SACD Rabbit Hole...

[Patagonia]

In my experience DSD layer will usually sound better (both using internal or external DAC) because normaly they will have a more carefuly worked master including less dinamic compresion. I think its not technical but just marketing as its the same on vinyl despite having on theory less dynamic range than CD.

Exceptions apply, look for example at Genesis Invisible Touch SACD, awfully mastered! (Search in the dr-loudness website database, though not perfect it gives a good idea of the kind of mastering each edition has)

Edit: this is mainly rock/pop, Jazz and Classical for example are less affected so less difference cd/sacd/vinyl

 

[jetson]

Surely the RCA output is analog not PCM.

I'm confused about what this guy wants, sorry

 

[slartibartfast]

I'm confused about what this guy wants, sorry

I think he just wants to know if the SACD layer or the CD layer of a hybrid SACD will sound better when connecting the RCA outputs to an amplifier. The answer is normally yes since the CD version always uses a more compressed master.

 

[jetson]

I think he just wants to know if the SACD layer or the CD layer of a hybrid SACD will sound better when connecting the RCA outputs to an amplifier. The answer is normally yes since the CD version always uses a more compressed master.

Okay. I don't think he'll notice much difference. He'll have to do it like the link I sent to fully enjoy the SACD.

 

[motleypixel]

I'm confused about what this guy wants, sorry

Hey "guy" here No issues/conflicts/arguments/bad feelings, I completely understand because often I don't move in a discussion in smaller bits; rater, big chunks that tend to get the point muddied too much. Most of the confusion is from trying to ask/explain about confusion on this topic

I'm starting to believe that the quality of audio coming out of my speakers via option B. below is > option A. Now because of this, it does not mean I'm going to rid myself of my 200ish audio CDs and replace them with only SACD (even if that was actually possible). It means that now I may replace my CD only transport (S.M.S.L. PL-100) with this pristine (new belt) Oppo that will do the same job as my SMSL (although, I guess I could go down another rabbit hole and compare, does the Oppo offer gapless playback, etc?). In this case I would then have the ability to pull a select few SACD titles and drink my favorite IPA while listening. Will the IPA taste better with SACD or CD?

A. 2003 30th Anniversary DSOTM SACD, CD layer read by the Oppo and outputted to my stereo system via L/R RCA.
B. 2003 30th Anniversary DSOTM SACD, DSD layer read by the Oppo and outputted to my stereo system via L/R RCA.

Finally, here's my last question and response from Oppo support, tis true, very good customer service to a chap that acquired their 2006/7 device second hand:

Me:
Can I benefit from better quality audio playback if I play an SACD that only has a stereo DSD layer when outputting from the Oppo analog RCA L/R White/Red to my music AMP that drives two speakers (no DAC in the amp)? Any help with the work-flow of laser reading the stereo DSD layer from the SACD > speakers in terms of intelligence format through each step?

Thank you.

Oppo Support:
Hi motleypixel,

You will have a higher sample rate when playing SACDs compared to CDs. Even when using the RCA outputs, you will need to make sure the player is not selected for CD Mode when playing hybrid SACDs to take advantage of the DSD layer.

Best Regards,

Customer Service
OT Service, Inc.
Service@oppodigital.com

 

[slartibartfast]

Hey "guy" here No issues/conflicts/arguments/bad feelings, I completely understand because often I don't move in a discussion in smaller bits; rater, big chunks that tend to get the point muddied too much. Most of the confusion is from trying to ask/explain about confusion on this topic

I'm starting to believe that the quality of audio coming out of my speakers via option B. below is > option A. Now because of this, it does not mean I'm going to rid myself of my 200ish audio CDs and replace them with only SACD (even if that was actually possible). It means that now I may replace my CD only transport (S.M.S.L. PL-100) with this pristine (new belt) Oppo that will do the same job as my SMSL (although, I guess I could go down another rabbit hole and compare, does the Oppo offer gapless playback, etc?). In this case I would then have the ability to pull a select few SACD titles and drink my favorite IPA while listening. Will the IPA taste better with SACD or CD?

A. 2003 30th Anniversary DSOTM SACD, CD layer read by the Oppo and outputted to my stereo system via L/R RCA.
B. 2003 30th Anniversary DSOTM SACD, DSD layer read by the Oppo and outputted to my stereo system via L/R RCA.

Finally, here's my last question and response from Oppo support, tis true, very good customer service to a chap that acquired their 2006/7 device second hand:

Me:
Can I benefit from better quality audio playback if I play an SACD that only has a stereo DSD layer when outputting from the Oppo analog RCA L/R White/Red to my music AMP that drives two speakers (no DAC in the amp)? Any help with the work-flow of laser reading the stereo DSD layer from the SACD > speakers in terms of intelligence format through each step?

Thank you.

Oppo Support:
Hi motleypixel,

You will have a higher sample rate when playing SACDs compared to CDs. Even when using the RCA outputs, you will need to make sure the player is not selected for CD Mode when playing hybrid SACDs to take advantage of the DSD layer.

Best Regards,

Customer Service
OT Service, Inc.
Service@oppodigital.com

I have to say the answer from Oppo is exactly the kind of answer I expect from all customer service departments to any question