Need help picking a uni player.......

[sowen010599]

I'm looking for a universal player, not the Best Buy special, I want something at least decent. We have no local hi-fi shop or dealers of any kind. The closest is more than a couple hours away. So, I'm turning to you guys.

I'm looking at the Denon's mostly. The DVD-2200, 2900, 2910, etc. I was looking at the Yamaha DVD-S1500, but have thought better of it after reading a technical review (failures out the arse).

Whatcha thinkin?

[Emlyn]

If your current TV has component video connections and not DVI or HDMI and you don't plan on upgrading your TV in the next couple of years, I'd suggest the Denon 2900. Crutchfield has them for $699. If you already have a newer TV or plan on getting one, I'd recommend the Denon 2910.

Denon's current DVD player offerings tend to be close to or at the top in terms of performance in their price ranges. The 2900 model is quite a bargain at the current price.

[sowen010599]

My TV supports DVI but I'm not all hung up about it. DVD's are still non-HD even if we up-convert them. I'm really liking the 2910 but strangely enough, in some of the other forum's I've been checking in, the 2200 bests the 2900 and the 2910 on video, even though it is bested by the others for audio. I'm arms up about it. I don't want to spend 2k on a flagship, 1k is reasonable.

[F1nut]

For a universal it doesn't get much better than the Esoteric DV 50.

http://www.teac.com/esoteric/NewEsoteric/DV-50.html

There is a used one on Audiogon for $2995.00.

[Toxis]

if 1k is reasonable, pick up the Denon 3910. I've seen some on Audiogon for right at $999.

I think the reason the 2200 looks better than the 2900/10 is because of the Silicon Image processor instead of the DCDi. I've read a lot saying how SI makes a better chip than Faroudja but who knows. They both look amazing to me.

[sowen010599]

Went ahead and spent the extra money for the 3910. It should be here in a few days. Got it for $1500 + $30 S&H new. Cool. I just hope the wife doesn't find the statements.

[HBombToo]

all I'll say is my 2900 over the past year has never made me think I made a mistake by purchasing it. Looks great, sounds great and never had 1 problem regarding anything.

HBomb

[dorokusai]

Originally posted by F1nut
For a universal it doesn't get much better than the Esoteric DV 50.

http://www.teac.com/esoteric/NewEsoteric/DV-50.html

There is a used one on Audiogon for $2995.00.

He asks about Denon, and shows an obvious price range in choices....and you drop in this ridiculous suggestion. The Denon is unbeatable in this bracket right now, period.

Great choice Sowen.

[sowen010599]

Awesome, thanks. Now if I can just get past that stupid green light around the power button. Looks like something HK has done.

Need to order some more cables too. I'm thinking 3 pair of SC Analog Two's and a MagicPower Digital AC. Any suggestions? Anybody have any experience with Blue Jean?

[dorokusai]

I have experience with both and prefer SC's Scosche connectors over BJC's Canare brand of terminations. I'm also a 100% Belden fan, since I've used that brand of wiring for many years. Frank supports the forum, BJC chose not to do so.

The performance of both brands in this bracket is excellent, don't get me wrong, BJC is a good choice. BJC tends to be a little cheaper, but it isn't a huge amount to make any difference to me personally. I'll pay a little extra for a better overall cable.

They both offer 30 day money-back guarantee.....your best bet would be to pick up a pair from each....and have your own shootout.

If you do choose to pick up a BJC and end up getting SC instead....I'll buy the BJC from you and throw it into the Polk Demo Program. Can't really lose that way eh?

[sowen010599]

The difference between the two is only 60-70 bucks. On a $1500 player, who cares. I've got a couple pair of SC A2's that I really like. That's why I was leaning toward SC. Have you tried the bullet terminated ones at all??

[F1nut]

Originally posted by dorokusai
He asks about Denon, and shows an obvious price range in choices....and you drop in this ridiculous suggestion. The Denon is unbeatable in this bracket right now, period.




He asked for suggestions, only hinted at Denon and Yamaha, never stated a price range and states that he has no dealers close by to look at more choices. So, were's the harm in shooting high, the Esoteric is a great player and at half price is a bargain. The only ridiculous thing in this thread is your comment, which was totally uncalled for!

[dorokusai]

A great player that you have no experience with aside from a late night surfing expedition....sure, whatever makes you feel better.

While your at it, you should immediately mention the Krell Master Reference subwoofer, $28K+, when ANY questions about subs arise....why not shoot for the moon eh?

[Toxis]

Originally posted by sowen010599
I don't want to spend 2k on a flagship, 1k is reasonable.
Originally posted by F1nut
There is a used one on Audiogon for $2995.00. And only 30 minutes before you posted yours. Sorry bro but a price WAS stated.

[sowen010599]

I did look at that player. Looks like a nice piece, thanks for that! Still a bit more than I was shooting for price-wise. A few minutes before your post, I said " I don't want to spend 2k on a flagship, 1k is reasonable.". You may have missed it though, you may have been posting when that one hit the board. Just the same though, it does look like a killer! While I normally wouldn't hesitate to pick it up, especially at half price!!, this player is really only meant to last a year or so 'till the HD players come out.

[F1nut]

Originally posted by dorokusai
A great player that you have no experience with aside from a late night surfing expedition....sure, whatever makes you feel better.

Actually, I do have some experience with it, so you can kiss my a$$ with your assumptions and attitude.:rolleyes:





Toxis, yep you're right and I stand corrected. As Sowen alluded to, I read his earlier post and came back later with my response and did not read his price range post.

[dorokusai]

Originally posted by F1nut
Actually, I do have some experience with it, so you can kiss my a$$ with your assumptions and attitude.:rolleyes:


So you own one? Or you demo'd one? Speak up.

A demo does not experience make - Mantis

It's not an attitude, it's was a valid comment. Don't get mad at me for pointing out the obvious, you've done it to me so go have a smoke.

[TroyD]

Wow, group hug?

The FUNNY part is even MIA, Dan still takes a shot square in the ball bag.

I just finished reading the review of the Denon 2900 in this month's Stereophile......sounds like a nice unit.


BDT

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by TroyD


I just finished reading the review of the Denon 2900 in this month's Stereophile......sounds like a nice unit.


BDT

did you read that on line or do you have the rag.

HBomb

[TroyD]

I have the rag, I'm a subscriber.......

I actually like Stereophile. I don't have a problem with the gear that they review. People complain about the fact that they review high dollar gear but I like hearing about stuff that I can't afford. Sure, they have an agenda and biases, but who doesn't?

BDT

[HBombToo]

Originally posted by TroyD
I have the rag, I'm a subscriber.......

I actually like Stereophile. I don't have a problem with the gear that they review. People complain about the fact that they review high dollar gear but I like hearing about stuff that I can't afford. Sure, they have an agenda and biases, but who doesn't?

BDT

I agree and am with you but don't have a subscription. If there are articles that I want to read about I'll typically run up to the store and grab the issue.

I think for the most part Stereophile has some very astute individuals on their staff. On the other hand its very easy to become suspicious. In my case I just don't give a hoot and look at it as entertainment while I'm learning new stuff.

Henry

[TroyD]

For thirteen bones a year for a subscription, it's easier to just get it in the mail...

BDT

[reeltrouble1]

Yep, just ordered my subscribtion a couple days ago, 12.97, but only 10.97 if I give them my credit card #, hmmmm.............hidden agenda's these guys say.

Doro and F1 please continue and let me know your weapon of choice, is ten paces to far..............

I am seriously considering the Denon 2900 myself strictly as an audio player.

Have used the BJC on the HT rig, through the B&K 7270, no problems decent wire for a resonable price, this wire with the amp have calmed some of the "brightness" out of the Onk and the RTi speaker. IMO the connector and cable covering are not as nice as the Signal Cable. Sonically, both companies use identical wire if you want to order it .

RT1

[HBombToo]

Alright now, BDT and RT1 you sufficienly made me feel IGNANT, so I just ordered 24 months worth of the phile;)

HBomb

[TroyD]

Originally posted by reeltrouble1

I am seriously considering the Denon 2900 myself strictly as an audio player.


RT1

I'd recommend a tube unit, myself. If it's SACD that tickles your fancy, there is that Xindak tube player that can be had for less than the Denon and it seems to be well reviewed...

BDT

[reeltrouble1]

Damm, Damm, Damm you, all of you, I could not take it................just ordered a 2900, a little under 600.00 at Crutchfield S&D. If it is too scratched or dented can still return it with the thirty day deal............ damm, damm, dammm.....................oh ok I am happy now:D besides its still a free 30 demo, does this qualify as an experience.

I did not really need the 3910 but congrats to you Sowen cuz it looks like a teriffic piece, well now I will have Pioneer 47ai and the the Denon, you KNOW I am going to have to compare them.:

[F1nut]

You know I don't own one and you know I demoed one, so what experience do you have with a Denon because I know you don't own one!

Ten paces will do just fine. :D

[reeltrouble1]

yeesh, now Troy you KNOW if I get a tube SACD I am going to need a tube pre and then a tube amp and and and and........ :D
the beat goes on............hmmmmm...................still have thirty days, it will be nice to actually hear a sacd on a sacd player in the 2 ch.


Ten paces it is but all your getting is the simmuntion pellets, still they hurt way more than those big sissy paint balls:cool:

[dorokusai]

An educated opinion should be much deeeper than a single instance of cool. Especially when it relates to a player in that price bracket. Regardless of your singular demo, how can you ephatically say "It doesn't get much better than this..."...WTH is that based on?

Sowen is suppossed to see that and say "Holy shit, F1 says it's the best....SOLD!" That would make him an idiot, which he isn't nor are you. Why would YOU even spend that kind of money, when a very formidable player is much much less than that boutique stuff. Have you been assimilated into the MF mantra so much that you can't see lesser gear anymore? It's BEYOND you now?

You can add angry puncuation if you want, I'm not that stressed about this to bother with that. Just compare data on these two players, since you have time this evening....and tell me tomorrow what manufacturer has the strongest support, performance and bang for the buck. It simply won't be the Teac, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you.

Denon has set this category on fire and taken a little compromise route to ensure they get a big bite in the universal category. I can say whatever I wish about Denon due to having an educated opinion on that particular lineup of gear. There is a wealth of information on it....how about your choice?

This isn't the only place I hover for information, much like yourself.

That's correct I don't own one, but based on the MULTITUDE of reviews, and owners that are on here...AVS, HTF, Audio Circle....the Denon is King in this arena.

My choice would be Denon, and will be Denon, it's simply a matter of time.

Don't get mad at me, blame the system that creates good gear. Take a break for a second a look at facts, you taught me that shit dumbass.

Ten paces, cool, but I'm a better aim.....unless he brings that shotgun, then we both lose.

finis

[F1nut]

An educated opinion should be much deeeper than a single instance of cool. Especially when it relates to a player in that price bracket. Regardless of your singular demo, how can you ephatically say "It doesn't get much better than this..."...WTH is that based on?

There is a wealth of information on it....how about your choice?

Some of my educated opinion and answers to the second comment can be found in these reviews.

http://www.stereophile.com/digitalsourcereviews/906/

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/esoteric_dv50.htm

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/esoteric/dv50.html


Take a break for a second a look at facts, you taught me that shit dumbass.

Ah Grasshopper, you have learned well, but you know as well as I that facts/specs don't tell all.

There is perhaps a solution we would both enjoy, after you buy the Denon we can run up to Soundworks and do a side by side comparison. I don't think the Denon is a bad choice, far from it. It looks to be a fine player and as I recall I pointed out one of these new Denon's to you as something to look at. As stated before I was just presenting another option to Sowen.....nothing more, nothing less.

BTW, no angry puncuation, just puncuation!!! :D

NOW BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM......and when do I get my personalized tupperware container filled again???

[dorokusai]

I'm not your Grasshopper, Mr. High Brow.

Your posts are starting to read more like what's on the Audio Asylum.

[sowen010599]

I called Frank at SC yesterday. He said I would probably be better served running A1's because he thought the 2's would be too laid-back for my application. Damn, that man mumbles a lot, LOL. Sooooo, I think I am going to go ahead and try the BJC's.

So, dorokusai, if they don't work out, instead of sending them back, if you want to go in say "half", we'll put them in the demo program. I'm going to get them in Techflex, and in a 3' set with the Belden cable. Something like 90 bucks. Tell you what though, I am thinking of ordering a 3' stereo pair to toss in the program anyway. Something like $27.

About Teac, they have been in many markets over the years. I have dealt with lots of there computer FDD and optical drives. They are pretty much crap. But, I do have one of their cassette tape players I bought about 15 years ago. Paid like $750 for it in a local hi-fi when we still had those. I still have it, and it still works actually. I have to wonder though, at what point do you start getting 0 return for your money in these high-end players. I mean, obviously the 3910 will blow the doors off a $40 Wally World special, but how much better would a 6k player be???

Oh, and BTW, I ordered a 2200 yesterday for the bedroom rig too (I can't help myself, ONLY $400 bucks!!! LOL!!!!). It will be interesting to see how the two stack up. Silicon Image Pure Progressive vs. Faroudja DCDi. WOOOOT! From what I hear, the SI is a video beast! And, the 2200 is one of the best video players out there, better even than the 2900. But for audio, it is somewhat lacking compared to the better units like the 2900, 2910, 3910. MAN, WAITING SUCKS!!

[sowen010599]

Well, it's here!!! I ordered it from a Denon dealer in Lawton OK. He shipped it FedEx and it was delivered yesterday. I was thinking Mon-Tues, but it was delivered Saturday. WOOOT!! The tracking # for the 2200 says it will be here tomorrow!

I'll start another thread with my initial impressions once I get to know it a little better.

I did order the BJC's. Right now I have a hodge podge of cables connecting it. 2 pair of SC A2's, and a pair of MC Interlink Reference (I know, I know, the MC's soon to be replaced!).

[audiobliss]

Originally posted by sowen010599
I was looking at the Yamaha DVD-S1500, but have thought better of it after reading a technical review (failures out the arse).

Whatcha thinkin?

Really? Bad reviews on the DVD-S1500? Could you tell me a bit about them or point me toward some of the reviews you're referring to? I hadn't heard about that and was planning on getting one.

Lemme know what you think about the Denon!

Thanks.