SACD & other Formats

The SACD direction looks appealing because there seems to be a market push for the product.

I am running a Rega Osiris amp and the Rega Isis is very attractive given my amp and the balance of my equipment but it doesn't read SACDs.

I understand the Hybrid SACD have a SACD layer and a red book layer. Assuming both layers are from the same mastering could a CDP like the Isis reading the red book out perform or be as good as say a Modified Modwright reading the SACD level?

Do people buy SACDs for the red book layer? in theory it should contain the same mastering.

"I understand the Hybrid SACD have a SACD layer and a red book layer. Assuming both layers are from the same mastering could a CDP like the Isis reading the red book out perform or be as good as say a Modified Modwright reading the SACD level?"

I think the biggest mistake made with SACD, was to allow both single and dual layer discs. If Sony only allowed for hybrid discs, people would have been building their SACD collections even if they didn't know what SACD's were. The format may not have failed.

As far as quality goes, that's something you have to decide for yourself. I thought CD's sounded better on my Wadia than an SACD of the same recording, did on my Sony 9000ES. But its a judgement call that you have to make.

"Do people buy SACDs for the red book layer? in theory it should contain the same mastering."

Yes, but unfortunately most SACD's are single layer.

I've read interview with Roger Sanders. He believes that red book CD format is perfect and vinyl is inherently flawed. He quotes Nyquist etc. He forgets that Nyquist theorem applies only to continuous waves and fails short with short samples especially of high frequency (like cymbals). SACD contains 4x more information and is collected with weak or no antialias filters making for better pulse response. It is difficult to compare two, since SACD players are often not the best redbook players.

CD is limited. Vinyl is inherently flawed.

There is a difference.

Not to say that CD is better sounding than vinyl necessarily. Just a lot easier to get to perform well up to its inherent format limits which perform pretty darn well, hence its longevity. Vinyl has no equivalent limits to the sky is the limit in theory but much harder for a layman end user to pull off correctly at any high level.

Anything can be proven with mathematics.

;-)