Stereo SACDs

[mobily]

Hey all,

I have recently invested in a stereo seperates system and am wondering whether an SACD version of my favourite CDs would sound better than the normal CD version? For example would the SACD version of Keane sound better than the ordinary CD?

What do they call SACDs which play on normal CD players?

Thanks

[vlada]

they call them hybrids. I love keane too, I was thinking the same question.

[ncpl]

With the Keane disc, as a new recording, it is unlikely that the CD layer of the SACD will be any different to the normal CD. However, if your new kit has proper SACD playback capability, then this may well sound better.

A reissued/remastered SACD hybrid of an older recording may well show a CD layer of SACD outperforming an original 1980's/90's CD version.

[Knyght_byte]

SACD only really shows its true ability when played on a decent system, altho obviously a recently done SACD of an album will sound better than an old CD........but something pressed within the last 4 years wont show much difference unless your kit is worth a good couple grand at least.....

it may sound different, but not necessarily better...

[stripe]

Are stereo SACD's not recorded at a higher bitrate, therefore in theory they should sound better?

[FeisalK]

actually SACDs are 1 bit

DSD has a high sampling rate, however at 2.88MHz - this translates to a LOT of data and higher resolution; however there is no guarantee of good sound, and on midrange systems you might not be able to hear the increased resolution as kinght_byte says.

for me personally, the attraction is multichannel capability - which even on a midrange HT system sounds awesome (when done right, of course)

[Knyght_byte]

aye, my main reason for buying SACD and DVD-A discs is the surround aspect, on some its fantastic (REM Automatic for the People) on others its debatable (Flaming Lips Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.....so saddened when i heard it, they just played around with the spin knob too much....had so much potential if they'd done it seriously)..........

however as my system is complete and is quite a decent setup, i can get a fair sense of increased quality in the SACD stereo version of a CD i also own.........on a cheaper setup tho its not so noticeable, on a very expensive setup (Musical Fidelity KW SACD player and amp plus KEF Reference Model 207's) its just staggering how much better SACD is over CD....wow....ok so its £16,000 worth of hifi so it should sound good anyhow, but sheesh, mind you, even CD sounds 100 times better on a system like that compared to a £1,000 or even £3,000 system!....it aint just hype, if the right components are put together its glorious!...

[FeisalK]

I use Yoshimi to stun people into submission :D then keep them entranced by something like Deadwing, Avalon or Brothers in Arms

[ncpl]

It depends on whether we are comparing Stereo DSD layer or the stereo PCM layer of the SACD to a regular CD.

The comments re: needing a system that is capable of showing up the differences is quite key also, I'd agree.

Also, great 5.1 mixes are great and duff mixes are really duff. No matter what the resolution or kit, somethings cannot rescued.