One issue that's been very frustrating to me which would be great in clarifying in reviews of SACD discs - most 5.1 re-mixing, eq'ing, analog to tape transfers/restoration is done in ProTools, which is a PCM environment. I do this stuff, so I'm familiar with the tools (no pun intended). Also, let's not forget all the full digital recordings of the past 25 years - most recorded in PCM.

Which begs the question - unless an SACD project uses Sony's proprietary DSD technology from start to finish, 5.1 mixes on SACD discs may actually be conversions from mixes or material which used hi-res PCM software/hardware (which is the industry standard to this day) during the re-mix. Actually, if the SACD's 5.1 mix was in fact done in hi-res PCM (i.e. using ProTools or other PCM technology) and then converted for the SACD, then I would think sticking with hi-res PCM would be the cleaner signal as there would be no conversion.

A lot of the SACD 2 channel stereo re-mastering is straight DSD, as Sony has been transfering their catalog for some time in their proprietary format (which might be why some SACDs are stereo-only remasterings). But whenever a re-mix is done, it would be great to confirm if it is a *true* DSD re-mix or a conversion from a PCM mix. Don't know if that will be possible (truth in product labeling?), but in the meantime, keep in mind that the SACD 5.1 re-mix you're hearing may in fact be a PCM conversion!

Wait-a-minute - truth in product labeling? In home audio? I doubt it. At least it won't expand your waistline.

Posted Feb-10th, 2003