SACD 2 channel vs Hybrid SACD

Irishdog, I could be mistaken but...I thought that multi-channel SACD was only going to be derived from multi-channel sources and 2 channel from 2 channel sources. i.e. not creating multi-channel from 2 channel sources. But I digress, I cant remember where I read this.

Irishdog, that's a good point (although you can have most recordings from the 80's, I am quite certain that early 16 bit pcm digital will not sound any better on SACD); I too am not pleased at what appears to be a complete shift to multichannel, as a lot of fine Telarc DSD recordings which were only recorded in two channel (the Shaw/ASO Dvorak Stabat Mater, the Spano/ASO Sheherazade, the McDuffie/SCO Mendelsohnn/Bruch violin concerti, to name a few) will likely never be released in the SACD format. I recognize that the "hook" to get people to buy SACDs may have to be its multi-channel capabilities; perhaps if that does establish the medium, then the record companies will raid their vaults. I will note, though, that the new upcoming Mercury reissues will mine some great recordings, even though there's only the third/center channel in the multi-channel mix, so maybe there's some hope.

You guys need to try a little harder to stay up on your sacd release info...if anything their is to much old stuff being released, it's hurting the format IMHO.

Dave

Dave: I'd disagree as to classical releases, there's a decent number of new recordings far outnumbering the older ones that Sony first released when they got the format started, and we old guys like some of the reissues (though there could be better ones chosen). That said, I think you definitely have a point on rock and pop, one of the problems with the format's ability to attract a large following and possibly, though I hope not, its ultimate downfall (?).

Mr.Distortion, you misuderstood what I wrote. My point was that record companies are, at present, only releasing SACD's derived from multichannel SOURCES. This rules out excellent two-channel masters (especially classical and jazz) which would greatly benefit from the high-resolution formats. Rprince, you are right, Telarc WAS planning to continue to release the excellent Soundstream masters. I was told this almost two years ago by a Telarc exec. However, they changed their mind, and now will only release recordings derived from multichannel masters. (Thank God these are pure DSD, not the 24/48 crap many of the others are using including Deutsche Grammophone, and even Chandos.) If indeed there is a new Mercury series of SACD's coming, that would indeed be very good news!