What is SACD?
SACD stands for Super Audio Compact Disc. It is a very high-resolution format based on a new type of digital recording technology called Direct Stream Digital (DSD).

What is a hybrid SACD? A hybrid SACD is made up of two separate layers and glued together. One carries the normal CD information and the other carries the high density SACD information. A hybrid SACD can be played on any CD player or on an SACD player so the same disc can reproduce top quality sound at home or CD quality sound in the car or on a computer.

Can I play my existing CDs on a SACD player?
Yes. As a replacement format SACD was designed to be ‘backward compatible’, meaning that SACD players will play all types of standard CDs.

Can I play SACDs on a normal CD player?
Yes, if they are hybrid discs, but it will only play the standard CD layer, ignoring the SACD information. It does mean that you can start buying SACDs before you have an SACD player.

Will I notice the difference?
SACD is a high-resolution multi-channel format and its full impact will be appreciated on good surround sound hi-fi systems, but the difference will be noticed on more modest systems.

What about multi-channel surround sound?
SACDs can carry both stereo and surround sound information. To enjoy this surround sound you will need a surround sound player, the correct amplification and 5 speakers. You can still use an SACD player within a stereo home entertainment system but the finer qualities of SACD surround sound would be more evident on a decicated surround hi-fi system. It is a complex subject, and background reading of magazines and advice of specialist dealers should be sought to enable your requirements and expectations to be correctly met.

Is SACD better than DVD-Audio?
It depends who you talk to. Most of the ‘golden ears’ in the music business prefer SACD and most record companies feel that it is the right format for the future for the serious music-buyer.

Do I need to bother?
It all depends on your point of view. Good standard-CD reproduction is of a high quality and will always remain so; also the CD is a robust music carrier and will last almost indefinitely. SACD reproduction is better and the players will also play your existing CD collection so it is largely a question of choice and priority. CDs will be around for a long time to come and most companies release a standard CD counterpart to all its SACD releases.