2. music
  3. 1171145866

Any benefits playing SACD's on Standard CD Player?

With my recent purchase and assessment of a Krell KAV-400xi Integrated Amplifier, I am finding that the addition of this new component can yield some drastic differences in the presentation of my selected music.

On more recently recorded CD's, the sound is full and detailed with an amazing soundstage. I am blown away by what I am hearing.

But...

On some of my Classic Rock CD's, which were recorded some 30 years ago, I am finding the Krell's presentation to be lean...lacking emphasis on the lower frequencies (and bass). IE...Aerosmith, Grateful Dead.

With my Marantz CD-17 (standard player), would I notice any benefit in purchasing some of these older recorded CD's on SACD Format?
oak3x
metralla
945 posts
 
Chuck,

You misunderstood me when I said: "I would not buy a SACD for the Redbook layer".

I have over 900 SACDs, and I did not buy them for the Redbook layer. In fact, I can't recall every listening to the Redbook layer on any SACD I own.

Can you tell me which SACD you are referring to?

Regards,
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Metralla

Sorry for the misunderstanding yeah I probably wouldn't either. I believe one is a Rachel Podger disc and the other escapes me. It was a simple observation that all of us seemed to hear.

Chuck
metralla
945 posts
 
No worries, Chuck. I did not mean to offend. The only Rachel Podger I have is "La Stravaganza - 12 Vivaldi violin concertos" on Channel Classics. I don't have the normal CD of this one.

Regards,
theo192
6 posts
 
A DSD remaster such as 'Let it Bleed', originally released on SACD, is available as redbook only CD and sounds much better than earlier issues. It's no match for the actual sacd in air, etc but very good in bass weight and texture.

The krell 400xi is extremely neutral and extended. If you want to fill out the bottom a bit on older recordings, I recommend leaving the krell and speakers alone (keep that bandwidth!), and consider upgrading to a better (possibly tubed) digital source, especially one with user selectable treble filters. Choosing one with a steep slope roll-off may enable you to goose the volume on the 400xi when listening to the leaner recordings in order to fill out the bottom without becoming to bright in the process.
More to discover