Blu ray and SACD
Hi Edorr, I agree combining the two systems would be most cost effective. However, my current home theatre room is on the second floor and opens to both floors - very bright. In addition, there is an AC air handler in the room.... To me the room is the most important part of the sound of any system. I learned that the hard way. |
Separting 2channel and multi channel makes little sense (unless you want to outfit two different physical spaces with sound equipment - may be one listening and one video room). The reason is you can easily integrate a state of the art two channel in a multi channel system. You can view your multichannel setup as an add on to your 2 channel. You basically just add a 3 channel amp, powered sub, center and surround channel + a processor to your 2 channel system, and run the processor in bypass mode through your preamp, if you insist on holding on to your preamp (a good processor will do fine as a pre). This setup takes nothing away from your 2 channel setup, saves you a bundle, and you'll have better MC, because you are using front L/R that is superior to what you would buy for a dedicated MC only setup. Also, you will be able to enjoy MC SACD, which you otherwise would not (assuming you would use your SACD player in your 2 channel system). |
Hi Edorr; thanks for the detailed response. I was away so I only read it today. I have to stick with the part of your response that says "If you're on a budget its a no brainer and you should get the Oppo." I am a CPA so I am always on a budget :-). However; I have decided to keep my home theatre and two channel seperate. In addition; I may ultimately use my computer thru a DAC as my source. The more I learn the closer I get to deciding what system to build. Thanks again. |
Neilspeed, I was in your position 6 months ago and would have bought the Denon universal had it been available then. However, I was impatient and went the two box route and bought a Pioneer BDO 09 FD for blu ray (about 2K), and a Sony XA 5400 ES for SACD. Both are state of the art players and the two boxes combined are priced lower than the Denon single box. I suspect the Denon is audio and video wise at the same level as my separates. Drawbacks of the two box solution are: The Sony has no multi channel analog outs. If (as I do) you prefer MC analog out over HDMI, for SACD you don't have that option. Other drawback is the Sony LPCM output for MC SACD does not work with all processors (ask Kal about this), so you may be limited in what processors you can use the Sony with. I am using the DSD direct option (works with Onkyo/Integra, Denon, Sony and Pioneer processors - possibly others). I would suggest that if you are using SACD in two channel only you should consider my setup. If you want more flexibility and use MC SACD audio, you should try the Denon. If you're on a budget its a no brainer and you should get the Oppo. In fact, if you subscribe to the bits are bits filosophy you should consider saving $$$ on the source components and see how well Oppo HDMI out sounds/looks in combination with a top notch HDMI processor (Classe 800, Halcro etc.). |
"I am in the process of purchasing a Blu ray player and I would like to know whether any Blu ray player will play SACD in its true format as it was meant to be played (not just because it is compatible)." from what I know the two new SACD/BD players from Marantz UD9004 and UD8004 play SACD natively. PS Does anybody know any Blu-ray player that will play Blu-ray discs without converting 24bit/48kHz do delta-sigma? |
Just to add to the Play Station 3 comments. Only the older 60 Gig and older 80 Gig PS3 play SACD. I don't believe the newer 80 Gig, 40 Gig or the 120 Gig do. I have the older 80 Gig and it works great, plus like Buconero117 said, software update is great and it plays SACD and MP3 over a network as well as videos over a network. My favorite option on my PS3 80 Gig is the ability to play HiDef video. I have a Canon HiDef camcorder that records to SD memory cards. I pop them into the PS3 card reader and get up to 1080P video on my plasma. |
On 08-13-09, Neilspeed " I really could not find much online on using a Blu ray player in an audio setting."Then, perhaps, you might try my series of columns. ;-) Kal http://www.stereophile.com/musicintheround |
I agree with Drjoe. The Oppo BDP-83. It plays formats including SACD. The outputs are HDMI 1.3 all audio formats and video, Analog 7.1 & 5.1 for SACD DSD and PCM, DVD-A, HDDTS & HDDD. It has 2 channel analog output for all the above & CD. It also has optical and coax output but not for Hi Res audio. Composite & componant video out as well as an Ethernet & USB port. This player does it all and the picture is very very good. If you want RS232 control you can order it as an add on. I replace a Marantz 6400 SACD & Sony S500 BR player, the Oppo smoked both of them. I could not be happied. The only thing I do not like is the CD audio but I will get it modded at a later date. This unit is a bargin at 499.00. |
I know of only 3 BR players, at the present time, that will play SACDs. They are the Oppo BDP-83, the Denon DVD-A1UDCI and, the soon to be released, Marantz UD9004. There is, also, the Sony PS3, if that fits your needs. Now, you have to tell me what you mean by the ability to "play SACD in its true format as it was meant to be played." I can think of several ways. Kal |
