State of HDCD and SACD


I am contemplating a new digital front-end and wondering if I should give preference to HDCD or SACD. It seems that you do not see these two technologies combined too often in a CDP, at least not well!

So, what I want to decide is "What has more of a future as a format?" I think both can sound excellent - that's not the question. I have a MiniMax CDP in my 2nd system that does great things with HDCD, and I previously owned a Shanling T200 that was great with SACD (and Redbook).

If I decide to put my eggs in the HDCD basket I'll probably get a Raysonic CD128. If SACD, a Marantz SA-11.

So, I would appreciate hearing takes on the respective futures of these formats. SACD has many titles available but still a drop, of course, compared to Redbook, and it seems views differed greatly on its future the last time I looked into it, about a year ago.

Would also consider other recommendations for players. Is there something there under $3K (preferably new - I don't trust used digital transports) that does HDCD and SACD and does them both well?
paulfolbrecht

Showing 1 response by jla

I have owned some decent SACD players and ulimately decided to purchase a Meridian G08 since the SACD format is so limited. I recently purchased a cheap Denon 756 new in box for $100. Now I can listen to the 40 or so SACD's that have been collecting dust for the last 10 months. The Denon certainly isn't as good as the Meridian, but at least I can listen to my SACD's and the sound isn't too bad either. Actually, it is pretty good. I recommend investing in the best red book player you can afford. I would much rather listen to red book on my Meridian than SACD on my Denon.