Redbook Quality on Hybrid SACD's


Is it necessarily the case that listening to the redbook layer on a hybrid SACD would be any different from listening directly to a redbook CD? I am about to purchase "Opera Arias", a new (and first) release by Anna Netrebko. I have a universal DVD player (Pioneer 563a) that I could play the SACD through, just out of curiosity. But I don't want to lose quality when played as a normal CD. Advise? Thanks.
peter_s

Showing 1 response by gaudio_eek

I too found that the Redbook layer of a Hybrid SACD is usually better than its regular CD equivalent (about 70% of the times). However, I would have to agree with Rcprince. Unless the original recording has been remastered for SACD production, chances are that the two CD versions are the same sonically.
I've owned some classical recordings that were produced and released on CD in early to mid-90's. When I played the Redbook layers on the Hybrid SACD's of these same (but remastered) recordings, I hear a noticeable difference, mainly a more balanced and focused sound. Could this be due to a better CD mastering process (XRCD comes to mind)? I don't know the answer...