SACD is a new ultra-high quality sound format currently being introduced worldwide as a possible successor to standard CDs.   Recordings are made using a technique known as DSD (Direct Stream Digital) and can offer surround sound as well as standard digital stereo.

Most SACDs are described as "Hybrid", meaning that they will play on all conventional CD players.  However, when played on a dedicated SACD player, a higher quality of reproduction is achieved.  SACDs can also be played on all DVD-Video machines; some newer DVD players such as Sony incorporate a chip to decode the special SACD signal which results in superior sound.

SACDs are available from Sony, Philips, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Chandos, BIS, Harmonia Mundi and many other labels.  They should not be confused with the rival format of DVD-Audio, which currently consists of a very limited number of titles.  At present Prelude Records does not stock any DVD-Audio titles, but we are happy to obtain these as special orders.