DVD/SACD on the Verge?


I've been looking to upgrade my cd player for some time now and suddenly there are several top rated models becomming available like the Audio Aero Capitole, Cary 306/200, Meridian, Wadia and Electrocompaniet. Does this mean that the transition from redbook players is finally about to begin? One dealer advised me to wait until May when a lot of new players will be introduced.
tonyp54
Short answer: Don't hold your breath. The transition cannot begin until all new pop recordings are released in a new format. Format changes are driven by software, not hardware.
The general public is still not really aware that the CD format is being superceded. For most people, when their CD player breaks or they need a new one for a student, they go to the store and are then taught about SACD and DVD-A. They have to be won over one at a time. When more players are introduced at lower price points later this year, people will hopefully come in to upgrade their digital source in addition to replacing a broken one or adding a player. You will get a better price/performance value then.

Customer: "Which should I get, SACD or DVD-A?" Salesman: "They're both better than CD. SACD has more software out but DVD-A says they're on the way." Customer: "OK then, which one is cheaper?"
Tony,
In one way the transition had already begun-players of both formats have been available for a while and some people are already enjoying SACD and DVDA.
Multi-format machines are appearing now,also.
However as Bomarc points out the stumbling block is software which still seems incredibly slow taking off.
I stay in the third biggest city in the UK and you can't buy a SACD or a DVDA disc anywhere,not even in the mega-stores or more unbelievably the local Sony Centre..