High end SACD/DVD-A worth it?

lomic

Even though I know some people build their systems the other way around, I'd decided to put off getting high-res sources until my system was built, but now it's time.

The only problem is, of course, money. As much as I'd like to drop $500 on a Denon 2900 plus $150 for the IC's and $100 on some discs, that all would be a good 2 months away, and I nigh have the patience at this point

So I've been looking at the Pioneer 578a as an alternative, and it seems to have gotten some pretty decent reviews from what I've seen. What I'm interested in is someone who has owned or heard both players for SACD/DVD-A playback and can comment on the audible differences. If it's a night and day sort of thing, I'll wait, but if it's just small improvements in soundstage, image etc. I'm not quite that much of an audiophile to tell the difference yet. I also don't have HDTV yet so the high quality video of the Denon doesn't concern me much, just looking for audio playback here.

LuSh

The differences are there between SACD/DVD audio. A very high end redbook CD player could close the gap and make it VERY hard to distinguish between it and say an SACD player like the pioneer player your talkin about but that would be only on very high resolution system using CDP's combo's or one deck at well over $5000.00...

The main advantage at this point is multi channel playback. I've found that DVD audio recordings haven't been put together all that well, some do exist but for the most part the engineers have been like kids in a candy store with all that extra bandwidth and they've tried to use alot of trickery...the SACD camp has focused more on two channel recordings and for the most part they have sounded stellar. When you consider the Linn unidisk is around $14000.00 the Denon 2900 starts to look like a real bargin. If your unsure, buy the cheaper Pioneer, that way you can collect the media while the market settles and you can see which direction we will be headed.

Its a very dangerous time for music lovers and audiophiles...now more then even is a serious threat of mp3 becoming the ONLY format being used, while formats like SACD, DVD-A seem to be pushed to the side.

AsSiMiLaTeD

If you asking about the differenece between the Pioneer and the Denon..then yes, there is a night and day difference - even my wife can hear it.

I had the Pioneer 563A and upgraded to a Denon - night and day difference. Even the CD playback on the Denon is better than the SACD playback on the Pioneer. The Pioneer is a great unit and sounds very good, but not near as good as the Denon IMO...

lomic

Even the CD playback on the Denon is better than the SACD playback on the Pioneer.

Well, there goes another $600 I guess, though I know subconciously I wouldn't have been happy with the Pioneer anyway Thanks for the info.

Toxis

if it's only 2 months you have to wait, than you're way to impatient. I used to be real impatient but I've been saving money for the past 5 months now and am still waiting for my LSi's. I have everything else needed (Denon 3805, Myryad amp, Denon DVD, Sony 34" HD tube, Cobalt cables and even the speaker stands)... it's total hell but it'll all be worth it.

JoelS

Originally posted by lomic
Even though I know some people build their systems the other way around, I'd decided to put off getting high-res sources until my system was built, but now it's time.

The only problem is, of course, money. As much as I'd like to drop $500 on a Denon 2900 plus $150 for the IC's and $100 on some discs, that all would be a good 2 months away, and I nigh have the patience at this point

So I've been looking at the Pioneer 578a as an alternative, and it seems to have gotten some pretty decent reviews from what I've seen. What I'm interested in is someone who has owned or heard both players for SACD/DVD-A playback and can comment on the audible differences. If it's a night and day sort of thing, I'll wait, but if it's just small improvements in soundstage, image etc. I'm not quite that much of an audiophile to tell the difference yet. I also don't have HDTV yet so the high quality video of the Denon doesn't concern me much, just looking for audio playback here.

I bought a Pioneer 563A just to see if I liked my music in 5.1, the price was right, less than $200 so what the heck. While some music sounds really sweet some sounds like experimentation. Also store support for disc's at least around here is pretty poor and doesn't sound like that will turn around anytime soon, if the clerks are correct. Everyone seems to think CD's and MP3's are to entrenched to be pushed aside. Sound is not the driving force anymore, it has taken a back seat to convenience and style. Never listened to the Denon whether or not the sound difference is night and day I can't say, but if the format doesn't survive the night and day difference in price might be something to consider.

lomic

Took the dive on the Denon seeing a great deal on audiogon, just can't afford the additional interconnects until next paycheck - not to mention software! Guess I'll have to be happy with maybe a 2ch SACD and what should be much improved redbook performance over my 6 y.o. Pioneer DVP.

F1nut

Save your money buying more cables, 2 channel SACD is where it's at!!!