I is all the recoding/mastering quality, IMO! There are numerous examples of CDs sounding much better than SACD, as well as music available on vinyl that is quite superior to any digital re-issue, and vice versa. Some fresh examples:
1. Bill Evans "Waltz for Debby" - the 20bit Riverside CD is noticeably superior to any other CD, the regular SACD or HD Tracks download, with only one exception - the Japanese SHM SACD.
2. Stan Getz "Jazz Samba" - the LP sounds artificially "fat" and unnatural, with audible distortions. The 24K Gold CD by DCC is far better in every respect.
3. Johnny Hodges "Blues A-Plenty" - the 45rpm single sided vinyl re-issue is far superior to what is available on digital. I can't wait for the Analog Productions SACD to become available hoping it will come close to the vinyl, we'll see.
Of course, we can go on and on, but truth is, one needs SOTA analog and SOTA digital at home in order to enjoy favorite music. Me being mostly Jazz lover, I enjoy both digital and analog immensely, depending on the recording I feel like playing.
So no more format wars! Enjoy the music! :)
Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
1. Bill Evans "Waltz for Debby" - the 20bit Riverside CD is noticeably superior to any other CD, the regular SACD or HD Tracks download, with only one exception - the Japanese SHM SACD.
2. Stan Getz "Jazz Samba" - the LP sounds artificially "fat" and unnatural, with audible distortions. The 24K Gold CD by DCC is far better in every respect.
3. Johnny Hodges "Blues A-Plenty" - the 45rpm single sided vinyl re-issue is far superior to what is available on digital. I can't wait for the Analog Productions SACD to become available hoping it will come close to the vinyl, we'll see.
Of course, we can go on and on, but truth is, one needs SOTA analog and SOTA digital at home in order to enjoy favorite music. Me being mostly Jazz lover, I enjoy both digital and analog immensely, depending on the recording I feel like playing.
So no more format wars! Enjoy the music! :)
Best wishes,
Alex Peychev