But, when a really good SACD player is matched against a really good dedicated CD player, the strengths of the particular CD player can outweigh the inherent advantages of the SACD format.
Larryi
Well I would have to disagree with this statement. I will admit that one could tweak, or alter a analog output stage to tailor the sound that one person may find more suitable. Just as one may find an amplifier that suits one's taste. However, when you start with a superior format in SACD, you will need to do some real magic in the rest of the player to make up for the poor start, because you are squarely behind the 8-ball when starting with redbook cd's.
Yes, if you are comparing a stock Japanese SACD player to a highly tweaked redbook cd player, the analog stage of the redbook cd player may be tweaked in such a way that it can hide the inherent flaws of the medium and sound better. However, if you were to use a similar analog stage, the SACD player will sound better.
If you did not use the words "really good" in front of "SACD player", I would find your statement more believeable. Yes, I will admit that a "really good" redbook player can sound better than a SACD player, but not better than a "really good" SACD player.
I still feel that many inexpensive stock SACD players using a SACD disc will out perform a much more expensive redbook only cd player. I will admit that it is possible (and costly) to find a redbook player that can outperform a SACD player, I just haven't heard one yet. I can't say that I've listened to many $10K+ redbook only players though.
FWIW, I went in the other direction. I sold my $8000 redbook cd player for a SACD player that sold for less than half the price. On redbook I would say the older $8000 cd player had a slight edge, on SACD's the cheaper unit far surpassed anything the more expensive redbook player was capable of.
Now I've never been a big digital proponent. I much prefer vinyl, but I find that SACD makes it much easier for me to listen to digital without grinding my teeth.
Cheers,
John