I can't seem to play SACDs in my system, which is causing me to weep.  The set-up:

CD/DVD player = Oppo 970 HD

Receiver = Denon 2807

Speakers = An unstoppable force of Aperion sound (fronts = 2 x 633T, center = 634, surrounds = 533T, S-10 sub -- and yes, this system is as unbelievably amazing as you might expect)

HDMI connect between the Oppo player and Denon receiver.  The receiver recognizes it's getting 5.1 sound from the source when an SACD is in the Oppo player, but nothing comes out the speakers.  (DVDs and regular CDs work just fine.)

After reading various forums, I have an uneasy feeling that the problem is due to differing HDMI standards: SACD requires HDMI 1.2, but the Denon only understands HDMI 1.1 .  Could this be?  Is a receiver that otherwise deserves high praise be so lacking in this area?

Any suggestions to resolve this would be greatly appreciated -- thanks!

 

Beau
 

You figured it out, HDMI 1.1 does not support SACD.  You will need to connect 5.1 analog cables to play your SACDs.

Ken,

 

Thanks for the confirmation.  I'm sorry to lose the elegant simplicity of a single cable between my player and the receiver, but at least I can listen to surround sound music on this system of sonic goodness.

 

Beau 

I get 5.1 sound just fine playing SACD's.  Same components you listed, HDMI between the Oppo 970 and the Denon 2807.  Are you still unable to hear anything?  It's been a year or so since I set up everything, but my guess is your problem is in the Oppo configuration.  If you're still having the problem I'll write down my settings so you can compare to yours if you want.

Keep in mind that many SACDs have multiple layers, with one of them being a std 2 channel  CD PCM so that any player can read and pass the data.

From what I could gather on various forums and the specs of HDMI standards, the problem really is that HDMI 1.2 lacks the appropriate protocol to transmit 5.1 audio signals.  The purchase of three pairs of RCA jacks (front L/R, surround L/R, center+sub) that now link my Oppo player to the Denon receiver (in addition to the HDMI cable) has resolved the problem.  I get stunning surround sound from the few SACDs in my collection; now my challenge is to track down good SACDs!  (Suggestions welcome.)  The loss of single-cable-elegance between the Oppo and Denon is more than made up by the opportunity to hear music in surround sound.

The HDMI cable carries the video signal for DVDs; presumably the HDMI cable also carries the audio signal for any DVDs played. 

Thanks for checking,

 
Beau