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Is there a consensus as to blu ray sound quality?

I have no doubt missed it...as it's probably been discussed ad nauseum on these electronic pages, but I still wonder...is there a consensus of the sound quality differential between regular players and the new blu ray?
Of course the video qualities and disc qualities are apparently much upgraded into the blu ray tech, but does this mean the sound is as consistently better? Has anyone played one of Winston Ma's incredible FIM remakes on a blu ray, if so tell us about what you're hearing.
Also, am wondering if any of the CD mfgrs are planning audiophile versions of blu ray??
lrsky

Showing 5 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
I have not read the entire thread, but in response to the title, " Is there a consensus as to blu ray sound quality?", I have to ask if there's a consensus regarding any topic in the audiophile hobby?

Sometimes, I think if there was an audiophile alone in a room, he'd (she'd) have a difficult time reaching a consensus.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Based on Sony's history of developing and abandoning formats, I'd consider it fiscally risky to spend money on an expensive audiophile Blu-Ray player, unless one is OK with owning a player that becomes obsolete in five years.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
02-13-09: Lrsky
True Tvad, but if we're to be realistic, everything digital is obsolete in, well, less than 5 years.

No it's not. Redbook CD has been around for more than two decades, and it's still a viable digital format in the commercial music market.

SACD and DVD-A, on the other hand, have either been abandoned or are marginalized into micro-niche markets. In fact, Sony has abandoned SACD on some of their current players.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
As I understand the question, you are asking if people believe the sound quality of Blu-Ray is superior to other digital formats, and therefore if it will make other digital formats obsolete.

Correct?

I was simply pointing to the fact that aural superiority of a format is no guarantee of the longevity of the format...even from the company that was at the vanguard.

I know my take on the discussion is tangential.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I own many CDs that sound incredibly good. Really. They are a pleasure to hear, and they bring many hours of musical enjoyment.

I remain convinced that the quality of any CD (or SACD, or DVD-A, or LP, or...) lies more in the excellence of the recording and mastering process than it does in the delivery medium.

In fact, so many of my CDs sound great that I often cannot understand the deep desire many audiophiles have for "better".

I just purchased a new CD that sounds terrific: Jerry Bergonzi's "Tenorist" with John Abercrombie.
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