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SACD - M. Davis - So What

I've just recently moved into the world of SACD.
The Sony DVP 900- with less than 48 hours break in(which may have some influence on what I'm writing).
I've only got the Sony double sampler SACD disc-some of the tracks do sound very good indeed so don't think I'm SACD bashing.
However here is my query for Audiogoners who have Miles Davis Kind Of Blue on SACD-how does it compare to the Mastersound CD( or the normal 20 bit remaster)?
To my weak ears on the only track I can compare the opening So What-the Mastersound sounds much better detailed and weighty in the bass department-I'm really quite surprised since the rest of the sampler disc sounds very good indeed even on older tracks like Santanna and Jeff Beck.
Anybody care to comment on Miles Davis on SACD in general and KOB in particular.
A search on Audio Asylum revealed some very different opinions so I'd be interested to hear Audiogon members view on this.
Thanks,
ben_campbell
djs
13 posts
 
You have hit smack into one of two problems fundamental to SACD, muddy fluctuating bass and poor high frequency articulation. Poor stability in the analog conversion results in rounded fluctuating very low frequencys while fundamental restrictions in the sampling accuracy results in sandy high frequency above about 10Khz. These two restrictions are balanced with the use of tube equipment however which are already weak in the base and tend to roll off high frequencys and smooth them out. This may explain why so many audiophiles do not here these two problems which are engineered into the format.
jla
231 posts
 
Wow Chuck! I can't believe that the only cd's you are purchasing are SACD. Doesn't this limit your choice of selections? I like SACD, but I place the selection of titles and artists far ahead of format. Also, what type of redbook player are you using that makes regular cd's so uninvolving that you no longer purchase them?
ben_campbell OP
1,169 posts
 
Just to follow up,I am breaking in the unit as described,I was aware of the amount of break in that was required.
I use the Sony as a transport for CD-I have an old (but good imho)Audio Alchemy Dti/DDE V3/PS2 set up with a line-stage tube stage (MF X-10d)with NOS tubes (Amperex).
I'm going to try and pick upone or two of The Stones SACD's.
They've not all been released in the UK yet due to some distributing balls up.....
ben_campbell OP
1,169 posts
 
Another point-So What is mastered very quietly on the SACD sampler disc much much quieter than any of the other tracks including Classical and Jazz related-an absolute pet hate of mine on any format........
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Jla

Since I only listen to classical and very little jazz the limited selection has not really been an issue for me; yet. Also given the fact that I don't typically buy a lot of software (cd's) anyway. I have been strictly digital since about 1991 and my readbook collection currently numbers around 100 discs. I have already accumulated about 12 SACD's; not many by most peoples standards, but alot for me since I have only had my player for 6 months.

I did misspeak slightly when I said that I do not buy redbook CD's because I just ordered a GLENN GOULD plays William Byrd cd and in most cases the redbook cd's sound very good.

Having said that, redbook to me sounds rather sterile and uninvolving when compared to SACD or Vinyl, with vinyl being the superior format(IMO). I have a good friend who is into vinyl and his set up is what I would deem very good but not great. SACD (IMO) is as close to vinyl as digital gets with none of the hassles of vinyl.

I use a SCD-1 for redbook and SACD playback. I have had a few high end redbook players in my system and all of them had their pluses and minuse. I did not find a significant difference between any of them on redbook. I did feel that of the players I auditioned, the Accuphase DP75V, was the superior redbook player and would be my first choice for pure redbook playback.

Chuck

Chuck
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