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WelcomeWelcome to PS3SACD.com. This site aims to be the most extensive Super Audio CD resource for PlayStation3 users. Considering it seems to be the only dedicated SA-CD site for PS3, we're confident it actually is.
News
Black Friday is almost here In the US it's alsmost Thanksgiving Day and the Friday before that as a form of (recent?) tradition is a national bargain day known as Black Friday. Amazon.com will also have some special offers. Check back here soon.
PS3 turns two PlayStation3 was launched (in the US) two years ago today. That means it's got at least eight more years to go to fulfill Sony's ambitions of a ten-year life span and to outsell PS2 by shifting 150 million units. Let's hope it all comes true and Sony (and other record companies) supply this massive market with lots of SACDs and, further down the road, high-resolution multichannel music downloads perhaps.
Oppo BDP-S83 news Oppo has released proper pictures of its first Blu-ray Disc player, the BDP-S83 we reported about earlier -- the first device since PlayStation3 to support Super Audio CD as well as BD. You can clearly spot the SACD logo, next to a DVD-Video logo. DVD-Audio support is still not confirmed.
The release date is not firm either yet but unconfirmed reports indicate it will not make it before Christmas and shift into 2009. For those interested to stay informed about any updates Oppo has created a registration form.
First 160-GB PS3 bundle Europe, or at least Scandinavia, seems to have the honour of getting the first bundle of the 160-GB PlayStation3.
As we reported earlier, although this model is now the top of the range, it is compatible with neither SACD nor PS2. It does come with a DualShock 3 controller and vouchers for four PSN games (GT5: Prologue, Quest for Booty, Last Guy & Super Stardust HD), according to Kotaku. Update: It's been spotted in other European territories as well, notably the Benelux countries.
Blu-spec CD: yet another attempt at a high-quality audio format The Blu-ray Disc format today has given rise to another 'high-quality audio carrier': Blu-spec CD, announced today by Sony Music Entertainment (SME).
No this is not DSD, DXD or high-res PCM on a BD-ROM disc, thus creating something like a BD-Audio disc. It's yet another flavour of good old Red Book CD (RBCD), the original Compact Disc Digital Audio format we've known for over 25 years. If we interpret the information (from the Japanese press release) correctly, the idea is to apply a blue laser (as used with Blu-ray Disc) instead of a conventional infra-red laser to cut a more precise CD master with more perfect pits.
This technique leads to more accurate read-out of the (16-bit 44.1kHz PCM stereo) digital audio signal.
While this is surely an interesting method to improve sound quality, we must note that Blu-spec CD is not really a new format but a new technique applied to an existing format -- CD. It's applied to one specific step of the whole CD making process, namely the cutting of the physical CD master. It competes with other attempts at establishing new standards for making CDs:
And above all, of course, it competes with Super Audio CD for the affection and money of consumers interested in superior sound quality. As you can see from the above overview, all of these approaches relate to different parts of the creation and manufacturing process, so there seems to be no technical objection why all of these couldn't be combined into an ultimate single high-quality carrier. That could be an RBCD but we suggest is be a hybrid SACD. Where DSD-CD, HDCD, XRCD and Blu-spec CD can create a better CD layer, we think use of a blue laser could also make a yet finer SACD layer (typically recorded using a red laser) while the more transparent 'super high material' of SHM-CD and the special silver alloy coating of HQCD would make a better disc overall. The objections are not even political but of course of financial nature. These various process improvements are surely patented and the record companies plan to license them to others, perhaps even each other. Now if only they could get their act together, agree on a cross-licensing agreement and create this ultimate carrier. We're not going to speculate about the name this should take (SHM-DSD-XR-HD-SA-CD anyone?) but of course, we are pessimistic this will happen. More likely in music shops selling physical media, already facing difficult times (not only the brick & mortar stores but probably also the online retailers) you're going to see separate racks for XRCDs, SHM-CDs, HDCDs, Blu-Spec CDs and SACDs next to the regular CDs. Sadly, the consumer will not have much choice other than between the original CD and one of these new formats: as these are 'proprietary' formats, you're not going to see a single album released in multiple formats. If this were to happen, inventory/stocking problems would get even worse. On a side note: a warning is in place here: If you see a title with too many of the above disc format's logos on them, it's probably a fake from China, just like these albums by Abba, the Bee Gees, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Kiss and Enigma (the latter branded as a DSD CD) we've come across. China Record Co likes to wow its customers but it's pure cargo cult.
Sony Music will launch Blu-spec CD in Japan (as ブルースペックCD) by reissuing 60 back catalogue albums in the new standard. And to be sure: as these are essentially Red Book CDs, all PS3 models are compatible with Blu-spec CD. Discuss this topic in our forum.
Firmware v2.52 issued In other news today, SCE has issued system software v2.52, reportedly fixing a flaw with text entry by means of USB/Bluetooth keyboards.
Firmware update v4.30 Sony has issued firmware v4.30 to address playability issues with the James Bond Blu-ray Discs (reported earlier here). Version 4.30? Yes, that's for the BDP-S300 player. As far as we can find, PS3 does not suffer from this issue so no firmware upgrade is needed at this time. Some other BD players do however. See the official Blu-ray Disc Association's page.
Yet another 80GB PS3 bundle Yet another 80GB PS3 bundle, and like all other recent ones it's the model without SACD playback.
It's going to be released in Japan November 27th at ¥46,980 and will come with two DualShock 3 controllers and a copy of Winning Eleven 2009, the Japanese name for Pro Evo soccer.
3rd Genesis SACD box available finally The third Genesis SACD box we reported about earlier (the one with remasters of albums from their earliest years) is actually available from today.
Blu Halloween If you're in the mood for some Halloween/horror movies on BD or DVD you may want to check out this selection.
Firmware v2.50 released Sony has issued firmware v2.50 today. New 'media' features include Flash Player 9 support and more fine-grained volume control. For a complete overview check the ThreeSpeech blog or Wikipedia. There are no new SACD features.
Rush concert on BD The Rush SACDs that were to be expected at one point never materialized -- MFSL (Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs) got a license for Permanent Waves and other albums yet could only do a Gold CD reissue -- but now there's a Blu-ray Disc going to be released of their Snakes & Arrows live album. The concert was recorded over two nights at the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam. The complete show plus additional footage will be there.
It will be issued (November 25) on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, both as 3-disc sets. The Digital Bits report the BD specs are not disclosed yet while the DVD will contain Dolby Digital and PCM 5.1 audio. We doubt that, since that would make it a DVD-Audio disc. We'll let you know as soon as we've figured out the details.
Low-cost 80GB model coming to Japan The low-cost 80GB model is also going to be released in Japan by the end of this month (October 30), Sony announced today at the Tokyo Games Show. It will be available in colors Clear Black, Cermaic White and Satin Silver, and in two bundles: GT5 Prologue Spec III and Little Big Planet. Prices will range from ¥39,980 to ¥44,980. The typenumber is going to be CECHL00. As with the western model CECHK~ this SKU with have just two USB ports, no PS2 compatibility and, moreover, no SACD compatibility. To help overcome the USB port limitation, the company has also introduced a separate USB charger with two ports.
New pop/rock albums on SACD SACD releases in the pop and rock genres may be few and far between nowadays but they do keep coming. Universal Music Group has its Deluxe Edition series. Unfortunately not quite all albums in this series contain SACDs. We can think of many where this would have fit excellently, such as ABC's The Lexicon of Love (and some of the tracks have been remixed in 5.1 for the DVD compilation). Yet the series does include a couple of clasic pop albums on SACD including Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, The Who's Tommy and The Moody Blues' Days of Future Passed. UMG now adds to this Black Sabbath's Paranoid (released October 21, 2008)
and Emerson Lake & Palmer's Brain Salad Surgery (released October 7, 2008).
From 4AD (but issued by Mobile Fidelity) comes another Pixies album remastered on SACD: Bossanova (released October 14, 2008), which follows the earlier Surfer Rosa and Doolittle. MusicDirect, who own MoFi, also lists Foghat's Fool for the City on its website; date to be confirmed. It's going to be a numbered limited edition SACD. By the way, if you search Amazon.com for "Foghat SACD" you'll find this interesting sampler: 10 Great Artists, 10 Great Songs. The indication that this is an SACD must however be a mistake because (a) it's a Warner release and (b) its release predates the SACD format by several years...
First-ever PC with SACD support Another first in the history of SACD: the first-ever PC that plays SACDs. It's the Sony VAIO JS1-series 'all-in-one' lifestyle PC. According to the press release, "this can handle Super Audio CD (SA-CD), allowing the JS1 to record, edit and play music at SA-CD quality, and even upgrade older recordings to the new standard.
What's a little confusing is the drive. The specs mention "Optical: DVD±RW/±R DL/RAM." That could refer to DVD formats this PC's drive is capable of reading but we assume what's meant is this drive can record them. That makes this not only the first PC drive ever to support SACD playback but the first DVD writer drive that's compatible with SACD. What's more, several of the PR pictures show a BD-R sitting in the tray. Now this may not guarantee anything but at least it suggests BD-R playback. More likely we can expect Blu-ray Disc recording. That makes this one of the most universal drives of all time, and the first SACD-compatible BD drive outside of PS3. We'll let you know when Sony gets back to our query. Update: The press release turns out to have been confusing and confused. Confusing in the sense that this PC cannot handle SACD -- the processor could but the drive can't. The author must have been confused because although this PC comes with SonicStage Mastering Studio which can handle DSD, the DSD Disc format still only supports stereo -- not 5.1. The question about the DVD/BD writer remains unanswered. Update 2: Sony Europe press centre has revised the press release per October 13. Any reference to SACD or 5.1 is now gone. Also removed are the pictures showing a BD-R disc in the tray, implicitly answering part of our question about the drive's capabilities. Presumably it's a CD/DVD writer with no BD support.
New Pioneer A/V Receivers Pioneer has recently added two new AV receiver models in Japan and Europe: the SC-LX71 and SC-LX81. Of course, with features like Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio (and likely DSD input -- the brochure isn't explicit about that) via HDMI these receivers are designed to make a nice stack in combination with the BDP-LX71 Blu-ray Disc player and the DVD-LX50 DVD/SACD player. With 7.1-channel PCM input they'll work very nicely with a PS3 too.
Firmware v2.43 relevant for Japan only A new system software version, v2.43, is available. According the the official PlayStation Blog, "unlike previous updates, firmware v2.43 is specific to the Japan region, and only PS3 users there will be required to install the update. PS3 users in all other regions will not be prompted to download v2.43. However, if you manually initiate a firmware update by clicking on “System Update” under the XMB’s Settings icon, the v2.43 update will be available, regardless of where you are located. Users outside of Japan do not need to perform this update if your PS3 system software is on version v2.41 or later. However if you do perform the update, it will not cause any issues with your system or add any new functionality." Reportedly, the changes are for the release of rental content in the PlayStation Store.
WipEout HD release imminent The long-awaited PS3 game in the wipEout series, wipEout HD, is due for release worldwide on 25 September, ten days from today, SCE has announced on its blog. As transpired earlier, the game will be PSN-exclusive i.e. only available via the PlayStation Network.
As also reported before, the soundtrack will be in 'Dolby 5.1', whatever that means precisely (we're thinking plain vanilla Dolby Digital or, better for in-game use, Dolby Digital Live). The game will offer the option to race to any custom playlist from your HDD. We're hoping the audio tracks will be accessible outside of the game as well but have to assume by now the soundtrack will not be released on SACD or even DVD (like the soundtracks of the original wipEout game, wipEout 2097/XL and wipEout Pure were issued on regular Audio CD). Songs remixed to multichannel for the game are:
Three new Marantz receivers Marantz has added some new models to its AV receiver range: The SR6003, SR5003 and SR4003. All of them can handle 7.1-channel PCM via HDMI (and as such are well-suited for hooking up to a PS3) while the first two also accept DSD input. List price is $1199/¥120,000, $799/¥87,000 and $549, respectively.
Oppo: First BD/DVD/SACD/CD player other than PS3 In other CEDIA news, Oppo has beaten Sony's Home AV division (as well as Philips, Pioneer, Marantz and other brands) to it: making the first combined Blu-ray Disc/DVD/Super Audio CD player other than PlayStation3. Besides BD, DVD-Video and SACD the product named BDP-83 will also play CD and HDCD. DVD-Audio support Oppo is reportedly still working on. None of Oppo's websites we're aware of has any details about the upcoming multi-format player but people who have spoken with Oppo on the showfloor (they don't have their own stand but exhibit this prototype at the booth of Anchor Bay, whose VRS chipset they're using) say it should be out this winter. We'll post some proper pictures when we get them.
Top-of-the-line Sony receiver At CEDIA, Sony has shown the same ES series equipment introduced last week at IFA, plus another new 7.1-channel, DSD-compatible AV receiver: the DLNA-compliant STR-DA6400ES. It will be available in September for about $2,000 and sounds like a nice companion for a PlayStation3.
Yet more PS3 bundles coming to Europe Also the Little Big Planet PS3 bundle coming to Europe contains the new 80GB PlayStation3, meaning it will not play SACD.
New PS3 bundles coming to the continent SCEE will release at least two new bundles in Europe -- one with a movie, the other with Gran Turismo 5.
Reportedly, the bundles (€399 and €449, respectively) will only make it to mainland Europe -- not to the UK. Be aware that although both include an 80GB PS3, neither provides SACD playback. These are the new 80GB models.
First Sony SACD player with DSD output via HDMI It had been a while since Sony last released a dedicated SACD player but this week Sony hits back with a new potential masterpiece, the ES series model SCD-XA5400ES. While the front looks familiar -- it basically uses the same front panel as its predecessors SCD-XA9000ES (the model with i.Link) and SCD-XA3000ES, SCD-XA1200ES and the DVP-NS9100ES -- its rear panel indicates the internal circuitry of this device must be quite a radical departure. Like PlayStation3, it's no longer got analog multichannel outputs, just stereo (although in the case of this ES model they're balanced outputs). It does however have one important feature that PS3 lacks: DSD output via HDMI. It's the first Sony player to do so (though it's not quite the first brand to do so; see this list). Previously, only DSD output via i.Link was available. It's also the first SACD player (besides PS3) that can handle the DSD Disc format. The new player features Sony's proprietary H.A.T.S. (High-quality Audio Transfer System) that was used previously with i.Link between the SCD-XA9000ES and STR-DA9000ES, and between the SCD-DR1 and TA-DR1.
To enjoy DSD decoding in the receiver, you'll need the new Japanese TA-DA5400ES model, the new STR-DA4400ES model for European and American markets (see below), the earlier STR-DA5300ES (see further below) -- or a different brand altogether. Check this list or our store. The American and European prices for the player have not been announced but some retailers' websites suggest a $1,499 street price. The Japanese price is ¥176,400. We're still dreaming of an ES series player that combines BD, DVD, SACD and CD playback all in one. Until that becomes a reality (PS3 is still the only device in the world playing SACD as well as BD) one will need separate devices and to fill this gap Sony has announced an ES series BD/DVD/CD player, the BDP-S5000ES -- a model that appears to be more worthy of the ES subbrand than the earlier BDP-S2000ES, which had virtually the same cabinet as Sony's other second-generation BD players. The BD player, SACD player and AV receiver look like they make a terrific combination together.
At IFA, Sony has also introduced several other Blu-ray Disc players, including the global models BDP-S350 and BDP-S550 but also the BD-compatible home theatre system (integrated player/AV receiver) BDV-IT1000, possibly a strictly European affair.
Amazon has another Blu-ray Disc sale with up to 50% off on titles including No Country for Old Men, The Bank Job and The Prestige. There are further pre-order bargains on Iron Man (Ultimate 2-Disc Edition), Band of Brothers and The Ultimate Matrix Collection.
The promotion ends August 29.
The last of the three Genesis SACD boxsets is finally available for (pre)order.
Genesis 1970-1975 contains remasters of the first couple of albums:
All of the albums are hybrid SACDs with stereo and multichannel remixes. The boxset will be released September 30. It'll be available from Amazon.com at $139.98. We assume the SACD albums will also be available separately.
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has today (at the Leipzig conference) announced a new PS3 SKU with a 160 GB HDD -- a big jump, since the 80 GB version was never introduced in Europe and the 60 GB was phased out quite some time ago. The PAL model will be introduced on October 31 at a recommended retail price of €449. SCEA confirms that also the US will get a 160 GB model and apart from the Hard Drive capacity it'll have the same specs as the new 80 GB model. That means no SACD and no PS2 compatibility.
PS3SACD.com is one year old today. We want to thank everyone who has contributed to its success: all visitors, everyone who's responded, all shoppers and especially everyone who has posted on the forum. Thanks for your continued support. Count on us to proceed with the same enthusiasm and dedication.
Amazon.co.uk has a Summer Sale with deals for movies (DVD), music (CD) and video games. The promotion runs until August 31st. Amazon.de meanwhile has SACDs on offer.
Onkyo has launched some new 7.1-channel AV Receivers with DSD input via HDMI. They support DSD processing as well as 'Direct Mode'. Other features include DTS-HD Master Audio / Dolby TrueHD decoding, THX certification and Windows Vista compatibility via a front USB port. The US gets the TX-NR906 (no SRP announced yet). Presumably this model is virtually identical to the Japanese TX-NA906X. Derived from this is the Integra DTX-9.9 (¥ 367,500). Similarly, the Onkyo TX-SA806X formed the basis for Integra DTX-8.9 (¥ 262,500).
Firmware v2.42 is reported to have some issues. No further details are given but apparently it's less serious than the fall-out from v2.40.
Sony demonstrates its continued commitment to the DSD audio format by introducing a new A/V Receiver with DSD input via HDMI: the STR-DA4400ES.
The 7.1-channel receiver has got six HDMI inputs and a Cross Media Bar (XMB) user interface. Supported audio codecs include Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. Too bad PS3 still doesn't output these except converted to PCM. The ES series model will be available in August for about $1,500.
Sony has issued a minor firmware update, v2.42, to 'improve the playback quality of some PlayStation3 and PlayStation format software'.
The as yet unnamed new 80GB model will go on sale in all PAL territories, simultaneously on August 27, says SCEE. The price will be €399 on the continent and £299 in the UK. It will replace the 40GB SKU. Now this may sound like good value for money until you realize $399 equates to €252 and to £199. In other words, the price of PS3 is 50% higher in Europe than in the US -- a discrepancy that tax differences alone cannot account for.
Although Sony hasn't said so explicitly, it looks like the newly announced $399 80GB model of PS3 will not have SACD playback. After all, except for the Hard Disk capacity the specs are the same as of the current 40GB model, according to the press release. It also means no hardware emulation for compatibility with PS2 games (nor software emulation, for now). There's no confirmation of the typenumber yet. As soon as there is, we'll update the overview in the FAQ. Until that time, expect confusion about the specs of 'the 80GB model', now that there are two.
For your convenience, we've added a button that will put a PS3SACD.com widget on your iGoogle homepage. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to find it.
Mute Records has recently issued remastered versions of Yazoo's albums that include a brand new 5.1-channel mix. Sadly it appears that unlike the Depeche Mode remasters (see coverage near the bottom of this page) Mute didn't choose SACD with DVD added: It's a boxset with three plain CDs and a DVD with the surround mixes. Still, this probably makes for some interesting music.
As predicted, there's a v2.41 firmware release. Sony issued it yesterday to address the issues introduced with v2.40.
Yesterday, SCE put firmware v2.40 online. This release was highly anticipated because of many new features. Within hours however, users reported problems and Sony was forced to retract it. We expect we'll see a version 2.41 shortly. We'll keep you posted.
System software version 2.40 is due tomorrow. New A/V features include upconverting of video content (from 1080i to 1080p) on self-recorded Blu-ray Discs -- so-called BDAV discs -- as well as HDD, SD cards and Memory Sticks. New among the audio features is support of DTS-ES and DTS-96/24 for DVD and DTS-ES Matrix for BD playback.
Also added is support for MP3 Surround, a feature we suggested in our recent editorial. Thanks for that, Sony. We remain hopeful you'll follow up on our other suggestions too. Other v2.40 features are the in-game XMB and the new trophee system.
Sony BMG Music Entertainment has already released a number of music video titles on Blu-ray Disc and clearly is considering issuing more. Surround sound, high-resolution audio-only content is an option here. You can have a say, and could win 12 BD titles in the process. Fill out this survey to enter the contest (for US residents).
Firmware news: v2.40 is near but there's v2.36 as an intermediate update. Meanwhile, PS3 Hacks has posted the elusive v2.00 -- the only version thus far that on the fly converts SACD's DSD audio to DTS Digital Surround sound for output via optical wire (see coverage from November below or the FAQ). We are not aware of any tricks to downgrade the system software version so until then this is only useful for those who are still at v1.93 or lower. Note: since it's only just been added you may find v2.00 at the top of the list; not between version 1.93 and 2.01.
Metal Gear Solid 4 is out and bundles with PlayStation3 are available in the main markets but there's an important difference: in North America, the MGS4 bundle contains an (SACD-compatible) 80-GB model while in Japan and Europe you can only get the 40-GB model instead.
North America only: 80GB, SACD-compatible
40GB, no SACD
Have you always wanted to make your own SACDs? Well, you can't unless you've got all the studio equipment and access to SACD disc replication facilities but what you can do at home is make DSD Discs, the closest thing to it. Basically they're DVDs (that you can record on your PC) with DSD audio on them. How to get audio in DSD? One possible choice that's in reach is Korg's professional but portable audio recorder, the MR-1 (for detailed specs and an explanation of the benefits of DSD recording, check the Korg website; for a review read this).
To learn how to make your own DSD Discs, check this comprehensive guide, included on our site courtesy of Desertsky.
The SACD reissues of all nine Dead Can Dance albums will soon also be available in a nice slipcase. The collectors box set will be released on June 30. You can preorder it here.
Sony has issued a new system software update, v2.35. As usual with 'intermediate' updates (where the first decimal isn't raised but the second is) there are no new features, only 'stability improvements'. Remarkably, it doesn't solve the widely report GTA-IV bug either.
For those who wish to have a 5.1 surround sound set-up without all the cables and, moreover, without the numerous speakers about the room, Sony Europe has introduced some new models of its Bravia Theatre furniture pieces. With their 'hidden speaker' they provide 'invisible home cinema'. Interestingly, they operate with HDMI, passing through 1080p video and, importantly, decoding high-resolution multichannel PCM -- as provided by PS3, although this option is not mentioned in the press release.
There are two models: RHT-G900 and RHT-G1500. The main difference appears to be that the former has an extra shelf while the latter is wider. Note that these are not '2.1' or even '1.1' home theatre systems. Sony emphasises that every channel has its own speaker and amplifier so there's no downmixing and virtualisation going on here.
System software version v2.30, announced last week, has become available today in Japan, Europe and North America. The key new feature is DTS-HD Master Audio decoding. That means that instead of feeding the bitstream to your receiver via HDMI the PS3 will convert the signal to high-resolution multichannel PCM for output via the same port. Of course, your receiver must be able to handle that audio format otherwise it's still no use.
SCE added the following specific details:
The formulation of the first item strikes us as remarkable since – as far as we're aware – PS3 does not offer an option to stream the original audio signal via HDMI, only the PCM conversion. In fact, this is valid for all the high-resolution audio formats: Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio and, notably, DSD. You can read and discuss our comment in the forum.
System software version 2.20 may be barely two weeks old but already the release of v2.30 is imminent. Sony has revealed on its PlayStation blog that one of the key additions will be DTS-HD Master Audio output. Other new features include the revamped PlayStation Store. In other news today, an (unofficial) BBC iPlayer for PS3 has become available. You can find it here. Note: it will only work in the UK.
Marantz has developed some very nice kit to accompany PlayStation3 as well as other Blu-ray Disc players and especially SACD players. Among its many fancy features the AV8003 can count:
Marantz AV8003 The AV8003 is not an AV receiver -- it's a 'networking AV PreAmp/Processor'. In other words, it requires a separate power amplifier. This is where the MM8003 comes in -- an 8-channel power amp.
Marantz MM8003 We could be mistaken but judging by their design, the two products appear to be part of Marantz's Reference Series. That would be great to see: Marantz finally upgrading this segment of their range to multichannel. Thus far, their top-most equipment has been stereo only while 5.1-channel sound and beyond has been reserved for their 'lower' ranges. The mind boggles. Let's hope Marantz will offer a matching BD player (not the BD8002) and, above all, a matching SACD player. Until that time we'll stick with our PS3... The AV8003 and MM8003 don't come cheap at $2,599.99 and $2,399.99 SRP respectively but we reckon they make a great set-up. In fact, considering the engineering and the sheer amount of features that went into them they are in fact a real bargain.
After all this time, Dead Can Dance's complete set of albums is about to be released on SACD. The nine albums are scheduled for release on June 2. Other reports may mention a March 24 date but that was for Japan and has been postponed.
The discs will be hybrid but stereo-only. As a spokesperson of DCD's record label 4AD explains: "Unfortunately, due to the way DCD recorded, multi-tracks only exist of the first album and EP. […] We did want to do surround mixes but without multis there's nothing that can be done. Many of the albums were actually created in the final mastering where triggered samples (not on the multitrack) were mixed in live. This means that, apart from the stereo masters, there is no other recording containing all the musical elements." You can (pre)order all nine titles from our music page. A box set is expected later.
Europe may again get another SACD-compatible PS3: According to British retailers quoted by CVG, an 80GB model is on its way to the UK (and presumably Europe) to reach shelves by the end of summer. It's unknown whether this concerns a model with the same specs as the American 80GB model i.e. SACD and PS2 compatibility. Sony will not confirm the rumour – nor deny it, for that matter. In the meantime, the 60GB model is still available.
System software version 2.20, which adds 'BD-Live' functionality (see coverage from March 20 below) is now available for download from Sony.
Sony has certainly done a lot for Super Audio CD by incorporating it in PlayStation3 but there are more things the company could do that would make existing owners, new PS3 buyers and other people interested in SACD happy. Read our two cents in the new editorial section.
System software version 2.20, due 'late March' according to SCEE, will add Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0, also known as 'BD-Live'. Other features include remote play enhancements for audio playback via PSP and a noise reduction setting for BD and DVD video playback. We'll keep you posted.
Sony Computer Entertainment has released (at least in Japan – it appears to work in Japanese initially) a new version of the PS3 system software, 2.17. As far as we know thus far it has no relevance to SACD playback. We also know not what happened to 2.11-2.16 but suspect these were internal release candidates that have not been approved.
Nine Inch Nails have released their new album, Ghosts I-IV. Unlike their previous album, The Downward Spiral, this one will apparently not be released as an SACD. Instead, you can choose between a free high-quality (320 kbps) DRM-free MP3 download of the first nine tracks plus a 40-page booklet in PDF form, a FLAC-encoded (losslessly compressed) download of all 36 tracks priced USD 5, a 2-disc CD set priced USD 10, and a USD 75 deluxe package including a DVD-ROM that contains all tracks in multitrack format (so you can do your own mixing) and a Blu-ray Disc with the album in high-definition (24-bit, 96 kHz) stereo. So no multichannel mix, unfortunately -- although with the right equipment one could make this from the multitrack master...
The USD 300 super-deluxe limited edition package was sold out instantly. The BD version is scheduled for release on May 1. In the meantime you could join the discussion on our forum.
Suggestions from sources such as Ars Technica and Kotaku about a 120-GB PS3 thus far have not materialized. In the meantime SCE Japan has announced a 'Satin Silver' version of the 40-GB unit dubbed CECHH00SS. The specs are exactly indentical to those of the 'Clear Black' and 'Ceramic White' models, meaning: no SACD. SCE America denies plans to introduce this version.
T3 meanwhile speculates about a slimmed-down PS3, referred to as PSthree. We think it's way too early in the console's lifetime to make that step. Even when after the Cell Broadband Engine also the RSX GPU gets shrunk from 90nm to 65nm the two may still be too large to make combining them on a single die economically feasible.
Speculation is rife about a new PlayStation3 model about to be announced. According to the rumour, the 80-GB version is on the way out in favour of a 120-GB version. Phasing out of the 80-GB model would explain why it wasn't mentioned when the 20-GB and 60-GB models were eliminated from the Japanese line-up last month. According to Consumer Electronics Daily of January 23, SCEA has filed with the FCC for a white model. We speculate the new typenumber will be CECHI00 and/or CECHI01. The big question, of course, is whether such a new model will retain the high-end specs of the 80-GB edition, especially SACD playback. Constituting already the fourth generation of PS3 in just over a year, it may be yet another cost reduction, for instance containing a 65-nm version of the RSX graphics processor. (The third generation uses a 90-nm GPU with a 65-nm Cell BE processor while in the earlier two generations both were made using a 90-nm process.) Keep an eye on this page for more information.
SCE Japan announced it stops manufacture of the (SACD-compatible) 20GB and 60GB PS3 versions, focusing further efforts on the 40GB version (which does not play SACD). The press release makes no mention of the 80GB version.
SCE has issued firmware version 2.10 for PS3. New features of the system software include:
Check back here shortly for more information or join the discussion in the forum.
Release is scheduled only for March 31, 2008 but the last box in the Genesis SACD reissue series is now available for pre-order from Amazon UK
The joy of having multichannel output from SACD over optical out has lasted only short: about two weeks. Earlier this week Sony released a 'minor update' of the system software, v2.01, to address "stability issues". For all the new SACD users that came on board a fortnight ago it's a major change though: optical output from SACD remains possible but just in stereo. This may explain why the feature wasn't documented in the first place. Apparently it wasn't supposed to be there at all. To all who don't have an HDMI receiver yet we suggest postponing the upgrading from v2.00 to v.201 as long as possible and enjoying multichannel SACD while it lasts.
We've added a page with an overview of pop music titles on SACD. Even more so than other pages on this site it's a case of work in progress. We aim to greatly expand the number of vendor links but you can already have a look and click through.
Important news for all PS3 owners (and wannabe owners) whose AV receiver doesn't feature HDMI or multichannel PCM decoding: While not yet publicly documented by Sony, it turns out that system software v2.00 enables SACD playback via optical digital audio output. Multichannel DSD gets converted to multichannel DTS! Join the discussion on our forum.
Sony has released firmware update v2.00. Going by the details they've published about it thus far (on the Japanese consumer site, the US consumer site and blog and the European press pages) no new SA-CD functionality is included. There is no word about a Blu-ray Disc profile upgrade announced earlier either, so surely we can expect more, significant upgrades in the future.
Following Europe and Japan, North America now also gets the 40GB, SACD-less PS3 unit, at 399 US/Canadian dollars. The unit will be available from November 2, SCEA announced today. More importantly, the 80GB model's price is cut by $100 to $499 with immediate effect. We'd say: Get yours while you can.
As was to be expected, SACD-less PS3 units are going to be introduced in other regions than just Europe. Today, SCE Japan announced two new models, equal in spec to the 40GB type (CECHG01) announced just days ago in the old world. The difference between them: the colour -- the CECHH00 CW is the first white unit (the letters 'CW' denote Ceramic White).
The SACD-compatible 60GB and 20GB versions will remain available and be reduced in price: ¥54,980 and ¥44,980. Even at this lower price the 20GB model is still more expensive than the new 40GB model (¥39,980) but of course you get SACD for that (plus some other features; see the FAQ). Let's hope that Sony will continue offering a 'high-end' model with all the A/V features including SACD, next to pure game machines. To be sure: there is no SACD-compatible white PS3.
It's official: the future of SACD looks a little less bright today than it did just a few days ago. Perhaps a lot less bright. Sony has announced a cost-down PS3 model for the European market, dropping SACD support.
The new model, introduced at €399, has a 40GB Hard Disk Drive, two USB ports instead of four and lacks the multi memory card reader. Perhaps most striking is the discarding of backwards compatibility with PlayStation2. Remarkable because the emulation was already done in software anyway. The press release made no mention of the change concerning SACD but the spec list no longer specifies the format and the official pictures said it all. It's probably only a matter of time before these changes are introduced in other markets, too. What will happen to the 'high end' model that features SACD remains to be seen but one can wonder if Sony will continue that for long, so you'd better get one while you can!
The last two albums of Depeche Mode's remasters series, 'Ultra' and 'Exciter' are finally out. Like the other eight albums in this series, they consist of a hybrid multichannel SACD and a DVD containing the same tracks in PCM stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 at 24-bit 96 kHz, plus some additional footage.
On the hardware side, Pioneer has introduced a new AV Receiver and it looks like another flagship...
The SC-LX90 is probably a nice match for any Blu-ray Disc player including the PS3. With a price tag more than ten times that of the console however you may want to consider a different type such as Marantz' new SR5002.
Unlike some other models of the brand it doesn't have DSD input via HDMI but it does support multi-channel PCM through this port. At a price of $799 or €699 it's a lot easier on the wallet. Denon meanwhile has released its new top-of-the-line AV Receiver, the AVP-A1 HD, an "Ultra-Reference 12 Channel A/V Home Theater/MultiMedia Preamplifier with Network Streaming and Wi-Fi".
The price tag – don't be shocked – $7,000 suggested retail price, $5,998 street price. It also exists in silver, but probably only in Japan.
SCE has issued another firmware update for PS3, v1.93. It has no effect on SACD playback though.
The FAQ has undergone a major revision. It includes new chapters, new questions and includes a much more detailed table of contents for easier navigation. Also, the new layout should make it much better legible.
Sony has issued a new firmware update, v1.92, but it holds no new improvements for SACD over v1.90. Reportedly the benefits relate to the PlayStation Store and to PS2 software emulator for better backward compatibility.
At the Berlin IFA fair, Yamaha has introduced a new AV receiver with DSD input via HDMI as well as Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD High Resolution and DTS-HD Master Audio: the DSP-Z11. While these features makes this unit highly suitable for use with PS3 it can do a more – a lot more. In fact it is Yamaha's new flagship product. You may be interested to know the suggested retail price is EUR 5,500. We're not exactly sure at this moment about the differences between this model and the RX-Z11 announced for North America. Perhaps the typenumber's the only thing.
What’s new? This site is! Opened to the public on August 17, 2007, so forgive us if not everything looks polished and finished yet. In the meantime, do look around and let us know what you think and what else you’d like to see here.
Sony has announced a new range of ES receivers, the STR-DA3300ES, STR-DA4300ES and STR-DA5300ES. While, thanks to multichannel PCM input via HDMI, all of these are very well suited for use in combination with a PS3 we’d recommend the latter (incidentally named TA-DA5300ES in Japan). Not because it’s the most expensive at SRP $1,699 (we don’t receive any commission for this advice) but because it’s more future-proof. How? It’s the only model in this series with DSD input via HDMI – a feature we hope PS3 will be able to use in the near future.
Sony Computer Entertainment has issued a number of PS3 firmware upgrades that further improve the audio and video performance of the console. The latest is v1.90, released July 24, 2007. It’s great to see the engineers behind PS3 care so much about picture and sound quality. For more details about what these improvements mean for SA-CD playback, check out the FAQ.
On the content side, Virgin Records has started reissueing Genesis' complete works on SACD. The first box, consisting of albums from 1976 to 1982, is available since this Spring. The second box, 1983-1998, will be released this September. A third box with their early work is to appear later. This move resembles one by Mute Records, who have embarked on a program to release remastered versions of all Depeche Mode albums on SACD. For Genesis as well as Depeche Mode, the albums are remastered and remixed from the original multitrack mastertapes. The albums reissues each consist of two discs: a hybrid multichannel SACD, containing a remastered CD version and a stereo plus multichannel SACD mix, and secondly a DVD with the same multichannel mix in Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS, enhanced with all kinds of bonus materials. Beware however: In North America, both Genesis' and Depeche Mode's remasters are sold as CD/DVD combinations only, so without SACD! Fortunately, the SACD versions are widely available through import.
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and 
. It's the third one -- or rather the first one, depending how you count -- spanning the years 1970 through 1974. We'll add an Amazon USA link when it becomes available for pre-ordering there.
