Analogue Productions SACDs

I was able to overcome those copyright limitations using a DBOB (Geerfab distal breakout box) with my oppo bdp-93. It extracts the DSD signal from HDMI and sends it to the dac. Works great and cheaper alternative to a super expensive SACD player and does it without breaking any laws.

@richardbrand In regards to your comments about the DSD conversion, have you heard a Rockna?  There's what you read on the internet, and then there's actual listening experience. 

To be clear, what I've said from the start is that a CD will sound better through a good DAC than a SACD through a not so great DAC.  You like what you like, keep doing what you're doing. 

I come here to learn new things with an open mind and to help when I can, based on my actual experience, not to argue with people about their audio theories.

@big_greg 

To be fair, I had not even heard of Rockna before your post, let alone heard a Rockna setup!

what I've said from the start is that a CD will sound better through a good DAC than a SACD through a not so great DAC

Not sure how this helps anyone!  You hypothetically change two factors simultaneously, with a conclusion that suggests CDs might be better than SACDs even though all hybrid SACDs include a CD layer.  Not helpful.

@alb59 

the quality of the digital output depends on the output connection

Thanks for pointing out the limitations of most digital connections!  Why North Americans seem so reluctant to embrace the purpose-designed High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is completely beyond me.

It seems to go hand-in-hand with a refusal to consider multi-channel sound, whether through SACD (5.0 or 5.1 channels), Pure Audio Blu-ray or newer formats like Dolby Atmos (up to 32 virtual channels).  All these are supported by HDMI which currently operates up to 96-Gbps.

Instead we get the faintly ridiculous notion of using HDMI cables to transmit the 1986 I2S protocol designed by Philips.  I2S was designed so two chips on the same board could communicate 2-channel 16-bit PCM data.  Let’s get real

@richardbrand The OP asked about the ability of a CD player to render SACD information. It won't, but if it's a hybrid disc it will play in any CD player. They don't have an SACD player, so buying SACDs would be wasteful. 

I pointed out a couple of other things that may prevent somebody from wasting their money. The first is that the recording and mastering of the music and the quality of the playback equipment is more important than the media that it's on.

The second is that if someone already has a good CD player, most SACDs include a Redbook layer that is very likely to sound better on a decent CD player or transport and DAC than the SACD layer will on a universal player that supports SACD. 

What helpful and useful information have you contributed?