SACD vs. DVD-A

audiobliss

What's the main differences between SACD and DVD-A? Are they both multi-channel? Does one generally sound better than the other? If I can't get both in a player, which should I want?

F1nut

http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23937

http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22990

http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23761

audiobliss

Thanks for the links, F1; sorta cleared it up.....I think.......lol

I was thinking about going with Cambridge Audio's 640D as my next upgrade. After reading that I've about come to the conclusion that I want a universal player that'll play both SACD and DVD-A so that 1) I can compare and 2) I would have more titles available.

I'm not sure what I want, now......

Danny Tse

Cambridge Audio is rumored to be working on an universal player, just for your information.

When done right, both SACD and DVD-A can sound amazing. It all depends on the amount of effort put into the mastering/mixing and the quality of the source material.

audiobliss

Really? That's good to know....maybe I'll just wait around a little while and see if it comes out......how long do you think it'd be before it comes out if the rumors are true?

Danny Tse

I read somewhere that it will be middle of 2005 when the Cambridge universal player is released. It will go well with the Cambridge Audio HT receiver, effectively a 2 box HT/audio solution that will play all currently available optical disc.

I do see the trend of going universal developing in the market place. Both Yamaha and Onkyo has lowered the price point for their universal players. Yes, Denon abandoned the low end of the market but I see other companies, like Toshiba and Samsung, joining it.

For SACD, there's always a dedicated stereo mix; it's a requirement for any SACD. So, in other words, the surround mix is an option. What you will get on the stereo SACD mix, if done right, is increased resolution and better overall sound quality. Steely Dan's "Gaucho" is a prime example.

For those in the BMG Music Club, it has added several SACD titles from the famed RCA Living Stereo series. Ten additional titles are due to be released in January 2005.

mrmusicman

Danny,

Where do you find sacd or dvd-audio on the BMG website?

Mike

Danny Tse

I don't think there're any DVD-A at BMG Music Service. However, there're a number of SACD titles available. Do a search on "SACD" under album titles and you should see about 2 pages of titles....Dylan, Elton John, Heart, SRV, etc....

reeltrouble1

Danny,

How is BMG on service? Delivery charges? Disc costs? Returns?

I am up for supporting any good supplier of Hi Rez, I really like the Mofi discs, but they do cost a bit more.

RT1

Danny Tse

When you join BMG, you have to play along with their games to your advantage. When you become a member of BMG, they will notify you of sales, i.e buy 1 @ regular price (usually $18.99) and get 2 free, etc.... Shipping and taxes usually comes to about $3.00 per disc. However, every couple of months, BMG will have one of their 50% or 60% off with no shipping charge sales, and that's when you load up. BMG also carry boxsets and that makes a huge difference.

I will give you an example.....2 months ago, I purchased the 2 SACD + DVD set of Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" from BMG. It was on sale for $11.99, but with shipping and taxes, it came to about $21.00. You would say "Yikes!!", but go check the price of that same item at Best Buy.....over $30.00 not including tax. So, it's still a good saving.

I never had any problems with returns. Usually, BMG will ship out another disc and tell me not to return the defective/incorrect disc. The CD/SACDs BMG offers are the same as the ones purchased at stores, except that on some titles, BMG prints a line like "Manufactured under license by BMG" near the bar code.

Danny Tse

You may want to check out the 25% off sale at Chesky Records....

http://www.highfidelityreview.com/news/news.asp?newsnumber=13938319

audiobliss

that sounds like a pretty good deal......but, what exactly is BMG? Is that basically a website you join that gives you discounts on CDs? Or do they have a bigger purpose?

Danny Tse

BMG Music Service used to be known as RCA Music Service....or if you're old enough, the RCA Record Club. Basically, it's just a cheap way to get CDs.

You guys do know that BMG, the music company, merged with Sony Music, right? I am not sure whether the merger included the merging of the music clubs (Sony operates Columbia House).

jmasterj

I've been a member of BMG music club since 2001 and it's worked well for me. In fact I'm waiting for three CD's now they are all new music and they cost me $ 8.78 each inc shipping and tax.

You have to know how to buy and when to buy. The only drawback I've noticed is it takes them time to get some of the new releases in. If you're not in a hurry to get the brand new stuff then you can save some money.

Toxis

Originally posted by jmasterj
The only drawback I've noticed is it takes them time to get some of the new releases in. If you're not in a hurry to get the brand new stuff then you can save some money.

that's my only problem with them. I want access to new releases when they're released. I don't like waiting 3 months before they're offered, THEN order them and wait longer. My problem is, we sell CD's, DVD's, DVDa's and SACD's where I work so I'm always like "it's only a few bucks... and I need a new demo." ha ha I've bought like 12 dvd's this month alone. None as gifts!