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is a SACD+CD player better than a universal player

Many people argue that separates are better in audio, whether it's amp/pre-amp, sources, etc.

So, based on experience with the available models, is it better to go with a unit that is SACD+CD and do video (and if you want it DVD-Audio) separately?

Carrying this to its extreme, do you think it should be all three -- one source that maximizes redbook CD peformance, one that maximizes SACD and one that maximizes video.

And the wrinkle in all this is HD-DVD/Blu-Ray which is beginning to appear as a rationale for separating audio and video once and for all.....

Your thoughts?
dgaylin

Showing 2 responses by audio_obsessed_novic

audio_obsessed_novic
8 posts
 
I hope I am not hijacking your post here, but I have been wondering why a universal player isn't as good or "musical" as a straight CD player or SACD player.

I mean, do they(a DVD player and CD player) not operate on the same principles with the servo system, pickup, processor/DAC, etc.? And neglecting the quality of the component parts, wouldn't a DVD player do a better job on these tasks, given the higher standards of DVD and the need for greater precision?

As for your question: I apologize, as I of course do not know the answer.

However, I would think that using seperates would allow each part, each player, to be specialized to playing that particular type(CD, SACD, DVD, etc.) and aspect(audio/video) of media and therefore maximize its potential.

But my question is: in the arena of digital audio, WHY? For example, why would a straight CD player sound better than a DVD player? Again, disregarding the quality of the components, woulnd't both players read, process, and output the same audio information?
audio_obsessed_novic
8 posts
 
Yeah, if you're like me, being more of an audiophile than a videophile then I would imagine that you would probably get better audio performance out of a SACD/CD player than a universal.

Because of the extra circuitry needed to process the picture in DVD players the sound would probably get degraded a bit. Although, there are some players where you can bypass the video circuitry if you are playing an audio only disc such as CD or SACD. You may want to check if your Bel Canto has this feature.

If not, I am sure you already know this, but Musical Fidelity makes some great SACD/CD players along with dCS, and if you can afford it, unlike me, you should probably get some very much improved sound. Then, if you want, you can maybe sell your Bel Canto PL-1A to get a Blu-Ray/HD-DVD player for better picture.

This is the way I would go, if I had the money of course.

Anyway, you should probably take these words with a pound of salt as I am just a crazy audio obsessed novice who doesn't know half as much that the he thinks he does, and even less about what he talks about.

Well, until you decide what to do, just relax and enjoy the music.

Take it easy,
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