2. misc-audio
  3. 982520754

Coping in an Age of Uncertainty

there have been numerous threads here, i know, about sacd v. dvd-a, upsampling, oversampling, etc. a number of these threads have included discussions of which, if any, new digital format will replace what we now call “redbook” cd’s. i don’t wish to rehash these discussions. rather, i’d like to hear from others how they are coping with the “age of uncertainty” in the realm of digital audio. is it better to “roll the dice” and invest in sacd or dvd a? ignore the contenders for the new and get the best possible out of redbook cd’s? buy with upgradeability firmly in mind? follow another path? i don’t post this query out of mere curiosity. i really haven’t figured out what course i should follow. i’d appreciate your giving me a hand. -kelly
cornfedboy
john_leslie's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
john_leslie
5 posts
 
Its like drinking booze (Bourbon for me, please). Vinyl is a small batch or single barrel brew for straight up sippin' - no distractions, just pure pleasure. Digital is for mixed drinks. So when I'm writing out the bills or surfing Audigon, its iTunes into a Benchmark DAC. When I want to turn off the world and listen to Miles, Trane, Satchmo, Gary Burton, hell, even vintage Heart or Led Zep, I drop a Shelter 901 in the groove, turn down the lights, and sip some of Kentucky's finest, straight up. SACD, DVD-A? Not until they can beat vinyl or are as generally accepted as ice cream in July.

Best to you, cornfedboy.
ecclectique
509 posts
 
Hey John. Great analogy.... well said.
jrw40
64 posts
 
i almost plunged for sacd. but ultimatly went for upsampled redbook. bottom line ,ive got hundreds of cd;s and one double format sacd that sounds pretty darn good in 2 channel redbook format. if i were starting from scratch maybe. but i also kept my record collection when everyone was dumping theres, so who knowes what the future holds.
john_leslie's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
john_leslie
5 posts
 
Thanks Ecclectique!
mrmitch
359 posts
 
Hi all, I am waiting for something thats more than just an increment above redbook cd before I spring for a new format player. I've heard both SACD and DVD-A, and I dont feel either is light years above redbook cd. Besides, I have over five hundred LP's to listen to as well as regular CD, so for now i'm a happy camper. I think the music industry should be able to offer something that stands head and shoulders above the previous format before we're asked to hand over our hard-earned shekels for the same catalogue of music.............AGAIN! And yes,I am aware that some new music hasnt been offered on older formats, as well as some older music not being offered on newer formats. So i guess I'm in the holdout camp, Kelly.
More to discover