24bit/192 kHz soundcard and DVD-A/SACD options?

[DirtyCzech]

Since this capability isn't packaged with the MacBook Pro, I'm open to suggestions for a good external alternative. I'm also interested in a software DVD-A and SACD player. Could I achieve maximum results by using the fiber optic output from the Macbook into my Harmon-Kardon 24/192 receiver? I'm more of an audiophile than a videophile, but I do use a 23inch ACD with my Mac Book Pro.

Thanks!

[Galley]

There are NO optical drives that can read the high-resolution layer of Hybrid SACDs, let alone non-hybrids.

[DirtyCzech]

I always wondered WHY i could never find a software audio player or drive that would recognize the hi res layer of a hybrid sacd? I think sony monopolized the technology. I have a bunch of hybrid sacds that i'd love to back-up. There has to be an open source app out there somewhere that can do it????

[eric2006]

Your drive cannot physically read SACDS. Your computer is able to play the quality of SACD's if the file is on the hard disk, but not from a CD. If you have a SACD player, you could look at importing via the optical line in on your computer.

[Galley]

The standard resolution layer of a hybrid SACD can be read by any CD-ROM, CD-RW. It should be readable on a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive. It might be readable on a DVD-ROM or DVD-RW drive. Remember that this is standard 16-bit audio.

[davebz]

The real truth is: SACD would not only require special software, but also requires the special decoding chips. We're talking about delta modulation (single bit) sampled at a rate of 2.83 Mhz. Because of the de-crimination that occurs with PCM. I like to call Poor Crap Modulation :-P, what good would it be to even convert the data to 96/24bit? So there you have it. I say if you can swing it, get a Sony ES, Marantz or Music Hall SACD player. Don't worry, you'll be happy as a pig in s---!