FIRST THOUGHTS: Hi-Res Redux

Pioneer DV-563A

Befuddled at first to find that the optical connections that work for DVD surround don't work for either DVD-A or SACD -- instead, it wants ANALOG connections between player and receiver. Once that got set up, I played both DVD-A and SACD, which were both impressive, and then set up a side-by-side comparison with Fagan's KAMAKIRIAD. The difference was not exactly striking, but very telling in detail: more and better bass, it seemed, and acutely defined finger snaps jumping between channels in the opening bars. (The original actually and more finger snaps, less markedly defined.) These fingers snaps didn't "jump out" artificially, but held their own in the mix and were remarkably clear, and like they say, "3-dimensional," as if they were right in the room with you. Overall the definition and depth were very robust without being artificial: where I used to describe good CD sound as "etched," this was less "etched" than simply alive in the room. There didn't seem to be a canvass the sound was painted on, it just seemed to be THERE.

And as yet I can't really describe the "difference" between DVD-A and SACD, although in practical terms the hybrid format is a winner especially during the transition. Last night we put on BEGGAR'S BANQUET, and it was really something, a TON of presence and detail, very little hiss, detectable only during fades, and a very roomy soundscape: getting close to one speaker did not result in losing much of the other. Sort of like a more "optimal" stereo. I would say the key early quality that held me was the enormous center of the sound.

Queries:does anybody out there know of a good DVD hi-res sound site where listeners exchange notes on setups, tips, best practices, etc?

SOON TO COME: lists of best and worst surround mixes, hybrid discs, envelope-pushers etc.

ON VACATION : last week on the Cape, I don't think a day went by when I didn't hear Pete Cetera's voice, whether it was at the IHOP or Barnes and Noble. It was freaky-deeky.