SACD - Need information please

[idealist]

Hi,

I have recently purchased a Cambridge Audio 751BD multi-disc player. I am running it through the matching 551 HT receiver.

I am only using the front speakers, as two-channel stereo is fine for me.

I have been keen to try some SACDs, but have found that some are multi-channel, while some are "stereo".

What happens if I play a multi-channel SACD through just two stereo speakers?

Will the 551 receiver combine the missing 3.1 channels into the stereo image, or do I just lose that information and end up with half the recorded sound?

The problems are: There are extremely few discs available in Australia, (unless I want to pay $60 each!) and those that are, even overseas, are never advertised as either "stereo" or "5.1" or "surround" so I don't know what I am buying.

As a result, I haven't bought ANY.

Help!
thanks

Mike

 

[Drikus]

Multi-channel SACD's have 3 layers, multi-channel SACD, stereo SACD and CD. Don't know the model but there should be a setting somewhere on your player where you can choose between these 3. Read the manual, should be in there.

 

[defride]

(unless I want to pay $60 each!)

Unfortunately when it comes to SACD if its not classical and music you actually want to hear this is ballpark price.

Lindeman is right there should be a button somewhere that will allow you to toggle the different layers. In a 2 channel setup the player usually defaults to 2 channel SACD on an SACD player, CD on a cdp.

 

[idealist]

Thanks.
So it doesn't matter what type I buy. Great!

Cheers,
Mike

 

[defride]

Thanks.
So it doesn't matter what type I buy. Great!

Cheers,
Mike

Just to be clear the SACDs we're talking about here are known as Hybrid SACDs, that is they have a cd layer. It's also possible to buy SACDs that will only play on an SACD player. Other than that shouldn't make a difference.

Nice part of the world you're in Mike. I visited once, despite clear skys in Sydney our view when we made it up into the mountains was glimpses through cloud.

 

[idealist]

Just to be clear the SACDs we're talking about here are known as Hybrid SACDs, that is they have a cd layer. It's also possible to buy SACDs that will only play on an SACD player. Other than that shouldn't make a difference.

Nice part of the world you're in Mike. I visited once, despite clear skys in Sydney our view when we made it up into the mountains was glimpses through cloud.

Yep! I like it here. Heaven on a nice day. >g<