Sony has recently reduced the prices of all their SACD capable DVD and CD players, enabling anyone to get into Sony's high-definition audio format for a relatively cheap price. SACDs can now be had for $16 with many backward compatible with older CD players. SACD components can be found at an astonishing $200 retail.

Just What is SACD?
SACD is Sony and Pilips' high-definition audio format. The only other high-definition audio format out there is DVD-Audio which sounds much better than standard CD audio, but not as good as SACD (which is pretty much the consensus in any review you can find). While DVD-Audio uses an improved version of the same technology behind the standard audio CD, SACD uses entirely new technology to deliver high-def audio.

This new technology is called DSD (Direct Stream Digital). This new 1-bit/2.8224 Megahertz recording method differs greatly from the 16-bit/44.1 Kilohertz technology that CDs use. The simplest way to explain the difference is that CDs use filters to interpret and fill in the gaps between multiple lines of data to create audio, while SACD removes most of the filters altogether and reads a single line of data very fast.

It's the combination of the removal of filters, reading from one continuous data line, zero interpretation, and the storage capacity of a DVD disc that enables SACD to outperform any other format in sonic clarity, naturalness, spaciousness, and imaging of music.

SACD uses lossless compression (compression that doesn't rely on data removal to compress data) to fit all the musical data onto a DVD disc. In contrast, Dolby Digital and DTS use lossy compression which does remove data that is deemed unnecessary to reduce the file size... which is why SACD will even sound better than DVD movies!

Why Should You Care
The music industry now has a way to deliver the sound quality musicians and recording engineers have been hearing in the studio since the advent of audio recording. This enables both new and old music to be recorded to SACD in its full glory in high definition audio. Music recordings from the 60s and 70s can sound just as good as recent recordings, enabling you to go back in time and enjoy music the way it was intended by the artists to be heard.

Unless your tone deaf, almost anyone who hears the SACD format can instantly hear a striking difference in the sound quality SACD produces. And the good news is that you don't need the greatest system in the world to gain awesome sound quality from SACD. SACD recordings sound awesome whether they're played through a $350 receiver and a $800 set of speakers or through a cost-is-no-object home theater. Granted better gear will provide better sound, but the fact that budget gear can beautifully render SACD recordings says a lot for the format. Quality in... quality out.

What To Expect From a $200 SACD Player
Sony offers a Carousel 5 Disc SACD/CD player for $200 and a single-disc DVD/SACD player for around $230. At this price you get SACD sound quality that comes close to the sound quality of Sony's $800 SACD players. On the other hand, standard CD playback is about what you'd expect to find in the $200-$400 range... just OK. DVD performance at this price is neither exceptional nor poor, again it performs as to be expected from a $230 player.

The Benefits of SACD
The high-definition audio SACD offers can be appreciated by audiophiles and non-audiophiles alike. SACD simply delivers an extremely more lifelike, natural sonic performance, with the musicians sounding as if they're playing live in your room.

SACDs are available in 2-channel (stereo) and multi-channel audio discs, with a standard CD version of the music available on many discs which allows for playback in standard CD players. Every stereo or home theater system has the capability of listening to the 2-channel high-definition SACD format, but only those with a 6 channel input on their receivers or preamps will be able to enjoy the multi-channel option.

SACD is equally enjoyable in multi-channel or 2-channel, and many audiophiles will most likely prefer 2-channel as some multi-channel recordings can sound a bit unnatural.

The great news is that even the affordable SACD players can play both multi-channel and 2-channel SACDs. So even if you don't have a 6 channel input now, you have something to look forward to later on.

The Bad News About SACD
There are only about 600 titles currently available with many of them being classical and jazz. Few mainstream bands/groups are available, but the number is growing. The up side is that Sony owns enough music that this is hardly an issue.

The worst feature of the SACD format is the format's high quality. After hearing SACD, and becoming accustomed to the detailed and natural sound it supplies, listening to normal CDs becomes far less exciting.

Buying Advice
If you already own a DVD player your happy with, opt for the $200 carousel SACD/CD deck.

For those looking for a entry-level DVD player with SACD capability look no further than the $230 model DVD/SACD player.

If your interested in getting a nice progressive-scan DVD player that can play normal audio CDs at high quality as well as SACDs, look to spend a little more than the basic deck price and opt for a unit in the $500-$800 range in Sony's ES lineup.

Summary
SACD delivers high-definition audio at prices cheap enough that almost anyone can easily jump onboard to enjoy music as it should be heard. You owe it to yourself to at least go and listen to these players in the store and give this great audio format a try.

For more info on SACD check out Sony's SACD web site at:
www.sony.com/sacd/