SACD & other Formats

The digital recording and mastering technology has improved to a much higher level since you were buying CDs (especially Redbook). However, there have been many negatives along the way; have you heard of the "Loudness Wars?" This came about due to all the kids using ipods and wearing earbuds; the record labels decided to compress the music so it could all be heard loudly thru ipods.

So, after 2000 we have superior digital technology, but most CDs are mastered with high compression resulting in poor dynamic range. Classical and Jazz are the exception and can compete in SQ with high-end vinyl. In recent years, many artist have grown tired of having their albums ruined by the label and the engineers, so they are now remastering their work. Some of it is quite good.

As far as SACD, there are limited recordings compared to Redbook, but a few record labels are committed to the format. But to get the most out of these formats, good hardware is essential.

I had an expensive TT rig with air bearing arm, vacuum platter etc. and it sounded really good. I started down the digital path with one of the best options at the time and it was not quite as good as the TT. Since then I have changed the digital out a couple of times (along with understanding/applying many of the available tweaks)and at this point I can comfortably say that I don't need the analog side to be quite satisfied with the level of quality I'm enjoying in my listening experience. I would like to emphasis, though, the importance of tweaking CD/SACDs to get them to perform to their potential.

I climbed the heights of CD playback about 10 years ago with equipment and continually seeking the best possible CD issues for specific titles. When I realized I was chasing something that wouldnt satisfy, I sold off my expensive CDP and most of my CDs and took my TT to another level which really paid off. The Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 V2 hits the good enough mark in digital playback (flexibility and sonically) for me if the software market is still the same out there. I experimented with the downloading and computer audio and really just dont buy into it, a red book CD played through a transport can sound musically just as good and sometimes better. I also dont like the complication (wasted time and money) of what to buy for each specific title the red book, SACD, HDCD, XRCD or the download. I am just curious what formats can deliver the quality, say like SACD, then I can determine how broad the title selection is and what level of player I need to get the most out of it. If the software isnt there it just isnt worth the journey IMO, vinyl delivers in every way except convenience.

Assuming you want a CD spinner, things improve tremendously as you move up in quality and (unfortunately) price. I recall when I thought $1500 bought the best CD you could have until I heard it next to a $3000 player that changed my perception of how much there was on a CD to be recovered. So, IMO, it's more about the quality of the player than the format. Before you do anything, I think you should listen to some of the better players and see whether you hear the difference. Yes, you may well end up going over budget, but I've never seen someone into the high end that didn't. Good luck.

I have few CDs that sound incredible, showing that format limitations play small role compare to mixing. Compression is necessary for average Joe to listen on small size speakers without membranes buzzing, but in case of vinyl they know it is purchased by audiophiles and larger dynamics can be allowed. I'm just guessing, since last time I had TT in 80s.