Yet another SACD question

My understanding at present is that all multichannel SACDs also have a two-channel SACD stereo mix layer that plays conventional stereo; I don't know how you get a multi-channel player to play that layer, but I'm sure it can be done.

Rcprince is correct, all multichannel SACD's have a 2 channel layer as part of the standard. I only own a 2 channel SACD player, but all of the multichannel players I've seen have a method for selecting the 2 channel layer as well.

If you only want to listen to 2 channel SACD I'd recommend you get a 2 channel player though so that you don't even have to deal with selecting that layer, (i.e. it would do it by default). Many of the high end SACD players are only 2 channel anyway (Accuphase, Shandling, Xindac, older Sony's).

Just a small point on your use of the word "layer" in this context.

The multichannel mix and the stereo/mono mix occupy the same hirez layer - just on different areas. When the SACD loads you can select either area. On my player (probably on all players) you can specify the default section you wish the player to seek to initially, so if you are just into stereo (as I am) just set this up correctly and you won't even know you have m/c discs.

If the disc is a hybrid, then there is another layer - for the Redbook encoding.

Not all the multichannel SACDs have identical tracks between the multichannel mix and the 2-channel mix. For example, The Artistry of Teresa Perez from FIM does not offer 2-channel mix for "The Bee" and "Rachmaninoff’s Variation On A Theme of Paganini". If you like these tracks, you can only play them on multichannel SACD players.