Pioneer DV-47ai versus DV-59avi

AndyGwis

Hey Guys,

I'm looking to blow through the last of my tax refund on a universal player. For the next year or so until HD-DVD and BluRay battle it out, it will be used for both video, cd, and SACD (HDMI would be used for 59avi, component for 47ai). Once I make the move to high-def video, this player will likely be my 2-channel player. So 50-50 movies/music now and likely 90-10 music in the future.

Does anyone have experience with either or both players? How strong are they in terms of video and audio quality when compared? Demoing is not really an option.

DV-47ai for about $300 used (shipped)
DV-59avi for $400 used (local pickup)

Nelson57

Hey AndyGwis,

I happen to own both players you have under consideration, both are good but the 59avi would be my suggestion. The 59 offers better quality. You also have more user customizable audio and video options with the 59Avi.

You are already aware of the HDMI feature on the 59, which in my opinion gives you near HD quality on your video. I also find that with using component video the 59 has the edge.

I'm also quite certain you will not be disappointed with the audio capabilities of the 59Avi, although I use the 79avi for my SACD/DVD Audio listening, the 59Avi is on par, and has the edge over the 47ai in this area. Of the two, if I had to give up one, it would the 47ai without hesitation.

I think by going with the 59Avi, your wait for the dust to settle between HD-DVD and Blue-Ray will be a whole lot easier than with the 47ai. Plus, you won't have to worry about second guessing your choice. I feel the extra 100.00 for the 59Avi is well worth it. Just my 0.2

AndyGwis

Just FYI, I took your advice and picked up the DV-59avi Friday. So far, this thing rocks! Music already sounds better, and I have yet to pick up an SACD or DVD-A. Also need some new ICs to get multi-channel / Stereo Analog to my receiver.

It's in 100% perfect MINT condition, and for $400, a steal of a deal.

Nelson57

Cool Andy, Enjoy!

wingnut4772

I have the 79 avi and I have read that the 59avi is almost as good and superior to the 49.

tonyb

Have it too.Nice player to have while the HD-DVD
guy's battle it out over the next few years.

AndyGwis

Got the dv-59avi and am loving it so far.

Just one problem I've come across in my first few weeks with it. I've purchased a number of SACDs to try out, and some of the SACD Hybrids will only play the CD version. No SACD whatsoever. Other ones I have that are SACD only work great for stereo and multichannel playback.

Any troubleshooting techniques? I have played with all the settings I can think of. I even disabled digital audio out thinking that may have somehow been default and also shut off iLink audio out (i have it hooked up from 59avi multichannel analog out to my HK 635 multichannel analog in.

Please help! I would love to listen to my new Dark Side of the Moon SACD.

Andy

jm1

AndyGwis wrote:

Got the dv-59avi and am loving it so far.

Just one problem I've come across in my first few weeks with it. I've purchased a number of SACDs to try out, and some of the SACD Hybrids will only play the CD version. No SACD whatsoever. Other ones I have that are SACD only work great for stereo and multichannel playback.

Any troubleshooting techniques? I have played with all the settings I can think of. I even disabled digital audio out thinking that may have somehow been default and also shut off iLink audio out (i have it hooked up from 59avi multichannel analog out to my HK 635 multichannel analog in.

Please help! I would love to listen to my new Dark Side of the Moon SACD.

Andy

Check page 73 of your manual for the SACD playback setting.

cfrizz

Make sure that your Pioneer is set for multichannel playback. Also make sure that you hit the ext. button on your receiver to get the multichannel sound for SACD's.

mantis

Excellent deal man. I would have jumped on that price.Killer player for everything. I have been considering upgrading my 47 to the 79. Blue ray and HD-DVD can duke it out for awhile while I sit back and watch from a far. I don't plan on (but really want 2) buy one any time soon(going through "NEW" withdraw)

Dan

AndyGwis

I've read the manual cover to cover. I do have an SACD only disc, which plays fine in both SACD stereo and multichannel, so the connection and setup should be fine. I put an email out to Pioneer to see what they say. Also have tried to read through some literature on AVS Forum and may post there as they have a 100 page thread dedicated to 59avi.

Thanks for help.

jm1

AndyGwis wrote:

I've read the manual cover to cover. I do have an SACD only disc, which plays fine in both SACD stereo and multichannel, so the connection and setup should be fine. I put an email out to Pioneer to see what they say. Also have tried to read through some literature on AVS Forum and may post there as they have a 100 page thread dedicated to 59avi.

Thanks for help.

Andy,

When you have a hybrid disc, you have the option of selecting which layer you want to play (SACD or CD).

From the 'Home Menu', select 'Initial Settings' menu. In the 'Initial Settings' menu, select the 'Options' menu. Select the 'SACD Playback' subselection. In this there will be three selections: 2ch Area, Multi-ch area and CD Area.

Please select the default method of SACD playback when you insert a hybrid disc.

As you noted, if the SACD does not have a CD layer, the stereo SACD audio will play.

As I stated, this is on page 73 of my manual under SACD Playback.

Please refer to here for information on the video portion of the player.

Nelson57

Hey Andy,
Sorry to hear about the SACD problem you are having. Your setups seem to be right. I have my 59avi running through the iLink connected to the
Pio 74TXVi, with the following option setup
From Initial Settings Menu--Down to the options submenu

Auto Disc Menu: On
Group Playback: Single
DVD Playback Mode: DVD-Audio
SACD Playback: Multi-ch Area
CD Playback: PCM Playback
DTS Downmix: Stereo

Dark Side of the Moon is an awesome SACD, and plays fine with these settings, once I cycle to the iLink input on the receiver. Hope this helps.