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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
jsbail
320 posts
 
It surprises me that people who were willing to pay $3000 to $5000 or even more for a cd playback system to get the best sound possible are not interested in a $1200 player that will give them clearly superior sound.
no_money
565 posts
 
I mainly bought the player for DVD/CD playback in a more convenient one box solution. The SACD was icing on the cake so lack of software right now didn't matter to me. If you are just wanting the SACD then it will depend on how much disposable income you are willing to spend on it. Once the players get down to the $400.00 mark there really is no reason not to at least try one out.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I listen to the best possible sound all the time. Better than SACD, DVD-A, you name it. It is call live music.
tmartinjr9589
63 posts
 
Interesting article. Many of the Japanese companies are working together to build other 1-bit equipment like amps, radio transmitters, video processing, etc. One-bit technology is not only better--it's cheaper--and it's use it growing.

http://www.edtn.com/story/tech/OEG20010216S0053-T
914nut
100 posts
 
Jsbail---my problem is not with the $1200 for a Sony 9000ES---it's with the fact that out of approx. 150-200 SACDs now available, there are maybe 8 (classical) that I would buy----many of which are of performances from back in the dark ages, and I'm not convinced all of those are worth resurrecting. To me that's not much justification for shelling out the money, especially with the whole situation up in the air as to what format will last. About a year ago, I bought a Wadia 830, and although there are more more expensive players around, it certainly can't be considered cheap. I hate to keep piling more and more redundant equipment onto the rack. I have expressed my feelings about the merits/failings of CD, SACD, analog, etc., under the heading "SACD vs. Analog". I'd like to get reactions to what I posted there. I think we've all reached a crossroad at which we can either sit down and wait, or make some move to keep the journey going. What sez ya?
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