I would have to agree with the consensus that each format has its own merit, depending upon the quality of the recording. Having spent the past week or so really examining the differences between SACD, XRCD discs and vinyl, I have reached the conclusion that each can be completely satisfying. Vinyl is most enjoyable when the recording is top-notch and the record is spotless.There just seems a "rightness" to the presentation that is hard to articulate. It is, however, a pain-in-the-ass to maintain, clean and operate. SACD shows tremendous potential and might sound as musical as vinyl with the right recordings.I recently picked up the ubiquitous Philips SACD 1000 for $400.00 at Tweeter, and I must say certain recordings really sound fantastic. Some recent XRCDs I've obtained are spectacular and when played through my allegedly antiquated Jadis megabuck redbook rig leave me wanting for nothing! At this point, I could not see abandoning any of these formats.