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SACD/CD Question

I've got a question for you SACD guys. I don't have SACD, but have a high-quality two-channel system. I recently bought my first so-called hybrid compatible CD/SACD, a Sony recording, made live in the Berlin Philharmonie in 2002, of the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto played by Arcadi Volodos, with the Berlin Philharmonic under Seiji Ozawa. I have no idea what this one sounds like on an SACD system, but on my two-channel system the orchestral sound is just conspicuously AWFUL! This was all the more surprising to me because I'd earlier bought the same pianist's performance of the Rachmaninoff Third Piano Concerto, also recorded live, in the same hall, in 1999, with the same orchestra under James Levine, also on Sony (but with a different recording engineer), and this one's NOT a hybrid compatible CD/SACD but a plain stereo CD, and it sounds just fine. Can anyone shed some light on what is going on here? I'm reluctant now to buy any more so-called hybrid compatible CD/SACD discs after getting burned.
texasdave
texasdave OP
144 posts
 
In reply to your post, Ben campbell, you ask is the redbook layer remastered? The recording I asked about is a new release (recorded 2002) and has been issued only in the compatible CD/SACD format. The piano sounds fine, but the orchestral sound is really bad.
ben_campbell
1,164 posts
 
Sounds like it's just a recording not to your taste-I might be wrong but I suspect you wouldn't like the SACD layer either.

It would be interesting if you could hear it.
aceto
273 posts
 
Kr4, why dou you imagine I put in those first four words? I was looking for information, not for you to insinuate that I am too stupid to understand what I typed. Now you make me think that there is something to that story.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,424 posts
 
Aceto-

My response was only meant to underscore your point that, although such allegations have been made by many, there is no evidence that such has been a policy for any label. I did not intend to admonish or criticize you.

Kal
amperidian
67 posts
 
... upgraded system gear has shed some light on the initial question posted here. Having owned a Sony NS999ES with signature truth modifications by Modwright for about 6 months now has defintely shed some light on the benefits of SACD technology ... it is clear to me now that SACD is better than redbook CD playback. Performers are more palpable, bass goes deeper and has better articulation, highs have more extension, etc ... SACD does take you to the venue of the actual recording! (playing both formats through the same player). But you need to spend some money on a good mid-fi to hi-fi SACD player to reap the rewards. I also own an Audio Aero Capitole MKII SE Cd player which is very musical and has outstanding resolution. But SACD playback on the modified Sony player gets awfully close to the performance of the Capitole (for 1/4 of the price).

As far as the sound of the Volodos' recording goes I can tell you for sure it will sound better in SACD format on a good SACD player but I suspect that the poor quality sound you are getting in cd playback may be related to the sound engineering involved (i.e. equipment, mastering ... these are not always the same and can have a profound impact on the final outcome) ... hence even the SACD playback may not sound too good. Have you ever considered taking your hybrid CD to a high-end audio store and trying it out there in both formats? ... that may be the best way to tell.

Remy
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