I think this thread is interesting because of what it says about us, the "audiophiles" or "audio-fools" who care about music reproduction. First, we can't seem to have such a discussion without heaping scorn on one-another's choice of musical formats or equipment. If we can't agree on what we want from our music systems and the media to play on them, how can the record companies?
All of that aside, i did sign the petition, more as a lark than as anything meaningful. It is obvious that only money will influence the media providers to make and support a media format. When one looks at the entertainment market as a whole, the money audiophiles spend is irrelevant, and all our wining about the loss of SACD, the eventual demise of vinyl or whatever other media format one names won't really matter. Fortunately there have always been small media companies interested in producing the best possible sound quality, whether it was the Lp, direct-to-disc, pre-recorded open-reell tape, SACD, DVD-Audio, or the next "hi-res thing", there will be something for us to listen to.
I was an early adopter of SACD, although not on the bleeding edge. I bought my SACD player because it was time to replace my old redbook player, and I figured I'd hear an improvement with both CD and SACD discs. I did and still do. I've modified my Sony SCD-1, and really enjoy music reproduced on it. So, as long as there are SACDs I'm interested in, I'll buy them. i'll also still buy CDs, and one of these days, maybe a "blue-ray" or whatever new-fangled player to play that next big thing.
Signing the petition is like spitting in the wind, but kicking back and listening to tunes is why I spend the money, and I'll be happy to do that in whatever format brings me pleasure as long as i can hear the differences well enough to justify the time, money and effort.
I think we should stop grousing at one another and get on with enjoying the music!
