SACD vs ANALOG

Whatever its sonic merits, SACD stands little chance of becoming a mass-market technology, and without that the major labels aren't going to release on it. That means program material on a par with what's out on vinyl today (but without all the old stuff!). SACD could survive as a niche market, the way laserdisks did on the video side. I don't even think multichannel music-only disks (SACD or DVD) will capture the mass market. (I'd love to see a survey of how many people who've bought DVD video players actually have all five channels hooked up to speakers placed in appropriate places.) And I doubt that both DVD/A and SACD can survive as niche markets. Caveat emptor.

I kind of agree with Jostler3 about SACD and DVD/A being small niche markets that may not survive. Certainly if the bulk of major recording companies do not support either format then they will die -- that's what will ultimately decide the issue. That said, I will offer this: I'm having a very good time watching and listening to standard video Music DVDs using a cheap Pioneer DV-333 DVD player into a NAD 3020 integrated amp and 2 cheapie 12" bookshelf speakers. THe sound quality is really impressive and I have no inclination to go to multi-channel surround sound at this juncture -- especially not with a cheapie receiver. In my experience those sub-$500 units sound dreadful. This brings up my BIG complaint about DVD, which is that some movies are only available in widescreen and even on my 43" Hitachi I don't like the narrow image. Worst of all, many DVD titles don't state clearly which versions are included on the disc. So you have to buy the stupid things and pray that you get lucky. Since my standard cable is delivered full screen I don't feel inclined to go to a wide screen only format. Are others bothered by this???

Edle,
Why SACD when we have LP? I have more LPs and CDs, and only about 12 SACDs (and 4 on order). I probably will die with my LPs, but CDs and SACDs have many advantages over LPs.
1. Longer playing time.
2. Don't have to flip them at the half way point.
3. Can skip forward/backward with a remote.
4. CDs are more durable.
5. Prices are typically cheaper.
6. Can play them in your car, boombox, or walkman.
7. Less sensitive to vibrations.
8. Equipment is cheaper.

SACD is improving CD's biggest shortcoming--the quality of the sound. It also has multichannel and video options. After almost 20 years, it's time to move away from digital's first generation--the CD.

Oh, above I meant to say, "I have more LPs than CDs."
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Let me repeat, it's time to move away from the 20 year old first generation--CDs. I do not understand those who support, "CD sound forever!"

I have a 9000 and bought it first and foremost as an sacd player and decent cd player,although the dvd video and audio are topnotch.A salesman at a local hi end shop tells me that the 9000 is the hottest selling item in the store and has been for over six weeks.He also said that 95% of the buyers of this player are interested in sacd playback.They sold out of the 777 and i have encountered music retailers that are selling mainstream sacd releases as fast as they can get them in.now if the rest of the general public hears about sacd and mainstream titles are released faster and cheaper.Who knows how far sacd can go.