SACD might not be dead (yet), but without having much info about the market and the dictates of taste among the masses, I would say that the medium is still very niche oriented. I don't reckon many folks listen to music the same way you do, em. Yours' is a highly developed sensibility, that has been cultivated over many hours of very keen listening and analysis. As you said, the ubiquitous i-pod seems to have cornered the market, and the wide-spread availability of SACD's may have suffered as a result. Your mention of high-quality recording artists, including Chandos, BIS, Arkiv and Harmonia Mundi, e.g., is further indication of SACD's appeal to a select audience, who have the convenience or interest in applying their interests in the fashion that you are accoustomed. Until folks' interest in music listening is encouraged to develop to such an acuity, SACD will continue to limp alongside their mediocre, yet much more affordable, cousins.