2. digital
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Is SACD really this lousy?

Bought a Sony SCD 1 and this is boring me in my system. Have had it for 2 weeks and just cannot get interested. Previously I had a CAL CL2o and we were astounded by how the DVD DAD's sounded-fall into the soundstage, reach out and touch the performers. Also the dynamic range used every bit of the VTL's 275 watts into the Maggies. The 44/16 side of the CL20 was at best lukewarm. This after coming off a Meridian 508 20. Then I tried the Wadia 270/27ix. In my system, all the write ups were proven wrong. Then I went to the Linn Ikemi. It was great except I couldn't forget that sound of the DVD's with the CL20. Sooooo....off I went to get the Sony SCD 1. I don't have a dealer here but trusted it wouldn't dissappoint. WRONNNG! I called Steve Huntley at Great Northern Sound to see if he could do anything. He said it was a great player, it's just that Sony missed the boat when it came to the analog section. He is in fact drawing up a mod to deal with this very thing that he says will approach the Accuphase. That however will cost anywhere from $1500 roonies for the SACD side to $3500 for both. Anybody have any comment on this or am I the only one experiencing disappointment?
jmazur402f
carl_eber
1,425 posts
 
Anyway, the issue was how overpriced the SCD-1 is for the performance it offers. I think there'll be amazing all in one players on the market in the next year or so (assuming SACD doesn't die, which it may very well), and Jmazur just needs to be patient. He could also get into vinyl, if he opened his mind wide enough. You definitely do not need a mega thousand dollar table to get tremendous satisfaction from records. There are just too many out there to ignore, and the reissues are like seeing God.
jmazur402f OP
3 posts
 
Carl, re: analog Been there, done that. To all, re: Character assassination and judgement-being from a racing background, I like to try new cutting edge things. Some cars go fast, sometimes you DNF. You pick your path. Why does there have to be allienation inferred just 'cause someone is digital or vinyl. Hang tight-we're all in it for the music!
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
In response to Jmazur@home.com, I don't think Carl was assassinating your character (if that is what you meant). It looked like an attempt to guide you in a different direction. You opened this post with what looked like a legitimate complaint, and most of the comments are either trying to figure out why you are disappointed, or suggesting other options. You stumbled onto a hot subject, because all of us are looking for better, and SACD would be heaven sent if it worked. You, at this point seem to think it does not. I cannot say I disagree, but I have not had the experience with it you have. I guess only time will tell. I wish you and everyone at Audiogon, only the best in your pursuit of getting your music the best it can be.
carl_eber
1,425 posts
 
Albert, I completely agree. Jmazur, you took offense where you shouldn't have, and no one believes what I said was "character assassination"...puuleeease! Take a chill pill, and think of another phrase to say besides "been there, done that". It was outdated two years ago. I DO apologize for not being able to help you! Not everyone has the patience for vinyl, I realize that. All I meant was, if you are going to be unhappy with every front end you try, you might ought to slow down and wait until some source component comes along that you can live with long term. Until then, try living with an inexpensive digital source for a while, and try to get the most out of it. Getting the most out of a component is the real challenge, afterall. I hear the Rega Planet CD player is very popular. Why not get one, and try to make it really sing? The point is, you need to take a look at what you're doing, and see if there are other approaches you haven't tried yet.
david99's avatar
david99
1,467 posts
 
Yes,the Rega Planet is a fine sounding CD player.If I ever decide to upgrade my $20.00 NEC yard sale player it will be a planet.But until I have at least 20 Cd's I wont bother.Right now I have 2 CD's I have purchaced in 3 years so it will be a while.The Rega Planet is Stereophile Class B.The reviewer described it as sounding "almost analog like" I guess with digital this must be a high compliment because I hardly ever see a CD player described as that.
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