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SACD hybrids bad policy from Sony/Columbia?

Just read today that the whole collection of Bob Dylan remasters that were done last year on SACD hybrid are due to be released on CD soon at a much lower price.

To me this defeat the Trojan Horse policy of sneeking SACD's into households where there is no SACD player and maybe encouraging a SACD player purchase at a later date based on the knowledge that the buyer already has SACD's in his collection.

Furthermore when future SACD hybrids come on sale perhaps buyers may now hang off to see if what happened with the Dylan releases is repeated.
Indeed those who wanted the set and are a few short and have no SACD player will be able to but 3 CD remasters for the price of 2 Hybrids.

In terms of marketing SACD I think this a major mistake.
ben_campbell

Showing 2 responses by wildoats

wildoats
339 posts
 
I don't see what Sony/Columbia is attempting to do by releasing a new batch of redbook CD (only) Dylan? Hybrids are a great idea. Even if you only want redbook CD it still gives you the option later to go to SACD if you choose. I don't see the downside to buying hybrids even for those not interested in SACD (unless you buy the theory that multi-layer discs have, or will have unforseen problems), since you get two or even three formats for the price of one?

As far as pricing, it goes up or down, "whenever", no matter what format is being sold. The only way to avoid getting bit by price fluctuation is to wait until the disc you want falls to the price you want to pay. It's kind of like trying to decide at what price to buy a stock.

I have been buying mostly hybrids lately, and refraining from buying redbook CD (only) from artists who I believe will soon have hybrids out. In many cases the CD layer on a hybrid is better sonically than anything by the same artist on redbook CD (only). The real loser format to me is the SACD (only) discs.

In the final analysis, all the different formats or possible future formats are leaving a lot people on the sidelines until the dust settles, if it ever does.
wildoats
339 posts
 
Those who want sacd won't care about cheaper cd. Those who don't care about sacd will be happy the re-issues are cheaper. However, I don't understand why a person would buy the redbook cd if they had the choice between that and a hybrid cd? You get 2-3 layers for the price of one. It gives you the option of changing your mind at a later date if sacd interests you.

It is rotten of the record company to sell a recording much cheaper than they just had previously, however it's not hybrid. Do we know if it's as good, soundwise?

All cd's, hybrid or otherwise, are too expensive. It limits the amount I buy, and I believe most other people too. When the companies play games with prices/formats whatever, it just proves the negatives that most consumers have for the recording business.
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