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EMM LABS sacd vs cd

I expected the SACD output of my CDSD/DCC2 to blow away the cd. Such is not the case in my experience. On many disks e.g. "KIND OF BLUE" I actually prefer the CD version.
Although it's SACD version seems to offer a more vast soundstage, I prefer the dynamics of the CD version. Perhaps it is because my DCC2 has more break in time with CD than SACD? In any case where there is an improvement in SACD the difference seems minute.
jjwa
howie
230 posts
 
Yes you've finally come to your senses! :D SACD does the holographic surround effect with 2CH that redbook can't match. Not sure whether that's realistic but it's fun nevertheless.
jjwa OP
69 posts
 
Howie thanks. Right on. I was listening to DAVE BRUBECK's TIME OUT, what a difference!! (even KIND OF BLUE). The reason IMHO that CD "seems" more dynamic is because there is so much more detail & timbre to the music with SACD, which seems to "diffuse" the sound. But at higher volumes the dynamics and detail reveals itself.
cincy_bob
270 posts
 
Jjwa, I am curious what break-in ritual you used for the SACD playback functionality of your CDSD and DCC2. I went through an extended break-in ritual for the redbook CD aspects of my CDSD/DCC2 combo, but I have logged minimal SACD hours. Did you use a full frequency range SACD played on repeat to break-in the SACD functionality? How many hours of break-in were required for SACD to sound its best to you?
jjwa OP
69 posts
 
Hi Cincy Bob. I did not use any break-in-ritual. I just continuously played the approx. 20 new SACD's I accumulated over my four month wait for the CDSD. It was discouraging to say the least because the sound was flat and constrained, just as it was initially for redbook. But now it just sings.......approximatey 200 hours.
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