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State of HDCD and SACD

I am contemplating a new digital front-end and wondering if I should give preference to HDCD or SACD. It seems that you do not see these two technologies combined too often in a CDP, at least not well!

So, what I want to decide is "What has more of a future as a format?" I think both can sound excellent - that's not the question. I have a MiniMax CDP in my 2nd system that does great things with HDCD, and I previously owned a Shanling T200 that was great with SACD (and Redbook).

If I decide to put my eggs in the HDCD basket I'll probably get a Raysonic CD128. If SACD, a Marantz SA-11.

So, I would appreciate hearing takes on the respective futures of these formats. SACD has many titles available but still a drop, of course, compared to Redbook, and it seems views differed greatly on its future the last time I looked into it, about a year ago.

Would also consider other recommendations for players. Is there something there under $3K (preferably new - I don't trust used digital transports) that does HDCD and SACD and does them both well?
paulfolbrecht
krisjan
100 posts
 
I've glanced through the discussions on this thread and haven't seen anyone mention what I think is the best solution: The Cary 306 CD/SACD/HDCD player. It does all of those formats with excellence and you can usually find one used for just above your target price point of $3000. Yes, you did say you were wary of buying used but perhaps that's because of a bad experience with the Shanling. Get the Cary and be happy!!
Mark
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Mark,
If you'll read the thread a little closer, you'll see that the originator has already purchased a player. A Marantz SA-11S1. Read his last post on 1-15-07.

John
paulfolbrecht OP
603 posts
 
Yep, I am very happy with the Maranz player (fortuantely it is truly stellar on redbook), but would have considered a used Cary had I known. I've certainly liked every piece of Cary gear I've heard, but have never seriously listened to one of their CDPs.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Prepare yourself, Cary cd players sound very different from their preamps and amps, IMHO. I would think that your Marantz sounds closer to the Cary preamp/amp sound that you're used to hearing.
soniqmike
140 posts
 

Commenting on:

''It's a shame that Sony doesn't continue to support the format''

I would say ' It's a shame the buying public snobbed it's nose at it!''

The MARKET usually decides what stays and what goes. I don't expect any company to keep the respirator on UNLESS that very same company made you spend huge amounts of money and then dropped the ball on service and software.

To a certain degree, this is what hapenned, but I don't think it is such a big deal as many SACD machines are worth it on redbook performance alone.

In my opinion, SACD will remain a specialty item for commited audiophiles of that technology...and sound.

No unlike turntables, when you think about it. Not mainstream, but with a following.
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