Review: Denon DVD-2910
steveinaz
Posts: 19,538
Review: Denon DVD-2910 (Audio performance) Edited: 3/21/06 (see post #5)
Set up: (In order of connection)
- Denon DVD 2910; digital output, PCM
- DH Labs D-75 Coaxial digital cable, RCA to BNC, 1mtr
- Benchmark DAC1; BNC digital input
- Kimber PBJ, .5mtr
- Musical Fidelity A3CR preamp
- Kimber PBJ .5mtr
- Parasound HCA-1500A power amp
- Kimber 8TC, 8ft single wired
- Energy Connoisseur C-9 speakers
Note: All listening was done with Redbook CD with the video circuits turned off, via digital coax output. (transport mode)
Build/Features/Aesthetics:
Build quality is very good, the chassis appears to be “double-wrapped” in metal, the front panel is aluminum. The finish is similar to what’s found on Cambridge Audio’s D500SE, a durable wrinkle type finish, but not quite as textured as the Cambridge. Nice. The disc loading drawer hesitates momentarily after pressing the “open/close” button, and is quiet and very smooth in operation. The drawer is thick and feels more heavy-duty than typical CDP drawers. Buttons have a positive feel to them, and are recessed slightly into the front panel. Rear connections are gold plated and mounted securely. AC input is an IEC socket that will accept aftermarket power cables. Feet have shock-absorbing rubber inserts. There are video connections for HDMI, DVI, S-Video, component video, and composite video. Audio connections include 2-channel analog, 5.1 channel analog, toslink digital, coaxial digital. Unit weighs just shy of 11lbs.
Listening:
The DVD-2910 was auditioned in transport mode only, thru my Benchmark DAC1 external DAC. Since the unit was purchased as a possible replacement for my dedicated CD player and inexpensive DVD player as a universal solution, I’ll attempt to do a comparison between the 2 transports, my C.E.C. CD-3300 dedicated CDP and the Denon DVD-2910.
I had difficulty initially, hearing any difference between the CD-3300 and the DVD-2910 when used a transport. I did eventually (day 3) begin to notice a touch warmer midrange to the Denon, most noticable with acoustic material, where the CEC is brutally neutral. This turned out to be a good thing as my Energy C-9’s midrange can sound a little cold/analytical with strings. This took awhile to materialize, I suspect the Denon needed some break-in time, or even possibly the DAC’s coaxial input circuitry as it had never been used before. At any rate, the sound improved with time, and by day 3 I felt that the player had settled in.
Upon extended listening, I couldn't help but notice that something didn't seem quite right; but had difficulty putting my finger on it, and even thought my ears may be having a bad day. I wrote it off for a day and went back to listen---there it was again, only with certain music, but there. I tried different cables; Toslink, then back to Coax, then Toslink, etc. I decided to put the CEC CD-3300 back into the system and A/B the two in an effort to see if I was simply "hearing things" or if there were some concrete differences. I shouldn't have questioned myself, as good a player as the Denon is, it just wasn't as focused and articulate as the CD-3300. Talk about eating crow, in a big way. If nothing else, this exercise in humility did teach me something; there ARE differences in transports, regardless how closely they are matched, price wise. This is something I was a little skeptical about for a long time; I'm not skeptical about it anymore.
Make no mistake, the 2910 is fine player. I'm just an extremely fussy listener. The differences pointed out above were very subtle in nature, and only manifested themselves with certain music. DVD Movie sound through the Denon's analog outputs proved to be very good, far exceeding anything I've heard through a DVDP.
What's behind the differences? I'm not sure, but I suspect a couple of things:
1. Possibly higher jitter? (sometimes compounded by adding an external DAC)
2. Quality of the digital output circuitry?
3. Smaller, less regulated power supply?
It could also be a simple matter of preference. I've had the CD-3300 in my system for almost 2 years, and have gotten very accustomed to its sound.
Summary:
If you like the idea of one machine to do it all, take a serious look at the Denon DVD-2910. It will give you the solid build, aesthetics, quality feel, and connection options of most high-end CD Players. The transport/loading mechanism is solid, isolated, and well built matching or exceeding anything I’ve seen at/under a grand in a dedicated CDP. Though it didn't quite surpass my CD-3300 as a CD transport, it had a very respectable showing.
Video was not reviewed because I don’t have a television that can exploit progressive scan or upscaling. I will say that via S-Video to my 36” Panasonic CRT, the picture was brilliant. Deep, rich colors that never bled, excellent contrast, fine detail. The player reacts quickly to remote commands and menu/layer changes. I saw no macro-blocking or any other sort of problems. I’m very pleased with the video performance.
Set up: (In order of connection)
- Denon DVD 2910; digital output, PCM
- DH Labs D-75 Coaxial digital cable, RCA to BNC, 1mtr
- Benchmark DAC1; BNC digital input
- Kimber PBJ, .5mtr
- Musical Fidelity A3CR preamp
- Kimber PBJ .5mtr
- Parasound HCA-1500A power amp
- Kimber 8TC, 8ft single wired
- Energy Connoisseur C-9 speakers
Note: All listening was done with Redbook CD with the video circuits turned off, via digital coax output. (transport mode)
Build/Features/Aesthetics:
Build quality is very good, the chassis appears to be “double-wrapped” in metal, the front panel is aluminum. The finish is similar to what’s found on Cambridge Audio’s D500SE, a durable wrinkle type finish, but not quite as textured as the Cambridge. Nice. The disc loading drawer hesitates momentarily after pressing the “open/close” button, and is quiet and very smooth in operation. The drawer is thick and feels more heavy-duty than typical CDP drawers. Buttons have a positive feel to them, and are recessed slightly into the front panel. Rear connections are gold plated and mounted securely. AC input is an IEC socket that will accept aftermarket power cables. Feet have shock-absorbing rubber inserts. There are video connections for HDMI, DVI, S-Video, component video, and composite video. Audio connections include 2-channel analog, 5.1 channel analog, toslink digital, coaxial digital. Unit weighs just shy of 11lbs.
Listening:
The DVD-2910 was auditioned in transport mode only, thru my Benchmark DAC1 external DAC. Since the unit was purchased as a possible replacement for my dedicated CD player and inexpensive DVD player as a universal solution, I’ll attempt to do a comparison between the 2 transports, my C.E.C. CD-3300 dedicated CDP and the Denon DVD-2910.
I had difficulty initially, hearing any difference between the CD-3300 and the DVD-2910 when used a transport. I did eventually (day 3) begin to notice a touch warmer midrange to the Denon, most noticable with acoustic material, where the CEC is brutally neutral. This turned out to be a good thing as my Energy C-9’s midrange can sound a little cold/analytical with strings. This took awhile to materialize, I suspect the Denon needed some break-in time, or even possibly the DAC’s coaxial input circuitry as it had never been used before. At any rate, the sound improved with time, and by day 3 I felt that the player had settled in.
Upon extended listening, I couldn't help but notice that something didn't seem quite right; but had difficulty putting my finger on it, and even thought my ears may be having a bad day. I wrote it off for a day and went back to listen---there it was again, only with certain music, but there. I tried different cables; Toslink, then back to Coax, then Toslink, etc. I decided to put the CEC CD-3300 back into the system and A/B the two in an effort to see if I was simply "hearing things" or if there were some concrete differences. I shouldn't have questioned myself, as good a player as the Denon is, it just wasn't as focused and articulate as the CD-3300. Talk about eating crow, in a big way. If nothing else, this exercise in humility did teach me something; there ARE differences in transports, regardless how closely they are matched, price wise. This is something I was a little skeptical about for a long time; I'm not skeptical about it anymore.
Make no mistake, the 2910 is fine player. I'm just an extremely fussy listener. The differences pointed out above were very subtle in nature, and only manifested themselves with certain music. DVD Movie sound through the Denon's analog outputs proved to be very good, far exceeding anything I've heard through a DVDP.
What's behind the differences? I'm not sure, but I suspect a couple of things:
1. Possibly higher jitter? (sometimes compounded by adding an external DAC)
2. Quality of the digital output circuitry?
3. Smaller, less regulated power supply?
It could also be a simple matter of preference. I've had the CD-3300 in my system for almost 2 years, and have gotten very accustomed to its sound.
Summary:
If you like the idea of one machine to do it all, take a serious look at the Denon DVD-2910. It will give you the solid build, aesthetics, quality feel, and connection options of most high-end CD Players. The transport/loading mechanism is solid, isolated, and well built matching or exceeding anything I’ve seen at/under a grand in a dedicated CDP. Though it didn't quite surpass my CD-3300 as a CD transport, it had a very respectable showing.
Video was not reviewed because I don’t have a television that can exploit progressive scan or upscaling. I will say that via S-Video to my 36” Panasonic CRT, the picture was brilliant. Deep, rich colors that never bled, excellent contrast, fine detail. The player reacts quickly to remote commands and menu/layer changes. I saw no macro-blocking or any other sort of problems. I’m very pleased with the video performance.
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
Post edited by steveinaz on
Comments
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Very good review Steve,I have the Denon 2900 and it also does a nice job on CD playback...
You're in for a treat when you obtain a decent Monitor for video playback... -
I to have a 2910. I almost waited to get my hands on a 3910 but said screw it. I got too good of a deal to pass and I couldn't be happier with it. Love the sound, love the picture... mmmm. Now I'm using mine in a HT/music setup so I sample all sounds. Personally, I feel the sound quality is better with the 2910 using analog outs to the Denon 3805 than it is using Coaxial digital to the receiver and using it's DAC's. I absolutely love my 2910.Never kick a fresh **** on a hot day.
Home Setup: Sony VPL-VW85 Projo, 92" Stewart Firehawk, Pioneer Elite SC-65, PS3, RTi12 fronts, CSi5, FXi6 rears, RTi6 surround backs, RTi4 height, MFW-15 Subwoofer.
Car Setup: OEM Radio, RF 360.2v2, Polk SR6500 quad amped off 4 Xtant 1.1 100w mono amps, Xtant 6.1 to run an eD 13av.2, all Stinger wiring and Raammat deadener. -
Nice, I really enjoyed my 2900 before passing it on. Denon seems to make continual winners.
RT1 -
As much as I like the Denon, I've decided to hang on to the C.E.C. as my CD transport. I feel like an idiot at this point, but when I got home last night, once again, something just sounded "different." I decided to put the CEC back in the system and realized, quite simply put----it's a better transport for CD's.
I discussed this with Wes (after I apologized to him for nixing the sale of the CEC), and I don't know if it's maybe a jitter issue, or power supply differences, or what; but the C.E.C. is just more focused, less smeared (which makes me think it's jitter).
This is another case of needing to listen for an extended period of time, with alot of different music; things I thought I had done this time around, extensively enough---but I should have A/B'd the players.
Don't get me wrong, the Denon is a heck of a nice player, but I think that this reinforces the fact that usually dedicated CDP's are the way to go...
I'll be over here, eating LARGE amounts of crow, with a couple of tablespoons of humiliation...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 -
I know how you feel, Steve. When I went from an NAD 521 CDP used as a transport to a McCormack SST-1 the differences were noticable after some time. The McCormack had better depth of soundstage, with more "air" around the instruments. There was just something more right and musical about it than the NAD. Unfortunately I had to sell my DAC and "downgrade" to the Arcam. I never got the time to really listen to differences in the Arcam and McCormack as transports, but I feel the Arcam is a touch more "electronic" sounding than the McCormack/Bel Canto combo. Even when using the Arcam as a transport it never seemed to have that certain something that the McCormack/Bel Canto had.
I will say this, the Arcam is a bit more exciting to listen to. It's more energized and slightly more dynamic, with a slight loss of "musicality." The Arcam is a heck of a player, and cost me half as much as the other combo, so no REAL complaints.
Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15 -
Steve,
You need the cable?
Ted -
No bud, I appreciate the thought--Frank is sending me another. It's all good..
Did you see the new CEC CD-3300R?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
