Part of the problem when discussing SACD's is that some people are discussing sonics and others are discussing things like the surround mix.
I have the Bayou Country SACD and I think it sounds great -- much better than I expected -- but, I listen in two-channel, so I have no idea about the surround mix. When it comes to the "surround mix" I have found that people differ with regard to what they want to hear from the rear channels. Some people want to feel as if they on the stage with the musicians surrounding them, while others just want the rear channels to provide more of the ambient details of the hall. I find that with two channel SACD, I get ambient details behind me, between my speakers, far outside my speakers, up near the ceiling. No need for surround. I'm happy with the Bayou Country SACD. Haven't heard any of the others.
I have the Bayou Country SACD and I think it sounds great -- much better than I expected -- but, I listen in two-channel, so I have no idea about the surround mix. When it comes to the "surround mix" I have found that people differ with regard to what they want to hear from the rear channels. Some people want to feel as if they on the stage with the musicians surrounding them, while others just want the rear channels to provide more of the ambient details of the hall. I find that with two channel SACD, I get ambient details behind me, between my speakers, far outside my speakers, up near the ceiling. No need for surround. I'm happy with the Bayou Country SACD. Haven't heard any of the others.