Disappointed in SACD player


Well, there I was yesterday. At the chain store who Sony has designated as their retail point of attack for SACD in the Philadelphia, PA region. Tweeter, formerly known as Bryn Mawr Stereo and Video. Formerly, Bryn Mawr Stereo(but we all know what happened there). Since my recent misfortunes with CD players, I was considering a jump to a Sony SACD player. One thing about Sony, their stuff is reliable. I found one player, the 5 disc changer. It was hooked up in a HT setup. Not even prominently. There was also another CD player in this system, along with a DVD-V player. As no salesman came into the room, I didn't pursue. I found no other player in the store. Finally, when we were looking at tv's, someone asked us if we needed help. I asked about SACD, and was told two players were on display. I asked to see the one that I didn't see. I was taken to a wall of DVD players, and sure enough, the ES9000 was there. Not hooked up, sitting there like all of the other DVD players. And in fact, THAT IS HOW THIS STORE IS MARKETING IT. As a DVD player! The guy gave me the big spiel on it, from a DVD perspective. 12 bit scan, instead of 10, etc., etc., etc. All of which is meaningless to me. I am not a HT or DVD guy. I spend my time on two channel audio. The guy left me less interested in the player than when I came in. They could not even find any SACD material in the entire store. Not even a sampler. I came in wanting to be impressed, wanting to leave with the desire to buy an SACD player. Needless to say, I probably won't be buying very soon. Wasn't this supposed to be Sony's summer of all out SACD offensive? Players starting at $350(which still will probably come), creating interest with the general public and lifting the new format to something beyond the niche of the lunatic fringe. As it is now, it is not even as recognizable as DAT, and miles behind MD(which was very prominent in the store). Both of which are monumental flops in the words of Sony.
trelja

Showing 9 responses by leafs

Lorne have you heard the Audio Aero Capitole player.Globe Audio In hamilton carry it.It is as great redbook cd player.
Trelja,I agree with your point.If this format is going to survive it has to be marketed at the low fi crowd.Once there are machines at 299.00 available the amount of software will grow.The audiophile will now be able to get his Hi End Equall form Sim Audio,Krell,Waida or from who ever and will benift from the vast amount of software that is available.
I hope both DVD-A and SACD people would get toghther and license people to build multi foramt players,cd,dvd-aScd mp3.Once this happens people can stop doing the beta-vhs jiggle.To many got burrned with Beta-machines, now Sony thinks people ares stupid enought to make the same mistake again.Make it idiot proof.
Audiophile's would be in for a big win.
Went to HMV store and asked about SACD&DVD-A.No one knew what i was talking about.This is so typical it is crazy.Why are the companies not doing a better job promoting these new formats.
Thanks for the tip.It weird that no one in the store knows about the DVD/SACD.I guess training is not a priority.
Lorne,i know where you are comming from.If you get ou to the West End get out to Alternative Audio in Dundas.They Have a Moon Eclipse CD player 6K or close Canadian.
I hate heaving to dress up.These guys arre all idiots.
I had a similar experience when I went to my local car dealership to order my copmany car.I had a P.O im my pocket.
I had ripped jeans and a torn tee shirt on.I am real comfortable dressed like that.Anyway I got ignored for 25 minutes.I aske for the MGR showed him P>O and took my business elswhere.
I cant belive business is so good they can afford to turn people away.
Bay-Bloor is HT all the way.Not the same level it was when it was run by the founder himself.He liked 2 channel.Audio Excellence is hit and miss depending who you get to serve you.Ricky has been very good to me.He has let me listen to some nice stuff knowing there is no sale at this time.Happy hunting.
If Linn and Classe are item your interested in Audio One in Concord is not a bad place.Ask for Carlo,he has been decent to me.
I think they did you a favour.They told you what the price was told you there was no room to move on them.This way you dont waste his time or yours.
I think they did you a favour.They told you what the price was told you there was no room to move on them.This way you dont waste his time or yours.
Nice to see you supporting your local economy.