To SACD, or not to SACD...

Jeff Beaird

Is it worth it to buy a new cd player w/SACD when your pre (Parasound p/sp 1500) doesn't support Digital. Will the difference be heard? I see the Pioneer Elite for $100 @Vann's. Really hard to pass up.
System; Parasound pre P/SP AV 1500
Adcom GFA-555 (LS90's)
Marantz MA500 mono's X 3 (Monitor 4's and CS350LS center)
Dayton sub amp (BFD Table Tuba) AWESOME..!

Danny Tse

Jeff Beaird wrote: »

Is it worth it to buy a new cd player w/SACD when your pre (Parasound p/sp 1500) doesn't support Digital. Will the difference be heard? I see the Pioneer Elite for $100 @Vann's. Really hard to pass up.
System; Parasound pre P/SP AV 1500
Adcom GFA-555 (LS90's)
Marantz MA500 mono's X 3 (Monitor 4's and CS350LS center)
Dayton sub amp (BFD Table Tuba) AWESOME..!

Generally, SACD is decoded by the player's internal DAC and output thru its analog outputs....therefore, if you amp/receiver has analog inputs, you are set. To take advantage of available multi-channel mixes on SACD, you'd need 5.1 analog inputs. On the Pioneer Elite DV-48AV that you're talking about, in addition to what I just described above, you can also output the native DSD datastream via its HDMI v1.2 output and decode the DSD datastream using a DSD compatible HT receiver. This way, one HDMI cable can transmit all the signal instead of having multiple analog interconnects.

As for whether you should SACD or not, if you like the music selection available on SACD, then by all means. Check sa-cd.net to see if your favorite music is on SACD. Keep in mind that SACD is now basically only available online and hard to find at brick-and-mortar retailers.

tcrossma

Another thing I'd like to add is that all SACD's have a 2-channel layer on them, which is what I always listen to. So even if you do not want/need 5.1 you might be able to benefit from SACD. It does depend on the quality of the player and of the rest of the system, but I personally enjoy them.

schwarcw

Many listeners prefer the 2 channel SACD. SACD outputs analog so your pre is fine.

Jeff Beaird

Thanks for your replies, I am trying to make up my mind to invest in vinyl or SACD's... I'm definitely leaning SACD.

BlueFox

Jeff Beaird wrote: »

Thanks for your replies, I am trying to make up my mind to invest in vinyl or SACD's... I'm definitely leaning SACD.

I love my SACDs. In fact, they sound so good I have a hard listening to regular CDs.

However, that problem is solved. Last week, I installed a DAC1, and this thing rocks. It makes CDs sound as good as SACDs. I did an A/B comparison between 2 channel SACD, and the CD version through the DAC1, and they sound the same. The same with regular CDs. They sound like SACDs.

Its the best $975 I have spent on music. This thing works so great all you need is a dirt cheap CD player that outputs a perfect bit stream from the CD, and the DAC1 does the rest.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DAC1/

And I will put in a plug for this company. About an hour after I placed the order they called to verify everything, and shipped it right out. When I opened the box they had thrown in some candy as a gift.

I loved this thing so much I ordered a DAC1Pre for the living room. Its time to bring the SDA2s back to life.

TNRabbit

I have to disagree with BlueFox; I, too, have a DAC-1, and it is GREAT, but it will NOT make regular CDs sound like SACD....you have to start with the source material. PLus, you have the option of 5.1 on SACD, and if you've never heard DSOTM 30th Anniversary remaster in 5.1, you're missing something.

I have both a Sony cheapo & an Oppo 981HD for SACD; love 'em!