For best CD playback is SACD needed?


I’m looking to significantly upgrade my stereo. I am planning to use CDs as my only source and I listen primarily to Classical and Jazz. Should my CD player have SACD capability?

I ask this for two reasons.
1. SACD seems to be fading away. Many new high end players (like the Nagra CD player) don’t support it. Most new music releases are NOT in SACD, in fact it seems that the number of new SACD discs is on the decline.

2. Some would argue that even though SACD clearly has better numbers on paper, that in the real world it is impossible even for experienced listeners to hear a difference. I’m referring here to the September 2007 issue of the Journal of the Audio Engineering Society (Volume 55, Number 9).
hdomke

Showing 1 response by nrchy

Hdomke why ask the question since you appear to have made up your mind.

My experience with most if not all of these engineering societies is that they have also made up their minds and will go through any gymnastics to prove their conclusion.

I have many of my favorite recordings on redbook, SACD, vinyl, and better vinyl pressings. I have had many non-audiophiles over and gone through the series playing the same track in the order already mentioned, and seen the shock on people faces. They thought SACD sounded better than redbook, but every vinyl source was so much better that people were on many occasions speechless.

Enjoy your conclusions!

O

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