2. digital
  3. 1106779239

I'm totally confused about Hi Rez formats

I was hoping that somebody out there could help this two-channel audiophile make some sense out of the DVD-A and SACD formats. I was interested in exploring these hi resolutiuon formats, but was told by a salesman that the benefits of these formats are only achieved when used in multichannel setups. I went to the dealer under the impression that if one wished to, he or she could simply use such players as two channel digital front ends, and still obtain the benefit of the higher sampling rate and bit rate. I know of one high end player like the Marantz SA-11 that only has two channel analog outputs.

I was interested in testing the waters with a universal player, but I don't want to go nuts and spend thousands of dollars until I have a chance to experiment with the possibilities. Certainly, I have no use for the so-called high resolution formats unless I can truly obtain higher resolution in a two channel system. I am not interested in multichannel audio at the moment. Can somebody please explain things to me.

Thanks!!
mstram
mstram OP
83 posts
 
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.
audiodoc
25 posts
 
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.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
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.
merganser
216 posts
 
Nothing to be confused about, 2 channel SACD is great and no cleaning nor snap, crackles and pops. However, like any format, the better the hardware, the better the end result.
david99
1,467 posts
 
Your dealers info.is incorrect also.
I could be wrong,but it sounds to me he is pulling you towards this area.
More to discover