DSOTM SACD problem?

[Talweh]

Hi guys, I had been thinking I needed an SACD player to go with my "Club Polk Inspired 2 ch rig" - something I had no idea I needed until I started hanging out here...- when I noticed I already had one! (my 1st gen PS3) so I dug around the forum and sought recommedations for a great starter SACD. It seemed DSOTM was the clear winner, so I hopped on the Ebay, and plunked down $12.99.
WOW! even my kids could tell the difference between the 3 (CD, SACD, and Multi ch) layers. The one I got is Capitol CDP7243 5 82136 2 1. and it is mostly awesome, but when listening to "Money" in multi, some of the sounds are missing in the intro/lead in to the song. I hope I can make this make sense... you know how in the beginning there are the four money sounds? (cash register, breaking coin roll, dumping change into drawer, and I think rifling bills or something) When listening to the multi ch layer, I am only getting 2 of them... breaking coin roll Front Right, (pause), Cash register Front Left. Has anyone else had this problem? I don't know if it's the disc, or my equipment.
This is my HT rig, I hadn't brought the PS3 over to my buddy's house (where my 2ch rig lives) so it consists of PS3, connected to HK AVR35 via Optical cable. When I watch movies, the 5.1 works fine, and I ran the test tones, and all speakers are getting signal, so I am wondering if this is a known issue, or if the SACD software on the PS3 is buggy, or if I may have something set wrong... I just don't know.
I appreciate any ideas you guys might have, and if any local (tampa) Polkies have a SACD set up for multi channel, I would love a chance to pop by and see if it's the disc, and also check out other cool gear, because I am still a noob, and have a lot to learn.
Thanks for reading, and any comments that come... Lou

[F1nut]

Stop listening in multi-channel, problem solved.

[obieone]

SACD, IIRC, only plays on either 6 ch. analog, or hdmi? Optic and digital coax are N/A as far as multi-ch. SACD goes. I think it has to do w/ combating piracy?

[Nicknice]

I'm not sure if this the case for the ps3. but I know that my dvd player will not output the multichannel layer of the sacd over optical. I have to use the 5.1 analog outs. I think there was something with copy protection on SACD's that only allowed them to output multichannel audio over analog outs, and now over hdmi 1.3. Make sure your surround channels are actually playing when on the multichannel layer.

[Keiko]

Stop listening in multi-channel, problem solved.

+1

SACD sounds best to me in stereo. I don't care for the multi-channel mixes.

[Talweh]

hmm, so I might have another reason to upgrade my 10 year old AVR... wifey's gonna kill me, but do the kids REALLY need Christmas present EVERY year?:D

[Nicknice]

+1

SACD sounds best to me in stereo. I don't care for the multi-channel mixes.

I agree with this on certain albums, but others sound great in multi-channel. When I first picked up David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, I was not to impressed, until I played it on the stereo layer and it sounded way better than the multi-channel layer. But on Beck's Sea Change I prefer the multi-channel layer to the stereo. It depends on how the album was mastered and on personal taste.

[Talweh]

+1

SACD sounds best to me in stereo. I don't care for the multi-channel mixes.

That seems to be the running consensus, but whenever I get a new toy, I like to push ALL the buttons just to see...
I can't wait to drag the PS3 over to meet the Maggies tomorrow.

Edit: Obieone, and Nicknice, I think you guys are right, the rear channels are not playing, so I guess it's 2CH FTW

[Keiko]

I understand. Not sure if the PS3 can output multi-channel SACD via HDMI though. No player will output the hi-rez signal, stereo or multi via digital coax or toslink. The best you may achieve is SACD stereo via the PS3's 2 channel analog.

[vc69]

How are you hooked up to your AVR? If optical, SACD will not play IIRC. Try HDMI and set your player to output LPCM. I am not familiar with the PS3 but I thought is was SACD capable being Sony hardware and a Sony format. You may have to select the 5.1 layer as there are usually at least 2 and sometimes 3 layers. Redbook (CD), 2ch (SACD) and Multi channel (SACD).

[LessisNevermore]

I understand. Not sure if the PS3 can output multi-channel SACD via HDMI though. No player will output the hi-rez signal, stereo or multi via digital coax or toslink. The best you may achieve is SACD stereo via the PS3's 2 channel analog.


The PS3 will output MC into HDMI only. edit: optical connections are downgraded to Pro Logic.

There are some bad MC mixes, but the good ones....holy hell are they good.

[comfortablycurt]

You can't send SACD over optical or digital coax cables. Only analog cables, or HDMI. I doubt that the first gen PS3's are able to output SACD over HDMI though.

[Keiko]

I doubt that the first gen PS3's are able to output SACD over HDMI though.

Cheddar might know. Maybe he'll chime in and set it straight.

[LessisNevermore]

I doubt that the first gen PS3's are able to output SACD over HDMI though.

I figured since I own, said first gen PS3, that I knew the answer, but apparently not? You gotta stop assuming Curt...:p

http://www.ps3sacd.com/faq.html

Yes, MC, stereo, and redbook, via HDMI.

edit: actually, (and very briefly) Sony gave us the keys to the kingdom, and allowed SACD over optical with an update, but then very quickly snatched it back.:(

[Talweh]

Thanks for the very informative link Lessisnevermore, seems the other guys had it pegged, and if I want multi, I have to get a newer AVR with HDMI...
I am glad to be a member of such a well learned collective. I wasn't sure what to look for, because I wasn't sure where the problem was, and in all honesty, limiting the output types due to copy protection probably would NEVER have crossed my mind. Thanks for saving me a lot of time and frustration everyone!

[obieone]

Your avr doesn't have 6 channel analog inputs? (Just curious)

[Talweh]

I don't think so, it's 10 or maybe more years old, I'll have to pull it out to check. and even if it does, I'd still have to buy a different connector. And considering this unit is lacking in many areas (no pre-outs, no DTS, no HDMI, and there's a strange problem where it occasionally turns itself up to full volume for no apparent reason) I think It's time I pass it on to someone who needs an upgrade, and get a new(er) one.

[LessisNevermore]

Thanks for the very informative link Lessisnevermore, seems the other guys had it pegged, and if I want multi, I have to get a newer AVR with HDMI...
I am glad to be a member of such a well learned collective. I wasn't sure what to look for, because I wasn't sure where the problem was, and in all honesty, limiting the output types due to copy protection probably would NEVER have crossed my mind. Thanks for saving me a lot of time and frustration everyone!

Well, if you're happy with your current receiver, you could always go with a universal player. Entry-level players can be had new, starting around $120.

[Lasareath]

Stop listening in multi-channel, problem solved.

+1

I don't use multi-channel because I never had (5) 1.2TL's

[Keiko]

I don't use multi-channel because I never had (5) 1.2TL's

I wonder how 5 of them Monoliths would sound together? :rolleyes: