2. music
  3. 1150719714

SACD/DVD-A/ETC

I'm finally taking the plunge and buying a universal player. I've been browsing the Acoustic Sounds catalogue to see what is available on some of the new formats and developed a few questions I'm hoping to get some help with:

1. Is there any sonic difference between DVD-A and SACD formats?

2. I noticed some discs are "Hybrid Multichannel SACD". Do these play as stereo on a two channel system? Is there any disadvantage buying a multichannel disc to be played on a stereo rig? (I recall some folks arguing that the old Quadrophonic LP's were inferior to standard stereo versions of the same recording.

3. Some discs are labeled "SACD Hybrid Stereo" which I suppose means play either as standard CD's or SACD's. If you have a machine that will play both do you get to choose which format to playback or does the machine default to, say, the "highest resolution" format?

4. Anything you all think I should be considering as I build my multiformat collection? Are the "higher resolution" formats (DVD-A, SACD) worth the extra money?

Thanks to all.
dodgealum

Showing 1 response by kr4

kr4's avatar
kr4
3,712 posts
 
1. Yes but they are insignificant since they are small and there is little overlap in repertoire.
2,3. There is no disadvantage. All (well, almost all) SACDs have a stereo track. Almost all, have a multichannel track. All Hybrid SACDs have a CD-compatible track. These are independant. Your player should have the controls to let you choose which you want to play for your particular context and/or preference.
4. IMHO, yes.

Kal
More to discover