Analogue Productions SACDs

@goofyfoot 

 I can see the argument for buying an SACD player since there are more options on disc form but they’re expensive

Your DAC already has DSD capability, so all you really need is something that acts as an SACD transport, that is to say, no analogue output is needed.  Sony make a universal disk player, the UBP-X700U, which you can probably buy new for under US$200.  That’s right, only two zeros.

It only outputs over HDMI - one is dedicated for audio.  So if your DAC accepts HDMI natively (not I2S using an HDMI cable) that’s all you really need.

This transport is not built like a tank, but it supports Blu-Ray up to 4K, SACD, DVD and CD.  Apart from SACD, it supports other high resolution audio formats including Pure Audio Blu-Ray and Dolby Atmos.

If you are into classical music or jazz, Presto Music | All things musical… on your doorstep has over 6,000 new SACD titles listed.  They also have a streaming service which offers downloads at no extra charge.

By the way, DSD on SACD takes samples 64 times more often that CDs, so it is often written DSD64.  You DAC does even better at DSD256 while your transport is probably DSD128 capable.  But for SACD you only need DSD64.

@big_greg 

many people are not aware of the potential of CDs to provide excellent sound quality. 

I am primarily a vinyl guy myself

Good to see a vinyl enthusiast embracing CDs.  Around the time CDs were released (1982) I found myself in the UK and popped into the Quad factory, to be greeted by the legendary Peter Walker himself. I asked what he thought of the new medium and he said "It is fantastic".  He had no axe to grind, as at that time Quad only made amplifiers and speakers targeted towards classical music listeners.

On my way back to Australia, I acquired Quad pre- and power amplifiers, Quad ESL-63 speakers and a Philips CD player, plus a Garrard 301 turntable with SME arm and Shure V15 cartridge that my dad gave me.  I stopped buying new vinyl until last year when I found out how much the Garrard sells for secondhand.  I naturally transitioned to SACD over 20 years ago when Gramophone magazine provided its reviewers with Marantz universal disk players, so I bought one.

Later I found out that almost all vinyl over the last 20 years has been digitally mastered anyway.  If I was not mainly interested in classical, my journey would have been very different.

Later I found out that almost all vinyl over the last 20 years has been digitally mastered anyway.

I think a lot of people don't realize that.  I often question my sanity for continuing to buy vinyl when streaming and CDs sound so good and take up so much less space, especially considering that many vinyl records were recorded and/or mastered digitally. 

There seems to be a lot of issues with quality control in today's vinyl manufacturing process.  Many new records that I buy have issues with surface noise, non-fill, warps, etc.

However, there's something about the ritual of playing vinyl for me that transcends digital playback, so I keep doing it.  When the vinyl is done right, it can sound really spectacular. 

@richardbrand I appreciate your time and mindfulness to help me with accessing SACD capability. I'm using an Ayre QB9 Twenty DAC and a Bryston BDP 3 transport. The Ayre DAC only operates via USB. I bought the Ayre in 2011 during its first incarnation. Two upgrades later and its still with me. It sounds very good so I have no interest in getting a different DAC unless I come up with a substantial amount of money. I recently purchased my first download trough Presto. A 24 bit 96kHz download from Alpha records entitled 'Deux'. https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8400043--deux Not DSD but a very good sounding recording with exceptional artistry. Anyway, downloads and mono vinyl for me!

@goofyfoot

Thanks for that extra information.  I can't help you on USB!  Seems the world is divided between the USA, where seven computer companies originally invented USB, and Europe/Japan where HDMI proliferates.

I had not heard the Alpha recording you linked, but I now have it downloaded on my Android phone.  As a Presto Music subscriber, there was no extra charge for the download. I recently bought another Alpha CD which is stupendous, although it breaks the Redbook rules for duration Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition (page 1 of 15) | Presto Music

Last month I went to a live performance which included Ravel's Tzigane played by a 20's something violinist.  Awesome.

If you like Ravel, could I suggest any of John Wilson's recordings with the Sinfonia of London, on Chandos.  Chandos normally records in multi-channel high-resolution PCM and delivers as hybrid SACD or downloads.  Actually all Chandos / John Wilson recordings are top notch