Comparing SACD sound to High Res


I live in an area of slow internet speeds - for this and other reasons high res downloads are probably a bit further into the future for me. I may also wait to see what Meridians MQA develops into. Meanwhile I am wondering how the sound quality of SACD (well recorded over a good SACD player) sounds relative to various high res downloads including 24/192 and DXD. Anybody compare them?
Thanks
gammajo

Showing 3 responses by jon2020

Tomcy6,
I agree with what Gammayo said but to complete the whole picture, SACD is 64dsd. Hi-res can be run up to 384/24(DXD) or 256dsd.
I have heard good quality hi-res pcm 192/24 and 128dsd trump good quality SACD's, again with all things equal.
As always, the proof is in the listening with one's own ears and in the context of one's own system.
Cheers! J.
Gammajo,
Not quite. Not all sacd's are recorded/mastered/remastered at optimal quality. This also applies to cd's and hi-res files, whether pcm or dsd. The final sound quality of any format depends on the quality of the whole production process. So, well-produced cd's can trump poorly produced sacd's/hi-res pcm or dsd files. That said, if all things are equal in the production process in terms of quality, generally sacd's should sound better than cd's but if compared to hi-res pcm files, the jury is still out. It all boils down to a matter of taste, or listening with our own ears.
So,how do we know the sq before we buy? Reading music reviews help a lot. Recommendations from music forums like the one here in A'gon are very helpful too.
Happy hunting and happy listening! J.
Gammajo,
Have a look at the Ayre C-5 listed here. Going by the great pics of its condition and the rave reviews so far, this may just be what you are looking for. Just to qualify, I do not know the seller.
Happy hunting! J.