SACD & other Formats

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.

Musichead,

Before you take the plunge, read Roger Sanders (Sanders Sound) white paper regarding CD's and SACD's. He believes that SACD is inferior to CD and explains why - it actually makes sense...?!

Then buy the Oppo 105 and get it modded.

Dsper

Although I'm all-in with Redbook (ARC CD 3 mk II), it's been said by many members and reviewers that it's hard to find a standalone CD/SACD deck that plays both formats equally at high quality SQ. The one that is always recommended is the ModWright Sony XA-5400ES fully modded.

It's more common to buy the deck for your preferred format; ie, ARC builds Redbook only. There's lots of chatter here about getting the best SACD playback, but it's often from a deck that excels in reproducing the SACD layer over the CD layer.

I run two turntables. The high end one is a SOTA Cosmos IV with vac and the "easy" one is a JVC OLY5F. I believe vinyl has the highest fidelity in my house.

As I get older I find myself turning to sacd/cd more for ease of use. I started with a Nak cd2 and when I was impressed with a few sacd demo's I purchased a Sony 333. I liked the sacd format and decided to up the ante and went in for the 777 (plus having a brass puck made it like vinyl in that I had to clamp it). The 777 was a better sounding player than the 333 but it was not a night and day difference that the 333 was over the Nak. Well the 777 needed more service than my vinyl setup and after dealing with repair a couple of times I decided screw it and bought a used Esoteric X03se right here on the Gon. I bought it more for the build quality and was extremely happy when I found the sound quality on par with the build quality. The seller was moving up to the K01 and my buddy had a 777 so we got to compare the Sony 777 with the Esoteric. He ended up selling his 777 and ended up with a used K03 right here on the Gon(and that seller was a doctor who decided on moving up to the K01). So, depending on budget I would say an Esoteric is worth seeking out for an audition. Been extremely happy with mine.

Depends on how often you plan to use it I suppose. My engineer buddy has an Oppo and the number of folks recommending them seems to make it the budget choice.

Love the Esoteric and very glad I spent the money. I have never heard a K01 but if you get a chance try to get in front of one. The X and K series my friend and I own are great and so that K01 must be all that!!

Have Fun!

The digital sound was due primarily to playback equipment. Enjoy cd today. Check out Alpha dac reviews.