I grew up on CD and have no attachment to retaining vinyl - they're big take up too much space and are a pain -- but they sound better on good systems -- which rules out most systems I've heard. I have owned the top end Pioneer Elite Receiver and I own a basic one still - bypassing the DAC of the revceiver isn't the only problem with receiver's sound -- unless you worship the DBT Gods in which case all amps sound perfect.

Thanks there are a vast number of people who came and saw and heard SACD -- I heard the big Demo done by the brass at sony on a complete Martin Logan Bryston system with acoustic treatments decked out to the nines -- the store was CLOSED fot the event. It was neat -- didn;t sound remotely like a live event -- sorry but instruments at the symphony simply DO NOT sound like that from the rear. It may be cool and fascinating and one may even like it -- but IMO it's another gimmick -- and the person who started this thread who argues with me all the time on this AGREES. SACD is a sorry excuse for a surround medium more channels done badly isn't better than two done well no matter how you wish to slice it. But it makes no never mind to me -- if you like it better that is great and if most people like it better that is great -- after all for years they;ve been putting those Hall, Rock, Church, Dance DSp modes on receivers and so people must like listening to the Beatles in Church mode and Beethoven in Dance mode...give the people what they want. iPods and church DSP in a big colourful box with a remote that can control your cofee maker.

I make no judjements because I've bought into this stuff myself -- but I recognize it for what it is -- gimmicky toys not BETTER advances to music reproduction just because Sony says so. After all CD is perfect sound forever.