For SACD fans only

I know thread is nearly 3 yrs old and I’m not much of a technical guy. First, playing a Redbook 16 bit CD from virtually ANY high quality transport, through a Holo May KTE DAC is generally going to sound amazing. If that transport is also a SACD transport, how can you be absolutely certain that the analog signal sent to your speakers from the Holo DAC is in fact the SACD layer versus the Redbook layer from hybrid SACDs?? Again, that Redbook layer is taken to a different level through the Holo. And I’ve been told repeatedly (by techies waaaay smarter than me) that many people connect SACD transports to high quality DACs, but DO NOT realize the transport is sending only the Redbook layer of the SACD. Hence, despite hearing fantastic music through your speakers, it is actually not SACD quality but just really high quality Redbook.

Lastly, an owner of a highly reputable high end audio store in Scottsdale, AZ told me today that matching the brands of the SACD transport and the DAC is often the only sure way of knowing that the DAC is receiving and processing higher than 16 bit data.

Don’t you think using single layer sacd disc will not work if the DAC is not sacd capable. 

Dear JYMC,

Yes, you are correct that you are not much of a technical guy. The digital out connection from any sacd player only outputs pcm signal, or cd signal. The only exception to this is if a player has HDMI output. That will allow you to send a DSD signal to another HDMI equipped item, either a dac or AV receiver with an HDMI input.

Yes, the store owner in Scottsdale was correct that sacd transports can only be connected to same brand DAC, as that requires a proprietary transmission method only available to that particular brand. 

fred60

Which SACD player did you purchase?

Happy Listening!

@jayctoy - yes, I’m aware that a NON-hybrid SACD has only the SACD layer, and hence, it will only play on an SACD player.

@Jafant  -  I have not yet purchased an SACD transport.  And I suppose that given the potential connectivity issues related to the transmission of data files to a DAC, is making me wonder IF it makes more sense (less fuss) to just purchase a high end  "all in one unit"  SACD player with the DAC built-in....then that would automatically eliminate all connectivity and data transmission issues.  It seems to me that purchasing a transport only SACD device locks you in and limits the choices of which DAC you can use.   

@sharri - Maybe I’ve misled you as to the extent of my technical ignorance of much of the "consumer audio" gear that is out there. I’m an old guy who spent too many years in analog recording studios and am certainly not hip to all the latest digital formats. (So I’m depending on your advice or else I’ll have to hang out at the local high school at dismissal time and shake down one of the kids!!) Regardless, I know there are lot’s of gimmicks (formats) out there and don’t really believe based on info from high end audio dealers that the latest and greatest file types sought out by some are what I should be concerned with.

With that said, generally, there will be a readout on the transmitting SACD and or the receiving external DAC as to the digital data in play. I suppose my real hypothetical concern is purchasing (pre-owned) an SACD transport unit that will transmit it’s optimal digital stream to the receiving DAC. ALMOST ALL DACS will receive at least some form of data that will convert to analog sound coming thru the speakers....but whether or not the DAC is receiving the optimal bit rate is another story that many people on these threads have not entirely convinced me that they entirely understand.

If you can advise me how to be certain a given DAC will perform optimally with a particular transport, I’m all ears. In fact, more specifically, I currently own a Mark Levinson No 519 Streamer/Redbook CD player/DAC. I do not like the sound signature of the DAC. I am ready to purchase a Holo May KTE DAC and believe given the sophistication of the Holo technology that it will function perfectly (at the Redbook level) resulting in stellar analog audio reproduction. However, I will likely forego the CD transport section of the Levinson, and only use its dual mono streaming function with Qobuz, while assigning CD/SACD duties to a dedicated transport. AND THE QUESTION becomes whether my transport choices will be limited. The Holo has an I2S connection and maybe Holo will have to advice me on which transports are known to work optimally with their I2S. And lastly, I assume (perhaps incorrectly??) that the I2S data transmission is supposed to result in the best analog audio quality in an optimized set-up. I own a very high end downstream analog path so am focused on getting the best quality out of the upstream digital gear. Thanks :-)