super audio

[CBS240]

Hi

Does anyone know about super audio format, direct streaming digital recording?(Sony) Does this require special hardware? I accidentally grabed the wrong CD and cannot return it, but I do want to listen to it...

[Jan Dupont]

If you are talking about a SACD, then your CD-player must be a SACD-player......

[CBS240]

Doh!!

I may or may not listen to this disc then, depending on how much it costs...

[Jan Dupont]

Note that some SACD-player can play normal CD's, so you onlu need one DC-player

[maxro]

If it's a "Hybrid SACD" then throw it in your player and let 'er rip. They are dual layer with regular CD program on one layer. If it's a regular SACD then you're SOL.

[CBS240]

Originally posted by maxro
If it's a regular SACD then you're SOL.

Yep, just SACD.

What is the main benefit of SACD format? Does it have something to do with a higher sampling? If it is worth it, I may buy a decent SACD player. Your thoughts?

Thanks

[sandyK]

SACD and DVD-A are both higher resolution formats.
HOWEVER, both formats are dying due to lack of record company support,as well as the general public who think MP3 and i.pods are HI-FI. SACD releases these days are mainly Classical, and the occasional release of well known , much earlier releases.
DVD-A, ditto. Have a look at (for example) the MusicDirect site, and you will see what I mean. These days, most of the new audiophile type releases are on limited pressing, vinyl !!!
BTW, I have a Pioneer SACD/DVD-A player,but on many players the analogue out implementation is less than awe inspiring.
The record companies won't let you use digital out either (SACD), so you can't get better quality.Sometimes, a quality CD through a good DAC , can sound very close to the SACD version. In fact, some people prefer the CD version via a good upsampling DAC.

SandyK

[rdf]

Meh. It's almost inconceivable DVD-A is failing given the immense penetration of playback machines already in homes. Chalk it up to yet another another Sony-driven format war (weren't Beta and Minidisc punishment enough?), audio-only DVD-A discs which cost significantly more than audio+video regular DVDs, noxious DRM restrictions, and last that for most CD is 'perfect enough'.

[peranders]

Originally posted by ACD
Note that some SACD-player can play normal CD's, so you onlu need one DC-player

Don't you mean "every" SACD player?