[jcoat007]

Is there any benefit to buying a Hybrid SACD over a standard Redbook CD if I only have a CD player and no plans for multi-channel music.

[PhilNYC]

It probably depends.  Often, like in the case of the recent Bob Dylan SACD releases, the red book re-master is clearly sonically better than the originally-released CDs.  But I don't think that's always the case...there are probably cases where the red book layer is an afterthought in terms of the quality of the remaster and/or pressing.  And then there are the conspiracy theorists who believe the music companies intentionally make the red book layer on hybrid SACDs worse, so that A/B comparisons between the two will make SACD look that much better (for the record, I am not one of those theorists!).

[mcrespo71]

I can vouch that the redbook layer of the rolling stones remasters is excellent as well.  Same type of quality that went into the Dylan Remasters.

[guitarspanker]

I think if you don't already have a good remastered Redbook version of the title and you KNOW you'll never buy an SACD player, what's the use? But have you considered SACD 2-channel? IMO, it's worth it. The first day I got my player I ran out and bought 3-4 titles and one or two was 2-ch only - Peter Gabriel's Passion for example. I already have the Redbook remaster and compared them - definitely a wider, clearer and more dynamic sound. I wouldn't rule out SACD just b/c you don't think you'll go multi-channel. BTW if you ever hear Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon in multi-channel you might change your mind about multi!
Best,
Scott

[jcoat007]

I think if you don't already have a good remastered Redbook version of the title and you KNOW you'll never buy an SACD player, what's the use? But have you considered SACD 2-channel? IMO, it's worth it. The first day I got my player I ran out and bought 3-4 titles and one or two was 2-ch only - Peter Gabriel's Passion for example. I already have the Redbook remaster and compared them - definitely a wider, clearer and more dynamic sound. I wouldn't rule out SACD just b/c you don't think you'll go multi-chann ...

I might do 2 channel SACD, but I am just not going to do multi-channel in my listening room.  I think I have a very good DAC - Transport combo, but I would love to do a shoot-out with a 2 channel SACD player.  That would be of interest to me.

[Rob Babcock]

There's no downside to it.  The hybrid SACDs I do have all have a very good CD layer, probably because many are remastered.  The CD layer of DSotM is much better than my old original CD, etc.

[SCUBADON]

So, if you are going to pay $15 for a new CD, why not spend the $15 for the hybred SACD version if it is available.  Even if you only listn to 2 channel. You may be glad you did some day.  Never say never.

SCUBADON