SACD, or Super Audio CD, is a high-resolution audio format developed by Sony and Philips in the early 2000s. It offers superior sound quality compared to standard CDs by using a different encoding method called DSD (Direct Stream Digital), which captures audio with greater detail and dynamic range. SACDs can contain both high-resolution stereo and multi-channel audio, making them popular among audiophiles. SACDs are played on specialized players that support the format, although some standard CD players can also read the regular CD layer of an SACD. The format has a limited catalog compared to traditional CDs, but it includes many classical, jazz, and popular music titles, appealing to those seeking an enhanced listening experience.