So what is SA-CD, anyway?

[bwillcox]

Originally Posted by HDJK

I couldn't agree more

Even though I listen to the DVDA of that album



True. According to this article it was mixed on an analog console though. By using the best DASH there was and mixing in the analog realm the album gained a lot in fidelity (on SACD and DVDA). It's not the same as coming from analog reels for sure, but it's still an improvement.

The second part explains why I went with the DVDA

Well, not everyone agrees that analog tape sounds all that great. I don't like the bias distortion that's inevitable with analog tape. It can't ever be completely eliminated as far as I know.

Personally, I prefer pure DSD recordings (Telarc does these, perhaps others). The trouble with that is that, as far as I know, most if not all digital processors (including receivers) will convert the DSD signal to PCM for their DSP processing (since they don't know how to process the DSD signal). This, of course, removes the advantage gained by using DSD in the first place.

[SBrooks1]

Will my 60GB PS3 output SACD sound via HDMI to my Sony 720 receiver? I think I just read that it will convert it to PCM which is fine right?

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by SBrooks1

Will my 60GB PS3 output SACD sound via HDMI to my Sony 720 receiver? I think I just read that it will convert it to PCM which is fine right?

It'll be fine, SACD isn't like "PCM" or "HD MA" it's a storage issue... the PS3 will send it, and you'll get multi-channel audio, if that's what you're asking.

[SBrooks1]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

It'll be fine, SACD isn't like "PCM" or "HD MA" it's a storage issue... the PS3 will send it, and you'll get multi-channel audio, if that's what you're asking.

oh ok. I just wanted to make sure my equipment would allow playback and full enjoyment of the format as intended.

[HDJK]

Originally Posted by bwillcox

Well, not everyone agrees that analog tape sounds all that great. I don't like the bias distortion that's inevitable with analog tape. It can't ever be completely eliminated as far as I know.

Personally, I prefer pure DSD recordings (Telarc does these, perhaps others). The trouble with that is that, as far as I know, most if not all digital processors (including receivers) will convert the DSD signal to PCM for their DSP processing (since they don't know how to process the DSD signal). This, of course, removes the advantage gained by using DSD in the first place.

You do know that my post was in regards to 'Brothers in arms', a 1985 recording

I was pointing out, that re-mixing the record by means of analog summing adds to the sonics, it was not a comparison of digital (DSD or PCM Hi-res) to analog tape.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by bwillcox

Personally, I prefer pure DSD recordings (Telarc does these, perhaps others). The trouble with that is that, as far as I know, most if not all digital processors (including receivers) will convert the DSD signal to PCM for their DSP processing (since they don't know how to process the DSD signal). This, of course, removes the advantage gained by using DSD in the first place.

Most of the newer receivers from the $6/700 range up will process DSD>Analog directly without DSP processing in "DIRECT" mode or words to that effect which change depending on the company.

Denon, Yamaha and Onkyo all have DSD Direct modes. The PCM1791A, PCM1792 and PCM1796 chips found in the Denon 2308 and up, Yamaha 1800 and up and Onkyo 805 and up all support DSD>Analog.

However keep in mind that DSD editing is often done using DXD which is 32-bit/384kHz, essentially very high bitrate PCM. Of course the advantage with DSD is nowhere near as compromised using DXD as it is when converting to 24/96 for example.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by SBrooks1

oh ok. I just wanted to make sure my equipment would allow playback and full enjoyment of the format as intended.

The PS3 will decompress the DST, which is the storage package for DSD, then convert the DSD to PCM at sampling rates up to 16/176.4

Depending on how accurate your system is you may notice a difference from a direct DSD transport, but it's highly unlikely. You will definitely notice a huge improvement over CD and I have no doubt you'll fall in love with SACD as a format.

[RUR]

Hey Doby, I've finally purchased a universal player(!) (Denon 3910, Modwright modified), but it's going into my 2ch setup. Do all SACD's have a 2ch track or must I be on the lookout for a specific type or is it by title or ?????

Now, if only those early Genesis SACD's would make an appearance.........

Thanks!

[dobyblue]

I would recommend using www.sa-cd.net to search by title and see what each CD has.
I'm pretty sure they all contain a DSD stereo track at minimum; I can't think of any I have that do not.

Bon appetit!

[SBrooks1]

As a n00b to SACD's, I'm noticing obviously a lot of classical symphony's released on the format? Is there a glaring reason why? Just curious....

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by SBrooks1

As a n00b to SACD's, I'm noticing obviously a lot of classical symphony's released on the format? Is there a glaring reason why? Just curious....

Classical and Jazz were the two genres that sold really well - the audiophiles took to it, the ones with moolah.



They still sell well and about 98 of every 100 new releases fits in either of those two genres.

[rubberghost]

Originally Posted by Blu boy

so what is an SACD i know it stands for super audio compact disc. but why didnt it replace the CD. what is the main differences. do they still make them. where do you get them. what is an audio dvd or something like that. the main reason i was wondering is because i have the 60 gb ps3 so i was curious. another reason is was there like a format war between SACDs and Audio DVDs and did they fail. because i dont want the same thing to happen to blu ray or is it a completely different story. i really dont know much about them.

wikipedia.

[dobyblue]

Yeah that's helpful.
My niece can edit wikipedia.
There's been plenty helpful discussion here, mind explaining how posting "wikipedia" helps at all?

[JasonR]

Does anyone know if the S300 has SACD support? I have only heard DVD-A, never an SACD and I would like to hear one.

[dobyblue]

No I'm afraid the S300 does not support SACD.
Oppo have an excellent SACD/DVD-Audio player, the 980H, which is only $169.

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

No I'm afraid the S300 does not support SACD.
Oppo have an excellent SACD/DVD-Audio player, the 980H, which is only $169.

I plan on upgrading Blu-Ray players later in the year anyway, is there any that do support it? I was thinking about the Sony 350, I want bitstream capabilities as well.

[dobyblue]

The S350 is supposed to do it, but no word on whether or not it will bitstream DSD as not many North American players do, which is why the Oppo 980H is such a good deal.

It may bitstream through Firewire, but there aren't many SACD players in North America with DSD native output through HDMI.

That's a wait and see game.

The reviews of the 980H are all I need to see, because I'd like DVD-Audio and SACD with DSD native output from a dedicated player and this one is reviewed very well.

[Clark Kent]

Originally Posted by RUR

Hey Doby, I've finally purchased a universal player(!) (Denon 3910, Modwright modified), but it's going into my 2ch setup. Do all SACD's have a 2ch track or must I be on the lookout for a specific type or is it by title or ?????

The Modwright 3910 is an absolute incredible player. I used to have one and can't recommend it enough. Truly sublime redbook audio playback. I believe it is in the SACD spec that every disc has to include a stereo track.

[RUR]

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

The Modwright 3910 is an absolute incredible player. I used to have one and can't recommend it enough. Truly sublime redbook audio playback. I believe it is in the SACD spec that every disc has to include a stereo track.

Glad to hear you say so! I've read that it's performance is pretty remarkable, so I'm expecting great things. I recently purchased MW's LS 36.5 preamp and continue to be astonished by its performance. Dan seems to have the gift.

Edit: CK, did you run Bendix 6900's or the stock tubes in the 3910?

[The Seventh Taylor]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Classical and Jazz were the two genres that sold really well - the audiophiles took to it, the ones with moolah.



They still sell well and about 98 of every 100 new releases fits in either of those two genres.

And probably well over 90 of those 98 are classical.

For an overview of pop/rock titles on SACD check this page.