Where can I buy SA-CD music?
SA-CD albums are sold via the usual music distribution channels such as music stores and online web shops.
Why don’t all SA-CD’s contain a multi-channel mix?
To mix or remix recordings for 5.1 surround is, besides of the choice of the artist/ record label, also dependant on the original source material that is available. In some cases, for instance with the Rolling Stones Remastered series, the music will benefit from the higher resolution in stereo DSD, but not allow for the creation of the full surround sound reproduction.
What are the key benefits of SA-CD?
SACD Offers:
– Superb sound quality, the same as what you hear in the recording studio.
– A disc that can store 4x the data of a CD, which allows space for a 2-channel stereo as well as a separate 5.1 surround mix.
– Super high resolution sound quality through a new recording technology: DSD
– The world’s most secure digital audio carrier: protected against industrial piracy.
What is multi-channel SACD?
The SA-CD format provides for a stereo mix and a distinct multi-channel mix on one disc. This means that the music can be mixed to 5.1 channels instead of only two (stereo), providing the listener with an additional multi-channel dimension to the music.
What is a hybrid SA-CD?
The SA-CD specifications allow the creation of a “hybrid” disc. This is a disc with two physical layers: one layer containing SA-CD audio and a separate layer containing conventional CD audio. The vast majority of SA-CD’s introduced to date are of the hybrid type. The main advantage is that this disc plays on a CD and DVD player, or in a CD-R drive of your computer at CD quality.
Will my CD collection play on a SA-CD player?
Yes. SA-CD players can play back all current CDs.
I am trying to play a hybrid SA-CD in a CDR drive, but it doesn’t work. What can be the problem?
The CD layer of a SA-CD is made according to red book specifications, so if the title you are playing is a hybrid disc, the error is probably caused by the drive. This can occur if a player follows more narrow specifications than red book standard.
I own a stereo SA-CD Player. Will multi-channel SA-CD’s play on my stereo system?
A surround SA-CD contains both a surround and a separate, independent stereo mix, both mastered in high quality DSD audio. If you put a surround SA-CD in your stereo player, the player will select the stereo mix.
Besides a multi-channel SA-CD player, what else do I need to play back the multi-channel section of a SA-CD?
You will need a 5.1 amplifier and 5 speakers + subwoofer.
SA-CD multi-channel players can easily be connected to many current 5.1 A/V receivers/amplifiers that are found in today’s home theatre systems.
Who manufactures SA-CD players
A list of SA-CD player manufacturers can be found on the player section of this web site: go to ‘SA-CD Players’.