Are You Happy With 2 Channel SACD?

One should note that Sony is not very happy with EMM Labs as the digital output from their SACD player relays the pure DSD stream-- they get away with it because they are a pro audio company. It should also be noted that in current conditions that the digital output is an aftermarket add-on.

I am happy with 2 channel SACD reproduction. I am unhappy with the record companies refusal to release great performances from their back catalogs in 2 channel. Telarc is a good example. Their early digital Soundstream recordings are excellent, but they stopped re-releasing them in 2 channel SACD when the surround bandwagon started rolling. There is so much good stuff that was recorded in excellent 2 channel in the vaults of all the major companies. Why can't they release these excellent recordings in hybrid two channel?

Irishdog: I was under the impression the any SACD release, even multichannel one's, have to include a two-channel DSD layer as well. They may not be hybrids that can play on redbookonly CD players but I was lead to believe (in a previous thread here) that Sony insists that all SACD's have a two-channel DSD layer even is they have a multichannel DSD layer. So far that has been the case with all the discs I have seen or purchased. Can anyone else shed some light on this?

I've never seen a SACD that didn't have a two-channel layer.

Wow, like unclejeff said ‘Total unanimity’, and that doesn’t happen here very often. Tempted to be the chef who spoiled the soup… No, just kidding. Seriously, I too agree that two channels is the way to go with. Even if the surround channels are used for ambience information, to me it still feels weird. Just that feeling of “something ain’t right”

I was told that SACD format was never meant to be multi channel, but to get the average Joe’s attention Sony succumbed to it. For he who doesn’t hear the extra resolution, at least more noise was needed! Well, coming from all the sides.

I am breaking in a Xindak SCD-2 and couldn’t be happier with SACD format. In fact an avid proponent of multi channel who owns a XA-777ES listened to some of his favourite SACDs in my two-channel system and now eating crows !!