SACD transport recommendations

[TRIPLE A]

Hi, am considering picking up an SACD transport and it's a little minefield so would like recommendations please.
Here's my wishlist:
- I prefer not having to pay for an additional DAC or inbuilt amplification. Transport only
- USB output ideally, as the stream from the player would then be fed into USB-based gear from SOtC which will reconstruct the stream before then feeding my DAC. I'm not interested in having loads of other connection options if it'll keep the price down. I've read a bit about PS Audio cracking the issue re copy protection encryption preventing digital output unless downscaling, though I'm loathe to spend a fortune on a PS Audio transport just for a few SACDs. Any other solution out there?
- half-width casing ideally, to go with my Cyrus gear.
- Budget - as little as possible.
I'm willing to make some concessions on having more functionality than needed, if it means I can have a half size case.
Thanks so much!

 

[Tom C]

The last time I looked into this, I thought the best option was a Sony blu-ray player with SACD capabilities. It’s not the minimalist device you seek, but what drives cost here is economies of scale. Sony can manufacture the blu-ray players in large enough quantities that it’s actually the cheapest option. If you insist on usb output and no DAC at the transport level, you will have to pay more.
Or, you can do as the cool kids do and rip the SACD to a dsf or dff file using an old Sony player, and then you can play your digital file on PC, laptop, RaspberryPi, or whatever digital player you’d like. For what you want, I’d say this may be the best option, as long as you have a stomach for cobbling the system together. Maybe $50 or $75 US for the whole set up. If you’re interested, we can direct you to the instructions. They have been out there for years, and there are many happy users.

 

[Jimi Floyd]

Not half width, but not so wide (32 cm). No DAC or analog out, as you requested. USB output, actually any digital output kind is included.

ONIX Zenith XST20 SACD CD Transport

*EDIT: reading the specs, the USB output is not enabled for SACDs. Native DSD64 is only output through I2S.

 

[Tom C]

Not half width, sorry. No DAC or analog out, as you requested. USB output included, as well as many other options

ONIX Zenith XST20 SACD CD Transport

That is a very nice, and nice looking unit! Too bad it’s 2 grand

 

[TRIPLE A]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
Yeah digital output of pure DSD is very hard to get with SACD players, because of the copy protect encryption that Sony included in the format specs. Similar to not being able to get USB output with Blu-ray Disc players - the Blu-ray Disc Association forbids USB output because piracy.
From looking into this further, the ROI for me on getting a proper SACD transport just isn't there - I'm better off running dsf or whatever computer files into my streamer, for them to process then feed my DAC with.

 

[Tatr76]

Bought old blu ray player from charity shop to rip sacd layer. Mainly for fun as only have a small collection of discs but players cost next to nothing and everyone has old usb stick laying around to run script. Just make sure get compatible model

 

[tonyo123]

Very nice but $2K to get at a proprietary encoded digital bitstream?

Agree with Tatr76 on option to purchase certain vintage SONY or Pioneer Blue-Ray players and or the SONY gaming system (see threads) and using ethernet connection and online software to save up-copy protected bitstream to DSD on computer. Then play at will via DAC..

Sonore - ISO2DSD - converts ISO files to DSD

Releases · EuFlo/sacd-ripper

SACD ripping software using a PS3. Contribute to EuFlo/sacd-ripper development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

SACD Ripping using an Oppo or Pioneer? Yes, it's true!

Note: I told the PS3 thread I would announce what I've found, so I am writing this first post, long before I am ready to (i.e I don't have the links ready yet, nor the instructions). I expect my second post to be ready in a few more days. Thanks to some very ingenious folks on other forums around...

audiophilestyle.com

Down the Rabbit Hole of SACD Ripping and DSD Extraction

I’m a firm believer in fair use when it comes to audio media — if you bought it, you own it, and you’re free to do with it as you please — as long as it’s for your personal enjoyment and you’re not trying to sell it illegally for profit. Apparently the code writers/hackers in the world agree...

www.psaudio.com

(do research on player and usb script hack)

 

[Roland68]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
Yeah digital output of pure DSD is very hard to get with SACD players, because of the copy protect encryption that Sony included in the format specs. Similar to not being able to get USB output with Blu-ray Disc players - the Blu-ray Disc Association forbids USB output because piracy.
From looking into this further, the ROI for me on getting a proper SACD transport just isn't there - I'm better off running dsf or whatever computer files into my streamer, for them to process then feed my DAC with.

You can use an inexpensive Blu-ray/SACD player with HDMI output; there are some recommendations in the forum (Sony, Panasonic, Pioneer, etc.) and then convert it to I2S. This will give you the full resolution.

For some Oppo players, there's also a mod board that does exactly this.

 

[linuxfan]

the ROI for me on getting a proper SACD transport just isn't there - I'm better off running dsf or whatever computer files into my streamer

Yes.

 

[Scytales]

Yeah digital output of pure DSD is very hard to get with SACD players, because of the copy protect encryption that Sony included in the format specs.

Sony and Philips included that in the format specs not by themselves but at the request of the music industry representatives assembled in a steering committee that had issued the specification requirements for any successor to the CD Audio at the end of 1990s.

That being said, can you tell us more about your hardware configuration, because I am not familiar with 'SOtC' ?

 

[Scytales]

Not half width, but not so wide (32 cm). No DAC or analog out, as you requested. USB output, actually any digital output kind is included.

ONIX Zenith XST20 SACD CD Transport

*EDIT: reading the specs, the USB output is not enabled for SACDs. Native DSD64 is only output through I2S.

Interesting device.

DSD can also be put out of Toslink, S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital outputs by using a "DoP" format carrier, said the specs. That can be handy.

But It's not clearly stated if this transport can put out the multichannel DSD content of SA-CDs or if it is limited to 2 channels stereo.

 

[xlinknz]

My first post. I recently got a Sony S5100 for NZ$35 (US$20) it plays SACDs and is even one of the few models that allows SACDs to ripped. The unit doesn't have analogue out just coax and HDMI. DSD can only be sent via HDMI

My plan is to get a DAC (to connect to my vintage pre amp that has no digital inputs) but as most (inexpensive) DACs only support HDMI ARC the Sony's ability to send DSD via HDMI (only) isn't much use so I'll be connecting via coax.

I'm new to DACs so I am not sure yet of the benefit of DOP since if my source is the Sony via coax or a PC using USB. I'm considering a Fosi GR40 or a SMSL DL100 the later supports DOP but I'm not sure on benefit and the use case for DOP snce if I am using a PC then I'd play DFF and DSF files via USB

 

[DMill]

Buy used. I have a Denon 2910 in my basement in perfect condition in the box with remote. 90% of people here have something just as good doing nothing but collecting dust.

 

[Chrispy]

Can't really think of why anyone would make an "sacd transport". These days if you use an optical disc player that has such capabilities, you'd pass the dac onto your avr perhpaps. I use Oppo and Sony optical disc players for my sacds, and only do sacd for multich recordings. YMMV.

 

[raif71]

The last time I looked into this, I thought the best option was a Sony blu-ray player with SACD capabilities. It’s not the minimalist device you seek, but what drives cost here is economies of scale. Sony can manufacture the blu-ray players in large enough quantities that it’s actually the cheapest option. If you insist on usb output and no DAC at the transport level, you will have to pay more.
Or, you can do as the cool kids do and rip the SACD to a dsf or dff file using an old Sony player, and then you can play your digital file on PC, laptop, RaspberryPi, or whatever digital player you’d like. For what you want, I’d say this may be the best option, as long as you have a stomach for cobbling the system together. Maybe $50 or $75 US for the whole set up. If you’re interested, we can direct you to the instructions. They have been out there for years, and there are many happy users.

I too bought some old Sony Bluray players. I had to search for the ones that support SACD-R as the latest only support SACD. Had to research and look up the specific SONY models. Also, I bought an old Pioneer player which had to be flashed with cfw for it to support SACD-R.

 

[PristineSound]

There aren't any SACD transport. PS Audio makes some, but they only work with their DAC, and their DAC sucks.

You can buy a HDMI DSD extractor, Amir reviewed one here, but tons of jitter.

And unless the content is recorded specifically for SACD, I believe most are from a lower resolution, such as 16 bit, so SACD is. . .well. . .I let you judge it.

I have an Oppo BDP-105D that plays SACD, but it's not cheap.