SACD vs ANALOG


Hello, I have never listened to a SACD system and would like to know how it compares to vinyl. Also, do you think SACD has good future in the massive market? Thank you.
joel_chowib5be
The topic of digital versus analog has been covered at Audigon many times, and is sure to draw fire from music lovers on both sides. I have both a state of the art turntable, and the new Sony 9000 SACD player. The analog has the endearing liquid and complete sound that I personally think only this format brings to music. The SACD is much better, at least when playing SACD material, than my standard CD's. Of the music that I own in both (or all three) formats, the LP is the consistent winner in my system. However, many of these SACD titles began their life as an analog master, and are just re releases of older material. As new artists are originally mastered in the SACD format, there should be a huge improvement in the quality of this format. On the future of SACD, I think it depends greatly on the marketing of Sony and Phillips. If they produce popular artists software that is competitively priced, they have a chance. If they insist on clinging to the $24.95 asking price, and fail to draw other record companies into producing releases in this new format, it will not survive. I would very much like for it to become a success, it would be nice to have an additional choice in the digital format for the tens of thousands of new releases that are NOT being issued on LP. My final word concerns money, the issue that effects us all. My turntable, cartridge, connecting or power cables, and phono stage retail for more than $38K. This new kid, the $1075.00 Sony is pretty amazing for one thirty- fifth the price. I hope it gains support and has a shot at offering us a choice. Best to you!
My TT (Rega) cost a little less than my S9000ES, but my S9000ES delivers more dynamic and accurate sound than my TT with CDs or SACDs. It has also improved the audio on my DVDs. I have a HT system. I love my S9000ES and SACD.

There are so many formats right now: LP33, LP45, CD, HDCD, XRCD, DVD-V, DVD-Audio, 96/24 DADs, MP3, Windows Media, and SACD to name the most common. I do not think that any one will completely dominate. I do believe that there's obviously an interest to move away from CD (first generation). That's why we have so many formats. It's approaching 20 years old.

SACD has the highest quality and many recording studios are buying DSD/SACD equipment to replace 96/24 and analog equipment. It will be with us for some time.

As for the next great format, there are four contenders.

1. DVD-Video. With DVD's you get audio, multichannel options, video, and many hours of playback per disc. Shortcoming is that the audio is similar to CD quality and can't play in a CD player.

2. Next generation MP3 (MP4?) or Windows Media. MP3 does not have enough quality, but the next generation might. With the internet speeding up and memory becoming cheaper, the next generation could be it. Still, it probably will be near CD quality.

3. DVD-Audio. Great sound, but requires a DVD player. Can't play on normal CD equipment (e.g. in your car). Software not yet available.

4. SACD. Best sound. Most analog like sound. But some record companies are not supporting right now. Can be played in CD players. Sony has announced a $400 player this summer and that it will be on all their DVD players in the future. Also have promised to reduce software prices. Sony knows they need to do this if they want to increase volume. Sony is a high volume manufacturer--not low volume high-end.

Bottomline: I do not believe anyone knows what the next great will be, but you will receive opinions.
SACD. Best sound. Most analog like sound....
Why using it when you have the real McCoy(analog sound from LP)????
I hope SACD will be around for a long time because I am buying the Sony 9000 SACD player today. If it sounds like I read, the Goldmund turntable is out the door with about 5000 records.
Edle, because you don't have to wash you cd's every time you play them, they don't warp (under normal conditions), they sound the same no matter how many times you have played them, and last but not least......they are shiny.