Scoping software.

As with my reviews in the previous issue, this column will be split into two sections: (1) sometimes lengthy SACD surround sound evaluations and (2) somewhat shorter standard compact disc reviews.

As I noted with that first series of reviews, Chesky has been loading me up with SACD recordings for some time, and the ones in this article will be nothing but Chesky releases. As with the earlier reviews, I made use of a Yamaha DVD-S1500 player for all of these evaluations. In my review of the $1500, I discussed surround-sound audio in general, particularly as it relates to SACD and DVD-A.

In this column, I will continue to analyze some current SACD releases in terms of their technical abilities (and sometimes their musical and performance qualities) and often compare them to the two-channel versions. As noted in the first paragraph, above, the second part of the column will deal quickly with some "old-fashioned" CD releases in the usual manner.

As in the previous column, all of the SACD releases were auditioned via my middle system, with Dunlavy Cantata main speakers, an NHT VS1.2 center speaker, Allison surround-channel speakers, and a Hsu TN1220 subwoofer. The processor was a Yamaha DSP-A1 integrated amplifier (reviewed by me back in issue 72), which is able to apply bass management to the six-channel analog inputs from the player. (The newer RX-Z1 receiver in my main system and that I reviewed in issue 93 cannot do this.) The speakers are all similarly distanced from the listening position (each, about 10 feet), so no electronic distance compensation was required. The room is roughly 17 x 22 feet, with an 8-foot ceiling, and with the front speakers along the narrow wall.