Finally Experienced Multi-Channel SACD

skrol
skrol Posts: 3,375
in Music & Movies
Since I didn't have the capability to do otherwise, I only listened to my SADC's in Stereo. Recently I configured a rather humble HT system comprised of a Denon AVR-888, Marantz UD-5004, Polk RTA-11TL as mains, CS250s center, S4 surrounds and a PSW-10 sub-par sub. The CS250s actually blends fairly well with the RTA-11TL (RDO-198). The S4 uses nearly the same tweeter as the CS250s.

I spun Nora Jones "Come Away With Me" and Pink Floyd DSOTM, in multi-SACD and was blown away. Often surround sounds like they are trying too hard to show off the surround. This was very natural and seamless. I am really fighting the urge to stay out of the HT rabbit hole but it does make me curious how much better it could be. The sub has got to go though.
Stan

Main 2ch:
Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

HT:
Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

Other stuff:
Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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Comments

  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    edited August 2015
    I love 5.1 for video games and movies but, for me, 2 channel is where it's at for music. DSOTM 5.1 really is fantastic but I think fantastic 5.1 music is few and far between.

    Edit: I guess technically in my case I should have called it 5.0
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    Nice one Stan!
    A couple of Elton's 5.1 SACD are pretty cool and "Wish you were here" but I agree Nightfall that I mostly love the 2channel SACD's but its nice in 5.1 now & Then.
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
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  • whgarrett1394
    whgarrett1394 Posts: 217
    I really enjoy multi channel audio whether it be dvd-video, dvd-audio, blu ray, or SACD. I don't purchase expensive out of print stuff and I always thoroughly review the discs I do choose to buy. I have about 25 or so and I don't see myself getting many anymore. A good sub makes quite a difference.

    My next project will be room treatment.
    KEF Q50 mains, M&K center, Boston Acoustics surround, Marantz SR6007 pre, Emotiva UPA-700, Pioneer DV-46AV, Samsung BD-j7500, Sunfire HRS12 subwoofer
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  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,375
    I tend to be a 2-ch purist. My Volvo has Dolby ProLogic II but I have it disabled and run mainly the front door speakers. Multi-SACD may just be the novelty of it all but for now it is pretty cool.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 10,716
    I like'em all depending on the artist, genre. I had all these speakers that I love and had to do something w/ them! :D
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,958
    I can dig multi channel, but in short bursts. After a while it starts sounding more like surround sound than good 2 channel.

    Glad your digging it though, some music can sound exceptional in multi channel. Rock on.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • grimmace19
    grimmace19 Posts: 1,429
    I love the multi-channel options. I wish there were more of them. My system is dual purpose as it is, so I don't feel that i've spent money "elsewhere" to accommodate the sacd option, it's just built in to what I wanted anyways.
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  • whgarrett1394
    whgarrett1394 Posts: 217
    Listening to Quadrophenia on Blu-ray right now. Pretty awesome.

    Just got it and Sailing In The Seas Of Cheese by Primus.

    Both have multichannel options.

    Also picked up The Cure's Trilogy Blu-ray. A live concert from 2002 where they played pornography, disintegration, and bloodflowers in their entirety.

    Should be cool.
    KEF Q50 mains, M&K center, Boston Acoustics surround, Marantz SR6007 pre, Emotiva UPA-700, Pioneer DV-46AV, Samsung BD-j7500, Sunfire HRS12 subwoofer
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 10,716
    edited September 2015
    This is where I draw the line.
    I think Quadrophenia should only be played on a two channel stereo
    setup. >:)



    whgarrett1394 wrote: »
    Listening to Quadrophenia on Blu-ray right now. Pretty awesome.

    Just got it and Sailing In The Seas Of Cheese by Primus.

    Both have multichannel options.

    Also picked up The Cure's Trilogy Blu-ray. A live concert from 2002 where they played pornography, disintegration, and bloodflowers in their entirety.

    Should be cool.

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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    Certain discs are really fun. Jackson browne's running on empty in surround is really cool. On the acoustic tracks u really feel like u are sitting in the middle of the hotel room surrounded by the band. I can't imagine any 2 channel setup doing that, BUT I haven't heard a truly high end setup. Also blue man group is really fun, a bit of a novelty but fun nonetheless. Not the same in 2 channel.

    Now would i set up surround just for music? No way. First as mentioned they r rare and expensive. And I Agree with grimace, I have The dual purpose rigs for TV, movies, and music, so it's fun to get some multi channel music in the mix as well.
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • whgarrett1394
    whgarrett1394 Posts: 217
    It is my understanding that Quadrophenia was initially recorded with a quad release in mind. It sounds pretty awesome in MC 5.1 24bit @ 96khz. The copy came with a 24bit 96khz version of the 1973 stereo mix too. Haven't listened to it yet though.
    KEF Q50 mains, M&K center, Boston Acoustics surround, Marantz SR6007 pre, Emotiva UPA-700, Pioneer DV-46AV, Samsung BD-j7500, Sunfire HRS12 subwoofer
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    When you own a surround sound system that is matched all the way around, it's one hell of an experience when listening to multichannel music.
    I've been listening to SACD and DVD AUDIO since day 1 and I don't prefer one way over another due to configuration preferences. I like to listen to whatever was recorded the way it was recorded and go with it. Thats why I think having a musical surround system is key.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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