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Upsamplers, DACs, jitter, shakes and analogue withdrawals, this is it.

RE: backwards compatibility of SACD players?

To generalise there is no loss, the redbook layer is treated as normal. In fact a "proper" SACD/CD player even uses a different laser for each format to ensure that they are treated optimally ( I use the term " proper" to distinguish these from some players which are really universal DVD players). Further some SACD/CD players are not able to process the SACD layer's DSD data natively and convert it to PCM first. That provides a 24/176.4 PCM output although my experience is that sample rate conversion can result in audible and unwanted artefacts.

It is also worth mentioning that the improvement in recent player's DAC sections means that the difference between SACD and CD may not be as marked as it was when SACD was introduced. Few recordings are made in native DSD so most SACDS are conversions from PCM masters. That is yet another variable.

As there are variables from machine to machine then I would suggest finding and reading reviews before committing your self to a particular model.

$4K? You can get a new Marantz KI Ruby SACD player which is where I would look first.




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