some classical and audio boutique labels. But for pop music, SACD is pretty much dead too.

Quote:

It seems that both SACD and DVD-Audio are nearly identical in specs, but which one has the most content available?

No, spec's are very different. SACD is based on DSD, a 1-bit, 2.4 MHz technology, while DVD-A is based on PCM at different flavors--usually 24-bit 96 kHz. And as said above, SACD has far more titles available though mostly in classical and to a lesser extent jazz.

SlaughterX · 10-05-2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davcole

I like both formats. I have an Oppo so I can play both and it converts the SACD to PCM. I like the ease of use for the SACD, more than the video features with DVDA.

How are playing SACDs any easier than a DVD-A?

ManUtd · 10-06-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlaughterX

How are playing SACDs any easier than a DVD-A?

I'm guessing that he was referring to the video feature of DVD-A. Yes video is a bonus for DVD-A but it can also be a hassle when setting up stereo vs. surround for example, well to me at least. You have to turn on your TV to do the setup unlike SACD.

kefrank · 10-06-2009, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJesus

Now that I have heard how blu-ray's HD-audio sounds on my system, standard CD's just aren't cutting it anymore.

Is it strictly the fidelity/audio quality of CDs that isn't cutting it or the lack of multi-channel? While some/many BD soundtracks have greater bit-depth and sampling frequency than CDs can handle, CDs have always been and still are lossless at 16-bit/44.1kHz which is not too shabby. If you're looking for higher-quality multi-channel specifically, then SACD and DVD-A are your only options. If it's the fidelity that you're most interested in, then personally I'd recommend a turntable instead, given that the title selection is orders of magnitude greater than SACD and DVD-A.

I apologize in advance if this recommendation causes an argument to break out, but vinyl is at least something you should consider if you're looking for greater fidelity audio. I will say that the up-front cost to get in is much greater than for SACD and DVD-A, but the satisfaction and almost limitless number of titles makes it well-worth it.

CasualKiller · 10-06-2009, 11:10 PM

Try ripping your cd's to FLAC and stream them to your HT via PS3 media server or Squeeze Box. You'd be amazed how much better cd audio is when you remove the cd player from the line up.

naturephoto1 · 10-07-2009, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

Try ripping your cd's to FLAC and stream them to your HT via PS3 media server or Squeeze Box. You'd be amazed how much better cd audio is when you remove the cd player from the line up.

I don't follow that reasoning at all. How can the sound be better than the CD player if you are recording from it? Also, it very much depends on the CD player. Though my upgraded Denon 5910 is far from the norm, it's performance is very close to SACD. In fact, it would outperform many SACDs on most SACD players.

Rich

CasualKiller · 10-07-2009, 01:55 AM

You don't have to believe me, try it for yourself.

Johnny Vinyl · 10-07-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

You don't have to believe me, try it for yourself.

I haven't tried it yet and I have trouble trying to think this through.

Seeing as FLAC is an original exact copy, then the omission of a transport by streaming may very well have a positive effect. I suspect this would only be the case if your current CD player is noisy or of less than average quality.
If you have a better than average or truly high-end CD player, then I still have my doubts, but I'd have to try it.

It's an interesting proposition though to try and identify!

John

CasualKiller · 10-07-2009, 12:41 PM

Pretty simple, anytime you play a cd you are at the mercy of a laser and a spinning disc. Remove the mechanical function of it and you are left with a completely different experience. With a digital copy of your audio you get the exact same audio with no fluctuations every time.

scanachick · 10-07-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

Try ripping your cd's to FLAC and stream them to your HT via PS3 media server or Squeeze Box. You'd be amazed how much better cd audio is when you remove the cd player from the line up.

The only way it can make a difference is if the d/a converters are of better quality on your receiver than on your cd player. If you were able to connect your cd player digitally (in 16bit/48k PCM) to your receiver you should be getting the same result.

Scan

CasualKiller · 10-07-2009, 01:34 PM

We aren't talking about DACs here, transport related issues and elimination, read my post above. Obviously changing the DAC would have an effect.

08-18-2009, 08:03 PM	#1
TheJesus Active Member Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Baltimore, MD Blu-ray collection:84	Which HD Audio Format Should I Go With? Now that I have heard how blu-ray's HD-audio sounds on my system, standard CD's just aren't cutting it anymore. I have been out of the loop for a while on HD-audio formats, and amazingly there it seems that there is still a format war going on between SACD and DVD-Audio. It seems that both SACD and DVD-Audio are nearly identical in specs, but which one has the most content available? Is there a decent player out there that plays both formats? That would be the greatest solution to my problem. Or do you think that blu-ray will soon become a competing audio format?

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Best audio format?	Receivers	Erman_94	7	02-06-2008 06:24 PM
Audio format comparisons	Blu-ray Technology and Future Technology	Rike255	19	09-22-2007 01:02 AM
BD-Audio format	Blu-ray Technology and Future Technology	mlts22	14	01-13-2007 10:35 AM
HD audio format - Lossless audio codecs: PCM vs Dolby True HD vs DTS HD-MA questions	Blu-ray Technology and Future Technology	i want HD movies	13	01-01-2007 01:32 PM
What's your favorite audio format?	Home Theater General Discussion	dvda-sacd	5	09-21-2006 03:30 PM

08-19-2009, 01:10 AM	#3
TheJesus Active Member Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Baltimore, MD Blu-ray collection:84	The Oppo DV-980H is only $169. Has anybody had experience with this player? It looks like it does play both formats.

08-19-2009, 01:52 PM	#7
davcole Power Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Cincinnati, Oh 4K collection:138 Blu-ray collection:407 Digital collection:25 Blu-ray reviews: 146 Trading Score:9	I like both formats. I have an Oppo so I can play both and it converts the SACD to PCM. I like the ease of use for the SACD, more than the video features with DVDA.

10-05-2009, 06:38 AM	#8
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	I recently bought an Oppo DV-980H and I love it. It took me some time to figure everything out, as I experienced some handshake issues with my AVR, but it's all good now. The player itself is a great unit, fairly quick to load and far above the PS3 for SA-CD and DVD upscaling. (I have a launch PS3 60gb). Regarding Blu-ray Audio, I think its only a matter of time before it becomes the standard. John

10-06-2009, 11:10 PM	#14
CasualKiller Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Brooks Alberta Blu-ray collection:54 Trading Score:15	Try ripping your cd's to FLAC and stream them to your HT via PS3 media server or Squeeze Box. You'd be amazed how much better cd audio is when you remove the cd player from the line up.

10-07-2009, 01:55 AM	#16
CasualKiller Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Brooks Alberta Blu-ray collection:54 Trading Score:15	You don't have to believe me, try it for yourself.

10-07-2009, 12:41 PM	#18
CasualKiller Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Brooks Alberta Blu-ray collection:54 Trading Score:15	Pretty simple, anytime you play a cd you are at the mercy of a laser and a spinning disc. Remove the mechanical function of it and you are left with a completely different experience. With a digital copy of your audio you get the exact same audio with no fluctuations every time.

10-07-2009, 01:34 PM	#20
CasualKiller Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Brooks Alberta Blu-ray collection:54 Trading Score:15	We aren't talking about DACs here, transport related issues and elimination, read my post above. Obviously changing the DAC would have an effect.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals