Samsung DVD-HD841 SACD/upconvert dvd player

landry_p2000

When I hooked this player up, I hooked it up to my Onkyo via optical cable. Is this the best way to listen to an SACD, or do I need to use stereo or multi-channel for best results?
Another question: Is there a very noticeable difference in sound quality as opposed to regular cd? I am a newbie to the world of SACD, and any comments are welcome, and any music suggestions as well.

Thanks alot,

Landry

rdb2001

landry_p2000 wrote: »

When I hooked this player up, I hooked it up to my Onkyo via optical cable. Is this the best way to listen to an SACD, or do I need to use stereo or multi-channel for best results?
Another question: Is there a very noticeable difference in sound quality as opposed to regular cd? I am a newbie to the world of SACD, and any comments are welcome, and any music suggestions as well.

Thanks alot,

Landry

You have to hook it up stereo or the multi-channel 5.1 inputs for sacd. I dont even know that it will play through optical from what I have read up on it.

shack

landry_p2000 wrote:

When I hooked this player up, I hooked it up to my Onkyo via optical cable. Is this the best way to listen to an SACD, or do I need to use stereo or multi-channel for best results?

It WILL NOT play SACD through the optical cable. You are only gettting redbook via that connection. You must use the 5.1 out (6 interconnect cables) from the player to the AVR.

landry_p2000 wrote:

Another question: Is there a very noticeable difference in sound quality as opposed to regular cd? I am a newbie to the world of SACD, and any comments are welcome, and any music suggestions as well.

IMO...YES, there is a significant difference in sound quality. I have compared redbook CDs vs SACDs and the difference can be stunning. I use the "can be" caveat because as with any recording the quality of the final product depends on the quality of the source and the ability of the engineer. Just because it is SACD doesn't mean it is automatically better. There are bad SACDs...they may be higher resolution...but they are just bad higher resolution SACDs. A great resource for SACDs is www.sa-cd.net. Most all of the SACD made are listed with reviews and sources to buy are on that site. As you can tell I am a big SACD fan. Good luck.

landry_p2000

Thanks alot for the input fellas. I will go through and connect the multi-channel cables this weekend, and maybe get a few SACD's.
Another quick question: If I remove the optical cable, will the multi channel still do dolby digital on my movies? I know I am asking rookie questions, but this is my first time dealing with this format.

shack

You probably need to keep the optical cable in place for the DVD signal to the AVR for decoding. I do not have a DVD/SACD player. I use a separate player for each format. I'm not familiar with your player and your AVR so I dont know if the player can do all of the DVD DAC correctly to send an analog signal to the AVR. Someone else may want to chime in on this.

landry_p2000

Thanks fellas. That should get me straight. I will run the analog cables to multi-channel, and leave the optical connected for movies.

landry_p2000

Thanks for the link Keiko. I was going to try out some old Radio Shack rca cables from the junk bin, but I was to ashamed to say it out loud. So it won't make a big difference if I use red and white rca cables? Will I still get sacd sound through these? I know it is always a better quality of cable out there, but will the red and white one work for now? I am still going to shop around for a set made just for sacd.

landry_p2000

anonymouse wrote: »

Also keep in mind that this player can be modded for better sound.

What kind of mods?

landry_p2000

Hey Kieko, you talked me into buying from Monoprice. I got 6 of the 3ft. rca cables and a few other items and I ended up spending a whopping $20. Thanks for the advice. I also got the 12ft. rca to use as a second subwoofer cable. The prices on the lcd wall brackets are amazing as well. I only had trouble finding a coaxial cable 90 degree adapter for my lineout from my 42" lcd. If you find one can you let me know? Thank again, and I will give you an update once I play an sacd.:)

landry_p2000

Keiko wrote: »

No problem landry. monoprice is tough to beat on quality/value. I'm using 3 of their HDMI's and an optical cable I picked up and have no complaints whatsoever. Radio Shack should stock that adapter. If you have a problem finding one though, shoot me a PM. I think I have a couple spares in my arsenal and I'll just mail ya one. Is this what ya need???



http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102594

Let me know.

Kieko, I gave you a bad description of the 90 degree adapter that I need. The one I need is actually for a threaded cable tv connection. Thanks for the offer though. I found them at Radio Shack. I am wall mounting my lcd tv in my bedroom, and the outputs are straight out the back, and that why I need angled adapters. I also got 2 of the 90 degree male to female hdmi adapters as well for the bedroom dvd system and the other PS3. I sould be ready to wall mount my 42" by next week.
Amazon has great deals on all media. I am waiting for 3 blu-rays I got for under $20 each with free shipping. That will also be my sacd source. For now I will probably run down to CC or BB and get Santana or a good jazz sacd to start out with. Thanks a million for all your help. I will be using Monoprice from now on.

landry_p2000

Hey guys, I finally found a great source for my sacd purchases. Its's called acousticsounds.com. I ordered an Earth, Wind, & Fire sacd last night from the site. I plan on getting my collection up to a few dozen over the next few months, and I will give my thoughts on sacd once I give it a listen. I got my 6 coax cables in a week ago, and have not connected the multi channel outputs yet. By the time the sacd arrives, I will be ready. Once again, thanks to all.

By the way, Amazon's selection was rickety at best, and the new site is loaded with sacds.