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SACD is VERY confusing

Seems there are thousands of folks out there buying and playing SACDs using coax or optical from a player to a DAC and thinking they are listening to the SACD layer and they are listening to the CD layer. I was assured the Denon DVD-2910,3910,5910 would play SACD through the digital outputs but on the back of the units they clearly state PMC from the digital outputs.....Seems the ONLY way to truly play a SACD is HDMI to HDMI.....Even stripping the audio off the HDMI signal returns it to PMC ..... And everything I've read states the analog outputs, stereo and 5.1 are PMC...

 

Oppo’s User Manual states: “Due to copyright restrictions, SACD audio cannot be sent through the coaxial or optical digital audio output. To listen to SACDs, please use the HDMI or analog audio connections.) IOW, with a DAC that is connected via coax or TOSLINK, you might be limited to playing the CD layer of a hybrid SACD.

I can't believe they would allow DSD files through analog outputs....Wouldn't this violate the whole copyright issue?

.....There are thousands of people out there buying SACDs and listening to them on their OPPO, Marantz or Denon ..."SACD" players, either through digital or analog and they are listening to the CD/44.1 layer.....This is nuts!

rbertalotto

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socalml528
121 posts
 

I’m not using the models discussed but I do have and play SACDs on a McIntosh MCD85 SACD/CD player. It was high priced considering other SACD/CD models available. I have it connected to a McIntosh MA352 IA via balanced cables (2 channel only).

  • The MCD85 has an disc layer selection button, but auto detects an SACD and displays an SACD indicator light on the display. 
  • There’s a noticeable difference audio between CD and SACD; a "good" SACD is equal to a premium vinyl recording in depth and details.
  • But like vinyl, not all SACDs are equal in recording and quality; some just sound like CDs. Good SACDs are outstanding.
  • SACD availability is very limited; mostly found online at stores like Music+, local record stores don’t carry them.
  • Given the costs of equipment, cables and SACDs its a luxury option for great sound.
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