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Analogue Productions SACDs

Hi.  I have a question about the Doors SACDs from Analogue Productions/Acoustic Sounds. They are listed as hybrid SACDs, with a CD stereo layer and an SACD 5.1 surround layer.  Would the SACD layer play in stereo if I only have a stereo system?  I asked one of their salesman yesterday, and he didn't know!

kb54

Showing 2 responses by tomcy6

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,643 posts
 

I asked Microsoft Copilot:  What layers do Analogue Productions Hybrid Multichannel SACDs have? It answered:

Analogue Productions Hybrid Multichannel SACDs typically contain three distinct layers, each serving a different playback purpose:

 

Layer Type Description
CD Layer

 

Standard Red Book audio playable on any regular CD player.

 

SACD Stereo Layer

 

High-resolution stereo mix in DSD format, playable on SACD-compatible players.

 

SACD Multichannel Layer

 High-resolution 5.1 surround mix in DSD format, also for SACD players.

 

🧠 Technical Notes

  • The CD layer uses the original stereo mix and is mastered for conventional playback.

  • The SACD stereo layer offers enhanced fidelity using Direct Stream Digital (DSD), often remastered from analog tapes.

  • The multichannel layer is typically derived from original multi-track analog masters (e.g., 15 ips tapes), mixed and mastered in high-resolution PCM (96kHz/24-bit), then upsampled to DSD for SACD authoring.

  • These discs are hybrid, meaning they’re backward-compatible with CD players but unlock their full potential on SACD-capable systems.

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,643 posts
 

I asked Microsoft Copilot again and this is what it said:

 

Hybrid SACDs contain two layers:

  • CD layer: Read using a red laser at 780 nm (same as standard CD players).

  • SACD layer: Read using an infrared laser at 650 nm (similar to DVD technology).

🔬 Laser Configurations

  • Dual-laser systems: Some high-end SACD players (like Sony’s SCD-1 or SCD-777ES) have physically separate laser assemblies for CD and SACD layers. This allows for optimized reading of each format.

  • Single-laser with dual wavelength: Many modern or budget SACD players use a single optical pickup that can switch between wavelengths to read both layers. This is more cost-effective but can be less precise or more prone to wear over time.

⚠️ Common Issues

  • SACD layer failures are often due to laser degradation or misalignment. Players may still read CDs fine but struggle with SACDs, especially hybrid discs.

  • Some users have had success recalibrating the laser or adjusting internal pots, but this is risky and not recommended unless you’re experienced with electronics3.

If you’re evaluating a player or troubleshooting one, knowing whether it uses separate lasers can help diagnose issues or justify a repair. Want help identifying the laser setup in a specific model?

 

Tom again:  Finding laser assemblies for older (and sometimes newer) vintage CD and SACD players is a major flaw with these players.  It shouldn't be too hard to find someone who works on Sonys and find out if your SACD laser can be replaced or recalibrated.

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