universal (SACD DVD-A) DVD player?

Duffman
Duffman Posts: 51
edited October 2003 in Electronics
Now that I finally have my rti8s up and running I'm itching to upgrade my old dvd to a universal player. So far I've been looking at some of the Pioneer Elite models and have a line on a decent (read: not high end, not crap) one for around $350. I've also heard that the Yammy S2300 is awesome but it runs around $800.

Anyone out in Polk land recently look into or purchase a universal player? Any observations to share?
Post edited by Duffman on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited October 2003
    The Pioneer DVD's have been getting rave reviews lately. Check out http://www.audioadvisor.com. They have very good prices/service.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ToddB
    ToddB Posts: 21
    edited October 2003
    I recently purchased the Denon 2200. Retails for $599 and is nearly identical to their 2900 that retails for $999. I've only had it for a week, but so far, I'm very happy with it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Phil Dawson
    Phil Dawson Posts: 288
    edited October 2003
    I bought the Pioneer Elite DV-45A (I think that's the number.) It is a fantastic player and I spent about $360. It sounds really good with my 1.2s in front 2.3s in the rear and CS400i Check it out.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • izafar
    izafar Posts: 819
    edited October 2003
    I also got Denon DVD2200 recently and am so far very happy with it. Video is outstanding and I havent heard SACDs better before (previously I was using a Sony entry level SACD/DVD player). I have only one DVD Audio Disc and also liked it alot. I got it for $540 plus tax and I think it is very good option in this price range.
    -izafar

    Goldenear Technology Triton 1 - Benchmark AHB2 - Benchmark LA4 - Auralic Vega - Auralic Aries Mini - Marantz TT-15S1 - Clearaudio Nano
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • eclypse
    eclypse Posts: 595
    edited October 2003
    Originally posted by izafar
    I also got Denon DVD2200 recently and am so far very happy with it. Video is outstanding and I havent heard SACDs better before (previously I was using a Sony entry level SACD/DVD player). I have only one DVD Audio Disc and also liked it alot. I got it for $540 plus tax and I think it is very good option in this price range.

    Where did you get it?

    man i'd love one of those since its the last thing i want and need to buy for my home audio setup.. I'm really interested in the Denon DVD-audio/SACD players.. The 2900 and ofcourse the 5700 look awesome.. but the 2200 is more in the price range.
    Full 5 channel set of Polk Audio
    Fronts - LSiM 705
    Center - LSiM 706c
    Sides - LSiM 703
    Mits WD-82842 82" DLP 3DTV
    Denon AVR-3313CI Receiver
    Emotiva stealth DC-1
    Emotiva XPA-2/Fronts XPA-3 Center-surrounds
    Oppo 103

    Loving the new Family! :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • acdds
    acdds Posts: 253
    edited October 2003
    There is never "one last thing I need or want for my HT set-up", I always want something new or better!!! This is an addicting hobby! LOL!! Crutchfield was selling the Denon-2900 for $849 at their scratch and dent store. I got one from there and there was absolutley nothing wrong with it cosmetically or fuctionally. If that is your price range, I would order one and it comes dented sned it back and order another one until you get a good one. It comes with a warranty from Crutchfield that matches the Denon warranty. Also, I took asked about the 2200 bfore it was released at a dealer, he was going to give it to me for $549 ($599 - 10% authorized dealer discount). Good luck!
    Receiver = Denon AVR-3803
    DVD = Denon DV-2900
    Fronts = SDA SRS 2.3TL's
    (Carver m1.5t)
    Center = CSi40
    Side surrounds = Fxi30's
    Sony 12" sub
    TV = Hitachi 57F500

    Bedroom rig:
    Pioneer SX-1050 receiver
    Rti38's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jmasterj
    jmasterj Posts: 327
    edited October 2003
    Hi Duffman,

    Welcome to the forum. I have the Pioneer Elite DV 47Ai it's a very nice player. Got it at 50TOPSELLERS.com I think they have them for around $600 . It's worth a look at...

    Let us know what you decide.
    JmasterJ Polk to the Death
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • izafar
    izafar Posts: 819
    edited October 2003
    Eclypse, I got mine from http://www.hometheaterstore.com/. They have a 10% off deal going on, so u can get it at $540.

    Currently they are not selling online. I think goodguys.com is selling them and they also have free shipping and 10% off deal
    -izafar

    Goldenear Technology Triton 1 - Benchmark AHB2 - Benchmark LA4 - Auralic Vega - Auralic Aries Mini - Marantz TT-15S1 - Clearaudio Nano
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited October 2003
    I have the 2900 - awesome in all formats and flawless thus far.

    I also saw the 1200 (faroudja and DVD-A) and it was flat out amazing for PQ on a new Hitachi 57".

    I'm sure the 2200 will be excellent but probably a hair less than the 2900 in the SQ department due to the different DACs (2900 has custom built BB).
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited October 2003
    Originally posted by izafar
    I also got Denon DVD2200 recently..........I havent heard SACDs better before (previously I was using a Sony entry level SACD/DVD player).

    Hmmm......so all SACD players are created equal in the SQ department? ;)

    What are you hearing from the Denon that is better than the Sony?
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • eclypse
    eclypse Posts: 595
    edited October 2003
    Originally posted by acdds
    There is never "one last thing I need or want for my HT set-up", I always want something new or better!!! This is an addicting hobby! LOL!! Crutchfield was selling the Denon-2900 for $849 at their scratch and dent store. I got one from there and there was absolutley nothing wrong with it cosmetically or fuctionally. If that is your price range, I would order one and it comes dented sned it back and order another one until you get a good one. It comes with a warranty from Crutchfield that matches the Denon warranty. Also, I took asked about the 2200 bfore it was released at a dealer, he was going to give it to me for $549 ($599 - 10% authorized dealer discount). Good luck!


    heheh your lucky.. I had that thing in my basket the other night. Though i'm sure if i bought it my wife would of killed me :o
    Full 5 channel set of Polk Audio
    Fronts - LSiM 705
    Center - LSiM 706c
    Sides - LSiM 703
    Mits WD-82842 82" DLP 3DTV
    Denon AVR-3313CI Receiver
    Emotiva stealth DC-1
    Emotiva XPA-2/Fronts XPA-3 Center-surrounds
    Oppo 103

    Loving the new Family! :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • eclypse
    eclypse Posts: 595
    edited October 2003
    Would one of these players 2200 or 2900 wook great on a Samsung 61" DLP? I know it dont have a DVI out and all but just wondering.. Also is there a good amont of music out there other then classical and jass? Cause thats what i heard a while ago from someone.
    Full 5 channel set of Polk Audio
    Fronts - LSiM 705
    Center - LSiM 706c
    Sides - LSiM 703
    Mits WD-82842 82" DLP 3DTV
    Denon AVR-3313CI Receiver
    Emotiva stealth DC-1
    Emotiva XPA-2/Fronts XPA-3 Center-surrounds
    Oppo 103

    Loving the new Family! :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • izafar
    izafar Posts: 819
    edited October 2003
    Originally posted by Dr. Spec

    What are you hearing from the Denon that is better than the Sony?

    The Key Differnces:

    1. Much better SQ in Surround Chanels. I heard a lot more music information in surrounds as compatred to Sony. I did caliberated the new player to make sure that I am not percieving this due to differnce in SPL levels.

    2. Better BM in Denon. Sony has the crossover point for 100 HZ and BM ony worked multichanel SACDs (i-e it doesnt work for stereo SACDs). The denon has 80Hz crossover and also allows to have 10 db boost for SACDs to fix the inherent low bass level in SACDs. The overall impact is that I am getting much better bass response from Denon.
    Originally posted by Dr. Spec

    Hmmm......so all SACD players are created equal in the SQ department
    Not all players are equal, but I didnt expected that much of a difference between Sony and Denon. I tried both NS500V and NS755V from sony and Denon is much better then both in SACD SQ. In Redbook CD performance so far I havent noticed much difference.
    -izafar

    Goldenear Technology Triton 1 - Benchmark AHB2 - Benchmark LA4 - Auralic Vega - Auralic Aries Mini - Marantz TT-15S1 - Clearaudio Nano
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gshisme
    gshisme Posts: 1,038
    edited October 2003
    Duffman, simply put I love my Yamaha but I have read that for $250 the Pioneer is a steal compared to the Yammy's price tag of $750. Sound & Vision has a review on the Pioneer DV-563A Universal DVD-A\SACD player in their November issue. Check it out.

    Greg
    suds, suds and more suds!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Duffman
    Duffman Posts: 51
    edited October 2003
    Thanks for all the replies guys. I ended up buying the Denon 2200 and I'm really happy so far. I wasn't thrilled at the idea of an additional $100 for audio interconnects for the multi channel inputs but that's life I guess. The Denon makes audibly richer and warmer music out of my Rti8s.

    So, at the risk of this potentially crossing topics, what SACDs or DVD-As have y'all been impressed with? I bought 2 when I got the player, Pink Floyd Dark, Side of the Moon (awesome sound and channel separation) and Sam Cooke, Portrait of a Legend. Listen to the Sam Cooke recordings and you won't believe it was recorded in the 50's!

    One last Q for you Denon owners: Do you play your non-SACD cds in multichannel mode or one of your receiver's standard dsp modes? I've noticed even standard cd's sound better using the Denon's multichannel input.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited October 2003
    Congrats Duffman! couple recommendation:

    DVD-A: Everything Must Go, Steely Dan
    SACD: Sacred Love, Sting

    Enjoy!
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gshisme
    gshisme Posts: 1,038
    edited October 2003
    So, at the risk of this potentially crossing topics, what SACDs or DVD-As have y'all been impressed with?[/B]

    1)Steely Dan "Everything must go" Must have listened to it a hundred times. In fact, while I'm thinking on it I think I'll pop it in again.

    2)ELP "Brain Salad Surgery" If you like DSOTM you will enjoy this

    3)Fleetwood Mac "Rumours" Track 10 "Oh Daddy" and track 11 "Gold Dust Woman"...put on your listen!!!
    suds, suds and more suds!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gshisme
    gshisme Posts: 1,038
    edited October 2003
    Polkatese how are ya bud? Sting has on VHS an "unplugged" video which is about 10 years old and is incredible.!!!!! I'm just hoping they remix it to a 5.1 format. I even left an e-mail on his website requesting that they do just that. We can only hope....

    Greg
    suds, suds and more suds!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited October 2003
    Greg, been awhile! good to see you around...I am definitely digging this mc 5.1 audio hobby more and more. Even on hybrid layer, the sonic quality is at least 2 notches above redbook. hope all is well with the family!
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited October 2003
    Originally posted by Duffman
    One last Q for you Denon owners: Do you play your non-SACD cds in multichannel mode or one of your receiver's standard dsp modes? I've noticed even standard cd's sound better using the Denon's multichannel input.

    I play all music via the Denon's analog outputs. I have the sub calibrated flat for music and this makes it easy to retain a hotter calibration for HT by using the 3803 for that.
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gshisme
    gshisme Posts: 1,038
    edited October 2003
    Duffman, just let me hyjack ya here for a moment.

    Polkatese, 5.1 and yes even the hybrid is alwesome. I have never before listened to audio repeatedly like I do in this format. Damn I miss the LSi's and Rotel....on that note family is doing great even though it is back to court in November. I call all this crap "legal" harrassment. The plantiffs are neurotic..man I kid you not...and seems they will stop at nothing to aquire custody of my grandaughter. The court ruled in our favor overwhelmingly and they just can't accept that fact. We are the "little guys" here and it is just driving them (a doctor and consultant) crazy I guess that we have the courts ruling in our favor. Wish they would just let us go on with our lives. OK I am done ranting...Sorry. Anyway we are doing GREAT and I am still on the lookout for some deals on Rotel and LSi stuff....Yea, I know good luck!

    Gonna have to check out the Sting CD you mentioned...had it in hand one day but ran out of coin.
    suds, suds and more suds!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited October 2003
    yeah, legal crap will always get you, both ways! I am glad they are great, in no time, you will have your toys back...

    btw, search out the SACD hybrid format on Sacred Love. Much more entertaining...

    *end hijack*
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ToddB
    ToddB Posts: 21
    edited October 2003
    You mention the $100 spent on audio interconnects...for anyone still in the market, check out the all-in-one IXOS interconnects at Accessories4less.com. The website is down right now so I can't post the URL, but I believe I paid about $70 for them and it makes for a neat connection.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • acdds
    acdds Posts: 253
    edited October 2003
    Crutchfield has the Denon 2200 in the scratch and dent section for $509.99. Just in case anyone was wondering....
    Receiver = Denon AVR-3803
    DVD = Denon DV-2900
    Fronts = SDA SRS 2.3TL's
    (Carver m1.5t)
    Center = CSi40
    Side surrounds = Fxi30's
    Sony 12" sub
    TV = Hitachi 57F500

    Bedroom rig:
    Pioneer SX-1050 receiver
    Rti38's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,753
    edited October 2003
    Just a note of interest, I read today that a lot of the "universal" players actually convert the DSD (SACD) to PCM (CD) before playback! This defeats the whole purpose of the SACD hi-rez format. You might want to check this out before purchasing one of these units.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • izafar
    izafar Posts: 819
    edited October 2003
    All the Denon players use dedicated DSD DACs. I am not sure about the Pioneer Elite ones. The entry level Pioneer doesnt use a dedicated DAC.
    -izafar

    Goldenear Technology Triton 1 - Benchmark AHB2 - Benchmark LA4 - Auralic Vega - Auralic Aries Mini - Marantz TT-15S1 - Clearaudio Nano
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Rotarydude
    Rotarydude Posts: 40
    edited October 2003
    Originally posted by eclypse
    heheh your lucky.. I had that thing in my basket the other night. Though i'm sure if i bought it my wife would of killed me :o

    If you want to utilize your DVI, get the Denon 5900. It truly the reference for the universal players
    Family room:
    2xLSi25, 1xLSiC, 4xLSiFX, SVS 20-39PC+, PT-52DL52, TS160, DTR 9.1, DVR985, DVL-700, CDP-C910, Panamax 5500 connected by Canare (4S11 w/Vampire and L-5CFB)

    Masterbed room:
    2xAR312-HO, 1xAR4C, 2xAR15, NHT Subone, WT-46805, SR-HD500, M-VR900, Denon 1600, Monster HTS-3500 connected by Monster Cables

    Waiting:
    Denon 5900, Denon 2200, and a 7 Channel 4ohm stable amp!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Rotarydude
    Rotarydude Posts: 40
    edited October 2003
    Originally posted by F1nut
    Just a note of interest, I read today that a lot of the "universal" players actually convert the DSD (SACD) to PCM (CD) before playback! This defeats the whole purpose of the SACD hi-rez format. You might want to check this out before purchasing one of these units.

    Yes that is truly the case. However it has been discussed in the avsforum that the 5900 do not convert DSD to PCM.
    Family room:
    2xLSi25, 1xLSiC, 4xLSiFX, SVS 20-39PC+, PT-52DL52, TS160, DTR 9.1, DVR985, DVL-700, CDP-C910, Panamax 5500 connected by Canare (4S11 w/Vampire and L-5CFB)

    Masterbed room:
    2xAR312-HO, 1xAR4C, 2xAR15, NHT Subone, WT-46805, SR-HD500, M-VR900, Denon 1600, Monster HTS-3500 connected by Monster Cables

    Waiting:
    Denon 5900, Denon 2200, and a 7 Channel 4ohm stable amp!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • eclypse
    eclypse Posts: 595
    edited October 2003
    Originally posted by Rotarydude
    If you want to utilize your DVI, get the Denon 5900. It truly the reference for the universal players

    If money was no object, it a been bought long time ago hehe. I fi didnt have to buy a receiver.. I might of gone to war for it but i needed to budget somewhere to fit the receiver.. Went with the Denon 3803 and 2900 DVD.
    Full 5 channel set of Polk Audio
    Fronts - LSiM 705
    Center - LSiM 706c
    Sides - LSiM 703
    Mits WD-82842 82" DLP 3DTV
    Denon AVR-3313CI Receiver
    Emotiva stealth DC-1
    Emotiva XPA-2/Fronts XPA-3 Center-surrounds
    Oppo 103

    Loving the new Family! :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • eclypse
    eclypse Posts: 595
    edited October 2003
    Originally posted by Rotarydude
    Yes that is truly the case. However it has been discussed in the avsforum that the 5900 do not convert DSD to PCM.

    I hear with most of these players that you have to use the Analog outs to get the full range sound.. If ya use the digital out, it will then shoot it out as PCM... Kinda stupid really.. plus cost me more then i'm willing to admit to buying 3 sets of Monster high end audio cables for it.

    Now is this the same for movie watching on these players using the digital out since its a decoder on its own.. Or is that a no no as well?
    Full 5 channel set of Polk Audio
    Fronts - LSiM 705
    Center - LSiM 706c
    Sides - LSiM 703
    Mits WD-82842 82" DLP 3DTV
    Denon AVR-3313CI Receiver
    Emotiva stealth DC-1
    Emotiva XPA-2/Fronts XPA-3 Center-surrounds
    Oppo 103

    Loving the new Family! :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter