SACD questions?????

[Richs_Trains]

I could never get the lip sync right.

That's why I was so happy the Marantz 1501 had that feature, it allows me the optical feed I need for good surround and allows me to connect the TV on a dedicated HDMI, otherwise I would have to run the HDMI to the Marantz 1501 and then output to the TV; which means every time I want to watch a DVD, the surround system must be on. I know some AV receivers have a bypass circuit for the HDMI which leaves it live even when the receiver is off, but not mine. Thanks Rich

 

[PAGS]

There are some great multichannel releases - I have a now unobtainium SACD of Roxy Music - Avalon...

The stereo Japanese SACD (should still be available from CDJapan) is pretty excellent, too.

 

[KrisM]

The 4 channel SACD releases are a newer style as most are 5.1 channel if they are multi-channel.

Actually, those 4.0 multi-channel CD's at Audio Fidelity are simply re-issues of the original quad tracks that were made when they were first released, in the quad era. Cheap, no. Musically "realistic"? No, but actually quite fun and enjoyable, particularly that Guess Who one. I know. I have it.

On the surface, 4 channel SACD seems a bit odd, but it makes sense. The center speaker is usually the weak link in most HT setups. Just eliminating it from the mix by keeping that info in the front speakers isn't a terrible idea.
And if it's an old quad mix there's little need to muck with it, IMO.

On the flip side of that, awhile back I lugged one of my upstairs speakers down to the theater room to try out some of those 3.0 Living Stereo SACDs. My LR and HT systems use the same main speakers, so I was curious. Sure wouldn't work as a full time thing, but it was pretty cool.

 

[KrisM]

Thanks for the reply SoundBoy, saw those on Amazon, like Simon and Garfunkel, but not so much Garfunkel. Think I'll pick up that classical sampler that's reasonably priced to give the surround a try. Thanks again Rich

A couple of things.

Keep in mind that classical multi-channel mixes and rock/pop mixes can be quite different. Classical SACDs tend to not have that "whiz bang" thing going on with the rear channels as much as a lot of rock ones do. Neither is 'better', but they are different. The Dark Side Of The Moon SACD is one to check out for that kind of mix. If it's your bag.

If you're thinking of sampling some classical, these guys do good work, and the last time I checked their samplers weren't in break the bank territory. Even their full releases aren't all that pricey.

https://www.channelclassics.com/

 

[the skipper]

I've got a few of those Audio Fidelity recycled 4.0 quad CD's and, while not exactly musically accurate, are a lot of fun. Yeah, the center is not needed so they are perfect in this application. Granted, four identical speakers would be nice but it's not always practical. But, this is where having surrounds from the same manufacturer/ line comes in handy. it seems that doing away with the center channel doesn't hurt the experience a bit.

As for those Living Stereo SACD's, well, I think my mains are too close to really appreciate that center channel. Remember, these were made when stereo was in it's infancy and the mains were widely separated.

 

[N8Nagel]

On the surface, 4 channel SACD seems a bit odd, but it makes sense. The center speaker is usually the weak link in most HT setups. Just eliminating it from the mix by keeping that info in the front speakers isn't a terrible idea.
And if it's an old quad mix there's little need to muck with it, IMO.

Very much this. I'd love to get some reissues of old quad recordings on SACD, much easier than messing with tape reels or fiddly turntables.

Unfortunately the media seems to be equally common (CD-4 LPs, quad tapes, and SACDs) in stores.

 

[KrisM]

Very much this. I'd love to get some reissues of old quad recordings on SACD, much easier than messing with tape reels or fiddly turntables.

Unfortunately the media seems to be equally common (CD-4 LPs, quad tapes, and SACDs) in stores.

Yeah. Kinda sad that there aren't more releases, but I guess the market has spoken.

I guess it's also why there are plenty of DVD-A quad needledrops floating around out there.

 

[N8Nagel]

As an aside, I have a few concert DVDs. Does anyone know what the sampling rate and number of bits is for the DTS spec? Wiki is silent on the subject, although they do give specs for DTS-HD and HD Master. Just wondering if they have the possibility for excellent sound as I've only ever watched them on the HT rig. This thread just made this pop into my head, as did the fact that one of said DVDs is sitting out as it's a recent thrift store purchase (Pixies Acoustic Live in Newport)

 

[KrisM]

As an aside, I have a few concert DVDs. Does anyone know what the sampling rate and number of bits is for the DTS spec? Wiki is silent on the subject, although they do give specs for DTS-HD and HD Master. Just wondering if they have the possibility for excellent sound as I've only ever watched them on the HT rig. This thread just made this pop into my head, as did the fact that one of said DVDs is sitting out as it's a recent thrift store purchase (Pixies Acoustic Live in Newport)

I've got to run, but basically it varies when it come to DTS.
It also varies with
concert DVDs. Some have a stereo PCM option.

 

[Bill Ferris]

This seems to be a common issue. When I had a non-HDMI receiver and fed the HDMI from my Denon 1940 CI "almost" universal player and the 5.1 analog audio directly to my Denon 2802, I could never get the lip sync right. So, I would up using it purely for CD/SACD use

Skipper, ref: lip sync..
I don`t know about your Denon "almost universal" player, but my older( circa 09) Sony, and both of my more recent OPPO`s BR players(BDP-103 & UDP-203) have effective lip sync adjustments in their menu`s..

If not explored in your Denon`s menu, might be something to check out, if it`s adjustment is provided..

Just a thought Sir.

Kind regards, OKB

 

[the skipper]

Skipper, ref: lip sync..
I don`t know about your Denon "almost universal" player, but my older( circa 09) Sony, and both of my more recent OPPO`s BR players(BDP-103 & UDP-203) have effective lip sync adjustments in their menu`s..

If not explored in your Denon`s menu, might be something to check out, if it`s adjustment is provided..

Just a thought Sir.

Kind regards, OKB

Thanks for the suggestion, It does. but it only worked if I used HDMI exclusively, Due to my ancient pre-HDMI receiver at the time (Denon 2802 from 2003) I had to use the analog audio, which is why I bought it. I wanted to avail myself of multi-channel SACD's

I say "almost universal" (Denon DVD-1940 CI) because it only played DVD's. There were no blue rays at the time.

 

[Bill Ferris]

Thanks for the suggestion, It does. but it only worked if I used HDMI exclusively, Due to my ancient pre-HDMI receiver at the time (Denon 2802 from 2003) I had to use the analog audio, which is why I bought it. I wanted to avail myself of multi-channel SACD's

I say "almost universal" (Denon DVD-1940 CI) because it only played DVD's. There were no blue rays at the time.

Very well then Sir. I understand.
Carry on..
Just a fleeting thought on my part, as I down convert, via these player`s menu, the analog outputs for audio signal distribution to my house`s 5 rooms and needed to adjust lip sync in the player for watching movies in those rooms utilizing only the down mixed from multi channel surround to stereo.
But, surprisingly, that adjustment didn`t screw with my more direct signal HT/A/VP surround system and projector HDMI signal lip sync timing in the living room!!
I don`t know why, but since it works for me, so I`m not concerned with the reason..

Have a great day & take care Sir.

Kind regards, OKB

 

[KrisM]

96/24 was the spec for DVD-A and DVD-concert videos.

Not really.
DVD-A could be spec'd all over the place depending on the channels used. Up to 24/192 for stereo.
And DVD concerts were/are spec'd the same as any DVD. Some included a lossless PCM stereo track, which I find pretty cool.

 

[KrisM]

I've got a few of those Audio Fidelity recycled 4.0 quad CD's and, while not exactly musically accurate, are a lot of fun. Yeah, the center is not needed so they are perfect in this application. Granted, four identical speakers would be nice but it's not always practical. But, this is where having surrounds from the same manufacturer/ line comes in handy. it seems that doing away with the center channel doesn't hurt the experience a bit.

As for those Living Stereo SACD's, well, I think my mains are too close to really appreciate that center channel. Remember, these were made when stereo was in it's infancy and the mains were widely separated.

When I did it my theater system was running a projector, with a screen that was almost 100", so my mains were quite spread apart, so it made a difference.