Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 2 channel SACD, possibly DVD-A

With the arrival of several new components (808.3, 861v6) I was wondering if there were any updated opinions as to the best options for listening to SACD in 2 channel mode. I do have a 5.1 setup with the ability to play both SACD and DVD-A via HDMI through the HD621 to my G68. However, this setup is limited, primarily by my speakers (DSP33 and analogue in-ceiling rears).

I would really like to see what SACD has to offer through my 808.3 and 7200's (soon to be 8000's!). I have several hundred SACD's some of which are single layer and not playable directly on anything but an SACD player. DVD-A is less of a concern. My options appear to be:
-Use a universal player such as Oppo BDP 83 or *83S connected by 2 ch analogue to 808.3
-Invest in a more upscale SACD player (Sony ES5400, Esoteric, or Meitner still using analogue inputs
-Obtain another HD621 to allow HDMI output of DSD to PCM into the 808.3 in 2 channel form. SACD player would need HDMI out and ability to convert DSD to PCM. This seems pretty pricey for this one connection but maybe not more so than some of the above SACD players.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the best choice? I know this has been reviewed in the past, but primarily for multi-channel. I wanted to get any input on the best options for 2 channel use.

Thanks!

Wayne

Going to analog is pointless.

I rip my 2 Channel SACD's with the Clux and put them on my Music Server in 24/96 FLAC. But I can't imagine doing that for several hundred SACD's as it's a very tedious/labor intensive process.

To be honest I don't hear all that much difference when I downsample the 24/96 to 24/48 (but that might be different with 861V6 and 8K's). I swear some SACD's are just upsampled and some sound worse than the CD layer. Some players might output 24/48 over SPDIF and you can just hook that direct to 861V6.

Thanks George,

How do you rip the SACD layer? I don't think I have that ability.

I may just gradually replace my favourites with 96/24 downloads when available or rip the CD layer to the Sooloos and forget those that I can't play otherwise. Replacing certain discs will probably be cheaper in the long run.

Wayne

Sony scd xa 5400 es has HDMI output, and can send both PCM and DSD digital over HDMI. This is a very nice player.

Don't you mean 24/88.2? Both the PS3 and Oppo convert SACD to multiples of 44.1kHz.