SACD and DVD-A: Apples and Oranges?


It seems to me that SACD and DVD-A are going for different markets. Comparing them, especially the question on "Which will survive?" seems fruitless. Both could survive, or neither.

SACD is aimed at correcting the problems we've had all along with CD sound. SACD provides a quality 2-channel digital source at a reasonable price. I wager that the typical $250 SACD player playing SACD's sounds as good or better than a typical $1000 CD player playing CD's. Hybrid disks provide backward compatibility. Multi-channel capability is there if desired. By reducing the entry price of a decent sounding player, SACD can bring hi-fi to the masses.

DVD-A is aimed at the thousands (or millions) of average Joe's who already have a 5.1 DVD setup. These guys are wondering why movies come in Surround Sound but music CD's are still 2-channel. The DVD music section in th local music store is growing every day. DVD-A provides a way to hear Metallica or whatever in 5.1 sound. DVD-A is off to a slow start for several reasons. The biggest problem, in my mind, is that the single-wire digital interface doesn't exist. It still takes 6 I.C.'s to hook up DVD-A to a receiver.

Seen this way, both SACD and DVD-A are good things but SACD is aimed more at the 2 channel audiophile market.

Agree?
pmi_guy

Showing 2 responses by izsakmixer

After two multi players (Denon 2900 and Marantz 8400) and about 100 sacd and dvda titles, DVD has no chance in my view. The fact that you MUST have a screen on to operate 90% of the disks to get the right "audio menu" playing is nuts! There is just no excuse for that.
At the same time, I can't even compare the experience.
SACD is like an LP except a LOT better.
DVDA is like a better CD.
There are some fundimental flaws in PCM that are now all too obvious.

A<.
No I can't.
I no longer listen to LPs.
It was more of a "what the technology supposed to bring us".
DSD supposed to be very analog like. While PCM is well it's just PCM.
But I do know what instruments should and good acustical space sounds like. (Visit lots of studios on my day job).
And SACD is a lot closer then DVDA, in my openien.
Funny how Peter Easty (Head of SONY OXFORD the birht palce of DSD/SACD) said it 5 years ago...PCM is dead DSD is the new LP.
A<.