Folkie dokey.(Forum)

When I listen to a two-channel stereo SACD through my inexpensive multi-format player, the superiority over CDs does not jump out and grab me; it reaches out and gently pulls me more deeply into the music than I have ever before been. I never had any hope of having such intimate contact with the voices of Diana Krall, Norah Jones, or Rory Block. But here they are, every subtle nuance of their voices, seamlessly integrated, but so clearly singular, in the most realistic, dynamic reproduction of musical instruments that I have ever experienced. CDs do not even approach a well done SACD, except in bass level, which I understand has something to do with bass management that is only present in the multi-channel mix. It's no big deal, just a little tweak on the crossover's hi/lo balance knob, which does not degrade the sound at all, due to the woofer's low 80 Hz crossover point rolled off at 24 db per oct.

Why is it that a significant percentage of pro reviewers cannot hear this obvious difference? I have built my own two box speaker systems for 35 years, and they are damned good, but certainly not better than the reviewer's hi end commercial speakers, at resolving subtle detail and clean freestanding images on a broad, open soundstage. I wish they were that good.

Building speakers sharpens one's critical listening abilities, I am sure, and I don't feel that I am easily conned, or overly suggestible; so why do I hear so clearly these areas of SACD superiority, and some reviewers don't here any at all. We certainly agree on the inadequacy of disc supply and variety, and on the inherent weaknesses of the CD.

At my age, I never expected such a worthy, one-increment, improvement (I have NO interest in multi-channel for music) in the quality of recorded music, in my lifetime, but ! surely do appreciate it. I have never enjoyed music as much as now, because I have never before heard as much of it coming so clearly from a recording.

I really hope people will support this new format enough to make it thrive, rather than fade away, as did the wholly superior BetaMax video recording technology, because VHS was a little cheaper.

The American consumer is known for the willingness to sacrifice quality on the altar of some ticky-tack bell or whistle, or a few cents at the register. If marketed well, maybe the SACD will be an exception.

For Tom Nousaine: I got the feeling that the one concert, at which you recently heard Maria Muldaur, and wrote about in what was supposed to be the annual 'favorite recording' segment of this month's Sensible Sound (April 04), must have been your one exposure to her work.