Gary, I am not sure where you are coming from! I sometimes wonder if some read all things before posting. First of all, if you read the review, you will notice that the reviewers reference player is the SCD-1. Second, your allusions to the "redbook" crowd using this review as gospel is way off base. (I am ne poster, who are you including?) You will notice that I have several posts on this, endless, thread before I ever even mention this review, yet I have known of it the whole time. Gosh this is frustrating.
Let me make my stance even clearer, I have owned the SCD-1, I had the 508.24 for 4 years before that, for the third time I will say, I think the SCD-1 is a good player, but it did not hold a candle to the EMC1-UP. If you choose not to believe me, that is your right. But for those that may be following this thread or reading later and may be questioning which way to go, I give you my experience for you to consider, please read all my posts though.
I have nothing against SACD itself!!! (If I haven't made that clear yet!) Please read my very first post, it is the second on the list, I gave pro's and con's for each as well as my thoughts.
If I was a "hardcore redbooker", as you state, I would of never purchased the SCD-1 in the first place, so spare me the accusations. Comments such as, "blind faith in one review", touch a nerve, remember, I have owned your player myself.
It seems some accuse people of doing the very thing they are doing.