CD layer on hybrid SACD versus regular redbook

New SACD releases are coming out on a regular basis. My entire priority is to first purchase a hybrid mulit-channel SACD, then HDCD, then digitally remastered older CD recordings to 24 bit, then simply newly recorded Redbook CDs. I just purchased Honky Chateau (Elton John) for example on SACD. Oh my word, when I played it, I thought I died and went to heaven. In multi-channel (5.1), you are simply engulfed in the sound with details you never ever heard before coming at you from angles. The group Spyro Gyra is now releasing their newer CDs in SACD format. I just purchased "Wrapped in a Dream" in SACD. One word: Fabulous. So don't give up. Keep checking the SACD websites for new releases. You'd be surprised. Now I do agree, we have a long way to go but I firmly believe it's the future.

Happy to see supporters of SACD. I've been a firm believer ever since and I hope the format continues to thrive. 70% of my library is SACD, used to be over 90% until I started buying again regular CDs in the last couple of years due to their vast improvement and of course because the music and artists I like didn't have SACD releases. Unfortunately the SACD format has not achieved the same popularity and following like in Europe and Asia. Dgaylin, don't give up on SACD, even if you're after the RedBook layer only, you will be pleased. As Jtinn says, generally the layer sounds better, though as I've noted today's CDs have tremendously improved so it's hard to tell the difference. There are very few poor SACD recordings, simply bad implementation.

Speaking of SACD recordings, the one label I'm a huge fan of is Stockfisch Records, their recordings are truly marvelous, both SACD and CD layers. Grab a sampler and you'll be amazed, guaranteed. Even if you don't necessarily listen to the principal genre they carry you'll most likely learn to love it.

you gave up on hi-rez music? why?