Planning for the future: CD, SACD & DVD-Audio

[RichardHIFI]

Considering the increasing popularity of SACD and DVD-Audio, if you were to invest a significant amount of money, lets say up to 700 USD, on a player for your stereo sound system, would you consider a DVD player such as the DENON 2910 for instance even if you would only take advantage of its audio capability but with the possibility of playing SACD & DVD-Audio?

 

[DISCMAN]

I've never heard the 2910, but I think you should go with some brand of universal player even if you only plan to use it for audio. I can't argue that these formats may not already be declining, but I'm buying everything I even remotely want. SACD has opened my eyes to a lot of genres I never liked before. DVD-A is a very close second IMHO. Both formats have given me a new love for music & made listening to some classic albums a whole new experience (GBYBR, 461 OCEAN BLVD, DSOTM,). While PLII can be pretty special, I find the results to be about 50/50. My satisfaction with SACD/DVD-A has been more around 95%.

Go test some models if you are able. I have a Yam C-750 universal & it's about half the price of the 2910. Short review (DVD-A 10, CD 10, SACD 8). I also love Denon stuff, I just have a hard time waiting until I have enough money saved up for it.

 

[Shadow_Ferret]

Considering the increasing popularity of SACD and DVD-Audio,...

I'd question this whole premise. From what I've heard these formats are NOT taking off with the general public. They are merely popular among enthusiasts and audiphiles.

 

[Shinerman]

I would do a search of titles on SACD and DVD-A and see if there are a lot you would be interested in. If not, I don't know if I would invest in a higher dollar player right now. Maybe a sub $200 universal.

Despite what you have heard, I really think SACD and DVD-A are declining. Very few new releases are coming out. Best Buy has really cut back on their selection and Circuit City usually has one little shelf. BB alone could mean the kiss of death. MP3 despite it's lack of sound quality is killing these formats. Like Shadow Feret eluded to, DVD-A and SACD are really niche formats for audiophiles. I give them another year or two. I can't see how it's profitable? And money talks.

It's like APS film. A great concept but bad timing. Digital has killed it off.

Shinerman

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

The larger labels could really care less for Hi-Res. Their new retail saviour is DualDisk, a format with questionable engineering at best.

The audiophile labels (Telarc, Chesky, etc etc) seem to like the Hybrid SACD/CD format. Which makes the most sense to me anyway.

For right now, I'd just buy a CD player and save my money. Then buy hybrid SACDs. If the labels are still producing material in SACD in 5 years I'd be really suprised. But then you can just buy a Hybrid SACD/CD player and you'll be able to use all your current media.

 

[Johnny Canuck]

The new Beck CD and the soon to be released Bruce Springsteen CD are in 5.1 surround. Although the resolution may not be as high as SACD or DVD audio, everyone can play them. Could this kill SACD and DVD Audio? How about Dual discs? My copy of AC/DC Back In Black sounds excellent and I totally love the "Making of" clip on the other side.

 

[RichardHIFI]

Thank you all, you are proving interesting perspectives.

The conclusion I am coming to is if the SACD and DVD-Audio are effectively declining or to become specialized products, then for the few ones you may end up having, a universal player will let you enjoy them in addition to your CDs.

 

[markw]

Seriously, an excellent conclusion.

Thank you all, you are proving interesting perspectives.

The conclusion I am coming to is if the SACD and DVD-Audio are effectively declining or to become specialized products, then for the few ones you may end up having, a universal player will let you enjoy them in addition to your CDs.

They may be collectors items in the future.

Wanna buy some 8 tracks and CD-4 records?