My Christmas present is awesome!

[madmax]

I got my Pioneer Elite DV-47Ai today. It is a very sound piece. I've been listening to SACD and DVD-Audio all evening. Nobody said it would be this much better than normal CD! Let me say it then... SACD and DVD-Audio (stereo mode) can be far better than CD. I'll try the multi-channel modes as I get more time. I have not hooked up to a video monitor either. I am absolutely amazed with the sound. This is the best dollar vs performance piece of equipment I have bought other than my first tube amp. When I first put in the new Aerosmith SACD the change in quality over what I am used to was obvious. Impressed... you bet! There are so many sounds in that release that I have never heard before tonite that I am in total awe. Then came John Lee Hooker. His guitar is awesome and I can hear the particular amp it is coming from. If I knew a little more about guitar amps I know I could easily tell you which make and model it was. He has a B3 organ in the mix and I can tell you exactly where the leslie speaker is sitting. With my eyes closed I have no clues whatsoever that it is not sitting right there in front of me. I am hearing new sounds coming out of my speakers that previously only my turntable could bring out. I will do a direct comparison with the turntable at some point but believe the SACD to be ever so slightly lacking from the table. (my table pretty much makes my standard CD player seem weak and tinney sounding).

I can't say much more until I get more listening time in but as far as first impressions... WOW!

At this point I really don't care if the video works or not but I've read that the video is very strong as well. $700 seemed like a lot for a DVD player at first but this one is well worth every penny of it.
madmax

[polkatese]

madmax001, congrats on the purchase! it is a very fine unit.....Elite series are definitely worth the extra money. I have elite pro hd-520 hdtv and dvd dv-37 progressive....

[Frank Z]

Now you know how I feel! Go pick up a copy of Chris Botti's "Night Sessions" on SACD and give the Multi-channel a listen. Make sure you lace up your shoes good and tight, the sound will knock your socks off!! Enjoy, and Merry Christmas.

[madmax]

I will pick up the "Night Sessions" SACD. In the past I thought the Pioneer stuff was mid line but this player has certainly changed my mind. I did see one of their rear projection TV's which is what got me wondering if the other Elite products were as spectacular. They certainly look sexy too.
madmax