2. misc-audio
  3. 982520754

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

Showing 2 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
As much as I hate to admit it, I agree with Izsakmixer that silver disks are dinosaurs and on their way to extinction...CD, SACD and DVD-A. High-end music servers are the next wave, and the audiophile hardware companies better catch on quickly or they're going to be left behind. Just take a look at the few (and growing in numbers) Audiogon members who are using their computers as playback sources. Music downloads will soon completely wipe out silver disk purchases as the ease of use and customability (is that a word?) of music files increases. We're all going to be waxing nostalgic about the good ol' days when we went through the ritual of unwrapping a compact disk case, beveling the edges, coating the disk with magic spray, gently placing the disk in the CD tray, and pressing the play button.

Ah....I remember the days....
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Other than the availability of some outstanding modified digital sources based on Universal players, I don't personally see the need to own a Universal player if the vast majority of one's music is on redbook CDs, and if the player is used in a two channel music system versus a HT system.

I initially bought a Universal player thinking I'd play my large collection of DVD music concerts, but the reality is that I seldom listen to them in my music system. I'd probably play them more often if I had a video monitor hooked up in that system, but I'm dead set against adding a video monitor to the music room.

I have three SACDs, and I rarely listen to them. In fact, I own Beck's "Sea Change" on both SACD and redbook, and I prefer the redbook version. I find it has a jump factor that I enjoy.

At the risk of placing an ad for APL, I'll quickly mention that Alex Peychev is modding a Marantz CD player, which costs a total of $1100 for the complete package, including the player. If I was in the market for a CD only player, I'd look into this. He's offering a 30 day MBG.
More to discover