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In Reply to: RE: backwards compatibility of SACD players? posted by immatthewj on April 27, 2020 at 15:12:09
To generalise there is no loss, the redbook layer is treated as normal. In fact a "proper" SACD/CD player even uses a different laser for each format to ensure that they are treated optimally ( I use the term " proper" to distinguish these from some players which are really universal DVD players). Further some SACD/CD players are not able to process the SACD layer's DSD data natively and convert it to PCM first. That provides a 24/176.4 PCM output although my experience is that sample rate conversion can result in audible and unwanted artefacts.
It is also worth mentioning that the improvement in recent player's DAC sections means that the difference between SACD and CD may not be as marked as it was when SACD was introduced. Few recordings are made in native DSD so most SACDS are conversions from PCM masters. That is yet another variable.
As there are variables from machine to machine then I would suggest finding and reading reviews before committing your self to a particular model.
$4K? You can get a new Marantz KI Ruby SACD player which is where I would look first.
"We need less, but better" - Dieter Rams
Follow Ups:
Just a note about the Marantz SA-KI Ruby since it was mentioned: It is a SACD Player as well as a DAC. I bought it because of this so while I was setting up my computer audio I could still play discs, also if someone brings a CD over I can pop it in vs. ripping, etc. In hindsight the disc player isn't really necessary, for me anyway.
Redbook Vs. SACD: My opinion, I wouldn't go too far out of my way to get SACDs.
Rather than buying SACDs, wouldn't it be better to buy DSD128 and DSD256 downloads? I've owned only 10 or so SACDs and the only SACD player I've ever owned is the Oppo BDP-105D. I don't particularly like the sound of the Oppo compared to some other DACs I own. Consequently, I had all my SACDs ripped to my hard drive as DSD64 files and I play them through either my Brooklyn Bridge or my FiiO M15, both of which I prefer to my Oppo. Therefore, I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to simply buy DSD128 and DSD256 downloads rather than investing in SACDs.
Thanks!
John Elison
John, the horse has already left the stable: " I have purchased a few SACD hybrids ".
The OP also does not mention having a computer based replay system nor even a DAC, particularly one that can process DSD128 and DSD 256. It is the OP's desire to hear the SACD layer of the hybrids that he already owns.
Most downloadable DSD files are DSD64. In any case If the OP were to go the route of downloads he will find more availability with PCM hi-res files. It is also worth bearing in mind that downloads are a shrinking market largely substituted by streaming.
In any case some people are simply more confident with a silver disc based system. As my friend said when I showed him the process of downloading including installing the vendor's download manager, unzipping the file etc. " I'm not going to do all that".
Best Wishes
Pete
"We need less, but better" - Dieter Rams
"In any case some people are simply more confident with a silver disc based system. As my friend said when I showed him the process of downloading including installing the vendor's download manager, unzipping the file etc. " I'm not going to do all that"."
Yes, Par, that is pretty much me.
If there is a Download Manger, it downloads , opens, Downloads the Files with a Link that is sent to me and unzips Files Automatically.
Not everyone is Into Computers, but it's not as complicated as you make it seem.
For me, it's simple and fast.
I'd love to have the Marantz Ruby KI, tho.
I go both ways.
" For me, it's simple and fast."
For you no doubt. However for the friends I am thinking of ( both music business professionals BTW) the whole idea of using a computer for listening to music that they own (as opposed to streaming) seems alien.
The point of my post was really to point out that whilst purchasing downloads may seem a practical and advanced thing to do for many including myself, for some it appears to be inferior to just opening a jewel case , putting the disc in the drawer and pressing play. Then being able to read the full notes in the CD booklet. The latter proving a major stumbling block for one friend who discovered from me that his company (one of the major record companies) at the time did not even include a pdf of the booklet with the downloads of their repertoire. Subsequently I showed him the metadata that they were supplying at the time :-(.
My friends also find using control apps unintuitive. I know that the latter is just a case of familiarity but as far as they are concerned it simply puts them off from even trying.
As for being completely "automatic" , not in my experience.I buy from Hyperion, Presto Classical, Highresaudio, Qobuz and ( until now) HDTracks UK. Each except for Qobuz requires the installation of a download manager unique to them. Further the download managers change from time to time which requires a reinstallation. Qobuz uses the download manager native to my browser but requires the installation of 7zip. Nothing from these particular vendors can be directly downloaded to my NAS so I have to download to my general computer, unzip, then transfer to the NAS. Then I need to make backups.
I am sure that downloading from e.g. Apple Music or Amazon is straightforward but there are other penalties.
"We need less, but better" - Dieter Rams
Again, Par,
"For you no doubt. However for the friends I am thinking of ( both music business professionals BTW) the whole idea of using a computer for listening to music that they own (as opposed to streaming) seems alien.
The point of my post was really to point out that whilst purchasing downloads may seem a practical and advanced thing to do for many including myself, for some it appears to be inferior to just opening a jewel case , putting the disc in the drawer and pressing play. Then being able to read the full notes in the CD booklet."
This could be me.
I should probably be an analogue guy.
And yet, here you both are using a complicated computer program called a browser. There are a lot more features, code, whatnot, into putting together a browser than a download tool. And all of the music playing systems are just browsers themselves.
Or you can buy an Echo and just tell Alexa what you want to hear. No getting up required.
In a few hours Qobuz will be publishing yet another 20-30 hi-res albums on their site, another weeks worth of listening, and I never have to get up off the couch. All it takes is about an hour's worth of one-time setup to make it all work.
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