True hi-fi sound and Neil Young’s Blu-Ray Archive

Thanks to Jerry Crew:

“I just read your entry regarding Neil Young’s ever-moving target of an archive project, now to possibly be issued on Blu-Ray.

“As a music aficionado (though certainly not an audiophile), I must say that I have completely re-invigorated my interest in the simple joy of listening after having recently discovered SACD and DVD-Audio, especially in multi-channel format.

“Of course the tie between that statement and the Neil Young announcement is that Blu-Ray is quite likely the hi-resolution, multi-channel successor to those prior formats. Now I question why I avoided purchasing the hi-resolution formats prior to now, especially considering they have been available since the early ‘00s.

“To briefly summarize the benefits: 1) even in stereo mode only, the sound quality is, practically without exception, wonderful on every disc (something that cannot be said about all standard CDs), 2) the multi-channel experience, especially coupled with the higher resolution, takes it to yet another listening level. The traditional “sound stage” created by stereo imaging becomes a “sound womb”, if you will, when played back in multi-channel.

“Speaking monetarily, there are several reasonably priced, high performing “universal disc” players, capable of SACD and DVD-Audio, and soon, I’m sure, Blu-Ray. Check out Oppo’s 980H for one.

“If you already have a decent surround sound-capable receiver and speakers (5.1 set up), you can start listening for under $200 USD with the addition of a universal player. Also, while SACD and DVD-Audio disc were initially priced at 2-3 times the going rate of the standard CD, they can often now be found for the same price, or perhaps even less, with some smart shopping (which is also part of the thrill), than their standard CD counterparts.

“Finally, as I perceive that your tastes are probably more classically-oriented than mine (adult dance music notwithstanding), there are a plethora of classical titles available on SACD, with more issued every day.

“OK, I will step down from my soapbox, but I would encourage you to give the various hi-res, multi-channel media a try if you have not already.

“Here’s a link to an excellent site devoted to SACDs:

www.sa-cd.net