Disc Players

SACD Legacy

No audio pundit alive would deny that DSD downloads and streaming look likely to kill off physical media for good. Though online digital sources might continue to improve, sound quality still takes second place to convenience, and convenience rules for non-audiophiles. However, despite its low profile outside of Japan, SACD continues to offer salvation for audiophiles who 1) prefer physical media, 2) have a use for digital playback, and 3) want something better-sounding than 'Red Book' CDs, streams or other digital formats. SACD may be a well-kept secret, but the format is alive and awaiting your partaking.

One needn't look far to find that support is not limited to Japanese music labels. Specialists around the world continue to supply sublime SACDs of rock, pop, jazz and classical titles, as well as generating new material, among them 2L in Norway, Dutton Vocalion in the UK and Octave, Analogue Productions and Mobile Fidelity in the USA. Their catalogues are vast, prices the same or less than vinyl. And the sound? Pick up an old Sony PlayStation 3, or a used Denon, Oppo or Pioneer 'universal' player. Simply switch between CD and SACD on a dual-layer disc. Sit back. And I won't say 'I told you so'.