Best SACD/DVD-A

JDSMOKE
JDSMOKE Posts: 31
edited July 2005 in Music & Movies
So I'm starting to get into SACD & DVD-a and was looking for some great cd to really show off the system. Idealy these would be multitrack. Anyone have any thoughts. I listen to just about anything except: Rap, House, Techno
My HT
Post edited by JDSMOKE on
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited June 2005
    Eagles, Hotel California
    Eagles, Hell Freezes Over
    Elton John, Goodbye Yellowbrick Road
    Fleetwood Mac, Rumours
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Polkapops
    Polkapops Posts: 267
    edited June 2005
    Jeff Beck: Blow by Blow
    Dire Straits: Brothers in Arms
    Yes: Fragile
    Alison Krauss + Union Station: Live
    Pink Floyd: DSOTM
    Enjoy! :D
    Dan
    HT & Music System:
    Receiver - Denon AVR-3805
    DVD/SACD Player - Denon DVD-2900
    Outlaw 770 amp
    Polk LSi 15's up front
    Polk LSiC center
    Polk LSi F/X surrounds
    SVS 16-46 PC+ Subwoofer
    Sony Wega KDF-50WE655
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  • DesertPilot
    DesertPilot Posts: 57
    edited June 2005
    Hey there everyone. I thought I would throw my 2 cents in here. I am very impressed with SACD and find myself buying more and more SACDs. My rather small collection of DVD-audio hasn't grown at all. I can't scientifically explain it. SACD just sounds better to me.

    I recently purchased several "sampler" SACDs from TELARC. All I can say is WOW!!! It's mostly classical and some jazz. But, they have really done their homework. The sound is absolutely fantastic.

    From the samplers, I went ahead and purchased Carmina Burana and Beethoven's 9th. Both were conducted by Donald Runnicles with the Atlanta Symphone. Truly a pleasure to hear.

    Diana Krall switched from DVD-a to SACD formate for her new disc "The Girl in the Other Room." Great "late-night" piano music.

    My SACD list is growing. There's a lot of junk out there so be careful. And recording engineers are trying to be artistic which can create some amusing surround sound music. But I do so love to hear music so clear and sweet.

    Marcus
    LSi9 + LSiC + LSiFx
    dual PSW 505
    Integra DHC 80.2 Pre-Amp
    Outlaw 755 Amp
    OPPO BDP-93 universal player
    BENQ W6000 Projector
    Da-Lite120 inch diag screen.
    BlueJeans Cables all around.
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  • thehaens@cox.net
    thehaens@cox.net Posts: 1,012
    edited June 2005
    I have many DVD-A discs and find that they sound better to me listening to them with the DVD player set to PCM, and two channel. Running Multi-Channel analog just doesn't do it for me. Although most of my DVD-A are live recordings, it just seem to me that they just fill in crowd noise in the rear channel....Any way, just wondering if anyone else preferes PCM over Multi-Channel. I also find that the DD 5.1 on the Metallica Black album sounds better, more dynamic than when I put it on 6 Channel analog...
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  • tonyv1
    tonyv1 Posts: 365
    edited June 2005
    My Fav SACDs of my 100+:
    Blood Sweat and Tears - same title
    Roxy Music "Avalon"
    Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto "Getz/Gilberto"
    Spandau Ballet "True"
    Vince Guaraldi Trio "Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus" (contains Cast Your Fate to the Wind)
    Jim Hall "Concierto"
    Hilary Hahn "Bach Concertos"

    Don't forget to look into HDAD, contains 24/96 audio on one side and 24/192 (DVD-A) on the other. You need a DVD player for the 24/96 and a DVD-A for the 24/192. I have the two Alan Parson Projects:
    "I, Robot"
    "The Turn of A Friendly Card"
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited June 2005
    The Nickel Creek SACDS are unbelievable.

    Self-Titled and This Side.

    It's like country, bluegrass and pop all rolled into one.

    And although I'm not crazy over each individual genre- put together it's an incredible combination on an incredible format.



    I'm a huge fan of this band. Anyone who appreciates good music should check them out.
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • Dennis Gardner
    Dennis Gardner Posts: 4,861
    edited June 2005
    Originally posted by thehaens@cox.ne
    I have many DVD-A discs and find that they sound better to me listening to them with the DVD player set to PCM, and two channel. Running Multi-Channel analog just doesn't do it for me. ................................................the DD 5.1 on the Metallica Black album sounds better, more dynamic than when I put it on 6 Channel analog...

    Sounds like maybe your DACs are better on your receiver/preamp than in your DVD player or your cables can't handle the bandwidth.

    What make of player and receiver/pre do you use?

    My JVC DVD player can't compete with the DACs in either my separate converter or my HK receiver. So DVD-A is a mixed bag for me, until I upgrade my player. I'm looking into a Denon or Pioneer Elite for my universal needs.

    DG
    HT Optoma HD25 LV on 80" DIY Screen, Anthem MRX 300 Receiver, Pioneer Elite BDP 51FD Polk CS350LS, Polk SDA1C, Polk FX300, Polk RT55, Dual EBS Adire Shiva 320watt tuned to 17hz, ICs-DIY Twisted Prs, Speaker-Raymond Cable

    2 Channel Thorens TD 318 Grado ZF1, SACD/CD Marantz 8260, Soundstream/Krell DAC1, Audio Mirror PP1, Odyssey Stratos, ADS L-1290, ICs-DIY Twisted , Speaker-Raymond Cable
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  • gregure
    gregure Posts: 871
    edited June 2005
    I also feel that SACD can still be enjoyed in 2 channel. I prefer 2 channel for music, and find that sometimes the surround effects are too distracting. SACD is still the best recording technique I've heard, and the added warmth and openness can still be experienced in the stereo layer.

    So far, my favorite SACD by far is Dark Side of the Moon.

    For classical, I think Mahler's 1st with Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony is the best one I've heard (doesn't hurt that I've experienced that concert live). The new SACD really, and for once, truly captures the warmth of sound you get in a symphony hall.

    For DVD-A, there is a recording of Mahler's 8th from Chailly and the Concertgebouw Orchestra on Decca. I don't have the multi analog setup, so I listen in DD and it really makes an impact. Probably the best recorded version I've heard, and it appropriatly uses the rears as ambience instead of hearing flutes and trumpets coming from behind you.
    Current System:

    Mitsubishi 30" LCD LT-3020 (for sale**)
    Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand (Rosewood)-Mains (with Audioquest Mont Blanc cables)
    CSi5-Center (for sale**)
    FXi3-surrounds (for sale**)
    Martin Logan Depth-Sub
    B&K AVR 507
    Pimare CD21-CD Player
    Denon 1815-DVD Player
    Panamax M5500-EX-Line Conditioner
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  • John K.
    John K. Posts: 822
    edited June 2005
    JD, I'll suggest a few discs from Tower Records(free shipping over $20). For a DVD-A an outstanding bargain is this gorgeous music from Swan Lake. You shouldn't be without a SACD of The Planets. A Ravel collection on SACD includes the exquisite Ma Mere L'oye. This SACD collection of Copland's American music is very enjoyable.

    Note, if anybody would want to order from Tower, I see that an additional 15% off their sale prices is being offered for the next three days to those who register for an account and use the code WRK4TWR(work for Tower, employee discount) at checkout.

    One point to keep in mind about multi-channel classical discs is that very little classical music was intended to have the musicians at the side of or behind the listeners, so very few of the discs are mixed that way. Instead, the surround channels contain the reflected ambience which actually makes up the majority of the sound reaching the listeners in the hall(rather than the direct sound from the front). The effect is generally good, but it's relatively subtle.
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  • thehaens@cox.net
    thehaens@cox.net Posts: 1,012
    edited June 2005
    Originally posted by Dennis Gardner
    Sounds like maybe your DACs are better on your receiver/preamp than in your DVD player or your cables can't handle the bandwidth.

    What make of player and receiver/pre do you use?


    DG

    I have the Toshiba SD-9200 DVD, Sony STR-DA2ES (Pre/Pro duty only) with Zu Cable Oxy's for interconnects.

    scott
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  • Danny Tse
    Danny Tse Posts: 5,206
    edited June 2005
    One of the most underrated SACDs from one of the most underrated singers....The Best of John Denver Live. I am not a fan of JD, but this SACD really shines. While it's only a single-layer stereo SACD, the recording is extremely good....engineered by Vic Anesini, who also remastered Bob Dylan, Elvis, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. JD was in fine voices on this recording and his performance was excellent. Back by Elvis guitarist James Burton, this SACD should be everyone's collection.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited June 2005
    I like John Denver. Thanks for the tip Danny!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited June 2005
    Originally posted by Danny Tse
    One of the most underrated SACDs from one of the most underrated singers....The Best of John Denver Live. I am not a fan of JD, but this SACD really shines. While it's only a single-layer stereo SACD, the recording is extremely good....engineered by Vic Anesini, who also remastered Bob Dylan, Elvis, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. JD was in fine voices on this recording and his performance was excellent. Back by Elvis guitarist James Burton, this SACD should be everyone's collection.

    Thanks Danny! All I have from John Denver is his greatest hits on Vinyl- and it's seen better days. This one's on my hitlist. =)
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • runnerman
    runnerman Posts: 4
    edited June 2005
    If you like fusion jazz, check out Billy Cobham's spectrum album.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,707
    edited June 2005
    Is Cobham's "Spectrum" on SACD? I haven't seen it.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Danny Tse
    Danny Tse Posts: 5,206
    edited June 2005
    Slightly off-topic, "John Denver's Greatest Hits" was just remastered by the same engineer as "The Best of John Denver Live" and released on CD by Sony BMG.

    I think Billy Cobham's "Spectrum" was released on DVD-A.

    Wow, I see Spandau Ballet's "True" has been mentioned. The SACD is surpringly good, IMO.

    I would like to add Steely Dan's "Gaucho" to the list. This title is available on both SACD and DVD-A from Universal, although I only have the SACD. It's amazing remastering job that one can hardly believe this is 20+ year old recording. You expect impeccable sound quality on a Steely Dan recording and you definitely get in on this album. Great music as well, featuring guests like Michael McDonald and mark Knopfler.
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  • foghorn2
    foghorn2 Posts: 18
    edited July 2005
    Simple Mind's "New Gold Dream" in DTS and DVD-A is simply amazing, it will really show how well your system will do with low frequencies, timbre matches and soundstage, or wont.

    If you play the title song, you should be able to hear the bass guitar amongst the pulsing bass drum. If you have a weak sub, all you will hear is thumping.

    If you play, "Big Sleep", the synth to guitar transition should be transparent from the rears to the fronts if you have a timbre match. If not, wou will hear a definite difference and awkward transition which will melodically sound screwed when compared to the original 2 channel version.

    In all the songs, a good center will correctly image Jim Kerr's voice infront of the echoed soundstage, if not, you will hear an echo effect and not make out the words he is singing.
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  • Danny Tse
    Danny Tse Posts: 5,206
    edited July 2005
    foghorn,

    First of all, welcome.

    Funny you mentioned Simple Minds....I received my SACD of "Once Upon A Time" in the mail today. No multi-channel, just stereo. Man oh man, but this band rocks big time. This particular Simple Minds SACD featured "Alive and Kicking" and "Sanctify Yorself". While the sound quality of the SACD is not of reference quality, it is certainly up to task of showing off the band's amazing sound.
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  • foghorn2
    foghorn2 Posts: 18
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by Danny Tse
    foghorn,

    First of all, welcome.

    Funny you mentioned Simple Minds....I received my SACD of "Once Upon A Time" in the mail today. No multi-channel, just stereo. Man oh man, but this band rocks big time. This particular Simple Minds SACD featured "Alive and Kicking" and "Sanctify Yorself". While the sound quality of the SACD is not of reference quality, it is certainly up to task of showing off the band's amazing sound.

    Funny you mentioned Once Upon a Time! I'm getting the DVD-A in the mail this week! This is supposed to be multichannel. Now their last album, "Cry", was also releasd in SACD but they are so expensive (40+ bucks).

    Their new album, "Black and White", is to be released in september and the announcment is that a DVD-A version will be available at the same time! Same producer is in OUAT, so the sound should be just as amazing.

    Now only if they will release "Sparkle in the Rain" in DTS, now that would be a treat!
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  • Danny Tse
    Danny Tse Posts: 5,206
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by foghorn2
    Funny you mentioned Once Upon a Time! I'm getting the DVD-A in the mail this week! This is supposed to be multichannel. Now their last album, "Cry", was also releasd in SACD but they are so expensive (40+ bucks).

    Their new album, "Black and White", is to be released in september and the announcment is that a DVD-A version will be available at the same time! Same producer is in OUAT, so the sound should be just as amazing.

    Now only if they will release "Sparkle in the Rain" in DTS, now that would be a treat!

    Wow! I wish "Once Upon A Time" was available on multi-channel SACD. It's really an amazing sound album. People who only know Simple Minds for "Don't You Forget About Me" are sure to be surprised by their intensity.

    Didn't know their upcoming album will be released on DVD-A.
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  • Danny Tse
    Danny Tse Posts: 5,206
    edited July 2005
    Pink Floyd's management (PFM) confirms possible release of "Wish You Were Here" on SACD by end of the year....
    The full surround mixing of the 1975 album Wish You Were Here is almost finished. Doing any work like this takes time to ensure it is right, and provides the best possible audio experience, but PFM confirm that we are certainly looking at the end of this year for a release of the album in hybrid CD/SACD (Super Audio CD) format.

    See below post by F1 for link....thanks, F1.
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  • foghorn2
    foghorn2 Posts: 18
    edited July 2005
    Great News! After Live 8, I re-discovered Pink Floyd and purchased DSOTM. The only thing I did not like about it is that they left out the .1 in the 5.1 version. Hopefully they will do it right this time.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,707
    edited July 2005
    They did it right, sounds great on my 2 channel rig.

    Danny, that link doesn't work as it should, try this one.

    http://www.brain-damage.co.uk/
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • foghorn2
    foghorn2 Posts: 18
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by F1nut
    They did it right, sounds great on my 2 channel rig.

    Danny, that link doesn't work as it should, try this one.

    http://www.brain-damage.co.uk/

    OK! :eek: They did do DSOTM right after all, there is a .1 in that mix. The problem was the settings. My DVD SACD DVD-A player was set for large for the fronts. Most everything played fine this way. I set them to small, and now my SACDs have sound coming from the subwoofer! :)
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