I'm totally confused about Hi Rez formats

Rumor has it that Sony is about to stop or at least cut back on issuing new SACD software. There are other threads here discussing that aspect in detail.
The biggest problem vs. CD is that there isn't enough good 2 channel sacd software. As already mentioned, there may never be much good DVD-A 2 channel software.
The highest resolution format available today is vinyl, plain and simple. My suggestion for you is to sit on the sidelines of the digital battle, and upgrade your tt if you want the best 2 channel sound available today.
Even most of the SACD reviews alude to the fact that the vinyl versions are superior, and we know that the reviewers are under pressure to help encourage support of the new formats. At CES I saw little "hi-rez" being demoed. Either vinyl on top notch setups, or plain 'ole redbook CD. That should tell you something, too. Cheers,
Spencer

Sbank is right. I would not bother getting into either sacd or dvd-a. The software, especially for dvd-a is limited and it is questionable whether either format will survive. But to answer your question, there are several universal players that will play both formats and cd. Denon for one, makes 2 or 3 models. Mstram is also correct on the 2 channel layer on sacd. Fewer dvda discs have a two channel format. With the dvda disc you are required to choose the format through the standard dvd setup when the disc is inserted. Denon, and probably most other universal player, allow you to set a preference format, 2 or multi-channel, for sacd discs. As for the salesman, personally I prefer 2 channel. For me it is more realistic. I also have a vinyl set-up and it is the most hi-rez as it is simply analog. No conversion back and forth. Hope this helps.

Thanks to all for the input. I am already using a reasonably decent vinyl rig (VPI HWmk4/SME309/Shelter 901), and Red Book CD (Levinson 37/360S) for my main system. My hope was to see what Hi Rez had to offer for a second system in my home. It seems that perhaps I ought to stick with Red Book for now and see what shakes out with the other formats.

Jan 26, 2005
I thoroughly disagree with the above. Dvdaudio and SACD in either two channel or multichannel are great. Dvdaudio is designed to be listened to in 5 channel only.
A player like the Denon 2910 for about $650 will give you outstanding video (with DVI output available)and ability to play regular cds and DVD-a and SACDs.
The clarity and dynamic range and ambience are a quantum leap above standard CD and vinyl in my opinion. I have a hi end Denon receiver (3805) and all vonSchweikert speakers.
Listen to Estaban's "Enter the Heart" or Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" in DVD audio and you will hear (and see) what I mean (dvdaudio also has visual material.) I don't buy regular CDs anymore. I have a nice turntable (MMF5) but hardly use it. I collect LPs mostly for their nostalgic value and album covers. I realize there are very devoted two channel fans out there but I don't share their view or auditory perception.
A well mixed Dvdaudio or 5.1 recording gives me goosebumps and that is waht this audio hobby is all about--the music and its excitement. Happy listening.

Hybrid discs are available and have both a redbook layer and SACD layer and in some instances a multichannel layer. The majority of hi-rez CD's I buy today are hybrids. They are playable on a standard redbook player as well as an SACD player. As you mention there are a few good quality universal players out there. Sony is far from the only label who produces SACD software. Simply go to Elusive Disc or Tower records and peruse ther sites. Also peruse past threads on AG concerning this subject there is alot of information out there. I can appreciate you folks who are into vinyl but I am staying in the digital domain.