Do you have to have multiple channels to take advantage of SACD? (1 Viewer)

[Richard Watt]

I have not researched SACD yet. I'm currently looking into it. I have read a few posts and I know that SACD can output into multi-channel. However, is SACD 2-channel superior to say, using a regular CD and cd player?
If you have any links that discuss SACD I would love to see them. Thank you.

 

[KeithH]

Richard, SACD works just fine in a stereo system and sounds superior to CDs. While it is true that all of Sony's current and forthcoming SACD players are/will be multi-channel-capable, they will all still play stereo SACDs (and CDs). Importantly, the SACD standard calls for all multi-channel releases to include a discrete stereo SACD track (i.e., not simply folding down a multi-channel track to stereo). Many of the SACDs available currently only contain stereo SACD tracks, but all multi-channel SACDs have stereo SACD tracks as well. If you were to buy a multi-channel SACD player, you could simply connect it to you pre-amp, receiver, etc. using two RCA cables for stereo playback.
For only $350, you can buy the Sony SCD-CE775 five-disc multi-channel and stereo SACD changer that will also play CDs. Some Circuit City and Best Buy stores have it. For more money, you can buy a Sony ES or Marantz player.
A good SACD resource is the Hi-Rez Highway message board on Audio Asylum. Here is a link to that message board:
http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/t...orum=hirez&s=U
Many knowledgable people frequent this board, and you can learn a lot by searching the site.
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My:
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KeithH: Saving the Home Theater World Before Bedtime

 

[JohanK]

SACD is supposed to be superior in terms of sound quality compared to redbook (16/44) CD technology.
Cliff Notes for SACD: http://interprod.imgusa.com/son-403/technology.asp
Link Removed

 

[Richard Watt]

Thanks for the info guys! I think this (SACD, that is) is something I would like to get into. I read about the Sony 775 model and it looks nice -- something that is not too expensive for entering this new format. I appreciate the help.

 

[KeithH]

No problem, Richard. If you get the 'CE775, I'd like to hear your impressions of the component and of the SACD format. Good luck!
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My:
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KeithH: Saving the Home Theater World Before Bedtime

 

[Justin Doring]

I'm only interested in stereo SACD, and it is a definate improvement over regular CD.
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"Home is where the theater is!"

 

[Richard Watt]

I'll post back here with my review once I get everything worked out. On a side note, I always hate it when people don't respond to their own threads on whether a solution worked or if they decided to make that purchase or not. Anyway, back to the subject...
The only thing I like in Multi-Channel is movies. This is a biased opionion though, because I have not heard Multi-Channel music yet. I guess I should give it a try. one question though. I was looking at another thread here on the forums and I noticed that Marantz makes a 2-Channel SACD player. I looked at the backpanel and it seems to have balanced audio outputs. Does this make a difference in some way? What would I use these for exactly? Hooking directly up to a pre-amp or amp? Sorry, I'm not exactly knowledgable about this field.
Here's a link to what I am talking about: http://www.marantz.com/p_product_alt...cd&img_ext=bck

 

[KeithH]

Richard, though I am not an expert in this area, balanced or XLR inputs/outputs are used as an alternative to RCA or single-ended inputs/outputs on higher-end gear. I have not researched the balanced connection to know how it differs from the RCA connection from a technical standpoint, but many audiophiles prefer the former when given the choice. Note that the majority of pre-amps, power amps, and receivers do not have balanced inputs. Again, only higher-end gear does. Most CD and SACD players that have balanced outputs also have RCA outputs.
As for multi-channel music, you might enjoy it in cases where the rear channels are used for ambience (i.e., reverberations and the like) as opposed to mixes that put you in the middle of the band with vocals or lead guitar coming from the rears. Some multi-channel music uses the rear channels "accurately", while other titles make a gimmicky use of the rears. While I prefer an accurate usage of the rears, the gimmicky approach is fun and a nice change of pace every so often.
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My:
HT Pics ; Equipment List ; DVD Collection ; LD Collection
KeithH: Saving the Home Theater World Before Bedtime

 

[Richard Watt]

Thanks. I have seen XLR jacks on some high-end amps I saw in a magazine. My receiver (Yamaha RX-V995) doesn't have them. I always like to possibly plan for the future and I didn't know if down the road XLS might be a possible option. However, in my case I doubt I will be making a purchase anytime soon that would utilize those. But you never know.