2. digital
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Is SACD really this lousy?

Bought a Sony SCD 1 and this is boring me in my system. Have had it for 2 weeks and just cannot get interested. Previously I had a CAL CL2o and we were astounded by how the DVD DAD's sounded-fall into the soundstage, reach out and touch the performers. Also the dynamic range used every bit of the VTL's 275 watts into the Maggies. The 44/16 side of the CL20 was at best lukewarm. This after coming off a Meridian 508 20. Then I tried the Wadia 270/27ix. In my system, all the write ups were proven wrong. Then I went to the Linn Ikemi. It was great except I couldn't forget that sound of the DVD's with the CL20. Sooooo....off I went to get the Sony SCD 1. I don't have a dealer here but trusted it wouldn't dissappoint. WRONNNG! I called Steve Huntley at Great Northern Sound to see if he could do anything. He said it was a great player, it's just that Sony missed the boat when it came to the analog section. He is in fact drawing up a mod to deal with this very thing that he says will approach the Accuphase. That however will cost anywhere from $1500 roonies for the SACD side to $3500 for both. Anybody have any comment on this or am I the only one experiencing disappointment?
jmazur402f
slawney
242 posts
 
Perhaps a way of putting it is that the SCD 1 makes good digital "conversions" but wretched analog "signals." It's impossible for it to grasp the movement of the SACD format without letting some of the sound escape.
skull
36 posts
 
Albert's right. Buy a table if you want the highest resolution source-and one that is consonant with music. Digital is for weenies.
gino
101 posts
 
Gee, Skull, that's interesting. Have you heard an excellent 24/192 system?
mikeam
122 posts
 
Maybe I can't hear, but I have witnessed the 2 SACD systems, Accuphase and Sony SCD-1 trounce all over Turntable setups. These were in mega expensive setups, but the turntable was in the same setup. Everyone in the room thought the SACD system sounded much more lifelike and flat out enjoyable. I have nothing against vinyl (I am not about to fiddle with it), but I just happen to think DSD is the ticket.
carl_eber
1,425 posts
 
Let's hope that consumers just happen to agree with you...perhaps if the retail price of each title were lowered to match that of CD (and also if more than merely a couple of labels released titles in the format), we would see if this format can gain wide acceptance. I doubt it will happen, though. I like vinyl, and it trounces over CD just fine, and yet CD's are still enjoyable to me also. I'm glad the majority of audiophiles feel the way I do, frankly. We like to enjoy what's available NOW, and not wait for it for years and years, helplessly hoping...
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