This has been a very interesting thread, Queefee, thanks!
Appreciate all of the excellent info, Kal!
Queefee, I would be interested to see what you determine to be the best sounding SACD playback option. Many times in these threads, there are interesting questions asked but contributing members never find out what happened with all of the info that was provided. If you could please compare the two options for yourself and let us know which one you preferred, it would be appreciated:
(1) Analog SACD outputs passing through the preamp/processor and straight through to the amplfier
or
(2) Digital PCM SACD outputs sent to the preamp/processor where Audyssey or some other room calibration system (e.g. Anthem's ARC) is applied to the signal before it is sent to the amplifier
Any others that are interested in contributing could provide their own inputs, and if we get enough data, we can have a very interesting 'survey' of data.
If each contributor could please state the equipment they used: SACD player, preamp/processor, room correction system, amplifier, and speakers, and then state which SACD playback format preferred (1) Pure Analog through Preamp/Processor or (2) PCM w/Room Correction Software
Thanks,
Dave