Thread: With Hi-Res downloads looming; physical Super Audio is still around, alive and kicking

Posts: 54
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Post by Joseph Ponessa August 21, 2015 (11 of 54)
Fitzcaraldo215 said:

Here is one benchmark I have cited before. I have the justly iconic Solti Ring on LP, on CD and on the Decca BD-A remastering at 48k/24. The BD-A is head and shoulders above the others in terms of dynamics, tonality, detail, spatiality, and everything else.

I too have owned that recording in multiple formats, including the hideously expensive SACD from Japan. I agree that the BD-A comes in a clear first, followed by the SACD, then the CDs that accompany the BD-A. I cannot rate the other CD pressings, which differ from each other, as do the various LP pressings.

Post by bmoura August 21, 2015 (12 of 54)
james_joyce said:

I agree completely. I prefer physical media for a lot of reasons, not least of which is buying and selling used, but I think if you care about hirez music you are going to need to adapt to changing times. I waited to upgrade my disc player until I found one that would play DSD files as well as SACDs and now that I have it (a Yamaha CD-S2100) I've been dipping my toe into downloads. I'm not going to get into whether they sound any better or worse than SACDs (or vinyl for that matter) but they sound great and I'm not going to fight "progress."

That's a great way to approach it. Getting a disc player like the Yamaha you mention or the Oppo 103 and 105 series disc players that let you enjoy SACD and DSD Downloads. Why pick one or the other when you can play both?! :)

Also, do check out the Free DSD Downloads on sites like Blue Coast Music, DSD File, Native DSD and Oppo. It's a nice way to get started in that arena.

Post by james_joyce August 21, 2015 (13 of 54)
krisjan said:

james_joyce - please tell me about your Yamaha SACD player. What did it replace, how do hi-rez downloads sound on it, etc. I do not have the capability of playing hi-rez d/l's at this point, but that seems like a relatively painless way to achieve it (if the player does well with SACD's and RBCD's that is). TIA!
Mark Novak

I had (actually still have, and am waiting to fix) a Marantz SA-11S1. Good sounding player but it is notorious for having a cheap laser than wears out so when my second laser started going bad about a year ago I went shopping. I *love* the Yamaha, it sounds great with RBCDs, SACDs and files via USB. I got a cheap Windows netbook and use foobar2000 for downloads. It will play up to DSD128, which is plenty of bits for me.

Post by krisjan August 21, 2015 (14 of 54)
james_joyce said:

I had (actually still have, and am waiting to fix) a Marantz SA-11S1. Good sounding player but it is notorious for having a cheap laser than wears out so when my second laser started going bad about a year ago I went shopping. I *love* the Yamaha, it sounds great with RBCDs, SACDs and files via USB. I got a cheap Windows netbook and use foobar2000 for downloads. It will play up to DSD128, which is plenty of bits for me.

Thanks James! I have a Marantz SA-11S2 that is almost 8 years old. I leave it on 24/7 and have never had an issue with the transport/laser. All still original. Since you know the sound of the Marantz, I have confidence that I'd also like the Yamaha.

Post by Disbeliever August 21, 2015 (15 of 54)
hiredfox said:

Bold claim Gerald with which not everyone here will likely agree. It seems unlikely such a cheapskate solution will lead to better sound.

As you do not appear to have a mch SACD player ,you should not comment or disagree with the PENGUIN Classical Guide re small rear speakers which are not a cheapskate solution, vinyl better,then mch SACD or BD - A, WAKE UP. As for Ralph, he has to find some way to get rid of his acumulated dough before he enters one of his pricey caskets, so he spends on overpriced audio equipment , mostly unnecessary for realistic sound especially for listening to rubbish rock.

Post by james_joyce August 22, 2015 (16 of 54)
krisjan said:

Thanks James! I have a Marantz SA-11S2 that is almost 8 years old. I leave it on 24/7 and have never had an issue with the transport/laser. All still original. Since you know the sound of the Marantz, I have confidence that I'd also like the Yamaha.

I considered getting an SA11-S3, but the Yamaha costs less and the Marantz doesn't play DSD files.

Post by Euell Neverno August 22, 2015 (17 of 54)
Disbeliever said:

As for Ralph, he has to find some way to get rid of his acumulated dough before he enters one of his pricey caskets, so he spends on overpriced audio equipment , mostly unnecessary for realistic sound especially for listening to rubbish rock.

I wonder whether Ralph's many well-known tweaks enhance his "rubbish rock." Ralph?

Post by Iain August 22, 2015 (18 of 54)
Disbeliever said:

... mostly unnecessary for realistic sound especially for listening to rubbish rock.

Is that similar to grunge rock?

Post by rammiepie August 22, 2015 (19 of 54)
Euell Neverno said:

I wonder whether Ralph's many well-known tweaks enhance his "rubbish rock." Ralph?

It does wonders for EVERY disc I have ever "enhanced" including Classical.

And if Gerald REALLY believes that tiny rear speakers* can enhance more robust fronts in a multichannel set~up..........based on heresay from the Penguin guide........he is way more gullible than previously imagined...........cheapskate 'romanticism?'

(*perhaps suitable for the loo, Gerald).

Post by Disbeliever August 22, 2015 (20 of 54)
rammiepie said:

It does wonders for EVERY disc I have ever "enhanced" including Classical.

And if Gerald REALLY believes that tiny rear speakers* can enhance more robust fronts in a multichannel set~up..........based on heresay from the Penguin guide........he is way more gullible than previously imagined...........cheapskate 'romanticism?'

(*perhaps suitable for the loo, Gerald).

Yep Ralph into the Loo is where Rock noise should go, together with avant garde classical rubbish.

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