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Recommendations discs for SACD/DVD-A trial

Well folks, I'm going to give hi-rez a chance (2 channel, wouldn't want to rush into things). Can anyone recommend a typical and a superb disc that I can buy in both redbook and hi-rez to use to try this out? After reading the latest S'phile article about the Norah Jones SACD being mastered from the redbook digital files and not the analog master tapes, I would like to give this a fair trial. So I am looking for something that is representative of what hi-rez 2 channel can bring to the table, and something that is the best there is. I would like to buy redbook and hi-rez
versions of each of the two discs, so I can put one in a modded Denon 2900 and one in my EMC-1UP SE. I'm not a big classical, rap, metal, or hip-hop but otherwise, I'm open to many musical genre's. I'll be sure to post the results when they are available and would be happy to host some NY/New Englanders at my place in CT for the trial. More details later.
swampwalker
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
In the case of SACD, you have a 16 bit (redbook) CD version on the same disc. If you want to have two physically separate discs, rip a copy of the CD layer from the SACD.

Whereabouts are you in CT? I am in Stockbridge MA. (Go Red Sox).
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker OP
5,132 posts
 
El- West Hartford. Go Sox indeed. I want to make sure that the SACD layer on a dual disc is actually from the analog master tape, and not from the 16 bit master like the Norah Jones fiasco. Otherwise, its not showing what the new format can do. Is there a web site somewhere that gives that info. How about Chesky discs? Is the hi-rez version mastered from the redbook or the master tapes?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I don't know about the 16bit master issue, but the new Diana Krall CD is
out on a hybrid disk, and it sounds terrific on my system in both
formats.

Which modded Denon 2900 did you purchase?
maineiac
649 posts
 
I remember my dealer telling me that the redbook layer on a hybrid was NOT the same quality as a redbook only disc. I am not sure of why this might be. I have not found the DVD-As to be as good as SACD on my system (Denon 2900 stock).

As for SACD, Allison Krauss , Live; Diana Krall, Girl in the Other Room. Patrica Barber, Cafe Blue.

It would be great to know the results of your experiment!!
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker OP
5,132 posts
 
OK!!! The only thing sweeter than winning the pennent is beating the Yanks to do it. :-D. Now for something completely different. I own the Allison Krauss Live on CD, so I will get the SACD, the Patricia Barber SACD and CD and one or two more. As for the hardware, I have not yet selected the mod I am going for. Underwoodwally has a new tube output stage circuit just about to be released; but the Exemplar HAS gotten raves. Decisions, decisions. This is going to be fun. By the time I get the 2900 and get it modded, it'll probably be winter. A great way to while away the cold months.
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