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Stereo SACD vs. digital

I use a Sony 9000ES CD/SACD/DVD player that feeds into a Proceed PAV (preamp) and PDSD (surround processor). Amps are 2 and 3 channel Proceeds, driving a pair of KEF 104/2s that are supplemented with a Velodyne HGS-15. Only 2 of the 3 channels are used for stereo; surround processing is turned off to prevent derivation of a center channel through a KEF 200C.

I can select analog pass-through or digital processing from the remote. Although the 9000ES enjoys an excellent reputation as a CD/DVD player, it seems to me that the sound is more open and transparent if I defeat SACD, and thus the Sony DAC process, and let the Proceed DACs do the conversion. Both sound very good, one just sounds better. I'm curious if others have similar observations.

db
donbellphd

Showing 1 response by reubent

reubent
7,072 posts
 
Don,

I'm not an expert, but everything I've read leads me to believe that you are not listening to the SACD layer if you are bypassing the Sony's internal SACD processor.

Other than a couple of "hyper-expensive" transport/DAC setups that I've read about, no transports transfer SACD information via a digital connection. All SACD information is processed within the player and is only available via the analog outputs of the SACD player.

So, if you are letting the Proceed process the digital to analog conversion, you are likely listen to the CD layer of a hybrid SACD/CD.

Of course, if you are just listening to a redbook CD, I would guess that the Proceed just has a superior DAC to the Sony.

BTW, I have owned a Sony DVP-S9000ES and it's reputation as "an excellent CD player" is not well deserved. It may be a decent transport, but as a CD player it was easily bested by every dedicated CD player I've owned.

Enjoy,

TIC
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