Output inquiry

[2-Channel]

I grabbed a back panel image of the Teac Esoteric "Flagship" SACD/CD player.

I just don't understand the audio outputs: sub, center, R surround L. I gather these would connect to a HT processor to create a 5.1 sound when playing SACD???

Otherwise, you would just use the pair of balanced, front outputs connected to your stereo preamp for 2-channel SACD???

Confused .. :-\

Has anyone compared SACD [multi-channel vs 2-channel], and, if so, is SACD worth pursuing in 2-channel, or does it only sell itself as a multi-channel source???

Does the preamp and the HT processor just automatically know which feed to grab from the SACD disc or is this a required, remote control, selected option?

[Face]

I believe most SACD's are mixed in 2 channels, not 5.

[2-Channel]

Originally Posted by Face

I believe most SACD's are mixed in 2 channels, not 5.

I thought the same especially given the Chesky offerings; hence my confusion when I saw the additional "audio outputs" on the back panel of the Esoteric. Then I assumed there must be a multi-channel option on some, or all, SACD discs.

[Still-One]

Esoteric has both 2-channel and Universal players in their top end units. You can play multi-channel surround and DVD's in their "U" players. UZ-1, UX3-Pi, UXP-1, P03,

[cmalak]

two channel...these are the following SACD formats:

1. Single layer SACD Stereo: means 2-ch SACD only
2. Single layer SACD Multi-channel: means multi-channel SACD only
3. Hybrid SACD Stereo: means 2-ch SACD and CD layer
4. Hybrid SACD Multi-channel: means multi-channel SACD and stereo CD layer

The hybrid means there is an SACD and CD layer so the disc can be played in an SACD player or in a regular CD player as both formats are available on the disc. Single layer SACD means only the SACD format is available on the disc and you need an SACD player to play this disc. Hope this helps.

As for your question, which model esoteric player are you looking at?

[Still-One]

I have quite a few SACD's that I listen to in 2-channel and I think the sound is great. I can't remember the last time I took a multi-channel disc to my HT system to listen to it.

[2-Channel]

Originally Posted by cmalak

two channel...these are the following SACD formats: ....

Fantastic help. Thank You!!!

Now, I understand. I only grabbed this Esoteric image for assistance in helping to clarify my SACD inquiry. I wasn't quite clear on the format.

[cmalak]

Got it 2-channel. Glad that was helpful. Are you in the market for an SACD player? What are you looking at? You may want to follow the Oppo BDP-83 SE thread that Dan (jdandy) has put up. I have the basic unit but the SE edition seems to be a big step up and thus far seems to be holding its own in comparison with much more expensive units. I believe Dan is going to be comparing it to his MCD500 CD/SACD player next (at 7X the cost of the Oppo) so that will be an interesting comparison. Take care.