Confused: Too Many Choices

[JJMP50]

Having recently purchased a Pioneer DV-578a-s I was thinking about delving into the Hi-Res world of CDs. I just got back from BB empty handed. BB has the DVD-A's and SACD's separated. I guess they don't want "in your face" flame wars.

Now to my confusion: It looks like most recent SACD's are playable in SACD Stereo, SACD Surround & CD Stereo. That's nice, I can play it in my car and, perhaps burn some cuts onto a CD Mix (I think). I didn't see any mention as to whether they were "HI-Res" or not, although I could assume that the SACD versions were (?).

In the DVD-A section there where a variety of choices. The Diana Krall DTS was there and based on the review I read here earlier, I almost bought it. But that wouldn't show me what DVD-A or SACD was like. Clapton & BB King's "Riding with the King" was there in DVD-A. It was playable in DVD-A surround, DVD-A Stereo, DD 5.1 & DTS 5.1. Whew! But I can't play it in my car or burn cuts.

I have to admit that BB's prices are a lot more reasonable that Borders. I guess because they sell the equipment, they want you to pick up a couple on your way to the register.

In any event, I just couldn't make up my mind and left empty handed.

 

[racquetman]

You can't really go wrong!!

Just pick something up and listen to it. If it's the kind of music you like, then you can't go wrong. No matter whether some people disagree on the intepretation of the surround mix, it still sounds incredible compared to regular CD.

If it's SACD, it's hi-rez. There is no such thing as a "dumbed down" SACD. Some DVD-Audio titles are barely over the 44.1 khz, 16 bit redbook CD standard as far as sampling rate and word length, but you are still getting 5.1 channels at those rates instead of stereo. I have about a dozen DVD-audio titles and they all are more enjoyable to listen to than ANY CD I have.

Try it out!!

 

[Rob Babcock]

No, buying SACD does not guarentee "hi res." In an embarrassing PR gaffe, the lable had to admit that Nora Jones' "Come Away With Me" was made with 16 bits/44.1 resolution. As a matter of fact, it's an extreme rarity to see an SACD made from a DSD recording and mixed with no DSD-to-PCM conversion. Not to mention the fact that a huge amount are made from older analog mastertapes of sometimes dubious quality.

Nor will all SACDs play on your car stereo. If it's not a "hybrid" disc you can neither rip it nor play it back on a CD player. Unfortunately, you can never "safely assume" anything with the new formats. You have to read the label carefully or consult a competent review.

All DVD-A discs will play back on a regular DVD player. However, you can't access the MLP tracks except with a DVD-A capable deck. Most DVD-A's have a "high resolution stereo track," but not all. Most have a legend on the package describing the content, but again, not all, and there's no consistent labelling standard.

That said, your persistence and research will pay off with some amazing sounding discs. If you like the music, I'd recommend Steely Dan's Two Against Nature and Everything Must Go. I've never heard better sounding recordings in any format.

Some other great sounding ones (that happen to be good musically):

DVD-A

Beck Sea Change
Donald Fagan The Nightfly
Flaming Lips Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Diana Krall The Look of Love and/or The Girl in the Other Room
Foreigner 4 (older but excellent sounding)
Crowded House S/T An overlooked pop gem, immaculately mixed.
Mark Knopfler Sailing to Philedelphia

SACD

Nickle Creek This Side
Alison Krauss + Union Station Live
Joe Satriani Strange Beautiful Music and Engines of Creation (although the latter is only stereo)
Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon

There's lots of others, but these are all good sounding ones that you'll probably enjoy listening to.

 

[racquetman]

No, buying SACD does not guarentee "hi res." In an embarrassing PR gaffe, the lable had to admit that Nora Jones' "Come Away With Me" was made with 16 bits/44.1 resolution. As a matter of fact, it's an extreme rarity to see an SACD made from a DSD recording and mixed with no DSD-to-PCM conversion. Not to mention the fact that a huge amount are made from older analog mastertapes of sometimes dubious quality.

Well, that's just sad. I hadn't heard that about SACD. If it's not DSD, then, it really isn't a SACD is it?!! That would be enough to boycott the format in my opinion.

My new advice - conform and buy an ipod. Get used to highly compressed music (it's all the rage). You missed the SACD and DVD-audio boat. Consider yourself fortunate. The boat sank. The music industry is making sure it stays sunk by doing stupid things like those mentioned by Mr. Babcock. If you still want to try out these failing formats, stick to the stuff recommended on the forum I guess.

I would recommend on DVD-Audio:

R.E.M. - In Time, The Best of R.E.M. (Actually, any of the R.E.M. discs)
Seal - Best, 1991-2004
Bjork - Vespertine