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Too snobbish for SACD as it exists?

Perhaps I am wrong, but I get the feeling that the reason SACD players have not been as successful as hoped lies with the fact that the very persons for whom the benefits of the higher resolution format are appreciable are hesitant to put a Sony, Marantz or Pioneer product in their systems. A product like Krell, CJ, Levinson, etc.,while usually significantly more expensive than the aforementioned "mid-fi" brands provide the purchaser with a certain cache and a greater level of satisfaction, albeit sometimes a psychoacoustic contribution to the listening experience. I, personally, would be more willing to spend more on a quality SACD player from a true high-end company, however elitist that may sound, even knowing that I may be paying for diminished returns. I just wonder if there is a large pool of high-end consumers waiting to see what marquis companies will introduce before they commit to the format.
jmslaw
ghostrider45
449 posts
 
I think you're absolutely right about the name factor. It seems to be OK, though, to use Sony or Phillips components in these marquis products, as long as their nameplates don't show!

How many high end products have used Pioneer or Sony transport mechanisms? How many high end CD players have used Phillips chip sets (especially in the late 80's early 90's)? And best of all, the $20,000 SACD separates from Accuphase use the Sony top loading transport!
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,152 posts
 
There's probably some truth in what you say. IMO, Sony is an amazing company that for more than 30 years has produced high quality consumer and professional audio products. Just because Sony "panders" to the masses shouldn't blind us high-enders to the quality of some of their better products. Those who turn up their noses at Sony are missing some great products. If Toyota didn't call it a Lexus, would it be any less a good car?
ehider
286 posts
 
The Japanese offerings all have a serious problem when it comes to their choice of output devices in their players. NONE of the current SACD offerings use a decent output stage. There are definate sonic problems which are associated with this unfortunate design decision (some glare in the highs and dynamic, soundstage, and timbre anomolies). Hopefully, some "high end" companies will start offering their own variations of these Japanese SACD offerings. (This is what initially happened years ago, when the so called "high end" companies, offered their own variations of standard japanese cd players with better output stages and improved power supplies)
sean
6,231 posts
 
I'm sure that your point about sporting "mid-fi" or "mass marketed" brands is kind of a let-down for some. As Ehider mentioned, the overall build quality on these players have been questioned since their release. I know that a few professional "tweakers" have stated that the Sony's use pretty junky parts in the Analogue section. If people are impressed with them now, just wait until some "really good" versions start showing up.

The major thing putting me off from buying one has nothing to do with build quality or namebrands. It is the lack of available music for SACD. While it is true that these players DO play redbook, i'm hoping that by the time some "really good" SACD players do pop up, there will be a greater flow and variety of selections to choose from. As such, i'm not in a great rush to switch when i'm already pretty pleased with my redbook based players as it is. Sean
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