SACD playback

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I have a couple of SACD hybrid discs (notably DSOTM). If I listen to this on my CD5 NAIT5 am I listening to a new mix, or just the original/most recent stereo one?

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You'll be listening to the CD layer which is probably a new mix of the original.

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If I used a SACD player using only 2 channel playback (ie. connected to my NAIT) would I be listening to a different/improved mix or just the same as on my CD5, all other things being equal (ie. assuming a SCAD player of similar quality to the CD5)?

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You'd be listening to the SACD layer. I'm not sure whether the 2 channel is just 2 channels of the multi-channel, or if it's a separate mix. I would imagine that the multi and the 2 channel are separate but someone else will know for sure.

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I'm wondering if there is any benefit from using a SACD player if you do not utilise all of the channels.

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There would be if you felt it performed better than your CD player. I would imagine you'd have to spend a reasonable amount to get performance close to your CD5 for 2 channel audio. Oh and invest a shedload in SACD software.

Jay

Stupid question time:

A SACD has a CD layer? So if I feed a SACD into my CD5 it WILL play, but not the SACD layer?

Thanks

Harry

Sorry Harry,

Some SACDs have a CD layer, but not all. Be very careful about what you buy.

kevin,

Not sure about DSOTM, but, I have 4 different copies of Roxy Music's 'Avalon'. ( well, 5 really if I count the vinyl )

The original US release version
US remastered HDCD version
Japan remastered HDCD paper sleeve version
and
the latest Sony Hybrid SACD version.

I've thrown 'em on CDX2, and guess what! they all sound different. Even figuring in different output level on a each CD, there are variables on each mastering quality.

I thought the US HDCD version sounded the best and here is a kicker, Sony Hybrid redbook layer sounded like a bad 'SACD' playback. i.e. slow and bloated. Even my mate who was listening from the other room quipped 'what happened to this track? sounds muddy'.

I don't have a good enough SACD player, but SACD/DSD layer on the said disc is supposed to be excellent.

Perhaps it varies by the disc, but so far, a redbook layer on hybrid discs I have tried here does not sound that great compared to either origianl realeases or remastered version.