As was prviously stated, there a few other discussions on this.
It is a tough call, obviously only you can make the right decision for you, that said, there is nothing wrong with getting a wide range of views from others.
There are pros and cons for each.
The combo player, obviously, allows you to play two formats quite well, not the best of each, but quite well.
A dedicated player is designed to do just the one task and *should* outperform the redbook performace of the combo player at the same price point.
CD clearly has the advantage when it comes to software, availability and price, plus you already have a large collection.
In the immediate, the CD player would probably give you the most gratification, but this is my opinion; based on your current collection and availability. |
My .02 cents, from over the past month or so. I have used the Meridian 508.24 for over 4 years, I purchased a Sony SCD-1 a month or so ago; this is built like a tank as has been stated in many places I have read. As far the player itself, I didn't really like using it, as to the performance, I found it quite close to the 508.24 on Redbook CD's in my system; I had loaned each player to a friend and he thought there was no comparison, the 508 easily. We have totally differnce speaker setups, tradition box vs. planers; this would be my guess why there was such a difference on his system vs. mine.
I only aquired two SACD's, neither of which I had on CD, but they didn't set any new standard for me in audio playback, it could be I didn't have two good examples. (Dave Brubeck and SRV) My friend has the same Brubeck disk and we did feel the SACD version sounded better when each were played on the SCD-1.
I recently purchased the Electrocompaniet EMC1-UP, this has set a new standard in audio playback for me! I am amazed when listening to my music through this player and that with all the CD's I already own and are readily available.
I do not doubt the potential of the new formats, but with the introduction of some of the latest CD players, they have raised the level of Redbook up a whole new level.
If I had the three players in front of me and had to rate in order of my choise, it would be as is listed below , and my choices would be without hesitation.
1. EMC1-UP
2. 508.24
3. SCD-1
YMMV |
Nrchy, I wouldn't say CD cannot sound good, you may just not have heard it on a great CD player. We all have our opinions here, but I would not hestitate to put the a good CD player against your SACD player; I have owned the Sony SCD-1 player, it is a good player, but I am now using the EMC1-UP and there is no comparison. I want it clear that I am not bashing SACD, just making an observation. |
Natalie, I certainly don't want to be in the argument between the two of you, but a further clarification; my reply to Nrchy was the fact that he believes that CD cannot sound good, I disagree and when I say it was no comparison when I switched from the SCD-1 to the EMC1-UP, I was including SACD on the Sony. |
Gary, thank you for the clarification. To further some clarification, I do not disagree that the new formats can outperform CD. I had two points/positions within this thread:
One, CD can sound good, even excellent, contrary to a comment made that it can't.
Two, the lack of availability of software for the new formats, CD may give you most enjoyment yet at this time, and further, there are some awesome CD players out right now that, IMO, will exceed the performance of a majority of the SACD "players", don't confuse my comments of players vs. formats.
From my experience, I do not view the review in question as inaccurate.
Thanks for the follow up, I do not think we are that far apart. |
And I will again disagree with you Nrchy about CD's being a "waste of time". |
I am not looking to "argue" Nrchy. Why are my opinions unsubstantiated and yours not? I have been quite clear in my comments/opinions; I will state again, I have owned the Sony SCD-1 and it is a good player, but I find the EMC1-UP CD player that I am now using surpasses the performance of the SCD-1, SACD included. You stated that CD cannot sound good, I disagree, my point all along.
If you read my past comments, you will see that I do not argue to potential of SACD.
It would "appear" to me, that you feel your 777 playing SACD's will outperform any CD player, if this is a correct assumption of what you believe, I disagree. (Based on units I have owned.)
If you would like a reviewers opinion, read the following review and note that the player reviewed is not the latest upgraged version.
http://www.stereotimes.com/trans070302.shtm |
Gary, I am not sure where you are coming from! I sometimes wonder if some read all things before posting. First of all, if you read the review, you will notice that the reviewers reference player is the SCD-1. Second, your allusions to the "redbook" crowd using this review as gospel is way off base. (I am ne poster, who are you including?) You will notice that I have several posts on this, endless, thread before I ever even mention this review, yet I have known of it the whole time. Gosh this is frustrating.
Let me make my stance even clearer, I have owned the SCD-1, I had the 508.24 for 4 years before that, for the third time I will say, I think the SCD-1 is a good player, but it did not hold a candle to the EMC1-UP. If you choose not to believe me, that is your right. But for those that may be following this thread or reading later and may be questioning which way to go, I give you my experience for you to consider, please read all my posts though.
I have nothing against SACD itself!!! (If I haven't made that clear yet!) Please read my very first post, it is the second on the list, I gave pro's and con's for each as well as my thoughts.
If I was a "hardcore redbooker", as you state, I would of never purchased the SCD-1 in the first place, so spare me the accusations. Comments such as, "blind faith in one review", touch a nerve, remember, I have owned your player myself.
It seems some accuse people of doing the very thing they are doing. |
"IMO redbook CD is a flawed medium which as been fantastically tweaked to sound much better than it originally sounded."
Wow, I don't even know how to respond to that; at any rate, enjoy the music, I am! |
