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After 5 years, format war? What format war?

After all the hoopla about the DVD-Audio and SACD format wars for the past 5 years, it seems to me that the format war may have existed perhaps only as a figment of a few corporations' imagination. (Kinda' like THX certification by LucasFilm)

I've never listened to a dvd-audio disc, but I do have a handful of SACD discs. Nor have I ever listened to DVD-A or SACD via a multi-channel system nor do I have a hankering to do so.

I thoroughly enjoy a few of the SACD's for their warmth, resolution, and anolog-like presentation, but still cannot see myself rushing out to buy more. Except for perhaps the Red Rose Sampler SACD which contains a few tracks providing a wonderful illustration of what SACD can do.

Don't get me wrong about the benefits of SACD. But I've experienced far greater enjoyment listening to my much older and even newer 'Redbook' cd recordings through component upgrades and through acoustical, electrical, rack designs, and vibration-transferring tweaks than with any SACD formatted enhancements.

Just curious where others stand.

-IMO
stehno
steelhead
318 posts
 
I really enjoy SACD but like Sd the prices keep my purchases to a minimum. I am glad BMG has started carrying the Dylan SACD's and I can get some brand new Dylan titiles for under eight dollars delivered. I will probably get the Patricia Barber catalog on SACD and King Crimson "Court of the Crimson King" but I also own and enjoy vinyl so I will be looking to records for the bargains.
metralla
945 posts
 
I'm right behind Super Audio CD. More than 600 SACDs at this point in time. I have a 2-channel system, and am not interested in multichannel reproduction. I don't have a vinyl system in the USA (I have one in storage in Australia) and SACD satisfies me in a way that many CDs could not.

Regards,
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
What does it matter, audiophiles will no more except the fact that sacd players can do redbook anymore than they will except the fact that pre-pros can do two channel.

Audiophiles are a quirky breed and thats just the way it is IMO. This ain't rocket science...it's worse!!

Dave
stehno OP
1,453 posts
 
Sogood51, it just so happens that I thoroughly enjoy my 2-channel SACD/cd player (for redbook cd's) via the pre/pro I use in my 2-channel only setup.

Perhaps some to many enthusiasts are not as quirky as you think. :)

-IMO
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
I just became a participant inthe "format war". I purchased an Arcam DV-89 relly for the CD and DVD performance (DVD-A was a throw-in). Although I borrowed mom's "Sinatra at the Sands" and bought The Beach Boys "Pet Sound", my wife and I are really enjoying the large CD collection like I've never heard them before. Reading about both formats, I believe that DVD-A has more possiblities in the HT arena, SACD on the run (CD in cars, personal Mini Players). If neither format "won" I don't think there would be any consumer suicides because CD playback has gotten that much better.
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