Since much is being written in this newsgroup about the pros and cons of
SACD vs. DVD-A, I wonder if people who own, or who have at least extensively
listened to, Multiformat "Silver Disc" Players, could tell us a bit about
their experiences with these players, and how well they perform with SACD,
DVD-A, and hopefully also with "Standard" CDs.

Peter wrote:
Since much is being written in this newsgroup about the pros and cons of
SACD vs. DVD-A, I wonder if people who own, or who have at least extensively
listened to, Multiformat "Silver Disc" Players, could tell us a bit about
their experiences with these players, and how well they perform with SACD,
DVD-A, and hopefully also with "Standard" CDs.


shrugs I have a player that does all three formats, and when they sound
different, I can't tell if it's due to the mastering or due to the playback
circuitry or due to the recording format.

Anyone who tells you they *can* hear a difference due to the three formats,
without having controlled for the other two possibilities, is making
a poorly supported claim. This is true no matter *how many* 'audiophiles'
or recording engineers or [fill in your own 'authority' here] make the claim.


--
-S.

"They've got God on their side. All we've got is science and reason."
-- Dawn Hulsey, Talent Director

"Steven Sullivan" wrote in message
...
Peter wrote:
Since much is being written in this newsgroup about the pros and cons of
SACD vs. DVD-A, I wonder if people who own, or who have at least
extensively
listened to, Multiformat "Silver Disc" Players, could tell us a bit
about
their experiences with these players, and how well they perform with
SACD,
DVD-A, and hopefully also with "Standard" CDs.


shrugs I have a player that does all three formats, and when they sound
different, I can't tell if it's due to the mastering or due to the
playback
circuitry or due to the recording format.

Anyone who tells you they *can* hear a difference due to the three
formats,
without having controlled for the other two possibilities, is making
a poorly supported claim. This is true no matter *how many* 'audiophiles'
or recording engineers or [fill in your own 'authority' here] make the
claim.



That's why my first SACD tests mentioned here a year and a half ago
controlled for mix and mastering, as well as equipment. When done, the SACD
beat CD, vinyl, and pre-recorded analog tape. I also have two DVD-A's and
SACD's that appear to have (and are supposed to have) identical mixes and
mastering (see below). They sound different, but I suspect that is because
my DVD-A player (an older Toshiba 4700) is not up to the audio quality of
the SACD machine.

Steven, go out and buy (if you do not already have) "Swing Live" (Bucky
Pizarelli - Chesky) and "Away from the Sun" (3 Doors Down -
Republic/Universal) in both DVD-A and SACD. Use the 4 channel DVD-A and
Stereo mixes to match the SACD on the :"Swing Live". You can also buy a
straight Redbook CD of the "Away from the Sun" if you so desire. That is
about the best you can do today. I and I am sure others here would be
interested in what differences you hear.

You are correct in your claim, however it is hardly useful. It is difficult
to ensure that the material is the same for all three formats and even then
you cannot be sure how that material is treated by the DAC. Any comment
regarding these formats is likely to be subjective especially as there are
very few if any recordings on both SACD and DVD Audio. Are you trying to
claim that there is no benefit in the new high resolution formats ?

Responding (purely subjectively) to the original question I can only comment
on the listening experiences of a New Ash Green Hi-Fi club meeting last
night where we listened to some SACD, CD and one DVD-Audio. System was
Pioneer 565A multiformat player using Chord DAC 64 for CD, DVD and DVD Audio
through Musical Fidelity amps and Cura speakers.

On Bjork's Vespertine album little difference was found between the CD, DVD
5.1 and DVD Audio formats. A slight preference for the DVD Audio
presentation was found in a majority of listeners but one preferred the
"sharper" sound of the DVD version over CD and DVD Audio.

Comparing SACD to CD was more difficult as SACD is not handled by the Chord
DAC. Comparing CD via the Chord to SACD a definite preference for the
Chord/CD sound was perceived for all recordings although the DSOM disk was
by far the best sounding SACD and close to the perceived sound of the
Chord/CD. Running CD direct without the Chord was very poor and easily
identifiable showing exactly what £2000 worth of upsampling DAC could do for
a CD. In comparison SACD showed definite benefits against CD.


Conclusion
DVD-A and SACD are still very young formats, there has been an improvement
in perceived sound of CDs thanks to new mastering/re-mastering techniques
and better data processing/upsampling. I personally hope that improvements
continue for the new "high resolution" formats investing in a cheap multi
region player as my only DVD player was definitely worthwhile. I hope we
see more Dual layer SACD disks and cheaper more available DVD Audio disks.

Note in all this listening supposed "Audiophiles" were used, no DBT was used
and alcohol was available and partaken of. Any sentiments , perceptions and
inaccuracies are the fault of the author and do not reflect on other club
members. The New Ash Green Hi-Fi club members are open to any bribes of
free disks, hardware and tweaks to enhance our listening experience, real or
just make believe.

Before investing your hard earned cash always try and listen for yourselves


Regards Richard
New Ash Green Hi-Fi Club



"Steven Sullivan" wrote in message
...
Peter wrote:
Since much is being written in this newsgroup about the pros and cons of
SACD vs. DVD-A, I wonder if people who own, or who have at least
extensively
listened to, Multiformat "Silver Disc" Players, could tell us a bit
about
their experiences with these players, and how well they perform with
SACD,
DVD-A, and hopefully also with "Standard" CDs.


shrugs I have a player that does all three formats, and when they sound
different, I can't tell if it's due to the mastering or due to the
playback
circuitry or due to the recording format.

Anyone who tells you they *can* hear a difference due to the three
formats,
without having controlled for the other two possibilities, is making
a poorly supported claim. This is true no matter *how many* 'audiophiles'
or recording engineers or [fill in your own 'authority' here] make the
claim.


--
-S.

"They've got God on their side. All we've got is science and reason."
-- Dawn Hulsey, Talent Director

Hi Peter,

I have a Pioneer DV-563a Universal Player w/Alex Peychev mods.It is
excellent on both hi-rez formats.With cd it easily outclasses the very
good EVS M-2 dac.

IMO anyone looking for a new disc player should buy a universal.You
just buy the music you like in whatever format you want,pop in the
player and push play.No muss,no fuss,no bother.Three different players
for cd,dvd-a,and sacd? Aint life complicated enough already?

Cheers,
Andy
---------------------------------------------------------------

Peter wrote:

Since much is being written in this newsgroup about the pros and cons
of SACD vs. DVD-A, I wonder if people who own, or who have at least
extensively listened to, Multiformat "Silver Disc" Players, could tell
us a bit about their experiences with these players, and how well they
perform with SACD, DVD-A, and hopefully also with "Standard" CDs.