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Coping in an Age of Uncertainty

there have been numerous threads here, i know, about sacd v. dvd-a, upsampling, oversampling, etc. a number of these threads have included discussions of which, if any, new digital format will replace what we now call “redbook” cd’s. i don’t wish to rehash these discussions. rather, i’d like to hear from others how they are coping with the “age of uncertainty” in the realm of digital audio. is it better to “roll the dice” and invest in sacd or dvd a? ignore the contenders for the new and get the best possible out of redbook cd’s? buy with upgradeability firmly in mind? follow another path? i don’t post this query out of mere curiosity. i really haven’t figured out what course i should follow. i’d appreciate your giving me a hand. -kelly
cornfedboy
ferrari
617 posts
 
It is true that no portable medium can ever capture the essence of a home setup.

However the portable medium does not have to sound like the dreck it is. At this point in time there is not any incentive for the manufacturers to raise the bar of development as the masses have voted with their wallet to accept mediocrity. And believe me they are doing hand springs down Park Ave, with the excessive profits of these portable mediums. Music means nothing to them, just profit,thats it, nothing less.

During my days with CBS/Columbia if we had ever put out a LP,cassette,reel to reel that has the sonic signature of this medium, our heads would have been on pikes.

I for one would dearly love to see a portable medium I could live with and no it doesn't have to be as good as a
home system. But it does have to sound like music. It can be done and it will happen, when the masses finally turn thier back and demand more from the portable medium.

Until it does I vote no with my wallet.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Hey Dave, when you are back from having this amazing life you claim to have ask yourself if you also earned the tittle of "pain in the ass to pay attention to"?
OK so you are an old seasoned audio guy, usually all that means is you have made more errors in audio the younger folks in this hobby, but I forgot you have a life so you never read this.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
2,267 posts
 
Dear Chadnliz, I have a life ...but I will always make time for people with an exceptional understanding of audio. Judging by your command of the english language, I must admit to being intimidated! That being said however, what is your point? Sure I can be a pain in the ass and hard to pay attention to...not much different than trying to decipher your pointless remarks! What is the substance of your being "pained" by myself? Don't be jealous...my life isn't that fabulous...or is it?
john_leslie's avatar
john_leslie
5 posts
 
Its like drinking booze (Bourbon for me, please). Vinyl is a small batch or single barrel brew for straight up sippin' - no distractions, just pure pleasure. Digital is for mixed drinks. So when I'm writing out the bills or surfing Audigon, its iTunes into a Benchmark DAC. When I want to turn off the world and listen to Miles, Trane, Satchmo, Gary Burton, hell, even vintage Heart or Led Zep, I drop a Shelter 901 in the groove, turn down the lights, and sip some of Kentucky's finest, straight up. SACD, DVD-A? Not until they can beat vinyl or are as generally accepted as ice cream in July.

Best to you, cornfedboy.
ecclectique
509 posts
 
Hey John. Great analogy.... well said.
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