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New to SACD--so what do I buy?

Hi folks. Well, I finally went and bought my first SACD player (a used SCD-C222ES). While I anxiously await its arrival, I need to ponder just what SACDs I should buy. I mostly enjoy rock and heavy metal, but I'm not completely afraid of something different as long as it keeps me moving or thinking. Having said that, if you had to pick 4 rock and one "something else" SACDs, what would you recommend? I want stuff that's a marked improvement over the CD release. Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" probably goes without saying, so skip that for now (although I really wish "Wish You Were Here" was available as I've always thought it was way better than DSOTM!). Here are some possibilities based on my early exploration of available titles. This may give you a better idea of what to recommend:

Blue Oyster Cult: Agents of Fortune
Deep Purple: Machine Head
Peter Gabriel: Up (I've never even heard this on CD!)
Aimee Mann: Lost In Space (never heard this either)
Aimee Mann: Bachelor No. 2
Steely Dan: Gaucho
Flim & The BB's: Tricycle (but can it get better than it already is?)

So, what say you?

Butch
bhauke
aroc
760 posts
 
Although not the advice you were looking for, if you are into Rock and Heavy Metal you might want to invest in a vinyl front end. There are many more options for heavy metal (including new releases by current artists) on vinyl. If you live near a metropolitan area, you will likely have a local shop specializing in heavy metal, punk, etc. Since you want stuff that's a marked improvement over CD (sound quality?) vinyl can be just that. Just a suggestion.

Also I know Manowar had a SACD release. Korn may have a SACD release. I think Godsmack's new acoustic CD is out on SACD hybrid in the current Acoustic Sounds catalog. Still wondering if Trent Reznor will release anthing on SACD or DVD-A. He does vinyl releases. :-P

Also for something different try Opeth on redbook CD or vinyl. But you may already be familiar with them. They're ProgMetal, sort of like progressive "black metal" (yeah that genre does exist). I mention them since you listed Pink Floyd. It isn't your father's prog rock, that's for sure.

I don't care for any of the specific titles that you recommended so I can't help you there. I could recommend some classical music on SACD, but I'm nor sure if you swing that way at all. I think Teresa (on AA) had a pretty thorough list of classical music on SACD with great sonics.

Aaron
darrylhifi
498 posts
 
Good suggestions so far. Roxy M Avalon, and Dylan Blood on the Tracks are among my faves in terms of sound quality.
One that was a little better than I expected was Bowie/Ziggy Stardust. One that was worse than I expected was Springsteen Live in NYC......Oh forgot one ....Tommy / The Who sounds real good.
fatparrot
1,314 posts
 
I think that the master tapes of "Machine Head" and "Agents of Fortune" don't have the best fidelity for revealing the potential of the SACD format.
bhauke OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions so far and keep 'em coming. I justed wanted to update that I went to the local Circuit Sh***y today and purchased my first SACD. I didn't even pick one from my own list! I bought Roger Waters In The Flesh. I have this on DVD and it sounds very good in that format, so I think it's a good place to start for me. Plus there's a wide range of Floyd material on there that I like.

I won't be buying Machine Head until it comes down in price. $30 is just too much for it. I will buy Agents of Fortune though. There's a good review of it over at the MusicTap website.

Butch
jdlepera's avatar
jdlepera
234 posts
 
Nektar-Journey to the Centre of the Eye, if you like Pink Floyd.Its a Trip in 5.1!Also Deep Purple Live BBC is basically Machine Head Live minus 1 cut.Both sold here on Audiogon.Also Steely Dan,Gaucho is a must have in surround.Allman Brothers,Fillmore East and Eat a Peach coming in July.JD
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