What is the point of SACD?

[surv1v0r]

I recently noticed that a particular Classical CD in which I was interested was available in SACD format.

I don't have a SACD player; I believe that they tend to be significantly more expensive than ordinary CD players and my understanding is that no normal person is capable of reliably distinguishing between music from a CD or a SACD (unless listening to 5.1).

Why are people still producing SACD disks?

[Desmo]

Because it sounds better! And I certainly don't have a 5.1 system.

BTW many SACD titles are dual layer, so they will play on a normal CD player too.

[Macca]

The mastering is sometimes superior on a SACD. You can buy a player that will decode them pretty cheaply nowadays.

[Spectral Morn]

Because it sounds better! And I certainly don't have a 5.1 system.

BTW many SACD titles are dual layer, so they will play on a normal CD player too.

Agreed


Regards Neil

[Haselsh1]

Yes I have to agree that they sound considerably better. I was only using a cheap Pioneer SACD player but it was so much more dynamic than my Marantz. I have a lot of Genesis titles on SACD and they are amazing. Apart from the tinny remastering the level of detail on a proper SACD player is amazing.

[Pieoftheday]

Agreed


Regards Neil

I've just bought a SACD player, I don't have any sacd's though

[Audio Al]

Super Audio Compact Disc

Its also another way of getting you 2 purchase your favourite music again + another audio unit

[Stratmangler]

The Genesis albums on SACD are more than just remastered.
They're remixes, and there's modern day outboard gear other than ADCs incorporated (ie digital delays and digital reverb).
They're not a proper representation of the original albums.

On top of all that these SACD reworkings have been used as the basis of all the current CD masters, so if you want to go out and buy the original mixes you're basically screwed
The remasters of 1994 were the last time the original mixes were represented, so if it's the originals you want then it's the 1994 remasters you need to get.

[Spectral Morn]

I've just bought a SACD player, I don't have any sacd's though

Plenty on Amazon and Ebay


Regards Neil

[Haselsh1]

The Genesis albums on SACD are more than just remastered.
They're remixes, and there's modern day outboard gear other than ADCs incorporated (ie digital delays and digital reverb).
They're not a proper representation of the original albums.

On top of all that these SACD reworkings have been used as the basis of all the current CD masters, so if you want to go out and buy the original mixes you're basically screwed
The remasters of 1994 were the last time the original mixes were represented, so if it's the originals you want then it's the 1994 remasters you need to get.

Thanks for that Chris. I know that the new issues sound very different to my original vinyl copies when I had them way back when. The level of detail on these new SACD's is incredible. I also love the way that Steve Hackett's guitaring is very much more prominent. I love the SACD version of 'Trick of the Tale' the best but also quite like my all time fave Genesis album 'Selling England' on SACD.