Suggestions for digital player upgrade?

Digital Drive

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Hi,
I poseted this same query on the SACD forum but thought I might get some valuable input here as well.
I've just begun investigating the various alternatives to RBCD, most specifically SACD.
This has occurred somewhat by accident really. I initially purchased a demo Samsung HD841 DVD player in the summer of 2005 due to its relative low price and DVI output. At the time I wasn't aware that the Samsung also played SACD's--it was intended for video use only and seemed suitable for my needs.
During the spring of 2006 I purchased several used Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan hybrid SACD's--I purchased them all at once and didn't realize that the discs were hybrids--at that time I was aware of the existence of alternative formats but knew nothing about them. My lack of interest was in large part due to the fact that I wasn't prepared to make the financial investment in hardware and software in what I at least thought wasn't a universally settled on hi-rez format.
Anyway, in addition to digital media a also have a fair amount of vinyl. Unfortunately, due to the inconsistencies in the quality of new vinyl (I posted a query on this subject in the Vinyl Forum last week) I've found myself browsing the digital forums for information on the direction digital is heading.
Over the weekend I transferred the Samsung to my two channel system and picked up a few used SACD titles: Miles Davis, Kind of Blue; Derek and the Dominos, Layla; and, Yo-Yo MA, Silk Road Journeys. I've been listening on and off and have to say I'm not too sure what to make of the Samsung as an audio player. I never bothered to AB the Samsung with my Rega Planet based on the assumption that the two units were in wholly different classes.
I'm still listening but I have to say that the Yo-Yo MA piece was quite amazing and Kind of Blue was quite enjoyable--on the Samsung no less.
Now, I know there are all kinds of variables here: age of source tape, mastering, original recording techniques, some discs hybrid, some discs SACD only--but I'm definately intrigued by what I'm hearing.
So, the Rega Planet is now eight years old and I'm sure digital technology had taken a few steps forward. I havn't been spending alot of time reading reviews of cd players in the meantime however, and now there's SACD, DVD-A and other formats as well.
So, I'm now back to thinking about upgrading my digital player and the choices appear to be RBCD only, RBCD/SACD, or, universal player.
I have no idea where SACD, DVD-A are headed. Nevertheless, I've read a lot of positive reviews of the available SACD discs and am thinking that it makes sense to consider either a CD/SACD or a universal player so that I can incorporate those formats into my music collection.
I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the Samsung as that is the player that's providing me with my first exposure to SACD.
I'm also wondering about the future of digital (as it relates to discs and not downloading) and am wondering what other's think of the universal players (Marantz for example) as opposed to dedicated CD/SACD players.
I guess the bottom line here is that I find myself being increasingly disappointed with the vinyl offerings and am coming to the conclusion that vinyl fits best into my collection (with exceptions) as a source of music that can't be had in other formats.
I have alot of RBCD's that sound great to me, and many that don't--the same applies to vinyl. So, I'm thinking of upgrading the Rega Planet to a player that accomodates more than just RBCD and am really intersted in what others are doing these days.
BTW my system is comprised of Rega Plant & NAD 533 turntable, Audio Refinement Complete Integrated Amplifier and Paradigm Studio 20 v.1 speakers.

Thanks in advance.

Steve W.

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Topic - Suggestions for digital player upgrade? - Steve W. 18:49:00 11/19/06 (6)

several issues (long) - docw 10:49:45 11/23/06 (0)

Agree with SFTech - Tobias 18:09:46 11/22/06 (3)

Player or DAC? - Steve W. 05:21:27 11/23/06 (2)

Re: Player or DAC? - saltyflies 14:24:16 11/24/06 (0)

Re: Player or DAC? - Tobias 09:59:07 11/23/06 (0)

Re: Suggestions for digital player upgrade? - SF tech 19:21:58 11/19/06 (1)

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