It boggles the mind that anyone who's invested in an EMM Labs or Esoteric CD/SACD player doesn't know how Hybrid SACDs work. Obviously, you're playing the MCH layer downmixed to 2-channel. As Kr4 points out, you need to make sure (1) your SACD has a 2-channel stereo SACD layer; and (2) you've selected that playing option on the player. I have the Esoteric X-05 (which defaults to the 2-channel layer), and I have not heard any of the problems mentioned by the OP.
MULTI-CH SACD'S on 2CH SOUND STRANGE?
I HAVE A 2CH SACD PLAYER. SOMETIMES SACD's sound pretty good, but in several cases, usually with orchestral pieces, for some reason the melody carried by the string section gets drowned out by the horns/brass instruments. the effect is unnerving, like i am hearing the background or supportive musical lines as the dominant voice and the theme as the supportive or background voice. i have tried switching the phase, and even going to the redbook layer (if there is one). Naturally these are Hybrid Multichannel Discs that can be played on a conventional, 2CH SACD, and 6CH SACD. I have even updated the firmware on my SACD player (EMM Labs) but to no avail. Am i the only one who has this problem? Funny thing is, the redbook cd's i have always thought sounded great still sound that way, and small ensembles/chamber music on SACD sound amazing. but it would seem i am getting some of the other channels mixed up with the main-front-L&R channels.
WHAT is wrong with this picture? Thanks for your feedback.
WHAT is wrong with this picture? Thanks for your feedback.