A few weeks back I bought an SACD player. So far I've only got one multichannel SACD, 'Toto IV'. It is a remaster of the original 1982 release, and while the multichannel soundtrack sounds good, I can't help but feel the medium is capable of more. I'd rather not build up an extensive collection of SACDs (unfortunately don't have the overdraft for it :thumbsdn: ). I'd just like to have the odd one or two which sound mindblowing so that I can show off to my friends :yes: . I would therefore like you to recommend what you feel is the best multichannel SACD in terms of sound quality. Genre doesn't matter much, as long as it shows the real capability of SACD. Let the recommendations commence! :)

You did get Toto's Hydra (http://www.sa-cd.net/showtitle/738) on SACD? :nono:

You can take your pick from any of the top recommendations (http://www.sa-cd.net/toprecommendations) from sa-cd.net.

Personally, Steely Dan's "Gaucho", Dave Brubeck's "Time Out", and Dire Straits' "Brothers In Arms" are my favorites. "Brothers In Arms" was actually this year's Grammy winner for Best Surround Sound album. However, none of these are direct-to-DSD recordings. For a direct-to-DSD recording on SACD, Hiromi's Brain (http://www.sa-cd.net/showtitle/2059) is an awesome demo disc and a very satisfying jazz album as well.

Thanks for that soundboy.

I was actually consider getting Hydra on SACD but suspected it would be worse than IV due to being an earlier recording.

I've always loved the Brothers in Arms album so I may get that. I'd also love to hear Private Investigations in 5.1 :yes:

BTW - What do you think of the IV Album? Did you get the Sony release or the earlier Columbia release?

Thanks for that soundboy.

I was actually consider getting Hydra on SACD but suspected it would be worse than IV due to being an earlier recording.

I've always loved the Brothers in Arms album so I may get that. I'd also love to hear Private Investigations in 5.1 :yes:

Since you are in the UK, "Brothers In Arms" is available to you on SACD. For those of us in the US, we have to either import the SACD (which I did thru Amazon UK) or get the DVD-A (DualDisc) version. BTW, the CD layer is HDCD-encoded. Being in Europe, you should have a lot more access to SACDs that are not readily available here in the US, such as hybrid versions of Peter Gabriel and the Police albums (we get single-layer SACDs here).

Actually, "Hydra" is nothing special in terms of sound quality. Better save the money for "Brothers In Arms".

BTW - What do you think of the IV Album? Did you get the Sony release or the earlier Columbia release?

I have both the stereo-only and the later multi-channel single-layer SACD of "Toto IV". There has always been talk of an improvement of the later multi-channel SACD over the stereo-only SACD, but I found the earlier SACD to be more than acceptable....certainly the best I've heard (have not heard the MoFi CD version). Given the age of the recording, I think this could be the best it will sound.

I know there's a hybrid SACD version available in Europe and elsewhere, but I'd assume it's no different from other SACD versions, aside from the inclusion of the CD layer.

"New Favorites" by Allison Krauss and Union Station has some great sound and I think it was recorded DSD.

That said, "Gaucho" by Steely Dan was the SACD that first brought forth that "WOW!" response from me.

For a good application of surround, try E. Powers Biggs on Bach's Toccata and Fugue. It's a reissue on SACD of a classic quad recording but the organ he is playing has four sets of pipes in the corners of a huge cathedral in Germany. Plus it has some great bass pipes.

"Gaucho" is fantastic. This might have something to do with the excellent composition to begin with, but it sure does impress the friends. If you dig the Stones, "Aftermath" (the UK version - available in the US - just a different, but better selection of tunes) and "Let it Bleed" are keepers. On the song "Let it Bleed," you would swear you were in the studio watching Keef strum his acoustic guitar during the intro.

I have both the stereo-only and the later multi-channel single-layer SACD of "Toto IV". There has always been talk of an improvement of the later multi-channel SACD over the stereo-only SACD, but I found the earlier SACD to be more than acceptable....certainly the best I've heard (have not heard the MoFi CD version). Given the age of the recording, I think this could be the best it will sound.

I know there's a hybrid SACD version available in Europe and elsewhere, but I'd assume it's no different from other SACD versions, aside from the inclusion of the CD layer.

Asides from the original 1982 LP, my first CD version of IV was the Columbia release dated 1982. Worst sounding CD I have, really really overcooked treble and not much mid or bass. My best recording is the 20-bit Mastersound Gold CD release, 1990 IIRC. IMO it beats the SACD release, but perhaps that's 'cos my SACD player isn't exactly TOTL.....

Asides from the original 1982 LP, my first CD version of IV was the Columbia release dated 1982. Worst sounding CD I have, really really overcooked treble and not much mid or bass. My best recording is the 20-bit Mastersound Gold CD release, 1990 IIRC. IMO it beats the SACD release, but perhaps that's 'cos my SACD player isn't exactly TOTL.....

That Sony Mastersound CD must be something special since I thought the SACD was quite good already. Who remastered the Mastersound CD? BTW, I believe Sony Japan just DSD-remastered a bunch of Toto albums that were released on CD recently.

I don't have a TOTL SACD player either....just a lowly Sony DVP-NS500P SACD/DVD/CD player that happened to receive a favorable review from The Absolute Sound years ago. Just a US$200.00 player.

Looks like Steely Dan's "Gaucho" SACD is well-liked by everyone.

I think most of Sony's SACD are well-produced. Of course, they are some not-so-good sound ones, but those are very few. If you are interested in multi-channel SACDs, most of Telarc's SACDs feature direct-to-DSD recordings and wonderful production.

Mine's a sony too :). A DVP-NS705V I got on eBay used for $80. Got a 4/5 rating for SACD players under $350 so I figured I'd take a gamble.

Yes a Telarc recording will definitely be on my shopping list :yes:

The Toto IV Mastersound CD is a 24-karat gold 20-bit CD using Sony Super Bit Mapping Process and was mastered by Doug Sax and Gavin Lurssen.

I've been tempted to buy the MSFL release to compare it to the Mastersound but I can't justify the $75 price tag :nono: (I got lucky with the Mastersound one on eBay for $20...)

The Toto IV Mastersound CD is a 24-karat gold 20-bit CD using Sony Super Bit Mapping Process and was mastered by Doug Sax and Gavin Lurssen.

And to think I didn't buy a brand-new Sony Mastersound CD of Luther Vandross' debut album for US$8.00 after finding it in a clearance bin. :tears:

I just bought Steeley Dan's 'Gaucho' and a Telarc SACD Jazz Sampler (III). My 1st experience with SACD. Wish me luck...

Rich P

Just found this thread soundboy, may be of interest, lots of conflicting arguments to fight your way through :D ........
http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/printthread.php?t=56530&page=1&pp=20

One of my favorite SACDs is CCR's Cosmo's Factory. I've been listening to that album in different formats for 30-odd years but the first time I heard it on SACD, I was completely blown away! It was like hearing it for the first time.

I'm just thinking out loud, and haven't read all the posts, but if you want the best SACD, sound quality, recording etc., you want one that was either recorded for SACD or mastered from pristine analog tapes. The tapes should have extended frequency response, that SACD can take advantage of. I am supposing, that an album recorded for SACD will take the best advantage of the format.

I don't have any specific recommendations. My favorite is New Favorite by Allison Krauss and Union Station.

Sorry, just one more point. Back in the 70s Sheffiled released LPs of incredible sound quality filled with music nobody could love. Sorry Lincoln Mayorca! It proved you could make anyone sit through well recorded, mediocre renditions of music if it was well recorded. I hope we have evolved since then.

Well, I got the Brothers in Arms SACD in yesterday, and I can honestly say, OMFG :yikes:. It's AWESOME! Makes my room sound like a music studio with the band setup right in front of me. The clarity and vividness of Mark Knopflers voice out the center channel is stunning, especially on Brothers In Arms. I didn't think my center speaker could sound so damn lifelike! The production of each song is spot on, - it's well seeing that the man himself had a huge influence on the mixing of the SACD. The rumble in the opening of Brothers In Arms certainly put my subs through their paces :D. I thought the original CD release was an extremely tight recording, but the SACD 5.1 mix just adds another dimension that transports you to a different world.....

The whole album is marvelous, but the standout tracks for me are Money For Nothing, Walk of Life, Your Latest Trick, and Brothers In Arms.

Many thanks to all the guys who recommended this album :thmbsp:

I may well get hooked on this SACD thing you know (bank balance permitting :D )....

Elton John "Captain Fantastic & the BDC" & "Madman across the Water" are excellent sounding as well :yes:

Weather Report's Mysterious Taveller is a great SACD.

cubdog

I just received my new Pioneer DV-563A-S universal player (new in the box, never been used), and my very 1st SACDs: Steeley Dan, "Gaucho", and Telarc, "Jazz Sampler 3". Both are truly superb. I already knew about the DV-563, as I have one in my home theater setup (this one is for my main rig): Yammy M80 (340 WPC into 4 ohms), and AR9s. I will add SACD to my preferences list for music sources...very clean, detailed, and a very nice dynamic range.

Rich P

Well, I got the Brothers in Arms SACD in yesterday, and I can honestly say, OMFG :yikes:. It's AWESOME!

I forget his name, but Telarc's chief recording engineer posted on audioasylum.com that the remastering and remixing of "Brothers In Arms" took 3 months. The improvement in sound quality is readily audible even in 2 channel stereo. By the way, the CD layer is HDCD-encoded as well.

For those who are interested, Sony's single-layer SACD are all going out of print. Most of them are remastered with excellent sound quality. So get them before they are all gone.

Mobile Fidelity has announced an upcoming SACD for Little Richard.

Any of the Mahler symphonies recorded by Michael Tilson-Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, but especially the 2nd and 3rd. These are quite simply the pinnacle of large orchestra recording. You will be impressed.

Greg

Well, I just received 2 SACDs and 1 CD today. Hiromi 'Brain' Multichannel SACD (Telarc), Saint Saens 'Organ Symphony' SACD (Telarc), and Saint Saens 'Organ Symphony' CD (1991 Telarc). I've only had chance to listen to 'Brain' so far, and sonically it is spot on. Night and day difference between the SACD and CD layer. The CD layer sounds crammed and harsh, but the SACD layer makes it sound like you are in a piano bar listening to Hiromi live. Took me a while to get 'used' to that kind of music, but once you've listened to it three or four times you realise its a real piece of genius. Musically, my favourite track is no. 6 (her piano solo). It's a wonderful piece, and the recording is so detailed you can hear when she places her foot on the 'dampning?' pedal and also occassional acoustic vibrations coming from 'inside' the piano. I've never heard so much detail before! Tracks 1 and 8 are awesome for demonstrating the capability of 5.1 surround. I will recommend this disc to anyone who is into their 'sound' :thmbsp:. My one and only small gripe is that the bass guitar comes through the center channel, which could put strain on your center speaker if its a 'small' speaker. It doesn't negatively affect the low end you hear because your subwoofers replicate / beef that up anyway, but I just thought that perhaps it might put strain on the center speaker. Any thoughts on this? :scratch2:

John Hiatt's newest, Master of Disaster, was recorded direct to DSD, recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis, with Jim Dickinson behind the board.