swmtnbiker
Previously known as dpippel
IMO you're better off investing in a really good Redbook player at this point in the game. There are many tradeoffs with SACD:
PROS:
CONS:
PROS:
- SACDs *can* sound great given a good source and good downstream equipment. Like any recorded media however, audio quality can and will vary depending on the recording and engineering put into the release.
- In many cases older recordings have gone through remastering on their way to SACD release.
- If you're into multichannel music there are some 5.1 SACD mixes that sound phenomenal with a properly calibrated and matched system.
CONS:
- With the exception of some classical and jazz labels, SACD has been pretty much abandoned by both the industry and Sony.
- Title availability is limited if you're into anything other than jazz or classical. Comparitively speaking there are VERY few upcoming SACD releases in other genres.
- You need good equipment to realize the sonic benefits of SACD.
- The Redbook layer on some hybrid SACD discs leaves a lot to be desired.
- It can cost you. Doesn't make much sense to buy a cheap SACD player, since the whole idea is improving your audio experience.